It seems every weekend for the past two months has been filled with chaos, and much of the same. Packing, searching for something to eat in our kitchen that gets more bare by the minute so we are making strange meals out of nothing, and trying to soak up one last bit of Virginia before the big move.
FRIDAY: Daniel got home from being in Ohio for a week and rescued me came to get the baby from my office around lunch time so I could frantically get some work done before the weekend, and more importantly, before my last week of work. When I got home, we played with Cael and decompressed a bit since he had been up since five and drove over 8 hours. Then we got in the car to head to dinner...the old hat routine of not knowing where to end up but too hungry to really care if it was scraps from a dumpster. It was pushing Cael's bedtime (that's quickly becoming a habit on Friday nights these days) and so we wanted something quick and easy. After rattling off everything we know we won't be able to get in Ohio in a week after the move....Noodles, Potbelly, Fosters...we somehow always land on "The Hotel" otherwise known as City Tavern in Old Towne. Anyone that knows my husband or has come to visit, will understand why we have eaten here about 550 times in the past month to get our complete "fill."
This brings me to my next story, and I apologize for this long-winded post in advance. We pulled into the hotel and could tell Cael was getting sleepy, but he was happy. As per usual, there was no wait and everyone (the hostess, waiters making their rounds) greeted us with huge smiles, yet sad comments since they all know we will be moving. It has felt so good to become "regulars" somewhere over the past six years...and this is our place, hands down. We got seated with our favorite server, George, an older man from Greece, with a stern accent, and a huge heart. Six years ago, I will admit I was scared of him. But I quickly learned that asking for his section will guarantee good conversation and excellent service. He just means business, and now that we have gotten to know him and he us, he also means heartwarming conversation. Tonight was no different, and we were pleased that we got seated with him.
Cael was being goofy in his high chair, squealing at everyone that went by, grabbing at George's billfold in his back pocket, and at smiling at himself in the mirrors surrounding our table. Daniel whispered across the table that the couple sitting a table across, were the people we met a few months ago (maybe six) that lived in Cincinnati for some time that we struck a two hour, fun conversation with. I looked, but didn't remember if it was them. When our food came out, Cael grabbed for my bread. Before we knew it, the lady of the couple at the table said "Oh my gosh, he is eating on his own now!! I can't believe how he has grown so much in so little time!" Ok...so it was them, and they definitely remembered us as well! Next thing we know, we are back in full conversation about the move (which they remembered was a possibility at the time) and everything else both of our lives. Before we know it, the couple in the corner table between us chimes in with a funny comment about George, our server. I had heard some banter back and forth between them, and didn't pick up on the accent until they got into our conversation. It was George's brother (also born in Greece) and his wife (who hit it big with Cael since she is an elementary teacher and has a neat accent as well)!! The night turned into one of the best nights we have had in Virginia. It brought me to tears as we ended the night all paying our bills, laughing with George, and hugging tight to the memories we made and well-wishes to our new adventures in Ohio. I wish I had gotten some pictures, but I was too busy taking snapshots in my mind of this beautiful night.
SATURDAY: We got up early to take my car for a tune-up before the move. While it was being worked on, we headed to Target and TJMaxx. At Target, it was like we hit the jackpot because it was their huge stock-day and they were so helpful in breaking down some boxes for us to have for free!! We packed, and packed and packed some more. It's amazing how many things you can accumulate over six years, marriage and a baby! Luckily, we got a huge chunk of the rooms done and in boxes...and managed to not pack the baby who crawled around, stood up on things he shouldn't have, and maneuvered through the war zone that our house had become. Cael tried his first taste of Skyline for dinner, and LOVED it!!! We ended the night with a visit from Meagan and Joey.
SUNDAY: We got up fairly early to get packing again before meeting Justin, Cari and their baby Sean. The baby boys had so much fun making a huge mess for the server eating together at Outback. Daniel is really going to miss Justin so much...even if neither of them will admit it. We came back home to get the house clear of any health hazards for baby, and to get a fresh start for MOVING WEEK!! By night's end (around 1 a.m.) we had the kitchen, pantry, hall closet, utility room, living room and bathroom packed up tight and in the "holding zone" of the house which used to be the dining room.
Cheers to moving week...let the games begin!
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