O-HI-O

I am officially an Ohio resident. I got (barely) my driver's license and became a registered voter. Passing the driving test was challenging because I did not even see column three. Things improved when I put my glasses on. I also didn't know some of the specific state laws on drinking and driving.

I turned in my old plates. I have to say I don't miss parking in Boston.

Shortly after getting my license my car died. This is where cars go to die in Northern Kentucky (where I was at the time of death). I only got $240.00 for the hunk of metal. I guess that's what's happens when you drive a car half way across the country with a cracked radiator. Luckily I didn't break down in the middle of nowher

Slacker

Working 3 jobs, buying a new car, and meeting new people has caused me to slack off on my blog... alot! Things have settled down now; I"m down to 2 jobs, got the cutest new car... and the blog is back.

Here I am at CrossFit Covington. This was my first job in the Mid West. I absolutely love it! I work part-time as a CrossFit coach. Love the members and the other trainers! They nicknamed me CBass.

Here I am on my way to the floral department at Kroger. Don't hate me because I have the coolest uniform ever! Luckily this job is in the past. The pay sucked and the work was hard!         

 

I work full-time here at the RiverCenter Health Club. Yay.... I have health insurance again!

My new car and the man who sold it to me. It's so nice to drive a car that doesn't have flashing interior lights!

Chilaxing on Sunday

Syd and Ace... I love his ears!

Waking from a nap, Ace realized Toad was on the other side of my leg. Seconds later Toad tried to kill him, but all she accomplished was biting my thumb. We're making a little progress each day... soon they will be best buddies!

Strike Up The Band!

Mary and I went to Covington, Kentucky last week to see Gary's band play at Chez Nora. On the way home we stopped at The Anchor for some late night eats. Who knew we'd get another show for free! This band played all night (along with the juke box.)

Seriously, everytime the jukebox played a new song, the lights dimmed, the curtain openned and closed, and Barbie struck up the band. Take a close look...Barbie and Ken are in there!

SOLD!!!

I won't be needing those keys anymore... My condo officially sold on April 11th. The check cleared a few days later :) Ahhh...I feel relieved that I don't have to come up with mortgage $$$ every month but I so miss my condo, my neighborhood, city life, and all my friends.

Here's to a new beginning!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I celebrated my 45th birthday with my brother, sister-in-law, and the kids. They dressed me in this hat then took me out for Mexican food. Everyone in the restaurant kept wishing me a happy birthday  and I couldn't figure out how they knew. Duh!

After dinner we headed home for cake; baked by Kathy and decorated by Syd.

They remembered that I like LOTS of canned vanilla frosting.

And of course they sang...

Red Dog

I took my brother's dog Ace for a walk in the woods. We drove out to Loveland to pick up my friend Mary and her two Coon Hounds, Red Dog and Thompson. When I pulled up Red Dog was running around with pride and a big smile. It looked like he had a big tree branch in his mouth. Take a look...

Yeah... it's a deer hoof alright.

I Have Arrived

The Ohio sign marked the worst part of the drive. I thought once I hit Ohio it would be a quick easy drive, but it was long and boring! Maybe I was anxious to get "home", or maybe I was just tired of driving, either way the last 4 hours took forever!

Then I passed Kings Island and knew I was close to my destination.

I snapped the photo without looking while driving... not a great shot but you get the idea.

At last I reached my brother's house. Check out my new (temporary digs).

1/2 Way There

Toad and I drove to Breezeway, PA today. We are staying at the lovely Best Western; I dined at Denny's... what could be better? The drive wasn't bad. We started with snow in CT, which quickly turned to rain and gloom. It was so overcast that I couldn't even see NYC skyline when we drove through. By the time we got to PA it was warm and sunny. We looked at farm land and trucks for hours. And the PA rest stop smelled like cows. 

Packing Up

Cathy came over last Sunday to help me ship all my boxes to Ohio. About 100 flights of stairs, 3 trips to the post office, 3 forgotten boxes, and $500.00 later all my stuff was sent. I figured I had nothing but "last minute" stuff to do. So I spent the next 2 days getting papers to the lawyers, finishing my taxes, having dinner with friends, one more final trip to finale, and climbing the Bunker Hill Monument. Of course my last minute stuff took much longer than planned and I ended up leaving for CT 3 hours late. Good thing I am not on a tight schedule!

