On Saturday, July 7, the place I call home changed. Goodbye Saratoga Lake; hello Clifton Park.

I have a lot of stuff. People usually think I’m exaggerating when I say that, but I’m not. Try five car loads of boxes and bags plus a small van for my furniture.

The move went very smoothly, unlike the one up here last March. The primary reason it went so well was the people involved.

Here’s a list of the five individuals who were indispensable during the process.

1. Rick, one of my two new roommates – I started seriously considering the idea of finding a new pad in April. At the beginning of May, my co-worker Rick told me that he and his roommate, Jeff, were looking for a new apartment and another roommate. He asked if I was interested. I told him I was and to keep me posted.

The three of us checked out a few places and all liked one in particular. Our move-in date was set for the first weekend in July.

Rick kept me updated about important issues like when the security deposit and rent would be due and how much they would be. On Friday, July 6, Rick and I left work early to sign the lease. Before that though, we stopped by my place and loaded our cars with boxes.

After we signed the lease, Rick and Jeff aided me in carrying my things to my new room. I didn’t ask them for the help, but it was greatly appreciated.

2. Jen, my fiancée – Honestly, without her I don’t know how I would have gotten everything done. Jen spent almost two weeks up here helping me pack, move and unpack my things. She kept me focused on what needed to be done and reduced the amount of insane nitpicking I’m prone to when left to my own devices. Right before Jen left, she even assisted me in getting my posters up on the wall straight. They wouldn’t look half as good if I’d done it alone.

3. Tim, my younger brother – Other than Jen, the most reliable person I know is my brother. Tim requested off from work, drove five hours and convinced two of his friends to help me move. He never complained once the entire weekend. Tim’s a workhorse and I always value his diligence and sound judgment.

4. Kirby, my buddy – I’d originally planned to rent a U-Haul to move my furniture, but Kirby said he could borrow a van. I told him that would be great, but was a bit apprehensive because if he didn’t come through I had no way of moving my mattress, dresser, desk and multiple bookshelves.

Although Kirby arrived a little late, he didn’t let me down. He and his friend loaded all my furniture into the van quickly, yet carefully. Kirby’s positive attitude and sense of humor are always refreshing.

5. Myself – Without me, none of this would have been possible or necessary. General Colin Powell said, “Organization doesn’t really accomplish anything. Plans don’t accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don’t much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.” So, by assembling a terrific group of people I was able to get the job done without a hitch.

The upcoming weeks will doubtlessly contain a ton of unpacking, organizing and arranging, but I think I’m in pretty good shape. Even though I’m moving to North Carolina next summer, I look forward to the time I’ll spend with my new roommates.

Resolution update:

Weight: 149 (-11)