At Home, At Work

It's been a long time since I've had what I would consider a long-term home. Too long! Been living out of a suitcase since I moved out of my house in March. Finally, on our fourth day of searching, we found something we liked, forked over added broker fee, and signed the lease. Picked up the keys at 6pm on Friday. And thus came the challenge: head back to Cincinnati to get all of our belongings and get moved back to the city in time to start work on Monday morning.

It was crazy. We left the city at 6:30 pm on Friday night amidst a huge rain storm. Getting out of the city is right on par with getting out of any large city: endless rows of red lights, people honking, angry faces. We pushed through it all and made it out all right, and drove the long, long 11 and a half hour drive back. It was a most surreal experience, and when the thick fog hit us in Western Pennsylvania, I thought for sure we were descending into something most out of this world. But we made it back alright, and pulled into my parents' driveway at 6 am.

Awake again at 11, I left with my folks to pick up the truck. The rest of the day was spent dumping unwanted items in storage, packing the truck, sorting laundry, and trying not to think about doing it all over again. Completely exhausted by 10:30, we passed out for a bit before the alarm went off again at 5:30. Lunches were made and goodbyes were said, and we were out the door by 6:45.

We made good time on the way back, despite driving a huge moving truck. So much gas used though! Back in the city by 6:45, and started to unpack. We were assisted by a friend and got everything inside, how we did it I'm not sure. Really wasn't thinking clear by that point! After a few beers, we were beat. Found just enough space to throw down the futon and crash.

Awoken at 7 am the next day by my cell phone, I got my stuff together and went out to find the place to drop off the truck. Way further out than anticipated! I found the place eventually and got everything checked in, then made the realization I had no idea where the nearest train line to get me to work was! A kind lady told me of a bus to catch, so I found the nearest bus station and began my wait. First bus came... and kept on going! Second bus, no different! Finally, the third bus stopped and I got on.

Problem!

Can't pay for the bus with cash, only quarters or cards. Well! I got off, ran to store, got change, and of course, the bus was gone. It was getting kind of late at this point, so I began to run. Imagine me, the first day of work, running through Brooklyn trying to find a station. And finally, I snagged it: the last train on the 2-5 line. I ran downstairs and hopped the first train I could. It was quite a ride, not sure how many stops, but finally, FINALLY I made it to Grand Central Terminal. I made the short walk from there, rode the elevator up, and was greeted by my new boss, who had just walked in. No worries!

And just like that, I had made the move. My apartment still has a lot of work, and I'm sure it will take some time to get up to speed on what's going on here, but man, it sure feels good to get that monkey off my back.

Special cheers to everyone who helped us through this incredible life change!