Note: The following was written in the
days immediately following my move. While awaiting the cable guy to
transfer my service, I had no access to the internet, but access to
the computer. This is the result of having a few days without
communication with the outside world.
By Jeff Orvis
How many times have I moved in my just
over 62 years on this earth? This is a question that I realize many
people think about. If you grew up in a family where either or both
parents were active military, you probably moved quite often. If you
were successful in business and advanced up the corporate ladder,
there were probably several moves in your life.
So what prompted this little trip down
memory lane for me? I am in the latter stages of relocating to
another address in this fair city. I say “latter stages” because
although I have all my worldly possessions across town from where I
was a scant six days ago, thanks to a small army of wonderful
helpers, which I will talk about a little later, I am still on a
treasure hunt for a few things hidden in poorly marked boxes and
plastic totes. Where is that nearly open package of flour tortillas?
I couldn't find my shampoo when I finally slowed down to try out my
new shower. And I haven't looked for my laundry detergent yet and
will probably need that in a few days.
What was moved and organized by a
hearty band of volunteers is nothing short of a miracle. I wouldn't
blame them if I asked them again for help in a move in the coming
years if they were suddenly out of town. But the miracle came when I
asked my aunt and uncle if they might drive over from western
Illinois to help. I remembered that Donna, my aunt that is younger
than I am, had been interested in seeing where I was living. Her
ever-patient husband, Danny, is still young and healthy enough to try
an adventure. Not only did he provide a lot of the muscle and
transportation, I'm sure he is on a first-name basis with the clerks
at Casey's, which supplied us with pizza for supper one night, as
well as a couple of adult beverages and breakfast the next morning.
Knowing I would need some local help
to supplement my relatives – I wasn't going to be much help in
moving that living room and bedroom furniture, I got instant help
from Rev. Charles Johnson. But when he showed up with his wonderful
wife, Karen, I knew that she and my aunt, both recently retired
teachers, would have a lot in common and would make quick work of
packing and cleaning the kitchen in the old place. The last important
volunteer was Bruce Gapstur, who was uncertain if he would be in town
on Friday, but luckily he was. So I witnessed two work cyclones that
day – Donna and Karen in the kitchen and bathroom area and Danny,
Charles and Bruce in the rest of the apartment. I tried to help when
I could, but I quickly realized that age and a tricky hip made my
work more a person to answer the frequent question, “Where do you
want this?” I love my computer and the internet, but I am a
self-professed amateur when it comes to knowing how this thing works.
Thankfully, I remembered my pastor, Steve Huebbel, knows a lot more
about how this thing works than I do and he quickly figured out the
tangled mess of cables and wires so I would have something to type on
today.
When I had a moment to think back on
the initial question that I posed at the start of this piece, I
amazed myself. Trying to remember each place I had moved to from the
time I took my first full time job in Independence to this weekend
was like counting sheep when you try to sleep. I can remember what
each apartment and house looked like, just don't ask me to remember
the address of each place. Remember, I'm officially a senior citizen!
Starting in 1977, I lived in seven places in Independence and this is
the fourth residence in Belle Plaine. There were a couple of
necessary moves to the Quad-Cities during those years. On the plus
side of each of those moves, I've had great help from family and
friends and usually settled in places where I didn't have to move
appliances. But I do have a substantial record collection. The good
news for my most recent mover warriors, a majority of those records
remain in local storage, where they have been for several years!
In each of those moves, I have had
wonderful and patient landlords and was never evicted. Most of the
moves were an attempt to upgrade my surroundings, along with a couple
of family considerations. My last apartment was really nice and I'm
glad it already has a new tenant. I gave up a second bedroom and a
garage for this move. But that apartment rent was based on fair
market value, while since I reached that magical 62 year old
birthday, I not only qualified for Social Security, but also senior
housing with a welcome rent reduction.
Before I forget, I should also mention
that my out-of-town helpers were very impressed with our local
overnight accommodations. Jerilyn DeRaad and Jeff Brown have a
wonderful downtown apartment they rent for overnight visitors. And
once Donna and Danny got used to the trains roaring past just feet
from their bed, they raved about their night stay.
What have I learned about this move so
far? Besides the most important factor that God had a hand in giving
me such wonderful helpers, I realize that I must be diligent in
paring down my possessions. Sorry, Danny, I haven't decided to part
with those VHS tapes I inherited from Mom and I promise one day I
will have a workable machine to play them on. I am also learning to
wean myself away from visual media, thankfully on a short-term basis.
The cable guy couldn't come until today, meaning I was without TV and
internet for nearly a week. WMT-radio is a poor substitution. I'm
sick of Fox radio news and right-wing commentators. But WMT is also
the local radio voice of the Chicago Bears. Fortunately, KDAT-FM is
playing non-stop Christmas music, so in the coming few days I should
be able to get in the proper spirit as I rest my tired muscles and
continue the unpacking and arranging. One of the first things we did
on Saturday was unpack, decorate and light my Christmas tree!
As I read what I have written so far,
I realize most of it has been about me, along with some words of
thanks to my great helpers. I pledge that my next entry with focus on
other matters, perhaps the reason for the season!
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