My First Road Trip Alone
Blogging, Stupid things I do May 9th, 2009
Next weekend I’m taking my first ever road trip alone. This should worry every single one of you, for I am The Queen of Getting Lost. You earn that title by losing your way only two tenths of a mile from your house.
Despite that, I agreed to drive 180 miles to meet up with three of my favorite bloggers, Bryan of Unfinished Rambler, his wife Kim of Dispatches from the Outpost, and Jenn of Cabbages and Kings.
For the record, I have never driven alone more than 30 miles from my home.
Am I nervous? Yes. Is my husband nervous? Crazy more. Have I considered all the things that can go wrong from here to there? Only since the day I agreed to this insanity.
But for every problem, there is a solution.
1. What if I get lost only ten miles from home? Solution: Turn around, shake my head, and ask myself why I thought I could do this.
2. What if the GPS breaks? Solution: See if I can finish navigating with my Mapquest directions.
3. What if the GPS breaks and my Mapquest directions get sucked out a window? Solution: Call my husband to come get me.
4. What if the GPS breaks, my Mapquest directions get sucked out a window, and my cell phone dies? Solution: Pull over and commence meltdown.
5. What if the GPS breaks, my Mapquest directions get sucked out a window, my cell phone dies, I have a meltdown and nobody stops to help me? Solution: Lock the doors, sleep in my car and have a nightmare about all the murderers waiting for a sitting duck like me, in which case this will be my last post. It was great knowing you.
If I do actually make it there, I likely won’t blog during the weekend. But I will tweet and update on Facebook. So check there next Friday afternoon to see if I’m alive.
If I’m a no-show, send a search party. I’ll be sobbing quietly somewhere in the middle of Pennsylvania.
Stumble it!
May 9th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Try not to get lost. Maybe you should bring an extra backup GPS. And backup Mapquest directions. And maybe find a backup cell phone. And of course, a backup husband if yours can’t come.
Regan’s last blog post..Girl Scout Cookies
May 9th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Think of it this way Kathy – if you make it there and back uneventfully, that won’t make for a very interesting blog post upon your return, will it? It’ll make for a MUCH better story if you end up getting lost and staying the night with some nice Amish family.
Seriously though, have a safe trip!!
Carole’s last blog post..Ok, My Mood Just Improved Significantly – Look What I Got!
May 9th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Good luck! The GPS is your best friend right now.
But seriously, you’ve NEVER driven 30 miles from home by yourself? How is that even POSSIBLE?
Chris’s last blog post..I’ve Heard of the Low Post, But This is Ridiculous
May 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Take a map too. A real paper, foldout map. If you can’t figure out where you are, on the thing, chances are some of the locals will know, when asked.
I’m sure you’ll do fine.
I remember when I set out with a van and my cat, to drive across the continent (from Calgary, Alberta to Syracuse, New York) to go to university back in 1989. My mom was convinced I’d be murdered on the way, and wished one of my younger brothers could go with me.
I knew perfectly well that if there was a skirmish, I’d fight waaaaaaay dirtier than either of them ever would. I’d likely have to rescue them, not the other way around! And I did just fine too.
Phyl’s last blog post..Book Review: “The Traitor’s Tale” by Margaret Frazer
May 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Oh Kathy, you are so brave. Attempting to do something that you are obviously nervous about! I agree with all that Regan said. back up, back up, back up! Having said that, I have every faith in you – Did I just say that?
babs – beetle’s last blog post..Oh go on, laugh! + Update
May 9th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Don’t forget to worrying about a flat tire too!
Re-think this, can’t you just take your husband with you?
Sue’s last blog post..In The Back Row
May 9th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
It’s a good thing I don’t drive because I have been lost 3 blocks away from where I lived. Do they have GPS systems you can carrying around with you, like in your pocket.
Worse comes to worse, you’re not a guy, you can ask for directions.
Grace’s last blog post..Daddy’s home!
May 9th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I have faith in you, you can do this! Just in case, put a couple gallons of drinking water in the car, oh and some chocolate bars
DJ’s last blog post..A New Story Box
May 9th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Wouldn’t you rather we sent a St. Bernard with a keg of brandy?
