A.N.T. Part 1: Arizona

(A).N.T

Part 1: (A)rizona

Wednesday, August 3rd, the afternoon knock at the door frightened me!  Charlie Bee showed up earlier than I expected so we could pick up the moving truck.  After clowning around with him, Naysia and Yaovi we headed over to Pantano Loop.  As we pulled in, Sharon was bringing the 16ft truck out for us.  The first thing Charlie said was, "It's too small".  Sharon spent a considerable amount of time explaining the ins and outs of driving the truck, I listened, Charlie just kept saying, "I know, I know."--although he paid close attention to how to utilize the car dolly.  

When we got home I spent the next 30 minutes reassuring Charlie that everything would fit----until I stepped inside, it was definitely too small.  I embarrassingly called Sharon to request a bigger truck.  The next size up was a 22ft and I was told one was available.  We went back only to learn all the 22ft trucks were spoken for and the only thing left was a beastly 26ft diesel monstrosity.  I was terrified, Charlie was thrilled!!  I was concerned because I'd been over budget on the entire move and dreaded the increase, but God is good, and the price difference was tolerable.  We parked the truck in front of the neighbors house and the car dolly was pulled up into my walkway.  Thank God I didn't have to move it. 

 The morning of Thursday, August 4th started off early, very early.  I left Patty's house about 4am and went home to try to clean the kitchen before my mom got there :)  About 430am my mom called to say they were awake and ready to come over.  I tried to convince her otherwise, but the excitement of it all was the best alarm clock ever.  

Upon arrival everyone was in work mode.  Mom discovered my poor housekeeping and started in with hanging the curtains that came with the rental home and finishing the kitchen.  Naysia and Imaunii ran random errands.  Charlie Bee was itching to start loading the truck.  EVERYTHING was in the garage, ready to go.  A dozen of donuts, box of coffee and bottles of water were available. The moving crew was scheduled to arrive at 730am; our first arrival was at 715am. 

Jack is the son of one of the residents at Oasis.  Immediately after I announced our plans at work, Jack approached me an offered to help load the truck.  At first I dismissed him, I thought he was kind but was not going to accept his offer.  The next time he brought it up he was not going to take no for an answer.   

Mary and Jim are former co-workers, become friends.  They both retired from FS this year.  Prior to his last day, Jim offered to help in any way possible.  In my stubbornness I wasn't going to ask for help.  About a week before the move Jim called to not only catch up but to ask when and where they needed to be to help.  

Winona, also former co-worker become friend.  Upon learning we were moving Winona offered to stop by to assist with packing, cleaning, anything we needed.  And, surprise, I declined her offer, too.  Not only did she show up to load the truck, but she came with an amazing, heartfelt gift in hand.  

This crew was the fastest crew in the West!  In 2 hours everything was loaded, my car was on the dolly and the house was clean.  Upon completion we all stood in the garage, hand in hand, as Winona lead us in prayer.  We bid adieu to my dear friends, split up the snacks, picked up some No-Doze and were on Interstate 10 by noon.

Charlie drove the monster truck and pulled my car.  We followed behind in Naysia's car.  Naysia and Imaunii controlled the music from the back seat, we had some girl talk and giggled a lot.  It was smooth sailing until we hit a monsoon storm in Willcox.  We passed thru it quickly.  Imaunii had not been through Texas Canyon or seen the balanced rocks along I-10E.  Naysia and I were thrilled to share the experience with her.....but as we approached the skies were frighteningly dark.  As our RPMs slowed, we entered the storm.  On I-10W we saw even slower traffic due to an overturned vehicle.  My hands gripped on the steering wheel, the girls quieted down and it certainly lasted longer than the previous monsoon.    

As the rains became a mere dark sky in the distance, ahead of us we numerous Native Americans running along the side of the road.  I'm still trying to research what that was about.  We blazed thru the state, no stops for gas, no turning back. 

 152 miles later, Hello New Mexico.