July 13, 2005

So, I'm sure that some of you didn't have a clue that Jen and I are movin' to California in search of gold. But don't worry, if the gold thing doesn't "pan" out (get it?) we have another plan. Here's how it all went down, for those that are interested.

• We had a plan to move to Blacksburg, VA where I would attend Virginia Tech to continue my pursuit of a degree in Horticulture. Jen was planning to also attend VT and take classes working towards a then undetermined (yet she might argue otherwise) second bachelors degree in the health field. We were able to find a nice house just two blocks off campus and a 5 minute walk to the "hot spots" on the bar and restaurant strip. However, I wasn't accepted as one of the 700 Fall transfers out of 2700 applicants. Whatever.
• Soon after, Jen and I took a trip to New Mexico to watch her brother play New Mexico State University baseball for his senior weekend three game series against University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This trip definitely sparked the idea that there was no reason that we should limit ourselves to the East Coast or other familiar territories when searching for a place where we could be together and actively pursue our scholastic goals.
• Research began for a school that would serve both or needs. Jen found an assortment of the "perfect" schools for her, and I came up with equally acceptable schools for me. Problem was, we didn't have any matches. Schools for her had us heading to destinations like Seattle, Phoenix and Denver while most of my schools were, well, on the east coast.
• Jen finds UC Davis, in Davis, California. It's located 15 miles west of Sacramento, is THE traditional agriculture school in the University of California (UCLA, UCSB, etc.) system, and just happens to be under a two hour drive to both San Fransisco and Lake Tahoe. Oh, it's also right near, or maybe in, the Napa Valley. If wine does anything for ya. Needless to say, after a LOT more research into the area, Sacramento and Davis in particular, we decided we would go ahead and plan to head out west.
• Ever since that decision was made, maybe 6 weeks ago, maybe a bit longer, it's been non-stop preparation for the trip. Applying for school and registering for classes and all other educational logistics, finding shelter, and arranging transport of ourselves and our shit. Just last weekend we liquidated all kinds of stuff and brought in over a grand (that'll at least pay for petro in my truck to get out there). We have two weeks to go and preparation continues.
• Departure date is set for July 29th from my place in Waynesboro, VA. We'll head to the 'Ville for the weekend then take a 5 day road trip through Kansas City , Denver, Salt Lake City, Carson City, and then on to Sacramento where hopefully the apartment we secured last week will be ready for us to move in. Fun stuff.

Stay tuned for more on the move:

Why Sacramento first and not straight to Davis?

Isn't it expensive out there?

Where will you guys work?

Will you ever come back?