Moving musings
It's moving time again. A few days after this column is published, I will be firmly ensconced in my new B Street residence.
As I finish up the packing, lifting, and transferring from my old apartment into my new dwelling, my thoughts have gone back to the move I made one year ago, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Marion County.
It's a story I'd like to share with you.
And if you're an unmarried, single woman like myself, I hope this story will encourage you.
July of 2001: It was time to move from Idaho to Kansas. When I first headed out West to that mountainous state, all my worldly possessions (or at least the ones I took with me) fit in the back of a U-Haul trailer.
One year later, and I owned two loveseats. I was no longer mobile.
So when it came time to move to Marion County, I only had one choice: drive a moving truck, fill it with my stuff, and tow my car behind.
I set it up. Reserved a 10-foot bright yellow truck from Ryder and a tow dolly to put my car on.
Then the naysayers got involved.
A typical conversation from a co-worker, family member, or church friend would go like this:
"You're driving all the way to Kansas BY YOURSELF? Aren't you scared? How can you drive that truck? What if something happens?"
Everyone meant well. They just wanted my safety. My dad even offered to fly or bus up to Idaho Falls and drive back with me.
But something inside of me knew that I had to make this trip by myself. Me, a single 23-year-old girl. Driving a moving truck through Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas by myself for more than 1,200 miles.
Two days after leaving, I pulled in front of my parents' Salina house, feeling triumphant. I did it.
Why am I sharing all this? Just to brag?
Maybe a little. But moreso, I want to tell people that just because I'm not married doesn't mean I'm helpless and can't take care of myself.
And if you're a single or widowed lady, you can too.
Finally, a note to my strong (and, of course, muscular) dad and brother: You're still going to help me move on Saturday, right?
— JENNIFER WILSON