The Mother’s last blog post..The Nefarious History of Motherhood
May 9th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
If you don’t mind a keyboard that is a little like typing on the floor of a Greyhound bus (HE eats in here, not ME) you are more than welcome to use the computer for checking-in purposes!
You will be fine. The scary end of the ride is by your house, traffic wise. Once you get about halfway here, maybe less, there is very little traffic. Just long ribbons o’ highway. And golden valleys. And endless skyway. And a tiny bit of construction north of Williamsport BUT no detour. There’s lots of rest stops and places to tinkle. (I drove right past your town a month or two ago on my way to Blairstown NJ.)
Don’t worry. This will be a good thing.
Shieldmaiden’s last blog post..Band on the Run
May 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
You’re going to be fine! You are so much like me though. I also worry about driving far distances. One time I drove alone toward Philly when my brother and sister-in-law lived there and that was scary! Can’t wait to see you next weekend.
Lisa (Jonny’s Mommy)’s last blog post..Come. . . walk with me in toddler hell
May 9th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
If my husband can travel 800 miles for his first ever road trip, you’ll be fine. Trust me.
Stephanie Barr’s last blog post..For Davida: Writing a Novel
May 9th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
And you never got to the part where the “bloggers” you are going to meet actually kill you and stuff you into the trunk of your car. You got lots to worry about here, Kathy.
Just kidding. I didn’t get murdered on my bloggy meet-up with Lola, Patricia, and some other great gals.
Lin’s last blog post..Mutiny on the table
May 9th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
kathy, would you like to borrow one of my Garmin’s? I have two. She has a very nice British Voice. Og Course, she did try to make me drive into the middle of the Atlantoc ocean, but if you are haeding towards Canada, she will probably get you close!
Chris Casey’s last blog post..Thank God for the weekend
May 9th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
How fun- I have met a few people that I know from just online and it’s cool. I am directionally challenged as well… but it does not stop me from going anywhere.
Michelle Gartner’s last blog post..Happy Birthday to “U”
May 10th, 2009 at 1:00 am
You’ve never driven more than 30 miles alone???? Oh, my gosh. That is unfathomable to me.
Good luck — to you and to those around you.
Sherry at EX Marks the Spot’s last blog post..Photo Hunt: IN MEMORY
May 10th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Ok, I’ve got the perfect solution – A huge ball of string. Wait, maybe not … How about bread crumbs? I thinking 2 tons worth ought to cover 180 miles. Then there is always laying down special stones as you go – maybe 4 tons worth. If nothing else, with the stones, you’d have plenty of ammo to throw at your attackers if your stuck on the side of the road.
I got it – Make 35 copies of your Map quest instructions and hide them in very special places through out the car.
Just trying to help
Beamer’s last blog post..Green Eyes
May 10th, 2009 at 3:09 am
My ex would be amazed at what I can do without him constantly telling me I shouldn’t or couldn’t… He use to talk me out of driving from south to north Tampa to see friends when he didn’t want to go. Not long after my divorce (OK, you knew that was coming, right?) I drove from Tampa to north Atlanta – an 8 hour drive one way – without him, thankyouverymuch!
OK, what were we talking about here? Oh, you! You can SO do this, Kathy!
Barb – WillThink4Wine’s last blog post..gosling at the swamp
May 10th, 2009 at 4:29 am
Oh dear, I’m sorry, but that’s funny! LOL!
I know how you feel, though. I hate travelling alone, and won’t go far. The furthest I’ve been is probably 100 miles or so, by car, and I hate it. It’s a journey I have to do repeatedly, because it leads to my mother. I wish I lived nearer … OK, scratch that, I don’t. She would expect me to turn up daily and I’d go mad.
You’ll be OK. Although I have to say, judging from my own experience, your US sat nav units suck. Oh, sorry, did that worry you more? Forget I said anything.
*Sniggers*
May 10th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Regan — You’re so funny. I’m guessing the backup husband will be the hardest to find on such short notice.
Carole — Staying the night with an Amish family. You know what that means! No internet! How would I survive?! In this one case, I do hope it’s uneventful. I’m praying for smooth-sailing and a boring drive.
Chris — I hope I’m not putting too much faith in my GPS, which is why I’m getting to know my printed directions well. I’m afraid to rely too much on the device. I don’t know how it’s possible I’ve never driven alone very far. I suppose I’ve never had to; someone else always offers to drive. But after this trip, I’ll be able to say I did it!
