Des Moines to South Bend Archives - Jared Kuvent https://jaredkuvent.com/tag/des-moines-to-south-bend/ Creative Technologist Portfolio Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:37:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://jaredkuvent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Logo-v03-512-150x150.png Des Moines to South Bend Archives - Jared Kuvent https://jaredkuvent.com/tag/des-moines-to-south-bend/ 32 32 Early Start, Good Breakfast, And Great Company https://jaredkuvent.com/2024/11/07/early-start-good-breakfast-and-great-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=early-start-good-breakfast-and-great-company https://jaredkuvent.com/2024/11/07/early-start-good-breakfast-and-great-company/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:11:46 +0000 https://jaredkuvent.com/?p=2399 Step into a memorable day on my cross-country journey, where an early morning diner breakfast outside Des Moines set the tone for an adventure across the Midwest. With a peaceful, rainy drive through vast landscapes, a roadside work session with my networking group, and reflections on past travels, each mile became an opportunity to experience the joys of living as a digital nomad. From connecting with locals over pancakes to sharing stories of work and travel with my network, this leg of the journey highlights the rewarding balance of professional life on the road. Discover what it’s like to blend work, travel, and new connections along the open highway, and immerse yourself in the small, unforgettable moments that make every mile meaningful.

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Early Start, Good Breakfast, And Great Company

Today started bright and early with a 4 a.m. wake-up call. I wanted to get ahead of the Chicago traffic, so I hit the road before sunrise. The drive began peacefully, with the rain coming down steadily, and it reminded me of those cool, drizzly mornings back in Maine. Somehow, that type of weather has a way of waking me up—keeps things feeling fresh and calm all at once.

Not long into my drive, I found a little local diner an hour outside of Des Moines. I could tell it was the kind of place that draws in regulars, with its down-to-earth vibe and no-frills breakfast menu. The waitress was exactly what you’d hope for: friendly, quick with a laugh, and curious about my journey. As we swapped stories, I told her about the road trip to Maine and all the stops along the way. She was as much a part of the experience as the pancakes I ordered, which were, by the way, everything diner pancakes should be—thick, fluffy, and perfectly syrup-soaked. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a plate of pancakes and coffee in a place where strangers feel like old friends.

With my laptop out, I spent some time catching up on the blog, piecing together the memories from yesterday. I’ve realized that writing about my travels adds a whole new layer to the journey. It’s not just about driving from point A to point B; it’s become a way to sit back, take stock, and really absorb each moment. The road has its own rhythm, but documenting it keeps me grounded in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

AJS Check-In and Rest Stop Recharges

As the morning went on, I was in full travel mode, heading east. The rain kept up, making for a peaceful drive—just me and the road. When it was time for my networking group’s check-in, I pulled off at a rest stop. I love these moments; they’re little pauses in the day that feel like a reset. The weather was brisk, the leaves were scattered on the ground, and the whole setup was oddly perfect for an outdoor call. I set up my laptop, put on my noise-canceling headphones, and dialed in, ready to catch up with AJS.

The group has been a huge source of encouragement during this trip. A few of them are following the blog now, and their feedback has helped me find a better balance between sharing the personal side of this journey and the professional goals I’m working toward. There’s something about hearing everyone’s updates that gives me a renewed sense of motivation—it’s nice to feel connected even while I’m out here on my own.

Hitting the Road and South Bend Arrival

Back on the road, I was on the final stretch to South Bend, Indiana. The drive stretched on longer than I’d anticipated, and by the time I got to the hotel, I was beyond ready to unwind. It’s funny, but there’s a kind of comfort in finally reaching the place you’ll be calling “home” for the night after a long day on the road. I went through my usual routine: setting up my laptop, offloading the day’s dashcam footage, and preparing for tomorrow’s post. But tonight, I knew that sleep was priority number one.

There’s something about the simple comfort of a good hotel bed—soft pillows, a warm comforter—that hits differently after a full day of travel. Within minutes, I was out, and I slept for a solid 12 hours. Waking up feeling recharged reminded me why I love the rhythm of travel. Each day brings a new experience, a new chance to reflect, and sometimes, just a good, long night’s sleep.

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