Atlanta to Tampa Trek

On Sunday, my brother and I made our trek back to Florida. I call it a trek because it became one by virtue of my car not having air conditioning. Yes, you read that right. Here in the South, I didn't have AC in my vehicle for over 2 months. Summer became sticky, sweaty and well, mostly spent inside with errands consolidated. It quickly reminded me of my childhood summers in Taiwan, where AC is a luxury, only to be turned on when the heat and humidity is unbearable or one is trying to get some rest with an afternoon nap. If only I could have strapped a window unit into my car.

With temperatures in the high 90's for the last month or so and my car thermometer seemingly happy to report that asphalt can hit over 100 when baking in the sun, we were faced with perhaps the hottest and most uncomfortable ride ever. Thankfully I took my father's advice and we left early in the morning- 4 AM early.

For kicks, we decided to take sporatic photos of the time and the temperature as we cruised along I-75 southbound. (Mostly when someone was wake and not driving to take them.) The ride was nice and cool and with few cars on the road, made it an easy drive. We arrived home in just under 7 hours. A few bathroom breaks and a trip to McD's added a few minutes, but it was still a good fast drive.

For the first 4 hours or so, the temperatures hovered between 72-76. Keep in mind that this would have been around the 4:30-8:30 AM time slot. Despite what the first photo says- it was taken on the gravel parking area of CB and SP's house- the starting temp was 72 when we hit the Connector.

It finally started feeling a little hot around High Springs/ Lake City, FL when the temps were in the mid 80's- steady and rising.

We pulled into Tampa as the thermometer flirted on and off with 90 and the dark clouds were rolling in for a morning shower.

Ah, Florida.

My Life in a Box

My life stuffed in 10 x 10 storage unit. Well, most it and then some (F's mattress and dresser and a few boxes for him). Longest transition ever.

Relief- none in sight

Applications submitted- check
Interviews completed- check
Admitted to schools- check
Deposit submitted- check
Resignation given- check
Work wrapped up- check
Belongings stored- check
Last day complete- check

I keep waiting for this feeling of relief to come- satisfaction that I completed something- like the way you felt playing Super Mario Brothers and opened up a new stage. Throughout all of this, I kept thinking that at any given moment or stage in this whole process, busy season included too, that at one point I'd feel good about what I had done and that I had accomplished something. I got accepted into several programs. I was offered a scholarship. I'm going to Georgetown. That feeling has yet to hit me. I'm still waiting for it.

If anything has hit me, it is UTTER EXHAUSTION. The stress of wrapping up my work and moving has manifested itself in organizing things and cleaning things. Now that I finally put the last of my belongings that I won't need in July into storage, I'm STILL waiting for that feeling of accomplishment and relief and LOOKING FORWARD to it.

I contend that moving back to the FL will finally bring some relief and peace of mind. But I suspect that it might not really come until I'm moved into DC-- still several weeks down the road. I've never considered myself to be a dramatic person, but this sure does feel dramatic. ridiculous and self-inflicted.

Here's to hoping that sun and sand and family brings relief and relaxation.

Things I'll Miss

Running list of things I'll miss about the A in random order.

1. Buckhead Church
2. easily accessible pools
3. mild winters
4. flying nonstop through ATL
5. cheap parking
6. 2 mile commute to the office
7. working on my bucket list, which will be incomplete when I leave
8. dinner parties in the 2 amazing houses I've lived in
9. a short 80 min plane ride to TPA
10. Robbi at Adore
11. Bagels from Belly General Store
12. $2 tacos and margs from Taqueria