Mar 24, 2009

Ten-Word Tuesday. The Anniversary Edition.

One year ago Bossy was packing up her Saturn to embark on a 35-day 10,000 mile road trip, alone, to meet people face-to-face she knew only through her comment section.

If you haven’t read Bossy’s day-by-day account of her trip, you really should.
It begins here, and at the bottom of each daily entry is a next post link, which makes it easy to travel with Bossy across Philadelphia, D.C., Richmond, Atlanta, Orlando, Tallahassee, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Oklahoma, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, San Diego, Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Boise, Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Madison, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Cleveland, with a special shout out to Rawlins Wyoming.

It’s a tale of fried pickles, Birkenstock interventions, pool halls, fog, lost frown lines, husbands named Joe, support stockings, hyperventilation, lost aviators, Dr. Oz’s nose whistle, melancholy, avalanche advisories, husbands named Eddie, fried green beans, carpal tunnel feet, dehydrated Stroganoff, robot dancing, husbands named Andre, and 2 a.m. sliders with fried onions — don’t miss it!

It was a gargantuan effort — driving an average of seven hours a day and then communing with dynamic people every night — and Bossy has never been more exhausted or more happy in her life.

Bossy could sum up her experience this way:
Truck stop bathrooms included, ’twas an experience of a lifetime.

Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about something you accomplished that, when looking back, you can’t believe you pulled off?

Just something that makes you proud. It can be travel-related, job-related, school-related, fitness-related, family-related, or related-related.

And don’t forget to check back later today for the most pride-inducing accomplishments on the web.

permanent link to post

130 comments

1. 1
   on March 24th, 2009 at 7:42 am
   BOSSY said:

   Graduating college in mid-thirties with two kids at home.


2. 2
   on March 24th, 2009 at 7:43 am
   BOSSY said:

   Pulling straight As in college with two kids at home.


3. 3
   on March 24th, 2009 at 7:54 am
   sugarpie said:

   Helped my dad through long illness and death without losing it.


4. 4
   on March 24th, 2009 at 8:05 am
   BlinkBlink said:

   Graduated from college. Moved to California on a whim – THRIVED.


5. 5
   on March 24th, 2009 at 8:13 am
   Acher said:

   Hubby and I bought first home at just barely 25…


6. 6
   on March 24th, 2009 at 8:14 am
   delilah said:

   after c-section, birthed 8.8# baby, no epidural, huge head. w00t!


7. 7
   on March 24th, 2009 at 8:19 am
   hulagirlatheart said:

   Half marathon on ice uphill all the way inadequate training.


8. 8
   on March 24th, 2009 at 8:21 am
   Bossy's friend Amy said:

   after three tries – i quit smoking – and i’ve been smoke free for 10 years!


9. 9
   on March 24th, 2009 at 8:28 am
   MemeGRL said:

   Birthed ten pound ten ounce baby with no anesthesia–unplanned.
   Landed dream job at age 23; loved it eleven years.
   Married the man of my dreams after pining a decade.
   Not necessarily in that order!


10. 10
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:38 am
    janny226 said:

    Moving to NYC with job offer, potential roommate’s phone number.


11. 11
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:41 am
    mandible said:

    Moved from Pittsburgh to Charleston sight unseen – it’s absolutely gorgeous.


12. 12
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:46 am
    Deborah Non Blogger said:

    I can’t believe I’ve been reading Bossy for a year!


13. 13
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:47 am
    Aimee said:

    Graduated early from University of Michigan single Mom


14. 14
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:52 am
    Meg said:

    Three pregnancies, three healthy boys
    Lucky me batted a thousand.


15. 15
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:53 am
    Meg said:

    Dad died when I was 14
    I survived and thrived.


16. 16
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:58 am
    chocolatechic said:

    Homeschooling the boy through graduation, he is now on the Dean’s list at college.


17. 17
    on March 24th, 2009 at 8:58 am
    Lauren said:

    Graduated high school at 16, college at 19, married at 20.


18. 18
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:01 am
    K said:

    Tyrannical advisor, crappy locale, finished PhD and got a job.

    Homebirth, posterior baby, ohshitmyback HURTS, nearly eleven pound boy. Beautiful.

    (the PhD hurt more).


19. 19
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:08 am
    Alwyn said:

    Quit job, moved to Mexico with two kids…just because.


20. 20
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:12 am
    well read hostess said:

    moved to Montana with my dog and nothing else.


21. 21
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:23 am
    merrymishaps said:

    Finishing my first triathlon last summer – faster than I expected!


