Road trips

A large part of my time spent with P involves road trips. Not as much now that we live in the same city and don’t get home as much as we’d like. But in the beginning we drove to Denver together for spring break, which is a good 24 hour drive from my parents. We have done that drive four times! Not to mention countless drives to and from Athens to Rochester or Dayton. And now the drive from Boston to Rochester or Boston to various New England points of interest.

Now that is a way to test your relationship. There is high potential for disagreements—driving skills and techniques, when to stop for gas, where to stop and how often, what are you going to listen to on the radio. Am I allowed to read while you drive and please don’t fall asleep while I’m driving.

We really don’t disagree about those things listed. We are very diplomatic about what we listen to—the infamous “song for song” or fun talk radio. (Although P usually chooses a 14 minute jazz tune) I have given in to eating wherever is available because now getting food in my stomach is more important than the type of food I get (I am a grumpy hungry girl). I feel really lucky to know we could drive across country and enjoy it. It’s a great opportunity to just spend time together.

The biggest issue is my serious fear of driving. Which I know I have posted about before! I have to tell you that I feel much safer in our new van—Gertrude. She steers like a car and rides nice and smooth. She is in stark contrast to our previous van—Eugenia. Eugenia, although good in theory, just didn’t stand up to what she promised and four years after we purchased her, we had to give her away.

Needless to say I love going on road trips, particularly with P (who can drive long distances without needing me to take over).