From Cali with Love

It only took one U-Haul, seven stops, and 2,700 miles.  I would first like to thank Chevrolet for ensuring the beat-up Blazer made it one piece, as did Ashley and I; I would also like to thank the automobile company for fluctuating gages as we turned on the air-conditioning. As a result, we rode in a natural sauna due to the dreadful summer heat over the span of multiple terrains from California to Tennessee. In fact the heat index in our car was probably around 130. 

Along our way, we saw magical canyons (the most Grand), isolated deserts, miles of cornfields, treacherous thunderstorms (shout-out to Ash's aggressive driving in Oklahoma City--don't go there unless absolutely necessary), serene waterfalls, the Gamma Phi Headquarters, and even the "Second Friendliest Quilt Shop in the Universe" -- thanks Kansas. It was mostly fast food, Subway, and 100 Calorie Packs for main meals along the way; however, we did splurge on real meals when we visited our friends in low and high places (literally -- Ash had elevation problems) in Las Vegas, Denver and Fayetteville. 

It was a sticky, bright Monday afternoon when we swerved over to the right of the freeway to snap photos in front of the "Tennessee Welcomes You" sign. And it was well worth the risk. 

Our fuel was pure excitement from there on out. Every tree looked that much more different and beautiful; every river looked more midwestern; and every Carl's Jr. and Green Burrito was actually different, as here it is called Hardee's and the Red Burrito. As we drove by the ghost of Elvis, it was sinking in, and there it was... Hello Music City -- land of cowboy boots, flannels, and everything-fried; hello sophomore year of life filled with no expectations and loud, terrifying cicadas; and hello soul searching for myself as well as employment. 

Though we sometimes joke whether or not this crazy idea is actually quite crazy, we've come to the conclusion that it is. Yet, the satisfaction of pursuing something unknown is liberating. Leaving behind the huge support system of family and friends was as difficult as it was encouraging. We are truly thankful for those friends who have become our family and our families who are also our friends. 

So goodbye San Diego, where flip-flops, tan lines, and beach bods flourish. Hello new life in Nashville.