2,467 mile trip from Wisconsin to California (LONG!!!)

[ladyskydiver 0]

Nervousness....excitement....happiness....sadness.... Life is changing, and it's time for me to enjoy the ride. Although I'm at work, I know that I'm leaving early. I've got things to do before I pack the truck. Did I remember to put all the forwarding address info in? Did I remember to disconnect everything needed? Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something? It's Thursday, Aug. 28th, 10:30am, and I'm saying "Until I see you again..." to my co-workers and boss. It's strange knowing that I will not be coming in to work on Tuesday. Who knows? Maybe it will feel like a vacation at first. I'm ok saying later to my co-workers. It's my boss that gets me to cry - although he doesn't know it. I have got to give my boss back my parking pass so he comes downstairs to get the pass from me. I give him the pass and he gives me a hug and wishes me well - "Take care of yourself. Keep in touch. Be safe. Come back and visit." I promise him that I will and hop in the car before I cry. As I drive away to run errands, the tears start for it is really sinking in.

Errands complete and a friend shows up to help with any last minute things I need and to help me get the truck. We take my car to the truck place as the other people that were coming from my DZ to help me pack the truck would be looking for his motorcycle. He walks in with me as a show of support. Paperwork filled out....phone call to my insurance company to see if I need Budget's insurance completed ("No, you don't need their insurance. Yours will cover it.") so Budget's insurance is rejected, and now it's time to go inspect the truck. OH MY GOD!!! A 24' truck with car dolly is HUGE!!! Ok...I can handle this....I think....I hope....oh shit! Inspect the truck, get given very rudimentary and incomplete directions on how to handle the truck. Have Brian take my car back to my place as Raisin is going to be showing up soon and into the truck I hop.

I feel so tiny in this truck. This is going to be hysterical me driving this thing. I just so hope I don't kill anyone or do any damage while driving this truck. Now....how much stopping time do I need? How are turns? Ok....kinda got this thing figured out....I hope.

Get to my apartment and get the car dolly removed from the truck so that we can load it. Get the truck backed into place. And, my friends start showing up. I pre-order the food (2 - 16x32" pizzas, chicken, combo basket of mushrooms, califlower, onion rings, and mozz sticks) for 6:00pm delivery. Case of MGD is in the fridge. 12 pack of O'Douls Amber ready for non-drinkers. Case of soda ready as well.

I'm totally amazed at how quickly and efficiently my friends loaded my apartment into the truck and how many of them showed up. My apartment was loaded into the truck in 2 hours flat - and that's with a break. Some of my friends didn't even need to help load as the truck was loaded so quickly. I can not thank Biker Brian, Raisin, Plummet, Mike E., Paul, Lisa, Tom B., Dan M. and Shelley, Sid and AnneMarie enough for their help. They are truly amazing friends.

There was so much food left and not everyone got an opportunity to eat as some had to leave early. So, I'm forcing people to take food or it will get thrown out.

Ok...laters are being said. I'm doing ok so far. Then, I'm left with Shelley and Dan, AnneMarie and Sid. I turn to give Shelley a hug and the tears start flowing. AnneMarie's holding the tears at bay until I hug her and then they flow. So the guys now have 3 crying females on their hands and handled it very well. The guys give me a hug and then they leave and I am left in an empty apartment. No furniture...just my clothes, a sleeping bag, and pillow.

Friday morning comes quickly - more quickly than expected. Getting ready for the day feels so strange as I know it is the last time in my apartment that I've made my home for over 2 years. Carpet cleaners show up and they spray yummy smelling orange stuff on the carpets. As soon as they are done, I make a few last minute phone calls and then walk to the store as my car is loaded on the dolly and I'm definitely not going to try and un-do that puppy!!!! When I come back, I stop at the management's office and ask if they can do the inspection early so that I can get on the road. They do and my deposit will be mailed to me shortly.

I'm off and driving into the unknown. However, I've been given the best directions to get to Cali. JmpnKramer had been online IM'ing with me when I got annoyed at trying to map my directions and stayed up way late to make sure that he got them to me. I owe him many thanks and hugs for having been so sweet to take care of me and get me the directions.

