You don’t even know the half of our moving day adventure. We glossed over it because we knew you deserved empty shots of our old place and pics of the new house’s interior – but we couldn’t let this story go untold. So take a moment to pantomime the buckling of your seatbelt and get ready to enjoy the ride. As we mentioned earlier, the day started off with an unexpected surprise: a snowstorm. And even though it wasn’t a Friday, the thirteenth of this month (aka Monday) surely lived up to its less than lucky reputation. Which is so not a good thing when it’s closing/moving day.
Sure the snow was pretty, but it definitely had its hand in a few unlucky events that day. Like knocking out power at our attorney’s office, making it a bit more difficult to stay updated on what was happening and get transfers and files through in order to complete our closing on time (which is partially why it was delayed until Tuesday). But that was nothing compared to this, um, predicament:
Yep, that’s our 26 ft U-Haul truck in a ditch, blocking two lanes of traffic. And it’s not just any ditch. It’s the ditch at the end of our driveway- er well, the driveway that we had just sold. So technically, it was someone else’s ditch that was holding my truck captive about an hour before they’d be returning with the keys. Not to mention it was someone else’s mailbox that the truck was precariously leaning against. Sigh.
Here’s how it went down (pun intended). Sherry was already at my sister’s house with Clara and Burger playing the waiting game until we could move into the new house. I had been dropped off at our old house to meet the buyers and their agent so they could do one last walk-through of our old casa before closing (apparently to make sure it was vacant and everything was still intact… can you taste the irony already?). The walk-through went fine and I was leaving right behind them in the giant truck packed full of all our worldly possessions when this happened (though they were already too far up the road to see it). I blame it on some combination of paying too close attention to keeping the front end of the truck from ending up in the ditch across the street, snow that was hiding the edge of the driveway, and general inexperience when it comes to driving a big ol’ truck.
At least that’s how I like to tell the story. Sherry prefers this phone conversation play-by-play:
JOHN: Hey Sherry. Walk-through went fine. They’re off to go close and I’m headed to the new house.
SHERRY: Okay, be very careful. It’s snowy out there so drive as slow as you need, even if people are honking at you. Just take your time.
JOHN: I will. Don’t worry.
SHERRY: Great. I just don’t want you ending up in a ditch or anything.
[HANG UP, SHERRY GOES TO PUT HER PHONE DOWN BUT IT IMMEDIATELY RINGS AGAIN.]
JOHN: Crap, the truck is in a ditch and I think I knocked over the mailbox.
SHERRY: You’re kidding right?
[END SCENE, FADE TO BLACK]
We can laugh about it now, but let’s just say it was definitely a disastrous moment in our heads at the time. We had visions of everything in the truck shattering and having to wait hours to be towed out (which would definitely have pissed off the new owners who would be back with the keys in about an hour after their closing). Fortunately none of that happened. Heck, the mailbox didn’t even fall over.
Once I got the truck towed out of the ditch (within about half an hour- which was truly miraculous in that storm with all the other car-riddled ditches to be attended to) I drove it about one mile an hour over to our new house. Then I called our house’s new owners’ agent and agreed to replace the mailbox post (which had cracked in the process). Between that and the tow truck charge to un-ditch the truck, the whole ordeal ended up costing us $185. Sucky? Yes. But it could have been so much worse (so far not one thing that we’ve unpacked has been broken- which is a total Christmas miracle because the back of the truck crashed down at least 18″ when it slipped off the driveway). We’re just happy it didn’t result in a cracked flatscreen TV, a delayed closing, an injury, or any other number of things that could have gone wrong. And it somehow made making it into our house later that day that much sweeter. Like we’d battled all sorts of insane and unexpected adversity, only to end up where we belonged by day’s end.
Plus, later that night I redeemed myself by surprising Sherry with this:
I snagged it on lunaCielo’s Etsy shop a few weeks ago (after hearing Sherry admire Courtney Cox’s small gold turtle necklace during Cougar Town). I though it made a great house-warming gift because it came with this note about the turtle’s symbolism: “The turtle’s whole life is one of steadfastness, effort, and patience. There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is” — the turtle is always at home within itself.” As we switch from one house to another, it’s a good reminder that our sense of home stays with us wherever we are.
