You're Never Ever Alone. Ever.

This picture doesn't have a whole lot to do with this post.
I'm just obsessed with this new little App called Phonto.  I cannot
stop making these little posters. 

Moving could quite possibly be the most stressful thing a human can do in life, ever.  It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street or to Dubai.

While I eagerly embraced moving in my early years (6 states and 16 homes in 18 years—WINNING!) I now, officially, 100% avoid it.  Until I have a really good excuse, I vow to live in my current apartment forever and ever, Amen. 

There’s one move in particular that stands out, one that I affectionately call The Horrifying and Heinous Move from Hell. 

I was moving by myself from Manhattan Beach to Manhattan for a new job, with my dog and a whole lotta crap, all by myself (did I mention I was by myself?).   It doesn’t help that I’m the world’s worst packer.  I truly thought that packing everything in my little beach house for a cross-country move would take oh, a day.  It. Did. Not. 

After an anxious plane ride where I sat for 6 tearful hours wondering if my dog who was sitting in cargo would ever forgive me (she still hasn’t), I arrived at JFK.  Navigating this crazy airport is insanity on a good day, but with 2 giant suitcases and a pissed-off dog in a rhinoceros-sized crate, STRESSED doesn’t begin to cover it.  I felt every emotion imaginable, but mostly this: I was so very, very alone.

The next day, I moved into my new empty apartment and decided to shop for curtains (I have a curtain problem but that’s a story for another time).  That’s when the movers called.  I assumed they were calling to confirm their arrival the next day.  You know, the day that was confirmed in the contract, the emails, and on the phone a gajillion times. 

Nope. They were in Florida.  Which, if I harken back to 8th grade geography class, is pretty far from New York.  

They’d be 9 days late. And they were not sorry.

At that moment, I felt confused, defeated, but more than anything: rage.  I kicked into survival mode and immediately headed for air mattresses.  I grabbed the cheapest one I could find and headed to the register.  That’s where a not nice Register Lady told me that the air mattress I was now forced to buy was, in fact, not on sale.  

That’s when it happened. 

I had a complete meltdown in Bed Bath & Beyond.  

An angry-sobs-I-don’t-care-who’s-watching-I’m falling-apart-right-here-at-register-12 meltdown. 

Luckily my Attorney Friend was with me and got to work-- first by calmly talking Register Lady into double checking the advertisement, and then assuring me that the world was, in fact, not falling apart.

Smart Attorney Friend: Kalei, you’re gonna be ok.
Me: Am I!?!  AM I?!!
Smart Attorney Friend: Yeah, you’re gonna be fine.  

Her reassurance was exactly what I needed at that moment.  I also believe that her being there most likely prevented a burly security guard from escorting Sobbing Air Mattress Girl from the premises. 

Looking back on this little incident, I now see two big lessons: 

1. I can’t do everything by myself.  It’s not just easier, it’s a whole lot more fun with a bunch of awesome friends and family by my side. 
2. I’m never really alone, ever.  Even when it truly feels like I am.   

What a relief that I can always rely on the presence and strength of an all-powerful God. 

In those moments when I feel so alone, this is the truth I need to remember: God is always there, with me and for me.

God is with you today. He doesn’t expect you to do it all on your own.  Victoria Osteen 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

We May Have Overpacked a Teensy Bit

Just 40 ladies (make that 4) packing for a
month-long vacation (kidding-just a weekend).

The lovely ladies of my small group traveled to Palm Springs this weekend for our first annual Fall Retreat.  We booked this little escape months ago and had such a fun time planning our itinerary:  morning devotionals, hiking in the chilly (and snowy!) San Jacinto forest, laying by the pool, a Ryan Gosling/Channing Tatum film fest, making chocolate chip cookie dough (miraculously, we baked a few), and most importantly, just hanging out.  In short, the perfect girls weekend.

Four of us decided to carpool together to save money on gas, access the coveted carpool lane (a must in Southern California, especially on a Friday afternoon), and entertain each other on the long ride. It ended up being one of the funniest trips ever.  

The hilarity started when we arrived at Becca's house, and surveyed the enormous amount of crap we all brought.  Suitcases, duffel bags, and beach totes chock full of clothes, shoes, books, food, and other nonsense. We burst into giggles as we tried to cram every last piece into the thankfully giant trunk of Becca's car.

While we stuffed--rather efficiently, I might add--a tremendous amount of stuff into her car, we were a bit worried how Becca would see out of her back window.  I said a little prayer on the spot. Later I found a great verse that I thought was so fitting for this, or any trip.  (By the way, I'm not advocating stuffing your car beyond belief and then hitting the road; for the record, Becca is a very safe and cautious driver). 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV