The Move from H e l l

The Gayla Pink Apple

  

The Move From H E L L

 

If It Could Go Wrong, It Did!

 

Yesterday was our actual moving day.  To fully get the picture of just how horrible the day went, I need to give you some background.  I've worked tirelessly the past month lining up a sensible way to do this.  Since Blair is going to NYC, and it was not feasible to move her furniture etc to NYC, we decided to store it. 

 

I sent big name professional movers over to give on-site estimates.  Nothing was realistic.  I asked people in the apartment building for suggestions and was given local movers they recommended.  So many issues - for example parking permit.  You have to pay a $200 parking permit to park on the street in front of the apartment to load your moving truck.  But I discovered if a local mover is 'in the know'  they park in the side alley and use the freight elevator so no parking permit is needed as long as a person stays with the truck at all times.

Decisions made - movers lined up - Uhaul rented - storage facility located and all confirmations in hand.  Movers show up - two little whimpy guys who do not look any stronger than me.  Well, one looked like he knew what he was doing, and the other looked like he was about 13 yrs old with no muscle.  Oh dear - make the best of it.  I had talked with the owner several times and we got along well.  I explained to him there were two critical pieces that could not be damaged and I needed assistance taking apart the bed frame, headboard, & stuff.  Oh, no problem!  The guys arrived with no tools - arggggg!  I had to beg and borrow tools from the apartment management.  The first piece they pick up is one of the critical pieces and they break or chip a hunk out of the bottom corner.  Almost dropped it - might as well have.  I explained in my voice of authority I am not happy.  Everything and I mean everything goes down hill.  A job estimate of 3 hours turns into 7 hours.  Why you wonder?  Because the freight elevator stops working, so we have to use the regular elevator and go out the front door and down the side alley.  Usually this means some a--hole has blocked the elevator from going up and down, because they are using it and do not want to share.  After several trips the hard way the freight elevator is working again!  Oh my, guess the a--hole finished!  Oh well, move on and make the best of it.  We are back on track - if that's possible! 

Now, the Uhaul issue....First, I made reservations for the Uhaul and they would not allow me to pick it up at the location I requested.  Keep in mind I do not have a car.  I am taking taxi or public transportation to the Uhaul place and meeting my mover guys there so they can drive.  But I'm fine with it so far.   However, when my 3 hr moving job turns into a 7 hr ordeal, I am not able to get the Uhaul truck back to the drop off by my required time - and for that matter, can't get there before closing.  I called them and they inform me someone else has my vehicle scheduled, they were not happy, but they adjusted, etc.  So, for now all is still good.

Storage Facility issue .... I had a confirmation for a climate control interior unit and upon arrival the unit is not available. I show them my confirmation - but, doesn't matter.  I'm forced to take two smaller units although I try to tell them our things will not fit.  It is close to closing time.  I have a Uhaul truck and movers sitting and waiting to unload.  Basically I'm forced to take what is available.  Plus, the girl informs me she is working overtime (by 10 minutes).  We start unloading and she leaves.  Our things do not fit and now what the h e c k  do I do!  We force, and I mean force, it all in the two units and it is a mess!  I'm not happy at all and Blair is almost in tears. 

It is 8 pm and I am feeling very defeated and have pretty much hit bottom.  The mover guys are ridiculously inapt at their job, I can't get the proper storage unit, and I can't get the Uhaul truck returned timely.  I'm pretty beat both physically and emotionally.  Fighting back the tears. 

Driving back to take the Uhaul and drop it off via after hours instructions.  Have to stop and buy gas for the Uhaul or I'm charged a ridiculous fee - something like a $30 fee plus $4.50 per gallon it takes to replace the gas.   Talking to myself...OK make the best of a bad situation.  Just get home - well not home - get back to an empty apartment and rethink it - try to figure something out.  A side note - we are sleeping on the floor after this tiring day, but we do have a hotel for Friday night then to NYC Saturday morning. 

