Well, we're 9 months into the year and man, has 2011 been the ride of my life! The wedding in March was one hell of a party that I wish I could relive every weekend. The honeymoon was a trip I wish I could go on every 6 months. And now, Jacob and I switched careers, moved 1500 miles, and started our own business. What you see above is our first baby as a couple - the main workout space for Warrior Crossfit Muscatine.
On my birthday, Jacob and I had a cookout and "See Ya Later" bash with all of our Florida friends and loved ones at beautiful Ft. De Soto Park in St. Petersburg. We could not have asked for a better day. There was a steady breeze, plenty of food, and actual surf out on the Gulf. The kids had fun, the adults had fun, and we closed the park down. My friend almost got my waterworks flowing at the end of the day, but both of us locked it up before blubbering.
The day following the cookout, Jacob, the kitties, and I hit the open road for Atlanta, where we visited with friends. The kitties had run of the car with their litter in my Corolla's trunk, the back seat flipped down for access, and their food and water on the back seat. They freaked out for the first hour or so, were slightly more active for the rest of the drive to Atlanta (e.g., Delilah actually left the litter box, where I think she literally peed herself in fright), and by the end of our 4-day road-trip, they seemed loathe to leave the car.
Driving just 6 hours north, you could already feel a hint of fall. In Atlanta, we ate a supremo meal made by our hosts - grilled pizzas made with farmer's market fresh ingredients. I am excited to try that here in Iowa, once our grill is assembled!
After sleeping in the next morning, Jacob and I checked on the kitties (they were totally fine, and curled up under the brake pedal), then took off for my cousin's house in Tennessee. We ended up taking the scenic route, which appalled Matt because the interstate would have been faster. Plus, it looked suspicious that Florida license plates were headed up the backroads to the house of an oxycodone sales representative.
Once we arrived at Matt's house, Jacob and I had a fantastic time catching up with Matt, Keith, and their two boys. Matt and Keith have a beautiful spot of property overlooking the hills of Tennessee with amazing sunsets to close down happy hour on the back porch. It was a shame Jacob and I could not stay more than a night because we truly enjoyed the company and the location. After my two trips to TN - one while moving my friend north to Chicago 3 years ago and this road trip en route to IA - I believe I am in love. It is one beautiful state.
After another slow and lazy morning waking up, we all headed northwest to Batesville, IN, Jacob's hometown. We visited with old friends and I had my first authentic plate of Skyline chili. Of course I had the three-way, which is chili, noodles, and cheese. I cleaned my plate. I know, not exactly the stuff of which health food is made, but absolutely the stuff that satisfies a weary and hungry road traveler.
On our last leg, which would land us in our new hometown of Muscatine, Jacob and I stopped in Champaign, IL for lunch with one of Jacob's old friends. This was a great break in the 6-hour drive and I loved meeting Kristina. Hopefully, that won't be my first and last time hanging out with her, although she is quite the world traveler.
When we finally arrived in our new home, the Garvin Clan was out in force to welcome us with temporary bedding, appliances, hugs, warm wishes, and dinner. It felt great to be starting our adventure in earnest.
Above is home sweet home where Jacob and I barely rest our heads, and the kitties have run of the place. The cats love all the space - there is a basement - and I think they love chasing around the crickets. I stepped on one of their kills, and ick, those things are surprisingly gooey and slick. GROSS.
We spent our first 8 days in Muscatine getting the space for Warrior CrossFit Muscatine in order. The place used to be a nasty-looking bar called One More Round. The interior was red and black - the two most difficult colors over which to paint. We used 10 gallons of primer and 10 gallons of paint to cover it all. Carpets (in a BAR??) were ripped out, a pull-up system was installed, wipe boards were hung, fleas were exterminated, bathrooms were cleaned, floors were vacuumed and mopped, the front walk was powerwashed, the storefront was cleaned, a new sign put up on the window, and new flooring was put down. Now, the place is respectable enough to host paying clients, of which we have four after yesterday's open house.
Jacob and I are feeling exhausted, but happy, excited, and proud of our progress. It hit me a couple of times that this is REALLY happening, that this is my life, and that so far we are succeeding. Let's hope the feeling keeps up. In the meantime, we continue unpacking all the damn boxes that hold our life possessions, and both of us wonder why we have so many possessions in the first place. We certainly did not miss them in the week between our arrival and their delivery. Well, maybe the couch and the kitchen supplies, but other than that there was not much I craved from all our "stuff". Food for thought for the future...
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