And perhaps on this unlucky day, it was a good sign that even our ditch-bound truck itself was emblazoned with a giant turtle. Coincidence? You be the judge.
So that’s the story of Monday the 13th. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about what can happen when a case of the Mondays merges with that unlucky number…
Blair R says
This is like a romantic tale of all you did for the love of your new home. The story against an opaque photo-shopped turtle would make for super sweet DYI framed art to hang in the entryway; especially if you got creative with phrase like “once upon a time” or even if you just put the phone conversation and the quote from the note you got with the turtle. Just a thought. :)
I really appreciate how hard you are working to keep us all up to date, even when you are working so hard on other things. Thanks guys!
candace @ thecandace.com says
What a grand (and kinda crappy) adventure you had! I’m glad it all worked out ok and the little turtle necklace is SO SWEET. I love it’s message. Congrats on your new place!!!
L says
After my husband and I got married, we rented a U-Haul to move all of my stuff from my apartment to his house. I’ll skip all the parts where we were running late because U-Haul didn’t bother to tell us that they had lost our truck and didn’t really want to help us find another one, but I will mention that it was quite rainy that day, as it had been all month.
Anyway, my husband was living in a small summer cottage in the flood plain of a river. From our driveway we had to walk down a narrow flight of concrete stairs and then back up another flight of stairs to get to the house–and we didn’t want to do that with all of my furniture. So we decided to use the small access road that had been created a few years ago for some renovations on the house. We had a sneaking suspicion that it was over the neighbor’s property, but we could never find her at home to ask, and another neighbor swore we had the right-of-way.
So we’re driving our loaded U-Haul up, and right when my husband realizes that he’s got the truck good and stuck and buried to the axle in mud, the elusive neighbor comes flying out of her house, saying, “Hey! That’s not a road! You can’t drive there!” Thankfully, the phrase “So we just got married and…” covers a multitude of sins, and the next thing you know, she was inviting us in for a glass of wine. All she asked was that we rake the ruts out of her lawn.
We decided that the only way to get the truck unstuck was to unload everything from it then and there–if it was lighter, we might stand a chance of getting it out of the mud. My husband’s incredibly generous co-workers helped us carry all of my belongings through a sea of mud and up a flight of stairs into the house, and then helped us get the truck out. Actually, they’re all engineers–so I think trying to figure out how to move a truck out of the mud was the highlight of their weekend!
I don’t think U-Hual has ever had a rental returned in such spotless condition–we didn’t want them to guess at all the wear and tear we had put on the truck trying to get it free!
Ali says
I need a good dose of you all’s positive outlook! I think those same circumstances would have bummed me out! But, you are totally right so much worse could have happened and it was really minor in the whole scheme of things! Love Cougar Town but, never noticed the necklace! Now I’ll try to find it next time I watch! Cute necklace and love the meaning!
~ Ali
Jennifer says
LOL!!! I had a tear in my eye as I read the “home is where the heart is” bit then actually laughed-out-loud at the turtle illustration on the truck. So funny. What a great story! Congratulations.
Alice says
From now on I am going to be more careful on Monday, the 13th’s! Poor John trying to be so careful of what was in front of him that he missed what was happening behind him.
I hope you four are settling in nicely into your new home!
shelly hendriks says
Thank you for sharing!!! Love you guys!!! Good luck and have fun!!!
Happy Holidays too!!!
Laura says
Oh no, that is unfortunate! At least it all worked out and that you can have a bit of a laugh about it! That’s so crazy about the turtle! love it!
katelyn says
hahahaha! ohh john, you’re a funny fellow.
Lesley says
While we were moving into our new house my mother in law came over to see if she could help. There wasn’t a lot she could do and as she was leaving she backed right into our mailbox. This was about 2 hours after closing. Now whenever someone comes to visit we always say “be careful of the mailbox at the end of the driveway”
Melody says
Wow about the turtles! I love it when things like that happen. It’s totally not a coincidence!
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
This is so funny, not to laugh at your misadventures or anything.
When we moved we rented a smaller truck, but the place was out the size when we went to pick it up, so in exchange they gave us one of those giant ones. We gave the driving honors to my father in law, that way if he hit anything he could foot the bill…. ;)
Chicago Cuisine Critique says
Great story! What a coincidence with the turtle. You did a great job on your housewarming gift. Nicely done. :)
Beth says
I don’t know if you noticed or not but there was a sea turtle on the side of your U-Haul. Coincidence or fate?
