Anxiously Awaiting Phase 4

Over the past few months, McKay and I have been referring to our life in "phases". I think partially because it helped us to organize, and partially to keep us from losing our minds.

Phase 1: COMPLETED
Organize, pack, stack, and move various bits of stuff that make up our material goods. We have learned for the 8th time in our 5 years together that moving blows. And we have very limited possessions. We don't keep stuff. Moving 8 times will do that to you. What was tricky about this move is we had three locations: storage, McKay's temporary residence with friends, and my temporary residence in Montana. It took so much more brain power than I was expecting. But thanks to good friends, the recycle dumpster behind Fred Meyer filled with excellent Starbucks boxes, and teamwork, we got it all done. Sure, it took us until about 3am a few nights in a row, but by golly, we got it all done.

Phase 2: COMPLETED
Take my loving little dogs to Brookings, Oregon, meet up with Mom and Dad, and hand over my cuddly little companions for the summer. This was no easy task, I must say. Especially seeing Sam's sad little face through the rear window, watching the car carrying my puppies drive away. So sad. I know they will be fine, I know my parents will take good care of them, if for no other reason than because they fear my wrath if something happens to my dogs. Whatever the motivation, I'm sure they will be okay.

Phase 3: COMPLETED
Drive to Missoula, Montana and set up camp for 11 weeks. We made it here Friday night in really good time. The drive was beautiful and on the way up McKay and I stopped off several times to take some pictures and enjoy the scenery. I moved into the cozy little room I'll be using for the summer and I think it's going to work out great. I have plenty of space and the woman who owns the house and lives downstairs is very kind. I'm sure we'll get along swimmingly. Saturday we unpacked, bought groceries, got the oil changed, and of course, found the Target. Want to hear something really pathetic? In all of the stress and chaos of this past little while, I actually felt calm when I stepped into Target. You know how they say the church is the same wherever you go? The same can be said of Target. The smells, the merchandise, the red and khaki adorned employees. It soothes me.

By far the toughest part of Phase 3 was the goodbye I have been dreading most. I just dropped McKay off at the airport and all the way home was totally befuddled by the fact that I did all of this voluntarily! I chose this. And right now, it feels like it was kinda stupid. I mean, when I'm thinking clearly and remember all of the great reasons why I'm here, it makes sense. But right now... not so much, no.

But after Phase 3 comes Phase 4. And Phase 4 is totally going to rock it. In Phase 4 I will acquire a vast amount of knowledge in photography and will be ready and anxious to use the skills I have fresh in my mind. In Phase 4 McKay will fly back to Missoula, where we will have a perfectly joyous reunion and will prepare for our awesome camping trip in Yellowstone National Park. In Phase 4 we will meet yet again with Mom and Dad, and my little doggies will be safely returned to us. After that, who knows. By the time Phase 4 is complete, I'll be pretty content.