Packing and Waiting

Graduation was much better than I expected. I have been looking forward moving to Florida to work for NMSI, and all that comes with it, so much that graduation had been more of an obstacle than an accomplishment. I went through the day with a sense of awe. Also, we were lucky that the ceremony wasn't nearly as long and boring as expected. The speaker was amusing, and the ceremony was kept under 2 hours. I didn't get to shake President Hubbard's hand because of the swine flu scare, but I didn't mind too much.

Since that weekend, it has all been packing and waiting. Well, yeah, we have made many enjoyable visits while waiting, but it is still packing and waiting. With Dad's help, Britt and I took all of our furniture to Omaha for Alisha. It was hard work! In another trip to Omaha for Alisha's graduation, it was wonderful to see all of my brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. We visited Grandpa and Grandma yesterday. Vic Coston and I did some sunrise canoeing this morning. We have also gotten to visit with Sara Hanes & family, Kara Mowery, CJ Degase, and others. We get to see Bryan and Mary Clark tomorrow, and we're excited!

I'd consider anyone who could predict anywhere near how much stuff they have when they begin packing - a genius. Going from day to day trying to figure out what is safe to pack and what we need to keep out has been a challenge. As we have packed, our pile of boxes and things keeps getting bigger and bigger. I believe we are almost done now. We'll spend tomorrow cleaning, and our goal is to have nothing to do on Saturday.

We are going to miss a lot of people. It seems to me that a lot of people are anxious to get out of their hometowns and explore life. I am definitely excited to explore life, but I don't dislike Maryville. I enjoy this town, our friends, and the church even if I may never live here again. We'll also miss our family. I really like the idea that we can jump in the car and see most of our immediate family in 2 hours or less. Living in Florida will definitely be a change. I won't hide that getting an accounting job in Kansas City to stay near home (and receive a MUCH better paycheck) has been tempting.

We - Brittney's parents (David & Tena), Brittney, and I - get on the road next Monday, the 18th of May. We'll drive from Maryville to Nashville, TN on Monday. We've reserved a room at a Romada. I have some cousins in Nashville, and I'd really like to meet up with them if I can! On Tuesday, we'll drive from Nashville to Lake City, FL. Google maps says that Lake City is about an hour away from another cousin. I'll have to look in to that, too. We'll finish up the trip to Ft. Myers Wednesday morning.

Until then, it is packing and waiting. But I expect we will have an amazing last three days in Missouri.