Phyl — I didn’t consider taking a real map because I suck at those. I can’t even be the map reader for someone else whose driving. I’m pathetic. I’m in total awe of you for driving cross continent, with a cat, no less. (BTW, that’s the coolest thing I ever heard of).
Babs Beetle — Thank you for having faith in me. You haven’t changed your mind yet, have you? I think I will be fine. I really want to do this. I need to feel less helpless, and a success at the road trip will give me confidence for when I fly alone this summer. THAT ought to be something, huh?
Sue — Would you believe my dad owned a tire service shop and I never learned how to change a tire? Of course you would. Can’t take my husband. He has a commitment here that weekend and we also have a kitty who needs medicine twice daily. He would come otherwise.
Grace — I think they do have personal GPS systems, used for geocaching. Look into it. Oh, and I have no problem asking for directions along the way. It’s just that I’m afraid I won’t listen correctly and will promptly get lost again. Can you believe my sister and I tried out for the Amazing Race? What was I thinking? She’s the one who got the navigational gene, and I would have been little help.
DJ — Thank you! That helps. I really want to get this under my belt. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be so easy, I’ll wonder why I never tried it before. Water. Check. Chocolate. Check. Making note of where all the bathrooms are….keeping my eyes peeled.
The Mother — I’d take any assistance at all. Let’s pray I don’t need it. It will kill me if I can’t manage to do this. I really want it!
Shieldmaiden — I’m mostly worried about missing the I-80 exit and driving 100 miles in the wrong direction before figuring out my mistake. I’m thankful for the latter part of the trip being fairly boring. Boring is good! Congestion is bad, which is why I could never drive to Philly or NYC on my own. See you in a week!
Lisa (Jonny’s Mommy) — Lisa! I’m so looking forward to meeting you. This is going to be awesome! Yeah. Philly. Every time I’ve driven along with someone there, I’m sweating and tense and I’m not even the one driving!
Stephanie Barr — You just made my whole day. That gives me hope.
Lin — So funny. When I met up with three other bloggers in Toronto last summer, some of my friends asked me if I could trust them. As though they were secretly ax murderers in their offline lives. I’m pretty sure this bunch doesn’t keep freezers in their garage for the bodies.
Chris Casey — I tried using the British accent on my Nuvi, but I can’t understand her perfectly. I need all the help I can get, so I reverted back to the boring American woman. Oh, please Garmin machine, don’t take me to the ocean!
Michelle Gartner — It is very cool to meet online friends IRL. I met three others last summer in Toronto. So glad I had the chance AND that my wonderful sister Ann did all the driving!
Sherry at EX Marks the Spot — Nope. I know. It’s incredible. And sad. You should also wish good luck to my husband, who’ll probably be a ball of knots until he hears I’ve gotten there safely.
Beamer — Hilarious! Hadn’t thought of that. I like the idea, except it would probably add 57 hours to my trip. All that stone-dropping. And I am taking you up on the suggestion to make extra map copies. Can’t hurt. Might help.
Barb WillThink4Wine — Aw, that’s too bad you were dissuaded from going anywhere. I’m in awe that you drove 8 hours alone. Maybe one day I can do that, too. I have to get a 3-hour trip under my belt first. Thanks for your vote of confidence.
Jay — Ha! Yes, sometimes distance is a good thing. And yes, you did just worry me a bit about my GPS. I’m really counting on her to help me get there in one piece. I’m just gonna ignore your little comment for now, mmm-K?
May 10th, 2009 at 6:44 am
You are very brave, I would be worried about a trip like that too but with the GPS, a wonderful thing, I think you will be able to do it. I wouldn’t trust Mapquest though, it got me really lost once on just a 40 minute trip.
Karen, author of “my Funny Dad, Harry”’s last blog post..Things My Mother Taught Me and What I Miss
May 10th, 2009 at 7:13 am
Where am I ? Please check my twitter.
Don’t worry Kathy, you will be fine. I would have taken a car for my trip but instead took the bus – I didn’t want to get lost and I especially did not want to tire myself from the stress of driving !
Anyway, Take a map with you and mark your destination with a nice big dot. If you do get lost – just get out with your map and ask for directions !
