Apr 28, 2008

Bossy’s Excellent Road Trip. Day It’s Over.

Bossy drove over 10,000 miles across 28 states in 5 weeks to meet her online community. She slept on sofas, in guest rooms, and three hotels; she met kids and dogs and a handful of cats and one turtle and some horses and cows.

She walked in cities, shat in truck stops, and broke bread with over
two hundred creative, hilarious people she had never met but who are now like family.

She drank chocolate martinis and ate fried pickles, and married at least four men and one sports car.

Thank you Philadelphia and D.C. and Richmond and Atlanta and Orlando and Tallahassee and New Orleans and Baton Rouge and Dallas and Oklahoma and Albuquerque and Scottsdale and San Diego and Laguna Beach and Los Angeles and Palo Alto and San Francisco and Eugene and Portland and Seattle and Boise and Denver and Kansas City and St. Louis and Madison and Chicago and Indianapolis and Detroit and Cleveland, with a special shout out to Rawlins Wyoming.

Bossy misses every single one of you, and from the bottom of her heart thanks her readers for all of their tip jar contributions. You made Bossy’s Excellent Road Trip possible.

And to Bossy’s hosts, from the Gays, to the moms, to the one married guy, and the cattle rancher’s wife: thanks for teaching Bossy a thing or two about generosity of substance and spirit.

And Saturn? Thank you for pioneering a new way of doing business, and for your leap of faith. Bossy hopes it pays off handily. And dude! Nice cars!

Bossy still has many Excellent Road Trip stories to share in the coming weeks, as her body slowly adjusts to sleeping past 4 A.M. and eating real live food such as lettuce.

permanent link to post

111 comments

1. 1
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
   Michelle said:

   I am so glad that you made it home. I have enjoyed following you.


2. 2
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
   Amy said:

   Welcome home Bossy! I can’t believe the Road Trip is already over.


3. 3
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
   Foolery said:

   You ate fried pickles? No wonder there was so much, um, truck stop activity.


4. 4
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
   Laura said:

   This was the most interesting blog adventure. I so enjoyed keeping up w/your travels!


5. 5
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
   Hippo Brigade said:

   You made it!!…hey, did you know that you have a side bar ad for asian girls for love and marriage on your site? weird. Anyways, it was a pleasure meeting you and reading all about your adventures, good times.


6. 6
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
   Buddysnuddys said:

   Yay, Bossy! You did it! Are you proud of yourself for completing the whole wonderful, crazy, LONG journey? We are! So glad you’re home safe and (relatively?) sound.


7. 7
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
   Angel in Kentucky said:

   Welcome home……welcome home~
   Now, for the 35 days of recaps!


8. 8
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
   Neil said:

   I have to admit, I was skeptical when I first read about this idea… but that was truly fun reading. And so many wonderful bloggers on the road. What a country! You are like the internet era Jack Kerouac, but without the depressing drunkenness… and with a nicer car. Next year, Europe!


9. 9
   on April 28th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
   Jen said:

   Next road trip, I hope to catch you live!

   Plus it’s neat to read the accounts from the perspective of the people you visited, they all think you’re the cat’s pajamas!


10. 10
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
    merrymishaps said:

    Welcome home Bossy!
    Wow, that was a long trip, but it was obviously an excellent adventure!


11. 11
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
    Mandy said:

    Yay! You made it back home!
    SOOooo happy to have met you, and to have been a part of such a perfectly cool idea! You are amazing.
    Now, SLEEP. Sleeeeeeep.


12. 12
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
    Sister Honey Bunch said:

    Welcome Home!!!!!!


13. 13
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
    The Domestic Goddess said:

    Yippee! Welcome home, glad it’s over. What a neat thing to be able to do, you’ll have stories for your grandchildren!


14. 14
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
    elembee123 said:

    Glad you are home safe, Ms. Bossy! I bet your family is thrilled to have you home.

    I certainly enjoyed reading about your adventure and “meeting” everyone you visited. My blogroll is overflowing with amazing new (to me) stories to get caught up on.

    I hope someday you’ll write a book about this most excellent trip!


15. 15
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
    Howard said:

    So glad you’re home. I know you were missing it by the time you stopped her. And know that you are welcome back anytime. It was a great pleasure meeting you.

    For reals.


