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.
Michelle says
April 28, 2008 at 12:10 pmI am so glad that you made it home. I have enjoyed following you.
Amy says
April 28, 2008 at 12:18 pmWelcome home Bossy! I can’t believe the Road Trip is already over.
Foolery says
April 28, 2008 at 12:20 pmYou ate fried pickles? No wonder there was so much, um, truck stop activity.
Laura says
April 28, 2008 at 12:23 pmThis was the most interesting blog adventure. I so enjoyed keeping up w/your travels!
Hippo Brigade says
April 28, 2008 at 12:23 pmYou 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.
Buddysnuddys says
April 28, 2008 at 12:24 pmYay, 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.
Angel in Kentucky says
April 28, 2008 at 12:26 pmWelcome home……welcome home~
Now, for the 35 days of recaps!
Neil says
April 28, 2008 at 12:27 pmI 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!
Jen says
April 28, 2008 at 12:30 pmNext 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! 😉
merrymishaps says
April 28, 2008 at 12:33 pmWelcome home Bossy!
Wow, that was a long trip, but it was obviously an excellent adventure!
Mandy says
April 28, 2008 at 12:34 pmYay! 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. 🙂
Sister Honey Bunch says
April 28, 2008 at 12:35 pmWelcome Home!!!!!!
The Domestic Goddess says
April 28, 2008 at 12:39 pmYippee! Welcome home, glad it’s over. What a neat thing to be able to do, you’ll have stories for your grandchildren!
elembee123 says
April 28, 2008 at 12:42 pmGlad 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!
Howard says
April 28, 2008 at 12:42 pmSo 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.
stepher says
April 28, 2008 at 12:42 pmAMAZING!
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
Have The T-Shirt says
April 28, 2008 at 12:42 pmSo glad you’re home safe, can’t wait to hear more about all your adventures!
junebug says
April 28, 2008 at 12:47 pmYour road trip on the map looks like a dachshund. Kinda. Sorta. Don’t tell Stella! 😀
Dharmamama says
April 28, 2008 at 12:51 pmAhh… home. Hope you get settled back in OK. I admire you so much for your adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lindy says
April 28, 2008 at 12:51 pmdelurking to say I really enjoyed reading your blog these past few weeks.
Avitable says
April 28, 2008 at 12:55 pmI’m glad you made it home safe and sound without any major incidents.
Now, when’s Road Trip 2009 going to happen?
vuboq says
April 28, 2008 at 12:59 pmWelcome home! I loved being able to travel with you via the blog. Fried pickles. yum.
Z. Mulls says
April 28, 2008 at 1:01 pmWhat? You were gone? I thought Jerry said you had just stepped out for a quart of milk?
Kelly Stern says
April 28, 2008 at 1:03 pmSo 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!
anne marie in philly says
April 28, 2008 at 1:04 pmYEAAAAAAA! 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…
Miss Britt says
April 28, 2008 at 1:09 pmBossy looks very, very happy to be home.
Isabel Kallman says
April 28, 2008 at 1:11 pmYay Bossy! Congratulations.
Jae says
April 28, 2008 at 1:13 pmWell done!! It’s been a blast following you from the comfort of my living room. 😉
Nilsa S. says
April 28, 2008 at 1:14 pmSorry 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.
Amy says
April 28, 2008 at 1:14 pmI 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
sarah says
April 28, 2008 at 1:16 pmwelcome 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!
corrie says
April 28, 2008 at 1:28 pmBossy!!! 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!
Beth says
April 28, 2008 at 1:29 pmYou 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.
Cheri says
April 28, 2008 at 1:37 pmI’m glad you’re home safe and sound. Munch that lettuce and enjoy your own bed!
Noelle says
April 28, 2008 at 1:42 pmI can’t believe you’re home already! Oh, the stories the internet has to tell you of what you missed while you were away!
catnip says
April 28, 2008 at 1:42 pmThanks for taking us along for the ride!