Good Luck !
Jaffer’s last blog post..Off to Temiskaming Shores for two weeks
May 10th, 2009 at 7:16 am
I have absolute faith, Kathy, that you can do this. No question! And remember, while you’re driving three hours, I have almost five to do. So the pain is at least shared.
Jenn’s last blog post..Offish and Waisted
May 10th, 2009 at 7:37 am
I’m not going to be much help, I used to routinely drive to another state on days off when I was bored. (I was in Texas, and given the time allowed was Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Roswell. And then I wonder why my kid thinks I’m crazy.) Work was seldom less then 45 miles, and I have to drive 30, into another state, for something to do currently.
The first major driving trip I did when I was 19. I went from Dallas to Bangor, Maine and then to Wyoming and on through to California. The next year was Mexico, and the following was Canada. I never thought about it, if I didn’t make it where I sort of intended, I just wound up somewhere else (I am not known for “visiting” anyone. I go to go. And I’ll spare you the Europe trip. I’ll let it stand that I was in London, was supposed to go to Paris, and wound up in Prague instead.) But I don’t get lost, I just don’t have a destination.
I’m sure you’ll do fine. Best thing is not to worry too much, most people that work in the gas stations can get you on the right path if nothing else. Have fun with it!
SewDucky’s last blog post..Pattern Picks
May 10th, 2009 at 7:37 am
You are so brave! I don’t know how it happened but it seems I am so used to my husband driving me everywhere that I can’t drive to visit my kids all by myself. I must fix this, I am a very independent woman, I am a very independent, woman, I am a very independent woman . . .
May 10th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I know you can do it! Just remember the Little Engine That Could and say to yourself “I think I can – I think I can – I think I can – I think I can!” You will be there before you know it. Choo-Choooooooo!
Daisy the Curly Cat’s last blog post..Sunday Comics with Daisy!
May 10th, 2009 at 8:39 am
I can’t imagine that you of all people doesn’t have AAA, but if by chance you don’t, it’s probably worth the investment for the trip. That and a cell phone charger and I can drive anywhere.
I’ve done the drive west to Pittsburgh alone many times, you’ll be fine. But remember, they do call it Pennsyltucky for a reason….
Susan’s last blog post..There’s One Main Reason I Don’t Think I Could Be a Vegetarian
May 10th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Oh my god, I can’t imagine driving less than 30 miles alone. I wish all my trips were that short. Stay focused, you’ll be fine.
Carla’s last blog post..Chrysler eh?
May 10th, 2009 at 9:33 am
The universal sign of distress is to fire your gun three times. Please make sure you aren’t pointing at traffic or any of your tires.
Douglas’s last blog post..Top 5 Signs That Manny Ramirez Was Juicing
May 10th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Well, at least you seem to have planned for every possible contingency. AND you’ve gotten some great constructive advice here, like bringing food for several days and a fold-out map. And a back-up husband. Those come in handy for so many situations.
JD at I Do Things’s last blog post..I Forgot so you don’t have to
May 10th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Life is a journey not a destination! Sometimes getting lost is half the fun of it
Have loads of fun. Road Trips are the bomb. If I can drive from Northern CA to Northern VA with a 3 1/2 year old – then I think you will breeze through a 180 mile road trip! Can’t wait to read about it!!
May 10th, 2009 at 10:43 am
You’re going to have a great time. Don’t worry about a thing except finding a decent radio station. Solution–iPod or cds.
Prefers Her Fantasy Life’s last blog post..Blame It On Your Mother, I Do
May 10th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Just follow the yellow line, Kathy, and you will be fine. Unless there is a fork. Or unless there is a “merge” sign. I hope you get to go the whole way on one straight highway with no monkey business.
TheSnackHound’s last blog post..What Goes In, Must Come Out
May 10th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Take an extra cell phone and be sure you have the emergency road number (The American College of Emergency Physicians Association is recommending that folks enter emergency contact information into their phone directory on their cell phones.
I have done this on my cellphones and recommend that all roadtrippers do it as well. The easiest way to do this is to create a name: ICE (which stands for in case of an emergency) and can provide rapid information to first responders in case the roadtripper is unable to communicate after an accident or allergic reaction or whatever.) handy.
Also make yourself a sign on a piece of cardboard that says HELP!
