by Hope
Today my Sea Cadet graduates from his “boot camp” in Pennsylvania. The old me would have driven up the night before, gotten a hotel room…etc. The new me, well, I got up at 3:30am this morning, got dressed, got kids in the car and hit the road. Giving myself 30 extra minutes to get there based on estimated drive time.
I am planning on lunch out before we head back, because I know he’s going to have lots to tell and I want to focus on him rather than on driving before we start the 5 1/2 hour drive home.
11 hours of drive time today with a short break for his graduation and lunch, but no hotel or extra meal costs. Yahoo for the small wins, especially making hard choices for this debt payoff journey!
Wrote this earlier this week, but by the time this publishes we’ll have been on the road for almost two hours. Please send thoughts and prayers for safe travels today.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
Having done this myself from Maryland to Connecticut to drive the son #2 to his college dorm I can totally relate. Now that this stage is in our rear-view mirror I am happy to say it was worth it. Congrats to the Sea Cadet…a new stage for you and him is also in store. I am grateful for his service to our country…the whole reason everyone gets to speak their mind on blogs such as this…Not sure if you have the ability to read this on the road, but safe travels.
Congrats to the Sea Cadet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that if you feel yourself getting tired, please stop the car.
Hope you had a safe trip. I drove for about 9 hours yesterday too. I stopped a few times so, it wasn’t so bad.
Hi Hope, I hope you had a safe trip.
Great job Hope! Now that’s sacrifice 🙂