Thanks for sharing your stories. I really enjoy your blog.
YoungHouseLove says
I know, it’s so crazy! We’re still smiling when we think of that big turtle on the back of our ditch-bound truck.
xo,
s
Roshni says
hehhehe!! I love Cougar town (along with the Middle and Modern Family!!) I just drool everytime they show those two huge transparent lampshades with the shells in them!!
Erika says
I had to crack up at your story of truck issues on moving day! We moved from Colorado to California and my husband was backing the moving truck up our icy/snowy driveway so we could load it… he backed too far and knocked the solid steal I-beam support above the garage 12″ out of place! It took 5 guys, a few car jacks, and some serious sledge hammers to get it back in place. 5 hours later- we loaded the truck…
So glad your move went well after the truck vs ditch moment!
Diapers & Divas says
That’s so cute! (the necklace, not the truck). Major bummer about the truck, but at least nothing was broken and no one was injured in the process. Congrats on the new house!
Teisha says
Is it weird that I teared up reading that? Great post! Glad you made it through the whole ditch eating your truck incident. I would have had a nervous breakdown! You’re such a thoughtful husband!
LINDZ says
Thank goodness everything worked out! Sounds like the old house didn’t want you all to leave!
Victoria says
I love this post! I’m so glad things worked out after all. And you have such a great moving day story to share with Clara when she’s older.
Jennifer says
Sherry,
I saw these and thought that you would be obsessed :)
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Trivets-and-serveware/
I am a fellow white ceramic animal lover. Here’s hoping that all your little lovelies made it unscathed.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jennifer,
LOVE them! So pretty.
xo,
s
Snickrsnack Katie says
This was probably the most beautiful post I have ever read on this site. The part about the turtle made me cry.
JM says
Whoa that sucks. I love the necklace though. I don’t think I could have handled moving in the snow.
Christopher says
I have to admit, I’m not much of a blog reader. Actually, I’m an interior designer. And one day, as I’m searching the internet for an inspirational image to give to a client, I stumbled across your site. I was truly impressed…so much so I even bookmarked your site.
I stop by every now and again to check up and see what new things you and your husband have been working on. I’ve grown to love your house and all the updates and changes you’ve made. Your ideas are clever and you’ve got a great sense of space.
So imagine my surprise, when today, I decide to check out your site after a 2 month break, only to find that the first post is you and your family moving from the house that’s synonymous with your blog name. I was a bit hurt. BUT, after seeing your new digs, I’m excited to see what you have up your sleeve. That kitchen is going to be a big undertaking. But I’m sure you’ve learned a lot from you last renovation.
Cant wait to see what you have in store for you new place.
Ashley says
Great post, and the turtle necklace is so sweet.
Congratulations, guys!!
nicole @ our three reasons says
ooh my gosh i’m glad you guys made it through that craziness! :) we are moving next month and i can only imagine what we are going to deal with. i can see it now .. snow and ice covered roads. AHH!
Kristina says
It’s been very snowing here in Indiana for the last week. I would like to apologize from my state to yours for sending you not one, but two snowstorms this week.
vee says
I am so excited for you guys! I’m glad I get to be here for the beginning of your new home and excited to see what you are going to do with all that fabulous space! The symbolism behind the turtle necklace was very touching, thank you for sharing
I admire and am inspired by you both!
liz says
Heh. The last two moves I’ve made (renter) have been in March, and luckily the snow held off until after dark on both those occasions (and I live in NC! freak snow these past few years). That part of it, I really enjoyed because it forced me to stay in and tackle the unpacking process, and to get acquainted with the house in an unusually quiet, peaceful time. Plus, watching the snow fall out of my huge windows (something both my previous location and my current location share) — beautiful.
Best of luck, Petersiks. Welcome to your new house!!
Gina at Temporary Nest says
OH NO! Hahahaha I’m sorry you had such a bummer of a day but you guys are too funny! At least it didnt happen in some remote part of the woods, or anything… you were still close to home (old and new!). And of course that will be one of the stories you will tell Clara (and the next Baby P) for years to come!
Merry Christmas!!
Carolina says
So maybe your new animal is a turtle instead of the bee.
So glad there are men who can pick up on hints, even if Sherry didn’t mean for it to be one!
Rachel says
I just laughed really, really hard. Thanks for the post. And the turtle coincidence, so funny! But beautiful necklace, way to go on that one.
robin says
what is it with snow and ruining things??!
Dusa says
I thought maybe the turtle symbolized the speed John drive to the new house.
And the first time we moved, my brothers took out a street sign on College Ave (the main street) of State College with our U-Haul. I call it initiation.
Janny A. says
What a cute story! Love the necklace too!!
Clare says
I love the turtle symbolism! A moving story would never be complete without some sort of off the wall irony and adventure! Im glad you made it to your new home safely!
ana hogan says
Congratulations you four! I am excited to see how you will transform this house. The bit about the necklace and sea turtle gave me goosebumps. I love your way of looking at things. You two are incredible!
lorchick @ ON{thelaundry}LINE says
I just gigglesnorted when I spotted the words “Gentle Ride Van” on the truck on that last picture.
Glad everything worked out! I feel ya on driving in snow, I’m just glad I can pop my rear-wheel-drive SUV into 4×4 whenever I need to! We have several feet of snow all winter long and it’s a bugger to drive in when it’s fresh and the streets aren’t plowed. I wouldn’t want to drive anything bigger than my little SUV !! (or, mind you, smaller either)
Jordin@ I Love That! says
Can’t wait to see what you do with your new house! Good Luck! Hilarious moving story!! I got a little teary eyed when I read the note that came with the necklace. So sweet!!
Victoria T. says
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and have never posted, but I laughed so hard when I read this one. We actually moved on Saturday. And on Sunday (after a foot of snow was dropped on WI) got a 26 foot uhaul stuck in the road blocking all lanes of traffic. We did manage to meet all of our neighbors that day. I’m glad to see we weren’t the only ones with this problem this weekend. LOL. But anywho, congrats on the move and and the new house.
Orla kerbey says
I love the turtle necklace. Very appropriate too. In the Cape Verde Islands every home has a small turtle ornament or statue as a sign of luck which is supposed to bring good fortune to that household.
Alicia Parsons | Atypical Type A says
I can’t believe they let you (I don’t mean just you, John, I mean anyone) drive such a huge truck without a special drivers licence?! I’m sure there’s a special licence here in Australia. I’m impressed that you even attempted to drive it.
YoungHouseLove says
I know! It was so big I made John call after we reserved it to be sure you didn’t need a trucking license to drive it. The kid’s answer: “It’s been so slow here that I’ve been playing solitaire all day. Nope no special license necessary- they let anyone drive it.”
xo,
s
kathy says
What a great post! I love the turtle symbolism and the “coincidence” of a turtle on your U-Haul truck. You guys are so adorable and these posts always make my day! Congrats on the new “shell”.
Sara @ House Bella says
Oh dear! Well I’m glad you came out safe and everything was intact. $185 sucks, but not so bad as any other series of scenarios that could have happened. Phew!
Sue says
What’s that old saying, “Objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they seem.” Blame it on the huge Turtle that was on the side of your van blocking the view. LOL Enjoy the new house. Looks like a keeper.
Lisa W says
Glad that everything got taken care of. :D I had to laugh at the phone conversation, that would be something that my husband and I would do. I love the new house. Almost makes me want to move out of California to the opposite side of the country and go search (since I’m sure it was a lot cheaper than Cali is). Almost….
dinah says
LOVE that you love Cougar Town! And I love that turtle necklace, quote, and coincidence!
So glad everything went okay in the end!
Izabela says
That is the sweetest story ever, especially the turtle necklace. I’m glad John was OK and Sherry, you’re one lucky girl :)
Elizabeth says
What a great story/adventure. My favorite part was the gift you gave Sherry :)
What a sweet thing to do in the midst of all the chaos!!
katie says
OH my gosh John, you’re so funny… I know this was a mishap story but it made me lol so many times. And again, forgive me (you said you’re laughing now too so I feel like it’s ok) but sometimes I reeeeally enjoy hearing your mishap stories because well, misery loves company? no, I think it’s just nice to be reminded that you guys are human. yaknow.
anyway, moving is insane and you guys are doing so much at once i can’t believe it…. best of luck and hope all the mihaps are out of the way for you now! :)