You will be ok and will wonder why you stewed over “what ifs” – have a great time.
grannyann’s last blog post..True Story
May 10th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I am nervous for you. I am this same way, always lost. Always forget where I left that dumb car. The GPS has been the BEST THING EVER since we moved a city with 10 million frappin people. I hope yours won’t go out.
If only GPS would tell me where my keys are, or remember where I parked the car……
Wendy’s last blog post..It’s Not So Bad. In fact, It’s Great
May 10th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
What if you wrote the directions on your arms in Sharpie?
May 10th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
You can, and WILL do it! Trust me ;O)
babs – beetle’s last blog post..Oh go on, laugh! + Update
May 10th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
You’ll do fine. When in doubt, turn left.
Joe’s last blog post..Happy Mother’s Day
May 10th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Good luck on getting there. How fun to meet some blogging buddies. I hope to meet some this summer.
My son is far more directionally challenged than you. He gets turned around if he is two blocks away and he has a gps. Good luck. Have you thought what you will do if you get a flat?
Jen’s last blog post..We Have a New Blankie
May 10th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Haha! I can totally relate. I’ve been known to get lost on my way to my bedroom and no, I wasn’t even drunk! Good luck with that.
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings’s last blog post..Friday Question – Advice from Mum
May 10th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Girl, don’t underestimate your dear self. As we say down South, you’ll be finer’n frog’s hair. If I can get from central South Cackalacky to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, AND BACK at least one dozen times, which I did when our married daughter lived there, you can do this.
But if you get lost, call me! I’ve gotten lost two-tenths of a mile from home too. The least I can do is commiserate!
Jenny’s last blog post..Giggleboxes Were Meant To Be Upended
May 10th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Ooh… good luck with that. I think you saw how well my solo drive through PA went the first time I tried it. No need to worry though. What could possibly go wrong?
Jeff’s last blog post..See me be VE
May 11th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Karen — I’m using Mapquest as a backup. I’m really hoping the GPS doesn’t let me down. I’ve checked other online map services and all the directions match up with the Mapquest one, so if it’s wrong, so are all the others.
Jaffer — I would love to take a bus, too, if it went straight to their house and dropped me off at the front door. I can just see me waving a map at a stranger and screaming “Can you get me to this big dot?!”
Jenn — Yes, I could see that you have longer to drive than me. But I’m guessing you’ve driven more than 30 miles from home by yourself before. No one can be as lame as me. Can’t wait to meet you!
SewDucky — See, you have that carefree spirit I’m so sorely lacking. Your trips must have been exciting and relatively stress-free if you just jumped in your car and went! Good for you. I’ll try to remember to have fun with it. This doesn’t have to be a nightmare for me!
Data Entry Services — It’s the same for me. I always had someone in my life who could or wanted to drive instead. I never argued. We are independent women! Let’s put it this way… if I can do it, you can too.
Daisy the Curly Cat — Oh, I’m totally gonna be repeating that to myself in the car. Maybe I’ll print out a little picture of you and tape it to my dashboard to remind me that I CAN! You’ll be with me in spirit!
Susan — I only had AAA a couple years in my life. I should consider getting it for this trip, though. My sister’s advice is that I not stop and ask direction from anyone with less than four teeth.
Carla — Well, I’ll be happy when I do this. Then I can say I finally went on a road trip myself. It’s something I always thought I should do before I die.
Douglas — Oh, great. That’s all I need is a gun. Nothing good can happen from that. Say, the loss of several toes.
JD at I Do Things — I liked the idea you sent me about buying a blow up doll to serve as my spare husband. But what if he deflates and gets sucked out a window?
Donna — Yes! If you can drive with a toddler in the car, I can do this! It’s nice because the only one crying, whining and screaming will be me.
Prefers Her Fantasy Life — Um, what would you say if I told you my car doesn’t have a CD player and I don’t own an iPod? Am I doomed already?
TheSnackHound — That’s exactly what I’m worried about. I don’t care about driving a straight line for hours. I care about taking a wrong exit and driving in a straight line in the wrong direction.
grannyann — Yes, I’m going to add an ICE number to my cell phone. I found that tip mentioned over and over when I researched “safe road tripping.” It’s my goal to look back on the trip and ask myself what in the world I was worried about.