I've settled with my mover guys and they are gone. Blair and I call a taxi to get back - 30 min wait!  OMG!  We stand outside the closed Uhaul waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for a taxi.
We are not in the best area of town - but we are not fearful - just very industrial which is why a taxi wait is so long.  My feet hurt - I have blisters on bottom of my feet - my back is killing me - I'm whipped.  Ahhhhhh, taxi arrives - we are finally about to end this ordeal.  As we get out of the taxi I realize I still have the Uhaul truck keys in my pocket.  OMG!  Taxi back to Uhaul - taxi waits while I drop off the keys and now taxi back.  By this time it's after 9pm and Blair is trying to get out the door to go meet friends at the yoga place for a final goodbye.  I tell the taxi to let me out at the restaurant.  Afterall, I need a place to sit down (no furniture in apt now) and I need some food (nothing since smoothie for breakfast) and I need a cocktail! 

Rock Bottom Restaurant is only a block from the apartment, and although it's not my favorite place it is close and the name fits me perfectly at the moment. I feel like I have hit rock bottom.   Table for ONE please! 

The Move from H E L L,
Gayla

 

 

 



Bitter Sweet Week in Boston

The Gayla Pink Apple

Bitter Sweet Week in Boston
A Little Walk Down Memory Lane
Goodbye Boston - Hello New York

 

Still in Boston with Blair packing her belongings to move to storage.  Then we will be traveling to New York together moving Blair into a flat in Manhattan. She will be taking classes at NYU.

Wrapping-and-a-Packing (Blair)

Leaving Boston is bitter sweet for her - but, for me too. I have visited her pretty often, during the past four years, while she attended Emerson College. I loved visiting Boston and have my favorite restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. Nearby shopping on Newbury Street is fabulous. It is a beautiful street filled with designer shops and quaint cafes and fine dining restaurants. It is "the place" to shop and talk about! Boston Common (oldest city park in the US) is located across the street from Emerson and next to it is the Boston Public Garden filled with beautiful flowers, a lot of people, and paths to walk, run, or just sit and relax. 

My gorgeous Blair - beautiful inside and out   

I've become very familiar with Boylston Street where many upscale shops and restaurants are located as well, and I actually can maneuver the area very well.  Emerson College is on Boylston Street as well as Blair's apartment.  Also very close is Copley Square which is mall like shopping with Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and many others.  At the same time I found Marshalls and TJ Maxx and shop them too. 

 
One of my favorite restuarants in Boston is The Rustic Kitchen.  Blair and I dine there every single time I visit. I always order their blood orange martini, fig and goat cheese pizza (and we take it back with us to eat at midnight or the next day), and an entree of either some type of fish or sea scallops -- my favorites. I love the relaxed atmosphere, yet high end / fine dining quality of food. 

Blair and Gayla, Rustic Kitchen, Boston, MA  - May 2012

 

I have become accustomed to the cabs and the Charlie or T (public transportation) but admit I don't use it much.  I'm not keen on taking the T.  At this age in my life, do not hesitate to hail a cab and pay the fare.  My best taxi story is last August when I was helping Blair move into her studio apartment for her senior year.   We had been shopping to stock her kitchen/refrigerator/etc.  The deal was to walk to the market as our last stop of the day and then get a taxi home.  We had been to Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, and the grocery market so we were loaded down with shopping bags.  As the taxi driver stops in front of the apartment building he doesn't bother to help us get our bags out of the back.  Blair and I quickly start gathering up the bags and wouldn't you know the bottom of one of my bags (paper not plastic) breaks and items start rolling down Boylston Street, and I go running picking up my things in the street.  The front desk person at the apartment comes out to help us, and the taxi driver starts to drive off, with bags still in the back, and me still trying to gather items off the street, as cars drive by honking.  The front desk man whistles at the taxi to stop as he helps get the bags still left in the taxi.  I looked up at the front desk man to thank him and said "and I tipped that damn taxi driver too!"

Blair and Gayla, May 14, 2012 Emerson College Commencement

 

I will always have wonderful memories of Emerson and Boston.  I left Blair as a first year student where she knew no one at the school or in the city.  Being 26 hours away from home, and as a parent knots in my stomach, but yet I knew in my heart she would be OK.  We met for breakfast the day I was leaving and then walked her back to her dorm.  I hugged and kissed her telling her I loved her and that we would talk soon - turned and walked away - got about 20 feet away and just so happened to glance over my shoulder to see her one last time - our eyes met as we both had turned to look over our shoulders at the same time.  Our eyes were filled with tears, trying so hard not to blink, we both smiled, waved, and kept walking. 

