Yay! I did it—I bought myself a new car a couple months ago! It was a snowstorm that day and I recently took it in for service and they were kind enough to do a ‘red bow’ picture for me!

This was the day I picked up my car! Too windy and cold for a bow picture!

This was the first day I picked up my new car—a Volkswagen Taos. I drove a big SUV for years so this was a huge switch to start driving a compact SUV. However, it’s perfect for me, much better on gas and a fun color!

Buying a new car might not seem like a big deal. People buy new cars on the time right? However, this moment really highlighted for me how far I have come in the last 3 years.

This is me now—in one of my fav cozy tee’s and denim shirt after a day of crafting in my basement. Much better weather for a ‘red bow’ picture. The guys as Norden Volkswagen were so accommodating!

What this purchase actually represents is independence. 3 years ago, my kids dad left us and moved to another county. Some of you know the story and those that don’t—I was left to figure IT ALL OUT ALONE. Mortgage, bills, 3 teens, and myself.

And you know what? I did. Got myself back into my career, got a permanent contract and inherited literally the BEST coworkers on the planet. These people (they know who they are) let me break and recreate myself while returning to my profession after 15 years. They let me be ME. Something I had not been in years.

So being able to buy a new car by myself—it feels big to me. I remember I texted the first picture to a few close friends with the message—I have come so far—while crying and feeling immensely proud of myself.

This summer—it’s the summer of the 50 Things List—-I am on a mission, so keep following along!