Wendy — I feel like I have an advantage with this being my first road trip. I’m not driving into a large, congested city. It’s probably the best way to get a good feel for it. Some people might hate the thought of long, boring stretches, but I’m praying for them.
feefifoto — I would need more than my arms and I’d also show up looking like the tattooed woman at the fair.
Babs Beetle — Like Daisy says, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can….!”
Joe — Do you promise that works?
Jen — Well, I might actually be better off than your son. As for the flat, I’m praying it doesn’t happen. What are the chances? I did take my car in for servicing on Friday to make sure my car is in tip-top shape. So I’m going with the odds that nothing major will happen.
Sami — Then come back in a week to read how things went with me. Maybe it’ll give you confidence that you can make it to your bedroom without assistance.
Jenny — Thanks for your vote of confidence. I’m going to remember all your good wishes and certainty that I’ll get there. It’ll be like you’re all traveling with me!
Jeff — Oh, great. I can guarantee I won’t be walking off into the distance toward a lone light on a house in a field. I’d rather die in my car.
May 11th, 2009 at 6:48 am
I know what you need. You needs a good dog like me to go with you so that if you gets losted you won’t be all by your own self.
Scrooge’s last blog post..New blog
May 11th, 2009 at 7:48 am
I think, as a public service, you should alert local and State police in each region through which you will be travelling. As well, perhaps you could inform the various media outlets.
I would love to know how you are doing, but as I cannot stand Twitter, and I have recently deleted my account from Facebook, I guess I will have to wait until you get settled.
Steve’s last blog post..Adventures with Jeff
May 11th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Holy cow! You need moral support. I know *lots* of people who’ve driven thousands upon thousands of miles all over this great nation of ours, allllll alone. By themselves. Without benefit of a map or a GPS. Little old ladies, even! In fact, now that I think about it, most of them are little old ladies. Huh.
But I’m out here in the West. The East Coast, from what I understand, has a road system that’s like a giant pot of spaghetti. So yeah, I think a GPS is a good idea. If you were in the west I’d say “pack water and protein bars, and make sure you stop for gas before the needle falls below 25%.” But in the East I picture a 7-11 every mile or so, no matter where you go. Am I right?
Good luck. Come home safe.
Red Flashlight’s last blog post..Wordless Monday
May 11th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
ahahahahaha. I am the Queen Of Getting Lost (the second!) I do hope that you made it there and BACK safely with no issues. However, if you did get lost, Im sure there will be a great blog post!
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..Monday’s With Meleah
May 11th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
So funny! Visiting from Boondock Ramblings.
Oh, and good luck!
Mrs. Nurse Boy’s last blog post..Monday’s Random Musings
May 11th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
We will be in Central PA too–passing through, so we will keep an eye out for you. Happy traveling–you GO GIRL!!
Judy Miller’s last blog post..A Mother’s Day Rembrance
May 11th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I would NOT use MapQuest. They are invariably wrong! (I learned the hard way) You might try randmcnally.com , I’ve had good luck with them.
Have a great trip
May 11th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Poor Kathy. I have many diving and directional issues as well though. I did make it 400+ miles (over 7 hr drive) all alone though several years ago. If I can do it, so can you! I do give you props for doing something that makes you so nervous. You’ll be fine. And I think you’ll have more confidence in yourself once you’ve done it.
Best wishes!
erin’s last blog post..Book Nerd
May 11th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Well I hope you made it Kathy, lol! God bless.
Jodi
Jodi’s last blog post..A Weekend With My Garndaughter, And Then Boom!
May 12th, 2009 at 4:20 am
Scrooge — Ah, thanks for the offer! I would normally like a canine companion, but what if you have to do your business and you do it in the car? Oh, wait. You’re a good dog, aren’t you?
Steve — I can’t say that’s a bad idea. Maybe I can get them to give me an escort along the way? Hey, if I think of it, I’ll send you a personal email to let you know I made it there OK.
Red Flashlight — It’s incredible to me that anyone can drive anywhere far without a GPS. Never been good with fold-out maps. And now that my eyes are worse than ever, even if I had one, it might not help. Where I live there’s a 7-11 type place every two miles or so. Not sure about north of here. I’m actually more afraid to get lost where there’s more congestion, not less. Having to make quick decisions when a thousand cars are barreling down behind me is what has me concerned.
meleah rebeccah — In this one case, I hope I have an uneventful day. I’d trade “no blog post” for getting there in one piece.