As I'm making my way out of Wisconsin, the red oil/water light pops on. What the F&$*? Great! Truck's fully loaded and I'm going to have to get another one? Call the 800 emergency number and am told "oh...it's ok...just make sure the truck is in D3 when going up hills." I explain to him that I'll be driving up mountains, and he assures me that it will be ok. YEAH! RIGHT!!! NOT!!!

The first day's drive is ok. It's raining in Missouri so the gorgeous hills are not seen as well as I would have liked. Missouri as a result has ended up on my list of states to go back to and enjoy the scenery. I'm not comfortable pulling on the side of the road with the truck and kinda have time constraints due to Thursday interview so I decide against taking pictures and plan on going back to the states that I like and spending vacation time there. As much as I wanted to save money, I decide against spending the night at a way station and go to a hotel (Rolla, MO). I make my phone calls and let people know I'm ok. Spend some time on the phone with JmpnKramer reassuring him that the directions are perfect. I'm having no problems following them, and I'm ok.

Day 2 starts out rainy. Oh, well...I'm heading west and the weather's supposed to get better. It rained all through Missouri. Drive over the Arkansas border and the rain is gone. And, having been in Arkansas I can say that I've now been there and do not need to return. I was not impressed with it. Drive into Oklahoma and find out the roads in Oklahoma can rattle you apart and that a lactating female could make milkshakes with no problem.

As I'm talking to PhreeZone (who's doing his daily check on me - Thanks, Phree!), he mentions that Kris lives in Oklahoma and to give him a call. So, I promptly get off the phone with him and call Kris. As I'm giving him grief about Oklahoma weather, it registers with him that I'm in the state. I've already driven past his exit so he suggests a place for me to stop and get a good burger. Well...I give him enough grief about coming and meeting me that he's going to. And, then I get a call back that if I'd like steak and lobster to pull over at this exit and he'll pick me up. Now...hmmm...let me see...would I like steak and lobster for dinner plus get to hang with a friend? Um...YEAH!!

Squeak gives me a call and checks on where I am and that I'm ok. "Yes, I'm ok....tired....wish I had the time to stop and jump with people." But, there is no extra time....unfortunately. I'll have to make more vacation plans to see those I wanted to see when driving out.

Kris picks me up and we yap all the way to his friend's house. I walk into their home and am greeted with a warm skydiver welcome. These are people that I've never met who are welcoming me into their home and feeding me. Jamie and Peter were really sweet - plus I got to pet their cat that apparently (although you couldn't prove it by me) hates people. And, I meet Cody, a 17 year old who has over 500 jumps. Kids these days! LOL

We have a wonderful dinner, and I've been able to relax. It felt good to be out of that pain in the A$$ truck for awhile. Unfortunately, the time goes quickly and it's time for me to head out again. My goal - be in the panhandle of Texas before I quit for the night. Reality - made it to Weatherford, OK and call it a night. I walk into the office to get a hotel room and take the last one. I got in just in time as a few people come in while I'm filling out the paperwork hoping to get a room. Get my stuff into the room and start on my daily "I'm ok and alive" phone calls. Made my daily "You're directions were perfect. I'm loving the route." call with JmpnKramer and we yap kinda late. Coffee will be needed the next morning for me. And, he (poor guy) has got to work the next day. There's no alarm in the room so I set my cell alarm and go to sleep.

Day 3 is raining. Ok...is Someone upstairs trying to tell me something? I check out of the hotel and head off. I'll get breakfast a little later. Oh...wait...don't need to stop. I'd been given a care package of food including breakfast bars by AnneMarie and Sid. I'll much them instead. So off I go...through what's left of Oklahoma and into the Panhandle of Texas. Well...with the truck only making it to 40mph through any hills that I'm going, it's taking longer than expected. I had hoped to be in Arizona by the end of the day, but that is so not going to happen. Ok...so...where in New Mexico will I end up?

New Mexico is beautiful! The hills, the scenery....another state I must go back to and enjoy nature in. I'm wanting to make calls but have found out that a lot of New Mexico is a dead zone for my cell so I'm not calling the people I wanted to talk to. However, most of the area, the radio came in so I was bee-bopping to the music while driving - at least that's keeping me entertained while the truck is only doing 30mph up hills. Ok...I'm getting tired and getting really pissed at this stupid truck. I need to call it a day and find a hotel to crash at in Gallup, NM.