16. 16
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
    stepher said:

    AMAZING!

    I’ve read every single one of those blogs and lived vicariously through your journey. THANK YOU for sharing it all w/those of us who couldn’t make a meet-up.

    Now get some rest!

    S t e p h e r


17. 17
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
    Have The T-Shirt said:

    So glad you’re home safe, can’t wait to hear more about all your adventures!


18. 18
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
    junebug said:

    Your road trip on the map looks like a dachshund. Kinda. Sorta. Don’t tell Stella!


19. 19
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
    Dharmamama said:

    Ahh… home. Hope you get settled back in OK. I admire you so much for your adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us.


20. 20
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
    Lindy said:

    delurking to say I really enjoyed reading your blog these past few weeks.


21. 21
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
    Avitable said:

    I’m glad you made it home safe and sound without any major incidents.

    Now, when’s Road Trip 2009 going to happen?


22. 22
    on April 28th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
    vuboq said:

    Welcome home! I loved being able to travel with you via the blog. Fried pickles. yum.


23. 23
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
    Z. Mulls said:

    What? You were gone? I thought Jerry said you had just stepped out for a quart of milk?


24. 24
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
    Kelly Stern said:

    So glad you made it… I can only imagine the book you could write about your adventures (please make me a bit taller, darker skin and thinner waist)… Congrats!


25. 25
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
    anne marie in philly said:

    YEAAAAAAA! bossy is home!

    hopefully bossy’s family was happy to see her.

    looked like a blast; I traveled the USA with you.

    and look, today’s it’s raining…the sky is crying cause bossy is NOT on the road…


26. 26
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
    Miss Britt said:

    Bossy looks very, very happy to be home.


27. 27
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
    Isabel Kallman said:

    Yay Bossy! Congratulations.


28. 28
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
    Jae said:

    Well done!! It’s been a blast following you from the comfort of my living room.


29. 29
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
    Nilsa S. said:

    Sorry I didn’t make it to your Chicago outing. After a day working in the suburbs (in a different part of town), trekking out to the suburbs through Chicago traffic would’ve made me miss the gig. Sounds like your whole trip was a stunning success. But, given Bossy was at the healm, that should be no surprise. I think I’m gonna write in BOSSY FOR PRESIDENT.


30. 30
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
    Amy said:

    I am so excited to have been a part of your Excellent Road Trip! Thank you for helping me meet so many excellent bloggers in my neighborhood, and for being so awesome. It was awesome.

    I can’t wait to read all the stories.

    Hugs,
    Amy @ prettybabies.blogspot.com


31. 31
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
    sarah said:

    welcome home! now you can tuck those sexy surgical hose in your drawer for another 25+ years!

    can’t wait to read more as you recollect yourself!


32. 32
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
    corrie said:

    Bossy!!! Finally a real smile~ Welcome Home ~ the greatest joy of travels, the warm arms of family, (dog) and the warm comfortable place of home. Enjoy!

    P.S. good luck with the detox! That’s a long time without lettuce!


33. 33
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
    Beth said:

    You did it!
    And I loved reading about it. Welcome home to your bed, your kids, your #1 TOP FAVORITE BEST husband and your good-looking dog. Hope you don’t have to climb in the car for a few days.
    Thanks for taking us all along on your big adventure.


34. 34
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
    Cheri said:

    I’m glad you’re home safe and sound. Munch that lettuce and enjoy your own bed!


35. 35
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
    Noelle said:

    I can’t believe you’re home already! Oh, the stories the internet has to tell you of what you missed while you were away!


36. 36
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
    catnip said:

    Thanks for taking us along for the ride!


37. 37
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
    Manic Mommy said:

    Even Bossy can not live on appetizers alone.

    Glad you’re home safe and sound and so looking forward to the recaps – once you let go of your family.

    Bossy truly is a uniter, not a divider.


38. 38
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
    Heather said:

    Welcome home Bossy!

    I am so bummed that I missed you – but how can you resist the desire to return here to the valley of the sun when the east coast temps drop below 20 in November?

    So when you head back I don’t care WHO requires my attention – it’s all Bossy all the time.

    NOW Log OFF and Enjoy your family for a while!


39. 39
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
    dgm said:

    Damn, girl. Welcome home.