Mrs. Nurse Boy — Thanks for dropping by, and thanks!
Judy Miller — Remember, I’ll be the one on the side of the road, weeping.
Jeanne — I checked out Randmcnally and their directions are the same as Mapquest except for the beginning, which is what I’m not worried about. Sorry Mapquest burned you.
erin — You’re absolutely right. My husband asked me again if I was sure I wanted to do this. More than anything. I need to know I have the skills and confidence to get the job done.
Jodi — Me too!
May 12th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Ha! You’ll have a great time! We had so much fun on our first mother/daughter trip in March, we are doing it again in June/July!!!
Have a wonderful time, and keep your windows up so the map doesn’t get sucked out.
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May 12th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
You’ll do great! I LOVE road trips. My last biggy was from San Diego to Fredericksburg, VA. My dog Velvet was my co-pilot – We stopped and saw friends and family along the way – had a blast – you will too!
Viveca
Viveca’s last blog post..Insomnia & Fatigue Revisited.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Maureen — I’m thankful I’m not trying this in snow, as you did (IIRC). You’re much braver than me! I shall take every precaution. And pray. A lot.
Viveca — I’m in awe of so many of you taking to the road as you do. But who knows? Maybe I’ll do so well, I won’t think twice about taking a long trip by myself again.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
I get lost WITH a GPS!
May 12th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
David McMahon — Oh, now don’t say that! My GPS has to be my savior. Or are you just saying nothing can help you? {starts worrying again}
May 13th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
You’ve never driven 30 miles from your home? :O What is that, some kind of Guinness Book of World Record? haha!
Good luck with your GPS… heh heh. Well, you can console yourself with the idea that if you do get lost, it will make great blog fodder.
Enjoy your trip! Send the fellow bloggers my regards!
Crabby Blogging Lady’s last blog post..Where Am I?
May 14th, 2009 at 5:12 am
Crabby Blogging Lady — Nope. Not once. Never had to. Someone else was always available to drive. I’m determined to get there with little trouble, and even if I get lost, I promise to try not to cry right away. I won’t be able to read a map through my tears.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:38 am
You’ll do fine! How exciting this is!!! I’ll be watching for your facebook updates!!
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids’s last blog post..Finally Friday
May 17th, 2009 at 9:16 am
So Kathy, I just don’t understand why you would give your chauffeur the weekend off when you had such a major outing. What is the point of having a driver and limo if they don’t take you where you need to go…ala Driving Miss Daisy.
May 17th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Hope your trip is going well..both too and from I have the same issues and yes that’s a long way for you to go.
So blessings and safety take pictures and share.
Hugs Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker’s last blog post..We’re moving our site
May 19th, 2009 at 5:19 am
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids — And now you know I made it!
David — Ah, now THAT would have been nice. Although I have to say, riding in a limo is one of the most uncomfortable ways to travel. All that sliding around. My back always hurts when I get out.
Dorothy Stahlnecker — My trip went VERY well, thankyouverymuch. Not a single problem on the road, unless you count me almost missing the very last exit on the return trip. I laughed at the irony of it, screwing up so close to home.
September 14th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
“The Queen of Getting Lost” is my title
I have managed to get lost in my own neighborhood when it got dark, 2 blocks away from my house. I spent 2 hours waiting for my husband to come and rescue me. After that incident I have purchased Garmin GPS system and I use it everyday.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Oh damned, I can not imagine driving more than 30 miles alone. I wish all my trips were that short. Stay focused, you’ll be fine. Thyanks you for you tips.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I thought I was the only one who has never driven a long distance alone. I really freaking hate driving. You have to pay attention to driving is the worst part.
I am very glad I only found this post after the fact or I would have been anxious all week waiting for you to get back.
PS since we’re on a totally different post, can you give me a clue what the What’s that Monday thing is? I won’t tell anyone.
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December 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Don’t worry. I am exactly the same. I never really drive more than 20 miles. I soon need to drive about 150 miles to see a friend and I have all the same worries.
January 12th, 2010 at 4:07 am
Guessing the road trip went well?
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