Make my daily I'm ok phone calls and have started sending text messages out as I've been yapping on the cell so much I'm afraid of my cell bill. However, I can still let people know I'm thinking about them if I text them so off go some text messages. "Yes, JmpnKramer....the directions are easy to follow. Honestly, I'm ok...just tired and stressed. Yes, my friend...I'll keep you updated as to where I am so you don't worry." It feels good to be checked on and for people to make sure I'm ok.

Day 4 begins and quickly turns into the DAY FROM HELL!!! It shouldn't be hard - cross Arizona, enter into California and I'm there....errrr....home. Hmmmm...shouldn't be hard....who was I kidding? I'm totally loving the flat areas of Arizona - because then the stupid truck will do 55-60mph (FINALLY). Oh, damn it!!! More hills....mountains....oh this is not going to be fun. I enter California and know that I'm about to head through the Mojave desert. Ok...desert - warm weather - truck hates it. Mountains - truck hates it. Oh, joy!!!! Ok...the oil/water light (with which I have come to hate) keeps popping on. What do you mean I can't do more than 25mph up a stupid mountain? Do you know how many mountains there are in this state you stupid truck? Ok...so yelling at the truck wasn't the best thing to do, but hey...it kinda relieved a bit of stress and had me not wanting to drive it off one of the mountains.

Squeak is calling me periodically to check on my progress and make sure I'm safe. We're talking and I keep losing reception as I'm going through the mountains. I guesstimate that I'll be in later that day in Burbank - ohhh....5:00-6:00pm'ish.... I tell him my location and if the truck behaves, that's about the time I'll be there. JmpnKramer calls to make sure I'm ok and while we're talking a cop knocks on my window. Get off the phone with him and talk to the cop. "Is there a problem?" "No. Just talking with a friend and didn't want to drive and talk on the cell." "Ok...when you pull out for safety's sake, make sure you accelerate along the side." "Will do. Thanks. Have a great day." And, I start the *&#$*&%^ truck up to go 20mph up the mountain.

Hmm...quarter of a tank of gas....where's the nearest gas station? Ok...here's one. No diesel...k...I've still got approx. 1/16th of a tank of gas left - I should be able to make it to the next gas station.....well...hopefully....doing 20mph with no air conditioning on 'cause the truck couldn't handle it. I pull into the gas station on fumes and luckily they have diesel. Fill the $*#&$* truck up and my mom calls and freaks that I ask to call her back as it's 10:30pm her time and I should have called by now. After I pay for the gas, I call her back and tell her I'm ok....I'll be in Burbank tonight. Yes, I'll call you when I get there...promise.

Phree calls and gets an earful as I'm venting about the truck. Sorry for the earful, Phree. Squeak calls and gets the "Hey...I'd love to talk but I've got to get to Burbank NOW!" I couldn't take another second longer of being in the truck than I had to be. He suggested I get a room for the night and finish the trip the next day. No can do....I want out of this truck now!!! So I get off the phone and start driving.

Michele calls me while I'm driving and asks where I am. "I don't know" is the response because the interchange wasn't clear that I just went through so I'm hoping I went the right way. YEAH!!! I did. Oh, goodie! Not only do I get to deal with the truck but there is a traffic delay. Oh, yeah...as JmpnKramer pointed out....it's a holiday weekend so I got to deal with some stop and go holiday traffic as well.

I finally get to Michele's and park the truck. Well...the car and trailer are sticking out too far. Ok...so we'll take my car off, and park the truck with the trailer only. Not working....the trailer is sticking out too far. Michele's screaming directions at me as to how to back the truck up. I've woken up the entire neighborhood due to the truck beeping whenever I backed it up and the fact that the car dolly was dragging on the ground. Oh, yeah...is this damn day over with yet? Nope....well, a car left down the street so I have a NICE BIG OPEN parking space. So, I drive the truck around the block, pull into the parking spot (staying REAL close to the curb like Michele and some neighbors said I should. And, then I hear a huge thud and see the tree shake.