40. 40
    on April 28th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
    notjustbarbra said:

    Congratulations! You’re home!

    Thank you so much for doing this. It was truly amazing. I loved meeting you and I feel so grateful that you were the reason I met several other great bloggers, who I am continuing to get to know!

    That is a cute, cute picture!


41. 41
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
    andrea said:

    Your smile in the last picture says it all. Thanks again!


42. 42
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
    RuthWells said:

    Dude, welcome home! I hope Stella and co. let you sleep at least 12 hours….


43. 43
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
    blackbird said:

    Welcome home!


44. 44
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
    meleah rebeccah said:

    Welcome Home! This was such a wonderful journey…thanks for taking us along for the ride. Now get some sleep!


45. 45
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
    AnnP said:

    Hey Bossy! Welcome home! I enjoyed every minute keeping up with your adventure.


46. 46
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
    Glennia said:

    So glad you made it home safe and sound. Must be nice to be back in your own bed, huh? Was wonderful to meet you!


47. 47
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
    Katie said:

    I’m so envious of your trip and so happy I got to be a part of it! Especially because judging by your route, Madison was a little out of the way!

    Thanks for sharing your journey with us


48. 48
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
    Lisa said:

    You are so awesome, Bossy. what a leap of faith in your fellow human beings, to sleep and eat together, in real life!WHat a concept!

    I loved it alot, soooo fun.
    Glad your home
    Lisa
    coastal nest


49. 49
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
    Mike said:

    Bossy -

    Congratulations from your fans at Saturn! You now have many loyal readers at Saturn HQ in Detroit. Your photos of our cars were great (better than some of our brochures- even with the seagull), and we appreciate the many kind comments from you and your readers.

    Mike (from Saturn)


50. 50
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
    APeetsMom said:

    WOW! Do you think you’d ever do it again???


51. 51
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
    Karl said:

    It was great meeting you. I’m envious of your big trip. Glad you’re home safe and sound. Relatively speaking.


52. 52
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
    mrs. blogoway said:

    Wow, you look great and you made it home! Hope you have a wonderful time reconnecting with your family. We loved meeting you.


53. 53
    on April 28th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
    Biddy said:

    welcome home, doll face! we miss you too!

    maybe saturn can sponsor me next year

    did stella tackle you at the door, or give you the silent treatment?


54. 54
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
    Cindy Z said:

    So glad you made it home safly! I am so looking forward to all the stories to come. Thanks for all the fun!!


55. 55
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
    Mjohnson said:

    Most comments ever – well done a great blogging achievement. (The road trip not the comments.)


56. 56
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
    lace said:

    I enjoyed traveling with you on your most excellent road trip. Now you need to sleep for about a week.


57. 57
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
    Heather said:

    Welcome home. I can’t wait to read more of your stories. Thanks for coming to St. Louis, and bringing us bloggers together.


58. 58
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
    Aku said:

    What a trip! Brilliant! And welcome home Bossy!


59. 59
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
    Suburban Kamikaze said:

    I am ready to curl up with a cat bowl martini and the hardbound edition of your travels.

    Publish already.

    SK


60. 60
    on April 28th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
    Wendy said:

    Well done, B! You are a pioneer for creating, taking on and so gracefully accomplishing this mission!


61. 61
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
    teri said:

    I’m so glad you had a great trip. It was like we were all with you. I can’t wait to read the follow-up posts.

    Now, get some sleep.


62. 62
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
    mr.lootiatto said:

    Listen to your many fans and take some time off to decompress….


63. 63
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
    Nancy said:

    Welcome home!

    I hope your adventure bring$ $ome TV interview$, an article or two in big name paper$ or magazine$ or maybe a book deal!

    The friends you made and lives you touched are priceless =)


64. 64
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
    Lori said:

    I’ve been following you for a while now, but haven’t commented yet. Just wanted to say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your road trip and I’m glad you had such a great time. Welcome home and I look forward to the details of your trip!


65. 65
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
    Mrs. G. said:

    Welcome home!!!!


66. 66
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
    Reese said:

    I can’t believe it’s OVER and I missed you TWICE. Grrr. Maybe next year.


67. 67
    on April 28th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
    dexter said:

    wait!!! Turn around, come back, I think I found your sun glasses.
    IM proud of you G


68. 68
    on April 28th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    Phew. Glad you made it. I can’t get over your stamina.

