The epic move

Well, I've been in Columbia for 4 days now. Seems like just yesterday I was still at home, everything normal like it should be. I haven't updated so far just because I've been so busy unpacking and getting things together. I'm going to recant the entire trip here so you all know how it went (all 3 of my followers!)

Late Friday night, we started to pack the truck, tetris style (is there any other way?) after mom had family/friends over to the house. It was a nice, small party with my grandparents, my great grandmother (her husband is currently in the hospital... probable cancer... so I did visit him that day. He is being moved to a nursing home for the time being) and also two long-time friends. We had some good food, opened some gifts, and said our goodbyes.

Saturday, I went to my dad's for his party. They had it at Great Falls park, a place I'd never been. Lots of traffic to get in, but it was a beautiful place. My grandmother and her husband were there, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousins, step-mom, her friend, and of course my dad. It was a good party, we went to see the falls and then it came to a close after being rained out (literal downpour). It was still fun; Beamer had a good time, too, and met some new friends. After that, I went back to my dad's for a few hours and just chatted. I said my goodbyes again and then went home to finish packing the truck and get a few last minute things together.

Sunday was the big day- woke up a bit before 7 to shower and grab last last minute things together. Got Beamer squared away in the car with his crate and off we went at about 8am. Mom was in the truck with her fiancee, who was determined to drive the truck the entire way. I was driving my car with Beamer boy. We had a 14 hour trip ahead of us. It actually went as well as I think it could have gone (minus men having to stop and pee too many times on a trip... wow!) We stopped at b-dubs in Ohio for lunch and ate outside since we had Beamer. Stopped at McDonalds for dinner since we needed something quick in Illinois. We finally made it to St. Louis after the sun had set and still had a good 2 hours to go. We stopped about 20 minutes from Columbia at a Holiday Inn Express for the night. It was about midnight (but we also had gained an hour, so we had been on the road for almost 17 hours. I tell you, men are awful travelers). We were so beat after that, everyone passed out as soon as we got there. I also want to note that Beamer did SO well with the trip. I did have to drug him with Benadryl every 6 hours or so, but he did so much better than I expected. He isn't the best car traveler (he pants and paces) so I was pretty worried about this long trip.

The next day we got up and finished the short drive to Columbia. Got to the place at around 10:30 and started unpacking. My first roomie was already here and unpacked. She helped get everything in. We organized my room for a good part of the day and then went out to Walmart to get a few things we needed.

We did see the house when we came down in April for the open-house. They said the road would be paved this summer, but it wasn't when we got here. And let me just say, this road is AWFUL it is filled with potholes beyond belief. That is probably the biggest complaint we have with it. We talked to the guy in charge who came over and he said it is going to be paved in September. We will see. Also, the washer and dryer we requested wasn't here. The guy told us he had no idea we wanted one (we've not been talking to him, but someone else about the place this whole time). Apparently he had no idea my roomie was moving in so early, either. We think something happened with the girl we talked with as she is apparently on medical leave and I don't think she will be coming back... But, all is well with the washer situation as we had brand new ones from Lowes delivered this morning! My last complaint with this place is that the backyard is full of junk. We need to get them to clean it up since we will be having two dogs living here. Beamer doesn't really like the backyard very much; you can tell when he walks in it. It isn't a large backyard, but it is nice just to have a place to let him out to potty quickly if needed. One of the best things about this place is our location. We are SO close to food, grocery stores, walmart... anything we need! There is even a vet clinic about 3 doors down from us that I'll be looking into.

That night, we went out for mexican and margaritas at a great place we found! They have margarita specials almost every night (of course except for the day we were there). Came back home and crashed after that.

Tuesday we did some more work in my room. A VM-2 gave us a tour of the school (he was super nice and came out on his lunch break to do it). Got a few more inside tips. Then we walked around campus with Beamer a little bit. After that, more errands like trying to find some white shirts, a gate for the kitchen, frames for some posters (that was unsuccessful), and finally groceries. It was pretty late after that was done, and mom made spaghetti for dinner here. We went out to a place called Andy's for ice cream that night (really good custard!) that is close to our place. 

The next day, Mom and her fiancee were leaving. Mom drove to the airport in St. Louis and we stopped at a chick-fil-a (since there are no CFA's in Columbia!) on the way there for lunch. Very sad goodbye there... Mom, of course, was crying. I was teary, but was keeping it together. The good thing is that I'll be seeing her in October for her wedding. I drove back home pretty upset. I knew that it would be hard since mom and I are so close. I hate being so far away from home, and especially her. We talk at least once daily, if not more. They made it home safely (and on time from their flight, surprisingly, since it was United). I didn't do much of anything else yesterday. I was pretty upset and didn't feel up for much of anything. I did end up playing  a bit more of Mass Effect 2 last night before bed. I also made tacos for dinner last night, delicious!

Today, I have a good amount of things to get done. I took Beamer on a quick walk throughout the neighborhood, which went better than I expected! It isn't the best looking place and seems a bit sketchy at times, but all seemed well on our walk. I also am finally meeting the girl I've been talking to since April today! We are getting lunch at 1pm at Noodles and Company, which I need to find. I am pretty excited for that. I also have some errands to run later.

Lastly, my dad will be here tomorrow evening. He is going to be visiting for the weekend, so it will be good to see a familiar face. So, I think that is all for now. I'm sure I forgot some things, but I will have more to post later. Once I get all my posters up and I'm happy with my room, I will be posting pictures.