22. 22
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:27 am
    Alison said:

    Helping my mother’s through dimentia and being by her side when she died.


23. 23
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:27 am
    carson said:

    Jumped off the ladder, moved to New Mexico, became rancherwoman.


24. 24
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:28 am
    Lisa said:

    Lived.Then thrived after hellabuse childhood.Hope, faith, inner strength.


25. 25
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:36 am
    jennifer said:

    Married.Baby.Divorce.Did it alone.Strong, powerful, noman’s woman.


26. 26
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:42 am
    janet said:

    Thirty-three state foster children (all babies) over ten years.


27. 27
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:42 am
    The Domestic Goddess said:

    Drove across the US to Utah. With two autistic kids.


28. 28
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:48 am
    BT said:

    1998: cycled Minneapolis-Chicago for AIDS. Amazing for many reasons.


29. 29
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:48 am
    Jessie said:

    19 and In charge with mom dying. Made me strong.


30. 30
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:50 am
    Spruce Hill said:

    breast cancer age of 41, mastectomy,chemo kicked it’s ass!

    http://sprucehill.typepad.com/


31. 31
    on March 24th, 2009 at 9:54 am
    Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm said:

    Corporate Slave to owning business with husband best decision EVER!


32. 32
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:01 am
    Audubon Ron said:

    Yes, I danced with Amercian Ballet Theater for two years.


33. 33
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:02 am
    Elle M said:

    Told public school to frack off, educating two at home.


34. 34
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:03 am
    Debby said:

    Two babies, 15 months apart. Husband gone 24/7 company IPO


35. 35
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:05 am
    Jenny said:

    Happily married 6 years despite many hurdles – damn economy.


36. 36
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:10 am
    Black Hockey Jesus said:

    Started a blog. Life ain’t nuthin but bitches and money.


37. 37
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:12 am
    JJHappyday said:

    Joined Weight Watchers, battled through hunger, lost 55 pounds! Yeah!


38. 38
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:21 am
    Debbie said:

    Breakdown. Psych ward. Two weeks. Great therapist changed my life!


39. 39
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am
    Heather said:

    Passed 3 hour oral PhD candidacy exam before 6 faculty.


40. 40
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:34 am
    Jamie said:

    Made NBA dance team. Turns out? Not fun! Who knew?


41. 41
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:37 am
    Dharmamama said:

    Unschooling despite being single mom. Still pulling that off, actually.


42. 42
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:44 am
    Madness said:

    Followed Bossys roadtrip didnt pack up and join her .. woulda!


43. 43
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:51 am
    Kirsten said:

    Tossup between the gutsy divorce and becoming a certified divemaster.


44. 44
    on March 24th, 2009 at 10:53 am
    DebbyABQ said:

    year of night school for massage therapy license age 45!


45. 45
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:02 am
    Bellamomma said:

    toddler and baby, WOOTHM, 3.8gpa, degree in 2 more years.

    (WOOTHM = Work Outside Of The Home Mom)


46. 46
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:10 am
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Back to school in 40s–will graduate in May. Yay!


47. 47
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:13 am
    enigma said:

    Sanity in check after: husband’s death, three sons, work & school.


48. 48
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
    Kait said:

    14 hour life change, still surviving. Childfree to two kids two and under unexpectedly.


49. 49
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:27 am
    Jenni D said:

    Age 41 and, what the heck, had one more baby!


50. 50
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:30 am
    SnowWhitemommy said:

    Lived & worked in Japan, alone at 22, loved it!


51. 51
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:49 am
    Lori said:

    Went to Kabul in April 2001, loved it, got out.


52. 52
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:52 am
    MamaMo said:

    Jumped out of an airplane – freefall – pull – (scared of heights!)


53. 53
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:55 am
    renee in seattle said:

    Adopted child with disability. We are better people for it.


54. 54
    on March 24th, 2009 at 11:58 am
    Amelia said:

    Had five dollars, one suitcase, one infant. Left husband. Hooray!


55. 55
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
    ~annie said:

    Thrown into single parenthood when my daughter was only 11 months old and now – at nearly 18 – she’s still in one piece! And so am I.


56. 56
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
    Marjorie of Connecticut said:

    Organized seamless West End cast party. Ended near dawn. Smashing!


57. 57
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
    Reeb said:

    Solo travel: Kosovo, one month after 9/11. Nerve-wracking. Got there.

    (SwissAir went belly-up, then revived just in time. Got home.)