    Now get plenty of rest and do whatever it takes to stop stalking boyfriends so I can get some rest too.


69. 69
    on April 28th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
    Laura said:

    Welcome back Bossy. It was great to be an armchair traveler as you crossed the country and back. I was green with envy at your adventure and I was wishing I could have been one of the many who were able to meet you in person. Can’t wait for the next adventure and if you ever make it down to Florida – I’ll be there!


70. 70
    on April 28th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
    maggie, dammit said:

    Welcome home, Bossy. Can’t tell you how much we enjoyed having you in Madison. If you do a repeat next year, my spare bed is always open (unless I’ve moved to escape the monkey fall-out.)


71. 71
    on April 28th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
    Beth from The Funny Farm said:

    Hmmm.. you took I80 which took you 5 miles past my house!


72. 72
    on April 28th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
    Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You said:

    You look awesome, woman. I’m totally jealous, still, and am so very glad that your trip was a safe and satisfying one Enjoy the rest!


73. 73
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
    Lori said:

    I’m so glad you made it home. And so sad I missed you! Next time you’re in AZ, please tell me!


74. 74
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
    Dana said:

    Well Bossy-
    I have only recently discovered your blog but looks like a need to backtrack and find out why you went on such a glorious road trip!

    Dana
    http://charmeddesigns.blogspot.com/


75. 75
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Thanks, Bossy–You did an amazing thing and we love you for it.


76. 76
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
    the new girl said:

    I can’t believe it’s been FIVE weeks already. I’m sure you felt every second of it.

    Welcome home.

    En-joy!

    ps. I hope they cleaned up for your return!


77. 77
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    Mr Farty said:

    x


78. 78
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
    jen said:

    B,
    I didn’t comment much but i read every single post.

    You did it. How the HELL did I not get to meet you in Cali?

    You go, girl.


79. 79
    on April 28th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
    c said:

    DANG!! I thought you were coming to Connecticut!!?? What happened to the Northeast? I understand you’re tired though. You’re forgiven. I was so psyched to meet u!


80. 80
    on April 28th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
    A Whole Lot of Nothing said:

    So glad to hear you’re back home. Since you’ve been here in Orlando, I thought back to how LONG ago it was that you were here. It was forever and a day ago and you’re still driving.

    You are a woman among woman. And a crazy woman at that.


81. 81
    on April 28th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
    Ree (the Other one) said:

    Oh Bossy. We love you for doing this. Bringing us all together in a huge, huge Bossy-induced HUG!

    Did you count how many bloggers you met?


82. 82
    on April 28th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
    cj said:

    Congratulations on making it home safe and sound, Bossy. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. And, thanks to all those bloggers out there who helped make this a truly Excellent Road Trip for her. Looking forward to the follow up stories!


83. 83
    on April 28th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
    Tootsie Farklepants said:

    It was great getting to meet you in Los Angeles! Glad you made it home safe and sound. And am looking forward to BOSSY Blogs Kindergarten.


84. 84
    on April 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
    Chantel said:

    I’m glad you made it home. Wonderful meeting you!!
    And you’re an awesome hugger!!


85. 85
    on April 28th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
    Cathy said:

    Welcome home! Glad you made it!


86. 86
    on April 28th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
    Surcie said:

    I’m jealous of all 200 of ‘em.


87. 87
    on April 28th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
    Miz Booshay said:

    Be it ever so humble…there’s no place like home.

    Reunion scene, please.

    Your heart’s desire awaits….
    sweet dreams in your own bed,
    in the comfort and warmth of home.


88. 88
    on April 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
    feefifoto said:

    Bossy! Mazel Tov on a job well done! You’re way cooler than Dooce any day.


89. 89
    on April 28th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
    Imaginina said:

    Just looking at your trip path on the map made me tired. Looking forward to more stories.


90. 90
    on April 28th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
    kate said:

    welcome home. it must feel just. so. good.


91. 91
    on April 28th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
    Leaf, probably... said:

    Welcome back! And I cannot believe you managed to go all that way and meet all those people in such a short time. Lettuce is overated, what you need is Avacado dip and corn chips, with home made salsa… That’s always my homecomming meal.