Manic Mommy says
April 28, 2008 at 1:49 pmEven 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.
Heather says
April 28, 2008 at 1:54 pmWelcome 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!
dgm says
April 28, 2008 at 1:57 pmDamn, girl. Welcome home.
notjustbarbra says
April 28, 2008 at 1:58 pmCongratulations! 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!
andrea says
April 28, 2008 at 2:02 pmYour smile in the last picture says it all. Thanks again!
RuthWells says
April 28, 2008 at 2:07 pmDude, welcome home! I hope Stella and co. let you sleep at least 12 hours….
blackbird says
April 28, 2008 at 2:08 pmWelcome home!
meleah rebeccah says
April 28, 2008 at 2:11 pmWelcome Home! This was such a wonderful journey…thanks for taking us along for the ride. Now get some sleep!
AnnP says
April 28, 2008 at 2:15 pmHey Bossy! Welcome home! I enjoyed every minute keeping up with your adventure.
Glennia says
April 28, 2008 at 2:19 pmSo glad you made it home safe and sound. Must be nice to be back in your own bed, huh? Was wonderful to meet you!
Katie says
April 28, 2008 at 2:24 pmI’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 😉
Lisa says
April 28, 2008 at 2:35 pmYou 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
Mike says
April 28, 2008 at 2:42 pmBossy –
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)
APeetsMom says
April 28, 2008 at 2:44 pmWOW! Do you think you’d ever do it again???
Karl says
April 28, 2008 at 2:47 pmIt was great meeting you. I’m envious of your big trip. Glad you’re home safe and sound. Relatively speaking.
mrs. blogoway says
April 28, 2008 at 2:49 pmWow, you look great and you made it home! Hope you have a wonderful time reconnecting with your family. We loved meeting you.
Biddy says
April 28, 2008 at 2:59 pmwelcome 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?
Cindy Z says
April 28, 2008 at 3:06 pmSo glad you made it home safly! I am so looking forward to all the stories to come. Thanks for all the fun!!
Mjohnson says
April 28, 2008 at 3:07 pmMost comments ever – well done a great blogging achievement. (The road trip not the comments.)
lace says
April 28, 2008 at 3:13 pmI enjoyed traveling with you on your most excellent road trip. Now you need to sleep for about a week.
Heather says
April 28, 2008 at 3:14 pmWelcome home. I can’t wait to read more of your stories. Thanks for coming to St. Louis, and bringing us bloggers together.
Aku says
April 28, 2008 at 3:26 pmWhat a trip! Brilliant! And welcome home Bossy!
Suburban Kamikaze says
April 28, 2008 at 3:29 pmI am ready to curl up with a cat bowl martini and the hardbound edition of your travels.
Publish already.
SK
Wendy says
April 28, 2008 at 3:48 pmWell done, B! You are a pioneer for creating, taking on and so gracefully accomplishing this mission!
teri says
April 28, 2008 at 4:09 pmI’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.
mr.lootiatto says
April 28, 2008 at 4:10 pmListen to your many fans and take some time off to decompress….
Nancy says
April 28, 2008 at 4:23 pmWelcome 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 =)
Lori says
April 28, 2008 at 4:34 pmI’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!
Mrs. G. says
April 28, 2008 at 4:40 pmWelcome home!!!!
Reese says
April 28, 2008 at 4:53 pmI can’t believe it’s OVER and I missed you TWICE. Grrr. Maybe next year.
dexter says
April 28, 2008 at 4:56 pmwait!!! Turn around, come back, I think I found your sun glasses.
IM proud of you G
Chesapeake Bay Woman says
April 28, 2008 at 5:09 pmPhew. 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.
Laura says
April 28, 2008 at 5:20 pmWelcome 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!
maggie, dammit says
April 28, 2008 at 6:08 pmWelcome 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.)
Beth from The Funny Farm says
April 28, 2008 at 6:18 pmHmmm.. you took I80 which took you 5 miles past my house!
Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You says
April 28, 2008 at 6:54 pmYou 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!
Lori says
April 28, 2008 at 7:06 pmI’m so glad you made it home. And so sad I missed you! Next time you’re in AZ, please tell me!
Dana says
April 28, 2008 at 7:08 pmWell 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/
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
April 28, 2008 at 7:32 pmThanks, Bossy–You did an amazing thing and we love you for it.
the new girl says
April 28, 2008 at 7:37 pmI 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!
Mr Farty says
April 28, 2008 at 7:41 pmx
jen says
April 28, 2008 at 7:43 pmB,
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.
c says
April 28, 2008 at 7:52 pmDANG!! 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!
A Whole Lot of Nothing says
April 28, 2008 at 8:40 pmSo 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.
Ree (the Other one) says
April 28, 2008 at 8:47 pmOh 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?
cj says
April 28, 2008 at 9:29 pmCongratulations 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!
Tootsie Farklepants says
April 28, 2008 at 9:32 pmIt 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.
Chantel says
April 28, 2008 at 9:39 pmI’m glad you made it home. Wonderful meeting you!!
And you’re an awesome hugger!!
Cathy says
April 28, 2008 at 9:42 pmWelcome home! Glad you made it!
Surcie says
April 28, 2008 at 9:45 pmI’m jealous of all 200 of ’em.
Miz Booshay says
April 28, 2008 at 9:50 pmBe 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.
feefifoto says
April 28, 2008 at 10:17 pmBossy! Mazel Tov on a job well done! You’re way cooler than Dooce any day.
Imaginina says
April 28, 2008 at 10:19 pmJust looking at your trip path on the map made me tired. Looking forward to more stories.
kate says
April 28, 2008 at 10:46 pmwelcome home. it must feel just. so. good.
Leaf, probably... says
April 28, 2008 at 10:51 pmWelcome 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.
Craig says
April 28, 2008 at 11:09 pmWelcome back! And congratulations on the best Excellent Roadtrip ever!
moosh in indy. says
April 28, 2008 at 11:10 pmAt least a dozen people said that your stop in their city was the highlight of their week (and/or month)
You done good girl.
supertiff says
April 28, 2008 at 11:27 pmi’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.
Kimberly says
April 29, 2008 at 12:07 amCongrats! You did! When’s the next one?
supertiff says
April 29, 2008 at 1:26 amp.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.
JCK says
April 29, 2008 at 1:53 amWelcome home! You did good, girl!
All Adither says
April 29, 2008 at 2:37 amYou 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.
Sloane says
April 29, 2008 at 2:51 amSuch 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.)
Ms Anonymous says
April 29, 2008 at 3:50 amHey lady. It’s been wondiferous following your adventures. Thanks for sharing.
cat/bad kitty says
April 29, 2008 at 3:54 amPlease, 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!
Heidi says
April 29, 2008 at 8:34 amThere’s no place like home…glad you are safely there.
(Your trip route looks like a yawning shoe…)
kristin says
April 29, 2008 at 9:08 amWelcome home! It’s great to know you are back in your nest and selling Asian Brides again!
magpie says
April 29, 2008 at 10:09 amWelcome home Bossy! When is the Northeast loop happening???
Ms. Karen says
April 29, 2008 at 1:35 pmdespite 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.
Dara says
April 29, 2008 at 5:21 pmwelcome home, bossy. what a fabulous experience, thanks for sharing.
xo
Jen says
April 29, 2008 at 6:44 pm!! I can’t believe that map!!
Will you now sleep until Christmas?
PS: “shat” is my second favorite word in the whole English language.
Heather B. says
April 30, 2008 at 10:29 amI 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!
Al_Pal says
May 2, 2008 at 4:09 amI 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! 😀
RcktMan says
May 3, 2008 at 5:02 amI’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. 🙂
mn says
May 8, 2008 at 12:47 amwas 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.