Lessons learned

We're officially Midwesterner's again. The weather is cold, blustery and miserable. We've weathered a a really ugly bout of the flu, and we're living with Nana & Poppy until our new house becomes available on March 2. Here are just a few profound and valuable lessons I've learned from our move:

1. When moving yourself: Always pack heavy objects in the front of the trailer...the first time...unless you wish to stop in an Arizona strip-mall and unload/reload everything.
1(a). When your trailer is fish-tailing all over the road at anything over 50 MPH... It won't get better. Just shut- up. Stop. And re-pack.
1(b). Expect everything you own to be scratched or misshapen upon destination. PLAN to do a lot of shopping.
2. When a friend says he "loves driving cross country" and wants to help you move -- discuss the details, -even- when he says "I don't care that I'll be driving on my Birthday!!" Otherwise, you'll be arguing and following Mr. Leadfoot Driver across the United States at his preferred pace until the wee hours of the morning. (And, if he's driving the moving truck -- well, clearly he's holding your belongings hostage until you cooperate and do what he asks).
2(a). If you're a woman and watching two grown men argue (via walkie-talkies) about how much further to drive before stopping: Keep in mind that men get loud, mean, and make random threats. Keep in mind that fights end with sudden splendor, everything is just fine, and that men don't hold grudges. There's no need to freak out and think that a great friendship is ruined..
3. Always 'exclude' any pictures that are "screwed" into the wall when you sell a home (whether anchored, or the screws are just a decorative attachment). The freaks will itemize your decorative belongings and then complain when they notice you took those items with you!
4. Always "lock" the garage door opener at the source button (so that the remotes don't work), before leaving a sold property that's transitioning to really awful people. The really awful people will look & feel pretty stupid when they call and complain about the broken garage opener to your realtor. It's so liberating.
5. When you quit a job. REALLY quit. I mean... REALLY do it. Like on the date you specify as your resignation. That's always a good idea.
6. If temporarily staying in a "home" that is not set up for wireless -- Before wasting a whole lot of time driving to Starbucks for a wireless internet connection to conduct work that as stated in #5 -- should not be an issue-- Check wireless capabilities at all windows. It's really cool when you accidentally realize you can ride a neighbors internet connection (if only for a few minutes at a time!!). And this post is the result of my free second story loft wireless connection - courtesy of the house across the street! **It's not real nice, but, yes, I'm doing it anyway.**
7. If you're used to a rather large home, and then have to cram your entire family into as little space as possible-- expect your toddler to drive you completely bonkers.
8. When every family member has the flu on the same day, expect that the man will be WAY sicker than the woman. Totally unable to care for himself, nor anyone else. Totally unable to do anything other than moan & sigh loudly from the couch. You've got to love them - but a sick man is totally pathetic....