On the Eve

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On the eve of my birthday, I've been informed that if this MBA adventure doesn't work out for our family, I could always get a job as a professional packer.

I'd like to think this is a compliment, but I'm not sure. One thing is for sure, though, we've astounded people all along our travels. From the very first forklift driver who loaded our container on the back of his flatbed all the while trying to keep his forklift from toppling, to the moving company who helped us unload that same container today, we've gotten a nod or two of respect for how well we've packed.

Our Relocube safely stowed, no forklifts were seriously injured in the process.
And it isn't just with the Relocube. There is that small detail of our 87 pound suitcase that we (and by that I mean SOS) lugged in and out of cars, up and down stairs, on and off trains all before realizing that it weighed in as it did. That's one advantage of traveling without checking luggage. Only on our return ferry ride from British Columbia, did the suitcase get assigned with (no less than) five neon orange stickers marked "HEAVY."*

Heavy is one way to describe it, but we've also had bellhops comment that we certainly know how to pack a suitcase. And the unloading help today compared our packing job with the best packers in their company.

Taxi drivers expressed surprised we could fit in all that we did.

Passersby in train terminals marveled and people behind us in line at customs gossiped about our crazy move cross-country by way of train and overnight vacationing in Canada.
Because doesn't this look like the most comfortable way to move cross-country?

But on the eve of my birthday, which also happens to be the last night of hotel living after four weeks of thirteen different beds, let me tell you that I am very glad not to have a job as a professional packer.

I get plenty of packing assignments as it is.



*Disclaimer: In the event that you plan a ferry ride to Victoria, BC, keep in mind that the official weight limit for checked luggage is 70 pounds. 

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