On Monday, Carol and Thomas picked up Derek and I at 5am to take us to the airport. Derek was able to get the majority of his belongings in 6 suitcases: 4 extra large and 2 carry-on size.
The 5 hour flight to Tampa went faster than expected. When we arrived Tampa, we retrieved Derek’s belongings. Then I jumped in a cab and headed for the UHaul rental lot. For the last 2 weeks, Derek has been purchasing items on Craigslist for his apartment: a bed, dresser, desk, chair, bike, and couch. We hoped all his belonging would fit in a UHaul 9′ van.
Even though Derek was moving to Sarasota, all the items he purchase on Craigslist were in the greater Tampa area. He did a wonderful job of laying out the addresses and arranging pickup so we didn’t end up doing any back tracking.
We drove up North of Tampa to retrieve his bike and bed.
Then the next day, we picked up the desk and chair in central Tampa. Stopped for a Costco and Target run before heading south of Tampa to pickup his couch and dresser.
In the end, we realized all of Derek’s belonging were not going to fit into a single 9′ UHaul van so we headed to Sarasota to clean out the van before picking up the dresser.
We were both taken back when we saw the “Welcome to Sarasota” road sign. We had been in Florida for 2 days and still hadn’t seen his apartment.
Derek’s roommate, Kenny, moved in 2 weeks ago and reported that “they had scored”. They had rented a single story condo that looked more like a home. Kenny is a second year student in the MFA program so he has been living in Sarasota for a year. Derek let Kenny find them a place to live.
We were both super excited to see his new home.
After unloading the van, we headed off to get the dresser and make a Walmart run to pickup household items like dishes, utensils, and cookware.
As we turned onto the main drag, Derek saw the signs for the FSU/ASOLO Conservatory. He took in a deep breath. This is where he would be spending 12 to 14 hours a day / 6 days a week for the next 9 months. We are hoping he gets Thanksgiving and Christmas Day off but it depends on what he is working on.
As evening was starting so was another thunderstorm. We had only been here 2 days and we were already getting used to the pounding rain followed by sunshine.
After we got everything back to Derek’s new home, it was time to set things up and put things away. It was so fun to see the items, color and style, that Derek picked out.
Before long, Derek’s roommate, Kenny arrived home from the Theater. They have been corresponding since April but this was the first time they had meet face to face. They seemed like old friends. Kenny jumped in to help Derek finish setting up his room.
I put myself to work in the kitchen unpacking things. Trying to get Kenny some space to cook dinner.
The guys let me sleep on the living room floor. Kenny had a nice blow up mattress that his parents use when they are in town. I already like his family.
The next day, all three of us were off to the grocery store and a few other errands which they needed a car for (neither Derek nor Kenny own a car).
As we were leaving their place, we had our first wild life encounter. It was hanging out by their front door step.
Kenny said this was a little turtle. He has seen many larger ones.
After our errands, Derek and I wanted to visit the theater where Derek was going to spend the majority of his 3 years in Florida.
Derek and Kenny both gave me hugs before sending me and my UHaul back to the Tampa Bay Airport.
On Thursday, Derek got his Florida State Drivers License and became a resident. He then accompanied Kenny to the current play production which included both third year students and paid professional. Derek said he could not tell the difference. Very intimidating. He was then introduced to many of the theater program’s sponsors and their friends.
Crazy first week.
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