History of a road trip.

Two questions keep popping up when I tell people that Carolynn and I have a 7-week RV trip planned... How the heck did you decide to do that? How did you both get the time off to do it?

Even though they're 2 questions, the answers are intertwined.

There are a lot of things that Carolynn and I share in common. One being yearning for adventure - a hunger to experience new and different things. Maybe that's why neither of us, until recently, has been at a job for longer than 5 years. Anywho...

For years now, I've wanted to throw caution to the wind, load the dog in the car, and hit the open roads of the US. (Come to find out most of you share that same dream!!) In February, the wheels of the plan were set in motion as Carolynn decided to move on from a very crappy work situation. She left and started back working part-time for Flour Bakery - thanks Joanne! - waiting to hear yeah or nay from America's Test Kitchen (ATK). In the meantime, we threw out the idea of an extended trip during Car's permanent work hiatus. A road trip was born.

It looked like Carolynn's schedule allowed for it, but what about mine? The construction industry in Boston has finally caught up to the rest of the struggling US economy. So, it's been slow for the past few months at my work. I asked for an extended leave to save the company some dough and allow me to take an opportunity of a lifetime. Thanks EG Sawyer for letting me go!!

On a side note.... Once we had committed to taking the trip - i.e. purchased an RV - ATK called Carolynn to ask for her professional and personal references. So, after four months of interviewing and waiting, ATK chose to pursue her then? UGH!!! In being the stand-up (and Catholic, guilt-ridden) person she is, Carolynn emailed ATK **before any job offer** to let them know that she had planned to take this trip. Super risky for the unemployed, especially since this is/has always been her dream job. I guess things sometimes work out for good, honest, up-front people. ATK offered her the job and allowed her the 7 weeks off. She started there just over two weeks ago.
- SM