Moving day, May 7th, 2002. A day of challenges, new experiences, and a large truck capable of destroying the south side of Cleveland. And me behind the wheel, can’t you just imagine all of the chaos I could have gotten myself involved in? Friend on the way, airplane flying low into the Knoxville airport, greeting on the lips. Checklist out and ready to be marked by red pen found just the morning before while cleaning out apartment. Last load of dishes packed away into boxes on the moving truck’s floor, TV’s buffeted by pillows pillowcaseless and dreaming of times on beds far far away. Say goodbye to the big orange, say goodbye to JoAnne and Mac, two immortals whom I will not miss. They, smoke flowing into the air, commiserating near the cooler, a place they should not be, 
waving to me as I pass out of their line of sight and indeed, out of their lives as well. Quick stop at Sonic, me and Frank, to pick up some fries, some drinks, and change for a five. Well, we’re going into toll country, dammit, and we’ll need something to get us through. Car loaded on its little ramp behind the truck, making the going slow. 45 miles an hour on the freeway, getting turned around but getting somewhere despite all of the non-activity. Life is not supposed to be this exciting. Heading to Herkimer, New York, a place I had not heard of before 2001, the year it all changed, and HOW!
May 9th, 2002, and still not a rich man in monetary terms. Truck lighter in weight, Frank
gone to the labs, and me on the road with a song and a joy in my heart. Fresh air outside tickling my nostrils as I pass New York City. Fresh air, I said. Phone rings and it is you on the other end, excited to be sharing this monumental time in my life with me. Tickets purchased for a play and a wedding to attend, the time fills up before I have even arrived properly. Art shifting on walls as if independent from the laws of nature, as I rumble down the highway, getting lost but never off track from reaching you. Pretzel man stops me to ask for a ride and I refuse, so intent upon my purpose. Song on the radio, Celine Dion, “hush now… a new day has come.” Construction on the roads, at a near standstill, foot heavy from so much driving, nearly 13 hours in a large vehicle with a smaller vehicle attached by a rubberband. A day older, 600 dollars poorer, and deathly in need of gas to sustain this upward momentum. New song on the radio, N*Sync, “if you’ll be my girlfriend, I’ll be your shining star…” Wal-Mart approaching, I can see the sign now, half an hour late and you still wait there in the parking lot, the picture of patience. I will never forget that, be assured. Baby Elmo in the seat next to me hopping for glee at being in the city between the stars.
May 10th, 2002, and all unpacked, boxes put away for further perusal at a better date. Sleep came fitfully last night, tossing and turning, change coming in waves. So this is New York, the real new york, the ultimate destination, but no, not the city. I’ve seen enough of the city, now I just want to spend time here. The college awaits in the fall, with visions of sugarplums and textbooks floating through my head. A job also awaits, whenever I can find one, but until then I have time to adjust. My eyes twinkle, that’s what they tell me. And I am content to remain.
Sam
Sam's Online Journal 