Step 1

We have selected the movers. I am already sick of thinking about the move and how much I am going to get screwed by anyone we pick. So Harrington Movers are going to pack and move us. They are part of National Van Lines. Bottom line is that MLW and I felt that they were going to screw us less.

After spending close to 30 minutes on the phone with a Mayflower affiliate in NY, I came to the conclusion that the estimate that anyone of these companies provides is basically complete BS. They either lowball you trying to get the business and then they stick it to you with "well, you never told us that you use these closets to store actual stuff" or they estimate high and give you a 1% discount at the end.

At the moment, I'm planning on asking for the exact weight of my shipment to try and minimize our pain. Let's see how successful I'll be. rest assured that there will be more posts regarding this, including any flaming of Harrington and its owner Jeff, who actually did the estimate.

I want a reality show

With our move to the west coast, I think I deserve a reality show. It seems like everyone living in SoCal has a reality show -- Snoop Dog, Kardashians, even housewives in OC -- so why not Armodad? As a side business, viewers can bet on what Armodad will do next. Odds on the cable guy showing up on time: 10 to 1. Odds Armodad will lose it when his internet doesn't work: 7 to 5.

Now you don't see that on American Idol. Of course Armodad will be the house, so it's a revenue stream for the show and there will be actual winners to keep the audience coming back.

I won't feel like I'm a true Angelino unless I get my reality show. So what are you waiting for Hollywood? You can start with the move as a pilot.

Moved by moving

Since 2001, I have moved 4 times and am about to move once again. Initially, I get really excited about it; planning the logistics, picturing myself in the new surroundings, and beginning a new chapter in my life. All very nice things. But as I get closer to the move itself, I begin to feel the same way when one stares up at the night sky full of stars.

When you move, you're forced to put all your belongings in boxes, inventory and number them. You get rid of things that you couldn't even remember getting in the first place. You have to make "life or death" decisions about objects and belongings; do they continue to live with you or have they given all they have. Your stuff shrinks and fits in boxes. It then gets loaded up into a truck and pulls away.

Does my life really fit in a U-Haul? Is that all I have to show for myself? That feeling lasts only for a couple of hours or beers, whichever comes first. I soon remind myself that the stuff needs to get un-packed at the other end. Oh boy! I hate unpacking.

First day of (pre) school

With great anticipation we welcomed September 2nd, the first day of school for S. We were running late so we skipped the bus and took a cab to get to school exactly at 9. Imagine our surprise when the Director of admissions tells us "you're too early". Apparently, one of the 239 mailings we received over the summer was the schedule for the first 3 days. As it turns out, we were not the only parents who had not gotten the mailing.

So we had to kill about 1.5 hours AND it was only a 30 minute session for kids to get acclimated. Granted our S has been attending summer camp and has no separation anxiety, but is this type of thing really necessary? 30 minutes yesterday, then 1 hour today, with the official first day of class being Thursday. Whatever, this is a Montessori school and I'll go along with it.

What really got to me was the way they "welcomed" us as first year student/parents. Their attitude of "you're early", "you should have gotten it", "the letter is somewhere in the pile of letters while you were away". Basically, it was our fault that we did not get the mailing and showed up early.

As I read this, it sounds whiney. This is my blog so I can whine if I want.