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3767.8.  That’s the number of miles I traveled in an eight day span.

After a lot of long talks, careful consideration, and lots and lots of math, I made the decision to travel the country with the love of my life.  Neither of us wanted to pass up the opportunity to learn and grow both as individuals and as a couple on this wild, incredible journey. But, contrary to popular opinion, this wasn’t an easy thing to do.  I had to end my life in Tulsa (we both did, but this is my blog). So, I ended my three decade-long Tulsa tenure the only way I knew how: with a farewell tour.

My good friend/mentor/father figure Dennis and I have several Tulsa traditions that we’ve enjoyed together, which were honestly the highlight of the end of my time in Oklahoma.  Coney I-Lander and a couple of Driller’s games the week before I left town helped ease my mind regarding this life-changing move. Dennis has always been one of my biggest supporters, so having someone not only reassure me that I was making the right decision, but also help me make this move was more needed than I realized at the time.

Not a lot of people know that I’m a part-time bartender.  I started working at Johnny Carino’s like… twelve years ago, but when I got a big boy job, I left the restaurant industry behind.  About four years ago, I went back to bartend on weekends (because we all know Oklahoma educators are paid SO well). Those of you who have worked in the industry know that the word “family” gets thrown around a lot by restaurant owners, managers, etc., but at Carino’s on 41st & Sheridan in Tulsa, OK, that is the God’s honest truth.  Those who have worked there can attest, it’s a different kind of place. I worked there through some of the best times of my life and some of the worst. I will always feel a special connection to that place. Also, those of you who have worked there know exactly what’s going on in the picture below.

The Carino's Farewell

The process of making a move like this is different than just moving from one house to another or even, I would imagine, moving from one city to another.  Ali and I are going to be traveling so much for the foreseeable future that we both had to downsize our lives quite a bit. I donated a lot of clothes, personal items, and random household junk.  I don’t know how many times I used the words and phrases “get rid of it”, “toss it”, “trash”, or “donation” in the last month or so. Only the most important and personal of things were packed in boxes to be stored and only the things I couldn’t live without came with me.

Zayne, was wrecked from a day of helping Uncle Josh pack

Amazing how your entire life can fit in your trunk, isn't it?

I left Tulsa on the morning of July 18th.  The drive was actually pretty enjoyable. Unlike the previous drive (recounted in my last post), I did NOT drive straight-through.  I stayed the night in Atlanta and got up the next morning to see some of the sights (and took no pictures, somehow) before hitting the road.  A couple of rainstorms rolled in on the drive down the Gulf Coast that hindered my travel for some of the day, so the drive that should have taken about seven hours, took closer to ten.  But I made it. I might actually get killed for including this, but Ali had a little bit of a present waiting for me on our dining room table.

A warm welcome, indeed

Once she got home from work, we headed out for a victory dinner.  We hit the beach the next day and had the best time (as per usual, beach life can’t be beaten).

An actual mermaid

But I wasn’t done with travel.  I had a prearranged trip to visit my best friend, Amanda, in Pennsylvania.  Being the amazing friend she is, she got us tickets to see John Mayer as a birthday gift.  It was my third (or fourth) time to see him and her first. I’m not sure if he’s just evolved as a performer that much or if it had just been too long since I’d seen him live, but I have to say, it was a hell of a concert.  No opener, two sets that were tailored a little different from each other - it was such an experience. If this tour comes anywhere near you, it’s worth the price of admission.

"But if you give me just one night, you're gonna see me in a New Light"

Amanda and I have settled into this bi-annual visit routine since she moved with her husband, Jeremy, to Pennsylvania a few years ago.  Our visits, by nature, are forced to be quality time. Knowing that I only get to see her in person maybe twice a year really helps put emphasis on enjoying that time.  We take care in maintaining our friendship from afar, but those trips really are the best. Especially since I get to bond with her little princess. Now if I could just get them to come visit Florida…  

We're the worst at remembering to take pictures together

I think she was trying to show off her Cheeto fingers

A full day of travel later, I was back home.  I know it hasn’t been long at all, but I already feel at home here.  I love the life we’re building together and am exhilarated for the future.

Rare sight: a Florida sunRISE

Thanks for reading,

-Josh

P.S. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the people who’ve helped, supported, and just overall made this process so easy.  Namely my mom and Aunt Misty. I literally could not have done this without them. So, thank you both.