This blog is meant to be a chronicle of our big move west--specifically from Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, to Oakland, California. I plan to post short updates about our trip across the country--just me, Michael, our 14 year-old cat Sophie, and a 14 year-old Honda Accord. What could go wrong? Hopefully, nothing!

But first, I thought I'd share a few of the things that we'll miss about Urbana-Champaign. Sure, the town smells kinda funny because of the Kraft plant and the livestock farms. And certainly, this past winter was just awful (I never want to live in place that has to cope with a "polar vortex" again). But there is some cool stuff too:

Springtime! You appreciate it so much more after a serious winter (see polar vortex comment above)

Awesome farmer's market!

Ridiculously good library, for books, DVDs, audiobooks and just plain relaxing in (as long as you avoid it from 3-5 pm, when the middle schoolers across the street invade and the place becomes a sea of shrieks and hormones).

And of course, great bars and restaurants, all within easy driving/walking distance of our house and each other.

But, now it's time to concentrate on packing all our stuff up and hitting the road--just 7 days to go!