Her second year she studied abroad in London for six months.  I wasn't really worried about that - perhaps I should have been.  She traveled a lot while there - skydived in Switzerland, visited Greece, Paris, Madrid, Whales, Berlin, Rome, Milan, Scotland, and others I can't remember right now.   One lucky girl, if you ask me, and as her mother very proud for her and glad she got to do it. 

Her last two years in Boston at Emerson she lived in apartments both years and that made it very easy for me to visit because no hotel room required.  To finish her time here, it was with great pride to be here for her graduation a few months ago.  Now back this week to move her, and at the same time bringing my Boston visits to an end.  I have loved visiting several times a year and this one no exception.  Well, thanks for going down memory lane with me.

I'm excited to watch Blair as she enters a new chapter in her young adult life and the experiences that come with it for me as her mother.  No, I'm not going back to Little Rock just yet! So long and goodbye Boston, Hello New York City - The Big Apple!

 

My Heart Cries and Smiles,

Gayla

 

 



B & B (Not Bed & Breakfast) with Swoops & Swooshes

The Gayla Pink Apple

My Boston & Blair Long Weekend

With Several Swoops and Swooshes

And a Couple of "Really - Are You Kidding" Moments

 

 

My nice long weekend in Boston with Blair is coming to a halt and it is time to start packing to move her things. No, I'm not going home, yet.   I purposely came a few days early to spend time in Boston with Blair without being stressed and without our environment being turned upside down.

 

My weekend has been enjoyable.  I spent a couple days exploring the area on my own because Blair had plans with friends.  I expected that - afterall, she is 22 years old - and most likely was not as excited for me to come a few days early as I was.  None the less, I've had a great time with and without her at my side.

 

I decided I'd make a trip to Shaws - the closest grocery store.  It is a nice walk - fairly nice long walk if you are carrying very many groceries.   In the past, we usually make the grocery stop last on our list and take a taxi home.  But, I decided I'd walk both ways and take my time.  I meandered through the grocery store.  Studied the brands and carefully selected items which were not too heavy.  I had plenty of time so was not hurrying at all.  I watched people, etc as I pushed my cart up and down each and every isle. 

 

I wanted frozen fruit for smoothies but this lady was standing in front of the glass front door.  I said "excuse me" ?? She didn't move; and I said "excuse me" ??  She still did not move;  so I said "EXCUSE ME" and still no movement.  She was a tiny lady with dark hair and I looked at her with the thought of saying OK lady get out of my way!  But, I didn't say it.  Low and behold the poor lady was standing at her cart asleep.  Her eyes were shut and she just continued to stand there sleeping.  It became obvious to me she was heavily medicated and appeared to not know where she was etc.  I kindly said "excuse me" and gently touched her arm to wake her.  I continued by saying "I'm sorry to bother you I need in this freezer."  I startled her and she opened her eyes - I'm thinking OMGosh this lady has no idea where she is or what she is doing.  She moved about 6" which barely let me open the door but I managed.  I said "thank you" and as I started to leave she says "can you help me find the green peas?"  Well, I really wanted to help her and I felt very sad for her.  But, I am in a strange store and I have no idea where the green peas are.  I smiled and said "I'm sorry, I don't know where the green peas are" and she hands me her grocery list.  I quickly handed it back to her and pushed my cart the other way.  I hope the lady found her green peas.   I felt badly and later went back to check on her - she was still standing there sleeping.  I went back again a few times because I was worried about her but didn't really know what to do -- finally a store employee was helping her.  I  moved on.

 

Made my way to the check out.  Fumbled through my bag trying to find the Shaws card (like a Kroger card) but no luck.  Oh well, forget the card.  I'm checked out, my groceries bagged and I'm out the door.  I've organized my things so I can easily carry them and make the fairly long walk back.  As I walk out the door a big swoop of wind catches my tunic length top and swoosh goes my shirt up over my head exposing my unsightly leggings and camisole.  My hands are full so good luck to me getting my shirt down.  I stop and put down my groceries to fight my shirt.  OK, all is good now.  Picked up my groceries and off I go!  Another big swoosh of wind again and over my head goes my shirt.  After three of four times of this I am not only embarrassed but very frustrated.  I look around and there before my eyes is a taxi and I'm sure the driver watched my fight with my shirt.  I calmly open the door and say to him "I think that ordeal warrants a taxi ride home, don't you?"  He smiles and nods!  He was very kind and when I get out he says "take your time getting your things - take all the time you need!"  I did!  Tipped him well.

