Category Archives: Travel

Day 3217 – It’s Ok To Cry Over Inanimate Objects – or – Ode To My First New Car

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As I write this, I am waiting for a tow truck to pick up my car, Sam, for donation.

I have had Sam since 2005 when I bought him new. Up to that point, I only drove hand-me-down cars. I had experienced non-starting cars, no stereos, no heat or A/C, broken windows, and more. When I went to purchase my new car and the salesman asked what I was looking for in a car, I jokingly said – it starts, the stereo works, and I don’t want to have to use two hands to open or close the windows. He didn’t laugh. But that’s ok, I laugh at my own jokes, I’m ok if no one else does.

I only took a five mile test drive. I fell in love as soon as I sat down. It was a brand-spankin’ new car. I never experienced anything like it. There were only just over 100 miles on the car when I got it. Since that point, I’ve experienced some great things with Sam.

I had the first of many long conversations with my now spouse.

I took three cross country road trips with Sam.

I took dozens of shorter distance road trips.

Sam was also “arrested” and was put in an impound lot over the weekend when I was arrested for driving drunk.

I was sitting in Sam when I was on the outskirts of a tornado and was fearing for my life.

Sam took me safely to and from all but one of my weddings. (I did not realize this until just now.)

I always said I would be happy if I could get Sam to a quarter million miles, and I did. The final mileage count was 253,162.

After I cleaned everything out yesterday to prepare for the tow. I came inside and the weight of saying goodbye to this awesome car hit me. I sobbed and sobbed….and sobbed some more.

When Bret came home from work, and after we moved everything into the new car, he suggested sitting in Sam one last time. While I was completely drained at this point, I did. So we sat down and he asked some of my favorite memories. Bret remembered that we had our first heart to heart conversation while sitting in Sam. He thanked Sam for keeping me safe. For keeping him (Bret) safe too. We’ve been in a few accidents separately. Sam has hit a few deer – one totally butt bumped him.

I, of course, lost it again. I am so thankful for such an amazing car. He lived a great, full life, and will now help others.

I’m excited to make new memories in our new car. I can’t wait to start taking road trips with my new, amazing gas mileage. But I’ll never forget this amazing little 2005 Honda Civic LX Special Edition car, with blue sparkles in the black paint.

Thanks for the memories Sam.

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Day 3211 – Sometimes You Have To Go Through The Storm For The Most Beautiful Places – repost

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This time last year, I was enjoying a wonderful vacation with a very dear friend. I wrote this post the first full day there, and I think it’s a good reminder, no matter what you’re going through right now.

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Originally posted 4/26/17
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On my flight from Baltimore to Tampa, we hit some really bad turbulence. The drink orders had just been taken, and the turbulence started. Even the flight attendants had to sit down. We did get drinks eventually, but I would say the turbulence lasted 80% of the 2 hour 20 minutes, flight. Even the landing was a little rough.

I spent most of the flight reading an amazing book (click here to read what it is and how it is changing my life). As we were making our final decent, I realized what I could learn from such a crazy flight. I knew that I was going to an amazingly beautiful place. Having explored a few of the beaches, and having spent time outside on the back patio of friend’s place, I understand why so many folks move here. Even though I didn’t know how great it was before my feet hit the ground, I had an idea of how good it would be. It wasn’t easy getting here. But isn’t that true of the journey to the great places in our lives? Your broken heart leads to your deepest love. Your failed business prepares you for an even better business. Your rough plane right leads to one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen.

If you’re stuck on a plane ride that is making you want to throw up, remember that the destination could be more amazing than you’ve dreamed.

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Day 3206 – Postcard From Far Far Away!

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What I do for work has changed so much over the last few years. I love changing and growing and learning new things. I love using my gifts in the myriad of ways that I do. I love the people that I’ve met and work for. One of those amazing people is Lori Gross. She is a stunning animal photographer, as well as an expedition guide to Antarctica, who wants to share the Antarctic Experience with others, among many other things. She is definitely a woman after my own heart with her desire to build multiple businesses, and share her passions with others.

So not only do I get to work for such a great person who encourages MY dreams, she sends me postcards from Antarctica! The mail is MUCH slower, so even though she mailed this a while back, it just arrived this week. Each year, she shares photos and videos with me of what she experiences. Each year, my desire to visit increases. I cannot wait for the time I can finally see that stunning country in person with her.

Make sure you check out all her various links above!

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Did you like what you read? Here’s some ways you can support us and this blog!
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Day 3205 – Free Admission To National Parks Tomorrow!

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Tomorrow is the start of National Park week! To celebrate they’re offering free admission!

Here’s all of the details and the other freebie dates.

We talked about going to Fort McHenry since it’s close and we’ll be in Baltimore anyway, but we have a number of things to accomplish and might not make it.

Where will you go?

This is one of our favorite parks, Zion in Utah.

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Did you like what you read? Here’s some ways you can support us and this blog!
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Day 3204 – Poetry And The Creative Mind Day

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One aspect of myself and my creativity is poetry. For a myriad of reasons, I’ve kept this part of myself tucked away. It seems I’ve always enjoyed writing poems, but for some reason or another, I just haven’t. Since attending a poetry reading, and purchasing a truly epic journal (see below), I’ve found myself writing poetry nearly every day. I’ve been reading great books on fostering creativity.

It seems as a rule, having a childlike joy and wonder with the world is a key to having long lasting creativity. Coming to situations with fresh eyes. Playing, just for the sake of play, awakens parts of our brains we try to keep quiet.

I still have a ways to go in increasing my play and childlike wonder in life, which is a good thing, I think. Realizing it’s a long game, and something I will always be striving to attain, is a relief. Much like learning – there will ALWAYS be something to learn. There is no reason to stop learning.

What is your favorite creative outlet?

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Did you like what you read? Here’s some ways you can support us and this blog!
Join our Facebook group, Planning an Epic Road Trip on Any Budget
Join the Journey With The G’s email list (bonus – you get my Epic Road Trip Budget spreadsheet)
Buy my book, Planning an Epic Road Trip on any Budget.
Buy my book, Trusting God With 2 Cents: 22 Days To Becoming A Successful Christian Business Owner.
Shop on Amazon (no additional cost to you, this gives us a percentage of what you order).
Check out our resources page.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel