Moving Out and In

What a series of momentous days we've had in the Valdez household!  The entire summer seems a busy blur, with me too fatigued and overwhelmed, though often happily so, to chronicle events in the manner befitting a decent blogger.  Sorry, folks.  So, does that make me INdecent?

It's our second night in Chattanooga.  We're on Eastern time here.  That would make it midnight thirty as opposed to eleven thirty.  Oh, joy of all joys!  Things don't go well for me when I log in too many post-midnight evenings.  (Is that an oxymoron?)

Our official college student is safely ensconced (have you noticed this is a fave word pairing for me?) in her dorm/apartment tonight.  However, momma can't vouch for her happiness.  She's experiencing the freshman jitters: manifesting as an intense dislike for Chattanooga in general (too ghetto, she curtly explains) and a sure sense that she is NOT college material and will fail miserably.  Fortunately, her parents are of the opinion that Miss Sarah will adapt more quickly than she realizes and will blow the socks off her GPA.  That slate is wiped clean and the clock is re-set: high school is a thing of the past. We've had all of the myriad college-talks imaginable and THEN some.  This entire process has been necessary and beneficial for all of us, parents and youth alike.

The road trip ran smoothly.  Less than two hours as a mini-caravan headed down I-24 on a warm humid day.  The cavernous confines of the Yukon housed the multiple bags and boxes containing the bones of her new life away from home.  I sure hope the new MacBook she bought with her graduation money doesn't try to hitch a ride back to Murfreesboro without her!

We rubbed elbows -- and knees and boxes -- with hundreds of other incoming freshman.  We witnessed the meeting of new acquaintances, making several ourselves with other harried and hurried parents in various states of doubt and excitement.  Kids with friends already made texted their plans to meet after the unloading, stair climbing, hilly street walking and performing of countless sundry tasks necessary on moving-in day.   I'm confident that we ALL met our excercise quota yesterday afternoon!

Signing in for her room key.

Sarah's roommate's dad: a police officer -- sergeant, no less!



Sharing a chip in between our chores.  Sweet!




Our moving man: he's HIRED!



Sarah hissed at me to STOP as I snapped off this shot.

Meanwhile, at the hotel -- the affordable and rest-worthy Day's Inn, always booked, just off the highway and on the inside edge of downtown, two blocks from a spacious and trendy Starbucks,  hop-skip-and-a-jump from the UTC campus -- I rated the vanity mirror as unsettling and upsetting.  You know how some places have 'skinny' mirrors?  Self-explanatory.  THIS establishment, while possessing excellent air conditioning, installed mirrors which reflect a shorter, squatter, fatter 'you.'  Who needs that during stressful travel?  No pictures of that, thank you very much!  My camera is much more flattering. 

**Well, this entry must be considered UNDER CONSTRUCTION as the hotel signal is on the fritz.  Sorry for the poor quality but I'm posting nonetheless.  Good night.  I'm off to fall asleep with "Words With Friends."