Slipstream - February 2006

The Inside Track
by Rocky Johnson, the Maverick Region President
This is way off the usual subjects, but true.
It's reported that a wise person once said
of travel, “Take half the luggage and twice
the money.” I would offer similar advice to any
of you considering a future relocation. As you
progress in your planned move, a number of
truisms and strategies seem to evolve.
During our recent move, we perfected this unique strategy.
Go up in the attic, preferably when it's very hot and locate a
heavy box marked “Keep, baby stuff, awards, Grandma's good
china (your choice, pick one or more).” Bring it down the
wobbly folding ladder without dropping it or breaking your
leg. Move it, or better yet, pay to have it moved to a rented off
site storage area. When ready, same deal in reverse, move it or
pay to have it moved to the new location. Carry from room to
room looking for an empty spot to set it down. Ideally, put it
where you can trip over it for several days before opening.
When it's time to cut it open, it's best if you and your significant
other do this together. That way, when you unveil the
contents you can both exclaim in unison “Why the h... did we
move this piece of junk?” Repeat this several times over the
next few days. This is a wonderful way to test the strength
of your relationship.
Even if you aren't planning to move for over a year - start
thinning out your stuff now! It is never too early, ask me how
I know. Something else that seems to inevitably occur, the
closer to the actual move date, the less specific the labels on the
boxes. Early on, a label might read, master closet, ten polo
shirts, 4 short sleeve, yellow, white navy and tan, 6 long sleeve,
red, yellow, etc. This is marked both on the top and side of the
box with heavy black marker for easy identification when boxes
are stacked. The night before the actual move the box is likely
marked “stuff” with crayola, lipstick, whatever.
When the big day finally arrives and you are actually
moving in to your new digs, another fun thing happens. As
stuff rolls off the moving van, the helpful movers want to be
sure to put things where you want them. Some decisions are
easy, but inevitably one room becomes the “I don't know”
room. “Where do you want this gizmo lady?” I don't know,
just put it in the .......
There is lots more fun information I could share, but I'm
saving that for my new book “Adventures in Moving,” or “How
I stopped worrying and learned to love my U-Haul.”
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
February is a great start to our driving season, so I hope to see
you at one of our schools or at the DE.
Congratulations to the 2006
Maverick Region PCA
Elected Board
PRINTER OF SLIPSTREAM SINCE 1982
Treasurer Jeff Atkins, Secretary Jan Mayo,
President Rocky Johnson, and Vice President Mark Gluck
USSERY PRINTING
3402 CENTURY CIRCLE IRVING, TEXAS 75062
972-438-8344
FAX 972-721-1847
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