 

After recovering from my grocery trip, I decide to shop.  I am a TJMaxx shopper.  Love to find a bargain.  The TJMaxx store here is not very good but I decide to go anyway.  Off down the street I go as if I know exactly where I'm going (and I do), weaving in and out of people, acting just like the locals, with the attitude of 'geez get out of my way' walking fast to get to my destination.  Make my way inside removing my sunglasses and scrambling in my bag to find my glasses.  REALLY? ARE YOU KIDDING? NO GLASSES IN MY PURSE!  Well, just great.  Now I've walked all this way and forgot my glasses.  They are readers and I'm sure I left them on the table.  I decide to buy a pair of readers and luckily I found them - but the check out line is sooooo dang long!  I'm thinking REALLY?  ARE YOU KIDDING?  Gambled and asked the lady at the jewelry counter if she would check me out sharing my story with her.  She did!  No luck shopping the store and I wasn't surprised so out the door I go - this time NO SWOOP OR SWOOSH! 

 

Ended my day with a run in the Boston Public Garden next to Boston Common...jogging alone with my music and at the same time trying to pay attention to every detail of the path.  I am not familiar with the path and I don't want to weave my way into a path that I can't find my way out.  People everywhere sitting on benches relaxing - others running in and out of people standing in the way visiting.  I'm in my own little world focusing on my music and my heart rate.  I notice a couple of young guys sitting on a bench but pay no attention until I hear one of them say to me "Can't you smile while you are running?"  I shook my head NO and kept running thinking to myself REALLY? ARE YOU KIDDING? 

 

I love Boston in spite of it all,

Gayla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY VIRGINIA

~~The Gayla Pink Apple~~

 

Happy 85th Birthday to my Dear Friend Virginia
A Fabulous Lady!!

Virginia - one of my fav photos of her.

I met Virginia when I was 25 years old - first day on a new job with the federal government - Internal Revenue Service in 1981.  We had the same position just in different departments.  Virginia and I immediately bonded.  She took me under her wings and showed me the ropes!!!  We quickly became friends outside of work although she was 25-30 years older than me. 

Almost every morning, shortly after I arrived at my desk, I would hear the door between our office areas open and Virginia would come around the corner and I'd hear "Good Morning Sunshine." Her wonderful spirit and beautiful smile were always a welcome to start my day. Virginia wore a lot of jewelry - something we had in common - we both loved, absolutely loved, jewelry and beautiful clothes. She seldom, if ever, was in a bad mood or showed anger or frustration towards anyone.

I was a newlywed and quickly latched on to Virginia for guidance and how to do things particularly in the kitchen.  It was long distance to call my mother in Greenbrier so I'd call Virginia.  She would stay on the phone with me and give me step-by-step directions on how to do or make whatever. 

Virginia lived with and took care of her mother.  After Mrs. Tiemann was in bed, Virginia would come over and sit and visit with us, or I'd go over to her house and watch TV and visit with her.  We were like best friends, sisters, and even little bit mother/daughter.  Although she would never replace my mother and didn't really see me as a daughter, still felt like an element of a mother/daughter relationship.  She is definitely a family member in my eyes.  I love her like no other.

Virginia is my friend that I can share anything and no matter what I share she is still my friend.  She doesn't throw things back in my face.  She doesn't criticize me if I change my mind on how I feel about things.  She rejoices with me when things are great and when good things happen in my life and is saddened for me when things do not go so great. 

Virginia knew how to knit and she made beautiful colorful sweaters for herself. One day I decided I wanted her to teach me to knit. I bought knitting needles and bright yellow yarn. Started knitting and she would come over and we would knit together. Every few rows she would stop and look at mine to make sure I was on the right track. I'd then knit on my own for a few days and she would come back over and check on my progress. To make a long story short, one day she kindly decided to finish my sweater for me. Somehow I'd gotten things a little off and ended up with a mess of a sweater that did not look like a sweater at all. She finished it and I wore it!!! I tried one more sweater for my husband and she had to finish that one as well. So that ended my knitting.

Me and Virginia at one of her retirement parties.

Virginia played the accordion (musical instrument) and sang beautifully.  She sang in her church choir many years.  She performed often, when she was younger, for weddings, events, etc.  Although I wasn't around her during those years I can imagine her singing and playing and enjoying entertaining people.  When she retired from the IRS she played and sang at her own retirement party.  My husband and I had a small private retirement party for her at our house and she cried when she opened her gift - a gold watch - which at the time I thought was very very fancy.  