A view from the top of the Bunker Hill Monument

Tara and Aoife on Bunker Hill

Final Finale treat with Cathy

I spent the rest of the week and weekend in CT visiting friends and family. Everyone was so great for coming to see me. Especially my Aunt Joanne who welcomed Toad and I, baked me a cake, took me to the gym, made me the cutest card, and threw me 2 family parties that included a game of Encore. I will miss them all SO MUCH!

Jessica at Ballet

The whole family

My good-bye cake decorated by Carli and Jess

Tomorrow Toad and I start our journey to Ohio. We will drive to Clarion, PA, stay over night, and arrive in Ohio on Tuesday evening. First stop my cousin Rick's house to check my oil.

I hope the pictures will give you a good idea of what I've been up to the past few days (clearly not blogging).  I've been way too tired to write. Even though I have sold or given away all my belongings,  signed a purchase and sale agreement on my condo, packed up my car and started the drive to Ohio, I don't feel like I have moved away from Boston. I just feel like I am on vacation. I wonder when reality will set in.

Harness Practice

The vet suggested I keep Toad on a leash and harness when we stop for rests on the road. She's been wearing the harness all week. No problem. Today I put the leash on her and took her for a walk down the hall. I have no doubt she will never run away!

Goodbyes

Rhonda at Frank's Steak House

Attracta and Valerie at one of our Tuesday lunches.

Eric and Laura. Mmm... I am going to miss our trips to Finale.

Masha and her adorable daughter

Dorianna at the Buddhist Center. Why did I not find out about this hidden jewel until I was ready to move!

Tara, Aiofe and John at Berticci's

Alicia and I at Bertucci's with the O'Grady's

Kara and I at our favorite after biking stop. But really, Jose's is great any time!

I Don't Like Mondays

This week turned out to be a challenge in many ways. I ended up postponing my move date because of a few major delays. First of all I was going to pick Mark Wong up so he could work on my computer before I left. 2 blocks from his house I got pulled over for an expired registration. I was treated like a criminal. "Turn off your car, give me the keys, and step out of the vehicle" was what the cop said to me. I mean, I know I have to keep my registration current, but I didn't know the police impound your car if you expire.

In the end he let me get a private tow, and didn't ticket me. Still it took a good part of the day to get the car registered. All set now! Thanks again Mark!

Sky Zone

Merissa and I finally made it to the sky zone today. It was not easy getting her out of the house for more than 1 hour ;) I had no idea that trampolining was such an intense cardio workout. While we were jumping it was just silly and fun. When we stopped I was dizzy and out of breath.

I improved a lot after the video was taken.

Still in Limbo

Less than 1 week before I head out to Ohio and I still waiting to see if the buyer moves forward or not. This buyer loves the condo but needs more power. We are waiting for estimates from an electrician and then a counter offer from the buyer. In the meantime I am packing up... well at least I am thinking about packing up. The things I am not taking and not selling I donated to Global Thrift Store in Waltham. I have so few possessions left at this point.  Part of me feels stripped naked, but mostly I  feel unburdened.

Tara outside Global Thrift after we donated a car full of goods.

What?

Today was the inspection for my condo. I was expecting to hear complaints about certain things, but the possible deal breaker took me completely by surprise. The buyer, who has seen the condo several times, suddenly realized that they Murphy bed is a double not a queen. She is rethinking the offer. We'll see...

On a happier note I've been spending lots of time with friends, saying goodbye, or see you later, and having some fun.

John and I at Zoe's

Eric and Ozzy (Laura and Rico are missing)

Ruby at Turkish restaurant in Brookline Village

Me wearing the beautiful handmade hat and scarf Ruby made.

Baldwin and Caroline at West Side Lounge

It's My Party and I'll Sing If I Want To

On February 19th a bunch of my friends came out to Do Re Mi for my Going Away party. No one was going to sing. Shout outs to Eli and Em for getting the party started. And a special thanks for Mike, Alica, and Mary for making road trips to see me off. Love you all!

My First Post Ever

It's girl's night at Kelly's apartment. Kelly suggested I start a blog to document my move to Ohio. So I'm eating meatballs, drinking Prosecco, and writing my first entry. I am going to miss these girls!