Day 1 -- Fairfax, VA to Elkhart, IN

I spent all weekend seeing friends, saying "see you later's", and of course, packing up my little subaru outback impreza sport (I call her Sucre or Sukie for short). Yesterday was a tough day because I barely slept the night before and then had to get Sucre a car wash and vacuum and then start packing her up. I was being stubborn and packed the entire car by myself...YES, little me, packed her!

Today was a new day, or so I thought that it would be when I woke up! ;) I had the help of KK to "re-pack" or "re-organize" Sucre because I guess I left a few items out in the open that could have been called "projectiles" if we were to stop short! These projectiles would have ended up by my mother so although the thought was funny and I did chuckle, we needed to re-think the situation. It was a nice to surprise to have KK there to send us on our way and to remind me to stay positive. After saying goodbyes (some sad, and some not so sad) my mom and I headed off to our first stop: Elkhart, Indiana!!!

Traveling with my mother has been like a rollercoaster so far. It isn't the same as traveling with a friend but it has its perks and she is really great to be doing this with me.

So, we drove through a few states today...

• First: VA -- Mom drove -- Got our a.m. starbucks, cash, and gas...was feeling a bit nostalgic at this point...
• Second: MD -- Mom drove -- I tried to sleep but that wasn't happening with chatty kathy in the car! It was so quick and so familiar!
• Third: PA -- We stopped at a rest-stop and it was our first feel of the freezing cold air! It went from 20 degrees to like 6-8 degress while driving today!!! I almost cried it was so cold! My mom kindly reminded me that I was going to CO and it would be cold there too.
• Fourth: OH -- My leg --My mom talked on her phone to a college buddy all through Ohio! It was the first time I got to really think and reflect on some things without distraction. I loved the drive because it was mostly flat and there was the most beautiful sunset forming.
• Fifth: IN -- I was still driving -- We saw SANTA! I swear, he was driving some kind of a Jeep! ;)

Now it's time to relax, unwind, and get ready for another day of traveling. Our destination for tomorrow is Des Moines, IA. I will put pictures up where they belong once I am able to transfer them...there will be plenty to share! ;) Thanks for keeping up with our trip and my blog! :)