Virginia playing her accordion.

Our little dog, a miniature schnauzer, loved Virginia.  He knew her voice and went crazy each time she entered the house.  She later added a schnauzer to her own home named Rebecca.  Gosh, we all loved Rebecca.  Rebecca died while Virginia was in California visiting her only relatives - couple cousins and her aunt.  I will never forget when she called me from California to tell me the dog sitter had called and told her Rebecca died.  Can you imagine, your beloved pet dying while you are traveling.  We cried together.  Today, she has another pet which is her pride and joy - Gigi.  Her tiny little black toy poodle.  She is precious for sure! I love Gigi - she jumps in my lap and acts like she likes me so I'm going to claim she does.

Years ago, I didn't have nice things like Virginia did but she was my friend anyway.  I have since acquired some nice things in my home but none of that matters to Virgina.  She gave me beautiful  antique framed maps which hang in my home today.  She has given me antiques I treasured.  She gave me a gorgeous gold mirror because she wanted me to have it.  She gave me tea sets and silver flatware because she had so many beautiful things and she wanted me to have beautiful things too. 

When I was pregnant with Blair and putting together the nursery, Virginia pulled two lovely framed pictures from her storage which at one time hung in her nursery when she was a baby.  I hung them in Blair's nursery and they are still hanging in Blair's room today.  They are treasured greatly.

 
 



At Christmas Virginia put out her Santa collection, made homemade caramel candy and shared with many her gracious hospitality and love for people.  She gave me the sled she had as a child and I put red berries on it and display it at Christmas on the front porch.  She usually comes over a day or so before Christmas with her candy and love.  She admires my decorations and makes me feel so proud to share holiday special time with her.

I could go on and on for pages about Virginia but have to stop somewhere.  I will end my blog by saying...Virginia is my dear treasured friend, who has always been by my side through thick and thin and cheers to my Virginia on her 85th birthday.  I panic of fear when I think about not having her in my life some day, but for now, she still drives, we still go to dinner, and she still is my dear and treasured friend like no other!!!!  I love you, Virginia Louise!!   You are the most fabulous 85 year old lady I know!!!

My Heart Smiles,
Gayla

Cookie Blair

The Gayla Pink Apple Blog



I am in Boston visiting Blair to help her pack and move her belongings at the end of August.  I arrived here yesterday and decided to start this blog. 

Last night, Blair decided that she was going to go for a run.  She was dressed in her workout clothes and met a girl on the elevator who asked if she was going for a walk.  Blair told her she was going for a run, but that she walked a bit before she started the run.  The girl asked if she could walk with her until she started to run.  They chatted as they walked and Blair learned that the girl had just moved into the building on the same floor and was attending law school in Boston.  She had graduated from college in Madrid and grew up in Florida.

As they walked, the girl asked Blair questions about the building and the area.  She was new to Boston as she had just moved in at the end of July.  She asked Blair about her running route along the esplanade as she had never heard of the esplanade.  Blair told her she had just graduated from Emerson and was leaving Boston next week to take classes in New York.  Blair also mentioned how she was very sad to leave her apartment building, running route, and just her life in Boston.

When the two girls were crossing the bridge to the esplanade, the girl asked Blair if she did yoga.  She explained that she was looking for a studio and wanted to know if Blair knew anything about the studio down the street from their apartment.  She was talking about Back Bay Yoga, which is the studio Blair has practiced yoga and had work study with for the past year.  Blair told the girl this and that it was a great yoga studio and she would love it there.

Well, when the time arrived for Blair to start running and the girl to keep walking the girl said to Blair, "Don't worry, I'll take care of your building, floor, running route, and yoga studio."  This made Blair's heart smile and she asked the girl her name and learned that it was Cookie.  Blair told Cookie her name and Cookie's reply was, "Oh Blair is my middle name."

When Blair came home from the run and told me this story, she said she thought about it the entire run and that it made her feel better about leaving Boston.  She said she didn't have to be sad about leaving anymore because she was still leaving Boston a Blair who lived in her building on her floor who was going to run her esplanade route and take classes at her yoga studio!  Brought tears to both of our eyes.

My Heart Smiles,
Gayla