NO!!! NO FUCKING WAY!!! I drive 2,467 miles with no accidents or anything and I damage the $&*#&$*( truck parking it? I put my head down on the steering wheel for a second and then climb out to survey the damage. Michele's laughing - she thought I took out the light pole that is about 12 inches away from the tree and is relieved that it's only a tree. I ask to be put out of my misery. That was the last straw. I couldn't take any more. My nerves were shot. I was stressed. I had just moved 2/3 of the way across the country to a new life and left so many behind. I barely make it into her house without tearing up. And, I'll be ok...unless she hugs me. And, she hugs me and I promptly become a girl burst into tears. I get the tears to stop and make the "I'm in Cali" calls. Talk to JmpnKramer and he's really worried now as I sound depressed. I assure him that I'll be ok and Michele over hears me say that I didn't eat dinner 'cause I eventually forgot about it - even though Squeak reminded me that I should eat. So, she makes me a very delicious ham and cheese sandwich, gives me a soda and sleep is next.

Sep. 2nd. Wake up and need to move the truck or risk getting it towed or ticketed. Michele comes up with the brilliant idea to get a hold of the rental place and have them remove the car dolly as it's easier to park the truck without the dolly. They (thankfully) take it back. I'll deal with them when I return the truck about it's crappy performance and their need to either do serious maintenance work on it or get it replaced.

She goes off to work and I look for apartments. I come up with a list and Michele and I drive around to get an idea of the apartment. I have narrowed it down to 3 apartments to look at tomorrow and will be seeing them tomorrow.

So....the tree and desert comments have been answered. What would I have changed about my trip if I did it again? I'd definitely need someone to go with me, and I'd take longer time to get where ever my destination is. And, I'd make sure I got a better truck.

The trip was phenomenal otherwise. It was so gorgeous! You could just picture the land as it was - cowboys and indians....animals roaming free. I learned a lot about myself during the trip and am glad that I did it.

A very special and heartfelt thanks go out to my Sky Knights friends, Shelley and Dan, AnneMarie and Sid for helping me load the truck and get rid of food and alcohol. And, to Kris for talking me into stopping for dinner and coming and picking me up and dropping me back off at my truck.

A thank you from the bottom of my heart goes out to PhreeZone, Squeak, and JmpnKramer for my daily "Are you ok?" phone calls. Sorry if I started getting short with the conversations. I didn't want to my stress level to affect our conversations.

And, a wonderful thank you to Michele for letting me crash here at her place until I get an apartment and for risking life and limb to help me park the truck. (Ask her about the idiot driver and her almost getting killed while helping me.)

Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and making sure I'm ok and got safe to Cali.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[riddler 0]

Glad you made it there and are safe. Those rental vans can be unsafe for sure. But no worries - your skydiving family is always here to help!

Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

[mouth 0]

I can honestly say I've laughed and cried with you through this post. I'm so glad you made it safely and I look forward to meeting you in Perris this weekend.

--
Hot Mama
At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit.

[skymama 37]

Yea, Cora, what an ordeal you made it through! Some day you'll be able to look back on this and be so proud of yourself.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Kris 0]

Yippee!!! She made it!!!
Cora, it was great getting to see you again. Best of luck and great vibes on your new start!

Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and
Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™

[Michele 1]

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Not working....the trailer is sticking out too far. Michele's screaming directions at me as to how to back the truck up. I've woken up the entire neighborhood due to the truck beeping whenever I backed it up and the fact that the car dolly was dragging on the ground.

She forgot to mention I was standing in the street with my Maglite waving traffic past...and I wasn't "screaming". This is Hollywood - I was "projecting". LOL!!!! Alright, I suppose I was screaming. But only a little. "STOP" was a frequent word...

But I did meet neighbors I've lived next to for 3 years and hadn't met yet. O.K., so generally midnight on a Mon/Tue isn't the most appropriate time...but still. It's better than meeting after an earthquake, right? LOL!

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So, I drive the truck around the block, pull into the parking spot (staying REAL close to the curb like Michele and some neighbors said I should. And, then I hear a huge thud and see the tree shake.

And good Lord, I thought she had taken the light pole out. The neighbors are bolting...and when I realized the light pole was still standing, I just cracked up. Poor Cora....driving all the way across the country and gets here and takes out a tree. If looks could kill, I'd be dead...and yes, it was totally inappropriate to laugh. But she was laughing about it this morning. Alright, it was a reluctant laugh...