58. 58
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
    Reeb said:

    Love “THRIVE”!! Go BlinkBlink/4, Meg/15, Lisa/24, Bossy, all of you!


59. 59
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
    Vanessa said:

    Took in 3 cousins, aunt now 5 years clean & sober.


60. 60
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
    Niki said:

    Lost 60 lbs. Walked half marathon. Now running miles!


61. 61
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
    MariaV said:

    worked full-time, school full-time, graduated in four, top of class


62. 62
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
    Becca said:

    Drove to Alaska with my dog and two cats, PHEW!


63. 63
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
    Shelley said:

    Just drove from Phoenix to Denver and back. I’m exhausted!


64. 64
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
    Spinoff said:

    Peace Corps in Costa Rica. Honkin’ big flying cockroaches–wheee!


65. 65
    on March 24th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
    Shelley said:

    Lost 40 lbs two years ago. It found me again.


66. 66
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
    bonnie said:

    three children under six, full time job, graduated business school


67. 67
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
    Katie said:

    Three cities, two countries, one week — all on my own.


68. 68
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
    tuesday said:

    alone with 3 kids while husband worked for 6 months


69. 69
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
    Melanie said:

    Finishing college, surviving a marriage with a (then) drug addict.


70. 70
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
    Suzanne said:

    Edinburgh (Scotland) Fringe Festival, 14 plays, seven weeks, rotating repertory


71. 71
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
    Suzanne said:

    Drove LA to DC in 3.5 days, saw pregnant sister


72. 72
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
    Maria said:

    I pee’ed squatting for three weeks in India.


73. 73
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
    Franca Bollo said:

    Completed marathon — up and down hills of SF, no less.


74. 74
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
    Dr. Liz said:

    Moved in with to-be-hubby after two weeks; thriving!


75. 75
    on March 24th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
    Kerri Anne said:

    Staying close to friends who live countries away from me.


76. 76
    on March 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
    Kym said:

    Quit smoking – smell sweet, save money, a slight weight gain.


77. 77
    on March 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
    Diane G said:

    Birthing 10+lb. baby, 38 hrs labor, after: felt like Superwoman.


78. 78
    on March 24th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
    martha in mobile said:

    California hippie vegetarian moved to Alabama. Still alive = success.


79. 79
    on March 24th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
    Unemployed Susan said:

    Figured my way out of debilitating panic attacks without meds.


80. 80
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
    Clair said:

    Helped dad through end of life without freaking out (yet).


81. 81
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
    Caroline said:

    Moved our family of eight from South Carolina to Hawaii.

    GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.


82. 82
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
    Sharon said:

    Raised 3 kids, by myself, who became fabulous human beings.


83. 83
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
    Lynn in Tucson said:

    Left for Alaska to work on a fishing boat.


84. 84
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
    Lisa said:

    You have all outdone yourselves!! Me married, children so happy!


85. 85
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
    Kate said:

    Took on school board. Lost, but son knows I fought.


86. 86
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
    Domestic Goddess (in training) said:

    Ain’t done nothin’ I’m proud of yet… I’m still young.


87. 87
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
    Dawn in Austin said:

    Single mom, bought house when no one said I could.


88. 88
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
    sherry said:

    Hitchhiked from MA to CO; didn’t meet any serial killers!


89. 89
    on March 24th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
    Almudena said:

    Proud to be his wife – seven years and still counting.


90. 90
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
    Liz said:

    Saved money under a bed and moved across the country.


91. 91
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
    Liz said:

    And my second favorite:

    Packed up and left mean boyfriend instead of marrying him.


92. 92
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
    Regina said:

    Beautiful Baby Daughter
    Pride of my life
    All Credit MINE!


93. 93
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
    dgm said:

    Taught myself to do a backhandspring when I was ten.


94. 94
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
    rory said:

    The very first time I sailed our boat all alone.


95. 95
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
    Robynn's Ravings said:

    35 Breast Infections, Nursed Two Babies Anyway, Healthy GORGEOUS teens.


96. 96
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
    Firefighter Rory J. said:

    Burning building; saved his life. Damn near died doing it.

    (Also, who’s that “rory” above?)


97. 97
    on March 24th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
    AuntBaaa said:

    Twenty two hour labor.
    Huge relief.
    Beautiful, pink baby boy!


98. 98
    on March 24th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
    Leslie Miller said:

    Kids: College, Husband leaves, Alone but find my passion; dancing.


99. 99
    on March 24th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
    karen l said:

    Replaced disposal, then ice maker in fridge – me & my sis!


