Exactly 3 years ago today I squished everything I could into Ben’s truck. (I let him bring a few pairs of chonies and his computer.) And, we drove across the country to start our new life.
The facts:
We had just gotten married a few weeks before.
I quit my stable job and accepted a writing position with a small nonprofit news source.
We had never lived together before. (Because I did not want to get stuck being someone’s girlfriend for 4 years again, but that’s my issue not yours.)
We had no savings because of the wedding and buying a condo that now needed to be rented out.
We were young and in love.
And dumb, very very dumb.
But, it was an adventure!
Things didn’t turn out the way we hoped. I lost my job. There was a horrible snowy winter. We only had 2 friends.
But again, it was an adventure!
We look back on that time with a good attitude, appreciative of the experience and things we learned. When we add it all up, there were more GREAT times than bad.
Exploring a new place and going through those things brought us closer together.
I’m grateful for every second of that unexpected adventure.
When we drove across the country I was able to run in places I would have never even seen if not for this experience. 
And how else would I have gotten to put the moves on George Washington?!
Our relationship started with an adventure – our third date was to the Grand Canyon! So it’s fitting that we kept up the tradition.
Who knows what’s next?!
If adventures are your thing you can join the new Toyota Adventure Club on Map My Run. Joining the group enters you in a contest for a Tom Tom which is pretty cool. Go check it out and map a route from your house or for your next adventure!
Toyota invited me to share my story of running in an unexpected place. Tell us about your unexpected adventure below for a chance to win a Tom Tom GO LIVE.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of the Toyota. The opinions and text are all mine. Sweepstakes Rules.
My fiance and I moved to Minnesota last March and were only there for a year…probably the worst year ever for me, but it was an experience I’ll never forget! I remember I started reading your blog when you lived in Maryland!!
I lived in Pennsylvania during that snowy winter!! It was so crazy and the most snow I had ever seen in my life. I’m greatful that I now live in Texas where it almost never snows, ha!
We are about to take an adventure as well. Next week, driving from NC to AZ with 2 dogs and 3 cats ! Thank god for ear plugs.
The Kidless Kronicles
Love this post, and the adventure you guys took after first getting married <3. My husband, fiance @ the time had been stationed in NC (I was in Pennsylvania), and we decided that I would move down there to be with him. Well a single marine doesn't make too much whatsoever, and to live on his income along would be hard.. esp with such high rent prices in the area. We still thought it would be a great idea to move down. I had 2 jobs lined up so I could help with the bills, and we did have a couple grand saved up as well. Needless to say when I got there, BOTH jobs fell through, and the savings went quick. There were many hamburger dinners and nights in. Things seemed so hard, but looking back @ it now.. I wouldn't change it for the world. I honestly believe because of those lows, they brought nothing but highs and made our relationship that much stronger.