How (not) to move to Texas

Well, I'm in Texas now! YEEE HAW!!!* We arrived on 5/4 at my in-laws. It has been an exciting trip so far...and we've only begun! This is only the first leg in our journey to become full citizens of the fine Lone Star State. Below are some highlights of the move so far. I can only hope that my attempt to move will serve as a warning to others who think "No Sweat! I can pack up everything I ever owned and move 800 miles away without selling my house first and not knowing exactly where we will live!!! Sounds like FUN!!!" I have listed them in instructional order.

1. Rent a POD. If you are not familiar with these, it is actually a really cool idea. POD stands for Portable On-Demand Storage. Basically, we had two weeks to cram as much of our possesions into the 16'x8'x8' crate they drop at the house. They then pick up said POD and ship to where ever you will end up (our case, Texas). They store the crate-o-crap until you have found permanent lodging and then, like magic, your POD shows up at your door-step ready to unload.

2. Realize not everything will fit in POD...PANIC!! This step is optional if you can figure out that a two bedroom house will not fit into one POD BEFORE you rent it.

3. Convince yourself remaining items will fit in cars This may require help either from other delusional friends or relatives or lots and lots of Benedryl.

4. Sell (or Give away) as much as possible to see if it will fit in Cars. Did this..kinda fun. Felt like a salesman at a clearance center..EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!

5. Buy tow-behind trailer kit from large Hardware chain. Box said it would take 2 grown human beings 5 hours to assemble this wonderful 8x10 trailer. It took me roughly 15 hours with almost 4 people working on it. The trailer was made in China. Apparently the Chinese are much more efficient at putting together tow-behind trailers. Yet another thing to worry about the Chinese.

6. Sit in DMV 3 hours and try to register trailer...only to be told that the hardware chain needs to sign the title before it can registered!!! ARGHHH!

7. Realize everything will not fit in trailer and cars...weep. This is actually a good step. Very good to get those emotions out. Weeping in the fetal position can be very therapeutic.

8. Rent Budget Truck and Trailer to tow car...weep again. Not cheap but what can you do.

9. Tow half empty truck, car, and empty 8 foot trailer to Texas. - This in itself could be an entire blog entry...matter of fact, I think I will make it one so stay tuned. Teaser - Missouri has a lot of adult stores.

10. Arrive at in-laws exhausted but happy to be alive.

Stay Tuned!

*Texas State law requires the use of "YEE HAW" after mentioned the name of the state. Violators will be barbecued..Texas Style..YEE HAW!