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a wonderful thank you to Michele for letting me crash here at her place until I get an apartment

Bafooey, girl. 'Tis nothing...

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and for risking life and limb to help me park the truck. (Ask her about the idiot driver and her almost getting killed while helping me.)

LOL, yes, well....he was close enough that I plastered myself against the truck, and tried to be "small" (for those of you who know me, that is not the discriptor for me...!). He came so close - Cora said about 6 inches - and was going so fast that my tank top was lifted clear over my boobies...so there I am, standing in the street, tank flying around, flashing Burbank at midnight...and no extra alti to get! LOL!!!!

Cora, you rawk. This was really hard on you, and you've come through beautifully. I am so glad you're here...love you!

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[RevJim 0]

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He came so close - Cora said about 6 inches - and was going so fast that my tank top was lifted clear over my boobies...so there I am, standing in the street, tank flying around, flashing Burbank at midnight...and no extra alti to get!

God, I would have paid good money to witness that first hand. Of course, I would have needed to chase down said driver and beat his ass for what he did, but I'd have to shake his hand afterward and thank him for the view.....

It's your life, live it!
Karma
RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1

[SkydiveNFlorida 0]

That was a very long story, haha. ! Felt like I went though the trip, too. I can't believe we hit that tree, lol!! j/k. Anyhow, glad you made it, and good luck in your new state! :)

Angela.

[Plummet 0]

Glad you made it OK !! We miss you already !!

-Jeff.
http://www.iplummet.com

Common sense and common courtesy are NOT common.

[Fast 0]

Glad to hear that you made it out there ok, I'm sure that you will settle into everything soon.

Enjoy the better weather!

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[jumper03 0]

whew, picking up everything and relocating takes a lot of courage. I was glad to get to the end of the post and see you made it - I was worried for you in Arizona!

Jump

Scars remind us that the past is real

[PhreeZone 20]

That was mad at the truck? I did'nt hear you beating it up so you were'nt as mad as I would have been in your shoes...

Yesterday is history
And tomorrow is a mystery

Parachutemanuals.com

[Shark 0]

Glad ya made it out okay. BTW, what's "califlower?" Is that the stuff they smoke in Wisconsin when they know somebody is moving to Cali??

Anywho, so when ya makin yer way out to the dz???

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[mjosparky 4]

Hey Lady,
Glad you made it. Welcome to Ca.
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[ladyskydiver 0]

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BTW, what's "califlower?" Is that the stuff they smoke in Wisconsin [Sly] when they know somebody is moving to Cali?? [Laugh]

Nah...it's just what they make when they know someone's moving to California.

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Anywho, so when ya makin yer way out to the dz???

Well...I'm hoping to make it down to Perris to meet Mouth and say "Laters and Good luck" to Bytch and then I'm off to Vegas on Sunday. So, it'll probably be after I get back from Vegas before I make it to Elsinore.

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[TheAnvil 0]

Glad you made it here OK. Sounds like an eventful trip - and the longest post I've ever seen, LOL.

Vinny the Anvil
Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL
JACKASS POWER!!!!!!

[Muenkel 0]

Cora,

I can think of no better place to be than Michele's while you adjust to leaving your home. That woman is filled with love.
Best of luck in your future endeavors. I hope we meet in person one day.

Anytime you feel homesick, I'm sure Michele will have one of her famous hugs to offer.

Chris

_________________________________________
Chris

[Dumpster 0]

Glad to see you made the trip well - Quite a story!

Good luck and have fun!!!

Easy Does It

[SkyDekker 1,465]

Hi Cora,

Glad to read that you made it to Cali safe and sound. I Look forward to reading the rest of the stories as you start your new life in California.

[jmpnkramer 0]

That was some post there Girlie.
I am so happy that my directions were easy to follow and although the truck gave you grief imagine how much more upset you would have been if you got lost.

Things will settle in nicely I know. I hope your trip to Vegas puts you back in your "CHI"
Take Care Girlie and talk to you soon.

KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The REAL KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER!

"HESITATION CAUSES DEATH!!!"
"Be Slow to Fall into Friendship; but when Thou Art in, Continue Firm & Constant." - SOCRATES