100. 100
     on March 24th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
     Camille said:

     Worked as nanny in Belgium for five amazing months. *Sigh.*


101. 101
     on March 24th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
     RuthWells said:

     Raised over $10k for PKD research last year. Which rocks.


102. 102
     on March 24th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
     anne marie in philly said:

     having the guts to move out on my first husband.


103. 103
     on March 24th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
     Beth in DC said:

     $35,000 in credit card debt – 16 years, now all gone!


104. 104
     on March 24th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
     Carol M said:

     Self-defense class. Only one to break boards with my foot.


105. 105
     on March 24th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
     Jane said:

     Home birth after a C-Section. Two healthy boys!


106. 106
     on March 24th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
     Peg said:

     Turned 50, went to Paris, rented apartment, studied at LeCordonBleu.


107. 107
     on March 24th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
     Ash said:

     Moved to Guam, Ate lots of fresh fish, LOVED IT!


108. 108
     on March 24th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
     TamiW said:

     Battled breast cancer, took in step daughter, survived both events.


109. 109
     on March 24th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
     Well Read Hostess said:

     I already submitted my ten words, but I’m back reading other people’s responses.

     This is a beautiful thing. I am generally a hard hearted chocolate covered bitch and cynic, but the sum of these responses has moved me to tears. This list should be required reading for everybody.

     Wow. There are a lot of cool people in Bossy’s World.


110. 110
     on March 24th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
     Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

     1. I survived last year which ought to have killed me.

     2. My silly blog spawned wonderful friendships and a Blog Fest.

     3. If I survive my own Blog Fest, what an accomplishment.


111. 111
     on March 24th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
     Alissa said:

     Took over current job from totally incompeted bureaucrat!


112. 112
     on March 24th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
     Emily said:

     Laid off, 3 weeks temping, rehired better job (same company)


113. 113
     on March 24th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
     The Mister said:

     At the age of, 19 we started a music festival


114. 114
     on March 24th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
     Mr Farty said:

     Fell in love, got married, raised a son and daughter.


115. 115
     on March 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
     julie said:

     1. 2006 no topic, St Louis, baby. 2007, PhD, job, toddler.

     2. Shipped my heart to Guatemala, son home after 11 months.


116. 116
     on March 24th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
     swistle said:

     Flew cross-country with baby and three cats. Two layovers.


117. 117
     on March 24th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
     Adriana O. said:

     Was interviewed on TV about a volunteering project I created.


118. 118
     on March 24th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
     Liz H said:

     4 triathlons and phd defense and empty nest in 2007.


119. 119
     on March 24th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
     Cheryl K. Bennett said:

     Are you happy? I just sat and read your entire trip! I haven’t been reading your for very long…this is my first comment. A gal I work with @ IU sent your blog to me and thought I might enjoy it because she knows that I enjoy spying, er, reading about other people’s lives.
     o.k. I gotta get to bed now.
     You really got Saturn to sponsor you? How did you do that? hugs, Cheryl in IN (Whosyergurl)


120. 120
     on March 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
     kel said:

     two humbling, healing, joyful homebirths–now i can do ANYTHING


121. 121
     on March 24th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
     Blackbeards Wyfe said:

     We moved over the Christmas Holidays; tree and all. I don’t recommend it!!


122. 122
     on March 24th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
     frivolousone said:

     Running and finishing Honolulu marathon, only training for five months.


123. 123
     on March 24th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
     country mouse comes unhinged said:

     Organized prom for homeschooled kids. They loved it and me : )


124. 124
     on March 24th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
     crunchmunch said:

     Finished phd with two babies–much library breastfeeding –WORTH IT!!!


125. 125
     on March 25th, 2009 at 12:41 am
     Queenoqueens said:

     Made it through 124 comments of very, very inspired reading. Best comments section ever!


126. 126
     on March 25th, 2009 at 2:23 am
     Lisa said:

     Fifteen years at home with kids, now movie costume designer.


127. 127
     on March 25th, 2009 at 3:12 am
     Catherine McP said:

     Tonight MN daughters b-day, CaveCreek AZ restaurant party, Shes here!


128. 128
     on March 25th, 2009 at 6:12 am
     BOSSY said:

     Read the comments; proud Bossy started this Ten-Word idea.


129. 129
     on March 25th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
     Sven said:

     Moved to Australia with no job or money. Still here.


130. 130
     on March 27th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
     Dharmamama said:

     Wishing all commenters had blogs so I could read more.