by Hope
Previously, I indicated that I had no plans to travel again until November. And then I’m planning to drive to Texas with one if not both of my daughters for Thanksgiving. Well, I lied. Or rather, this wasn’t my idea. And I’m not paying for it (just so we are clear from the beginning.)
Last weekend, a friend and I drive to Charlotte (just under 3 hour drive from me) for a Tiny House Exhibition at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was super cool. There were a couple of dozen of conversion vans, skoolies, and tiny houses to explore. It definitely got my mind a-whirling with ideas.
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- Not at the tiny house exhibition, but we saw this model on the road and I fell in love!
It was sooo cool to go and see, and have such a fun adventure with my friend. But back to the point of this post…
There’s a Sale, Want to Come
While we were on the road driving up to Charlotte, my dad texts and offers to fly Princess and I down to Texas between her school semesters if we wanted to come. Evidently Southwest was doing a sale if you purchased flights with points, and he is the king of collecting points for all of our travels. (I didn’t read the text while I was driving; however, I did have my friend read it to me as I never know what my dad will need so I try to be really responsive.)
Anyways, I immediately called Princess as I know she’s taken a week off work in May and asked if she wanted to spend part of her week in Texas. She was game. So I called dad, gave him the dates and said just book what you can find, we are flexible within these dates. (I will have to take off from my catering coordinator job, but will work my other job while travelling with ease.)
By the time, we got to Charlotte I had flight information in my email. Next month, Princess and I will spend 4 days in Texas. It also happens to be the week of her birthday. That will make it extra special for her and Gymnast to get to be together. And I am thrilled to get to see my baby boy.
I realize that my freedom to travel at will, whether a day trip to Charlotte or a 4 day trip to Texas will come to an end in the not so distant future when Beauty moves out. But I am SO SO grateful for the freedom that having her here to watch and feed the dogs provides.
Sidenote: Beauty and her boyfriend went to Texas last month. That is why she is not going on this trip.
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.
Then why did you post to IG on a plane with a picture of you looking in a New Orleans book store? This was after you said you weren’t going to travel.
Did you read the captions of those photos?
I have travelled extensively over the years, those were old photos that fit the message of the post. There were not indicative of recent travel.
I did–you didn’t indicate anywhere that they’re old photos.
I just use whatever image seems to fit the post, they aren’t always recent. Never thought I needed to clarify that.
I felt those images were a good representation of the message (copy) I was writing.
Hope let’s be serious, you say you aren’t traveling then show pictures on a plane and bookstore and we are supposed to know these are pictures from years ago. Don’t treat us as dumb please.