92. 92
    on April 28th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
    Craig said:

    Welcome back! And congratulations on the best Excellent Roadtrip ever!


93. 93
    on April 28th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
    moosh in indy. said:

    At least a dozen people said that your stop in their city was the highlight of their week (and/or month)
    You done good girl.


94. 94
    on April 28th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
    supertiff said:

    i’m glad you’re finally snuggled in at home.
    but, still. i’m so glad you decided to do this. i can’t wait to see you (and a bunch of other fun, smart, crazy, and interesting bloggers) in san fran this summer.


95. 95
    on April 29th, 2008 at 12:07 am
    Kimberly said:

    Congrats! You did! When’s the next one?


96. 96
    on April 29th, 2008 at 1:26 am
    supertiff said:

    p.s.
    when you wake up, about two weeks from now, i NEED the picture of martini mommy with the lemon in her mouth. you know, the one that you used in your ‘guess and press’ section. no hurry, hon. whenever you find the time.


97. 97
    on April 29th, 2008 at 1:53 am
    JCK said:

    Welcome home! You did good, girl!


98. 98
    on April 29th, 2008 at 2:37 am
    All Adither said:

    You must be so relieved to sleep in your own comfy bed. I’m in Hawaii now, but am still remembering that fun 14 or something hours I had with you.


99. 99
    on April 29th, 2008 at 2:51 am
    Sloane said:

    Such a happy-sad moment. I’m shedding some kind of bee-jee-zus tears here. Congrats, and welcome home. (And Saturn has tempted me away from a much pricier car, much to my sweet spouse’s silent relief.)


100. 100
     on April 29th, 2008 at 3:50 am
     Ms Anonymous said:

     Hey lady. It’s been wondiferous following your adventures. Thanks for sharing.


101. 101
     on April 29th, 2008 at 3:54 am
     cat/bad kitty said:

     Please, please, please teach us to take flattering self-portraits! You are the master of the one handed photo, one of many reason you earned my awe and respect.

     So glad to meet you, and that you made it home safely!


102. 102
     on April 29th, 2008 at 8:34 am
     Heidi said:

     There’s no place like home…glad you are safely there.

     (Your trip route looks like a yawning shoe…)


103. 103
     on April 29th, 2008 at 9:08 am
     kristin said:

     Welcome home! It’s great to know you are back in your nest and selling Asian Brides again!


104. 104
     on April 29th, 2008 at 10:09 am
     magpie said:

     Welcome home Bossy! When is the Northeast loop happening???


105. 105
     on April 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
     Ms. Karen said:

     despite being very sad about missing you when you came to Seattle, I’m very happy you are home safe and sound.

     I can stop worrying now.


106. 106
     on April 29th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
     Dara said:

     welcome home, bossy. what a fabulous experience, thanks for sharing.

     xo


107. 107
     on April 29th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
     Jen said:

     !! I can’t believe that map!!

     Will you now sleep until Christmas?

     PS: “shat” is my second favorite word in the whole English language.


108. 108
     on April 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am
     Heather B. said:

     I keep thinking about how ridiculously exhausted you must be right now. Either way you did it and you had an amazing time and I’m happy that you shared with the rest of us.

     PS. I’m going to the Saturn dealership today for some testdriving. Joy!


109. 109
     on May 2nd, 2008 at 4:09 am
     Al_Pal said:

     I can’t believe I read the whole thing!
     Actually, I can. But I just did it in one night, several hours. Of course I had to skip many, many comment pages.
     But I read the archive, including the prep. Whew!
     Great blogging!
     Oh, and the road trip video is great!


110. 110
     on May 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 am
     RcktMan said:

     I’m sad I couldn’t make the Road Trip stop in Chicago. I never got the location info because all the Emails were inadvertently sent to my Spam box. Yes, I am so loving my Email right about now. In any case, I’m glad you made it home safely and soundly. Now rest and enjoy your home again.


111. 111
     on May 8th, 2008 at 12:47 am
     mn said:

     was this the best thing you ever did…dont’ answer in front of the you know…the munchkins and the hubby, who are quite funny by the way.
     eh, this may sound stupid, but where do you live??? i lived in KS, MO, IN, now on the east coast. go figure. not sure if this is the place i want to die in, but let’s see if i can find something else close enough to life yet not so crappy.