We are in Brooklyn! We made it alive and with only a few cuts and bruises.
Our journey has been long and crazy. Because it was an epic move and it means a big change in my life and blog, here is the adventurous play-by-play- in all its glory. No jumps.
Day 1
Scene: Pouring rain ALL day
We fixed a tarp from the door to the truck to keep ourselves and belongings dry.
Alex‘s brother, Matt, was unbelievably helpful and is very strong.
The rain and wind ripped our tarp down and forced us to close up the truck around 6pm. The sudden storm that got our tarp also got our electricity.
Slowed down by a break in loading and a lack of light, we got Upper Crust Pizza in Salem with Alex’s family.
Still no power after dinner. Any work was halted after the sun went down, so we went to James’ house and watched the last Red Sox game we could watch as Massachusetts residents.
Still no power after the game. We tried to work by flash- and candlelight, but it wasn’t easy.
As soon as we went to bed, the power came back on. We decided to sleep and get up early to finish packing the truck and clean the apartment.
Day 2
Scene: Sunny and 85 degrees
We had hoped to leave at 8am, but didn’t get on the road til 10:30 because of how much we couldn’t do the night before.
Alex drove the UHaul and I followed in my brother’s car (which I was so fortunately allowed to borrow while he was out of the country for the month of July).
What should have been a 4 and a half hour drive was 6 and a half. Long and hot.
We arrived in Brooklyn at 5pm, and were met by the smiling faces of my mother dearest, and good friends Dan and Britt.
With their help, and the later addition of siblings, Toby and Casey, and friends, Zach and Mel, we got the truck unloaded in an hour.
After fussing and shifting, but no real unpacking, we rested our heads.
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We can’t even begin to express our gratitude to those who helped us with our move. Our friends and family have proven true and wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thankyouthankyouthankyou. We could not have done it without you, and your smiling faces kept our spirits up.
I’m sad to have left Beverly and Boston. I feel good about the opportunities that await me here in New York, but my heart is achey. My calves are sore and my arms are tired. The moving-cuts-and-bruises are starting to heal.
My morning tea tastes a little different here. There is still a windowsill on which I can put my tea mug. I have a tendency to sit and watch out the window. In Beverly, I watched the squirrels and birds and the church parking lot outside our house. In Brooklyn, my view is a large intersection with lots of foot traffic and a cafe.
We are trying to negotiate a new kind of air flow in a very different kind of apartment. But the important things are the same. Trees outside, lots of sun, and comfortable things. All of our plants seem happy with the new sunshine they have. We are happy that it’s starting to look like a place where people live.
Grocery stores are different. They don’t carry shower curtain liners. Most shops only want cold, hard cash. People are friendly, and it’s not much louder here than in the suburbs. Casey was alarmed by how quiet a rainy Sunday morning is in Park Slope.
This neighborhood feels good and healthy. We’re so close to Prospect Park, and the guy at the hardware store already knows my face. We still have our Mario Kart. Mom bought us pretty daisies to warm our home. My urge to invite people over for dinner is very strong despite the boxes. Alex is helping me fix my bike, which will help me explore soon.
Things will be great. There is much to be done. Please come visit soon (if I know you).
