The journey

We started our journey to Rexburg almost as soon as the truck was loaded and it was really hard. I know that I have never found home until I moved to Washington, and I hope to return very soon. Of course I knew I was going to cry, but Patty had to start the waterworks and then I was a goner. When we crossed the state line is when I probably should have pulled over, just to let it out, but I kept trucking on--tears and all. The drive was alright, the roads were good all through Washington, and there wasn't really a time when I was uncomfortable, so it was a good day. We stayed the night at the Frei Cabin with the Renchers, and it was a good time. I got to play Pinochle which I haven't really played in a long time. And there I learned that a pinochle is actually worth 40 points, not 60! My whole life has been a lie! We looked in the official card rule book! (Yes, that book exists.) That threw off my game big time, and me and Tyler lost horribly! It is all because for my entire life, I was saved by those extra 20 points time and time again.

The next day, we got ready to go and on the way up the road, we got stuck. We had to get the chains out to make it out of there. It was stressful. I was really glad that Elan was there because I don't think I would have known how to put the chains on correctly. I am even more glad that Patty told us to buy those chains last year! We finally got out of there and started on our journey. This driving day wasn't so good. Before we started driving, Elan pointed out that it would probably be a bad day to have a broken windshield wiper fluid dispenser because of the muck and snow combination on the roads, but we didn't really think about actually fixing the problem. Elan was right, it was awful! Absolutely the scariest thing that could have happened to me! There were times when my windsheild was so covered in muck that my wipers couldn't keep up on their own, and I couldn't see a thing. I completely lost visibility a few times, and it scared me to death. I was going to kill Elan for making me drive by myself while he drove the big truck! It really was super frightening! But, I made it out alive, and I learned that no matter what, I need to make sure that is fixed before I go on another road trip!

I got scared again as night fell because the roads looked more menacing and the ice was more scary. But it turned out alright! We stopped at a gas station and I washed my windows and the headlights... it was amazing how dirty they were! And we were off! We passed a car with the emergency lights on and I thought, "We should stop and help them..." And then I thought, "Nah, the last time I did that I got into a lot of trouble, so I won't." about ten minutes later I got a phone call from Sister Rencher, and those were her kids that we passed, and so we turned around to help them after all. It was kind of funny.

We made it to our new apartment and got all the paperwork done. It is a really nice place. I am glad that we chose this one! Everything looks brand new and there are no eyesores of any kind! We love it! So we had this giant moving truck and just me and Elan. I hurt my shoulder a few days ago, and it wasn't any better, so we knew that it wouldn't be alright to do this all by ourselves. When Elan opened the truck, I felt like we would never get it all done! It was massive! So I called around and posted on my facebook that we needed help! Eric finally answered and came over to help! It was amazing how quickly that pile of stuff turned into another pile of stuff! That Eric is one of the best people I know! I am really glad to have him as part of my family!

After Eric left, we were exhausted from a long day of driving and unpacking, and so we put together our bed and laid down, and fell asleep. It was sure good to be home.

We woke up a few times because our water heater is going crazy and making a loud knocking sound. The maintanence guy is going to fix it soon. Elan got his job back at Subway, he starts on Friday, and I am looking for a job! Which we need desperatley, Elan's highschool finally sent the highschool transcripts that he requested ages ago and so the financial aid thing can go through, but we are still stressed about that and we might be needing to get a student loan. While Elan was at school today, I unpacked everything and got the furniture to the right places and completely killed my shoulder. (Hopefully this pain goes away soon.) But it was worth it because when he got home, the relief was immenent and he was very happy! So that made my day completely worth the pain. We still have to organize the bedroom but the living room and kitchen are done! I am happy, and we love our new home! Happy days everyone!

Tasha