My Dilemma/Debate

My job is ending in September. I will join millions on The Obama Plan of not working but I probably wont collect unemployment. Why? I'm debating on going on a road trip. Destination: North Carolina. To see Arley and stay with her for a while while Dave is gone. Also I'd like to spend time with my aging grandmother in Florida.

I figure I could take my time driving to NC and do some serious sight seeing on the way. There's so many places I haven't been-- I don't know what a prairie looks like. Or plains. And hills for that matter (mountains are different apparently). I've never seen land so flat that you can see the city that is about 25 miles away but it looks about 5 miles away. Most of all, I've never had a warm Christmas. Or a fairly dry winter. Sunny spring? Fugetaboutit. I don't know it's like not to live on the coast or have a giant body of water less than 10 minutes away.

I think it could be quite an experience.

Dilemma:

(1) money. I have a great savings but I'd hate to spend money on such play especially in such hard economic times. How could I cut costs along the way? Maybe camp, sleep in the car, couch surf, use friend/family resources, etc. Also, jobs are scarce at my destination and I'd like to work at least a little if I'm going to stay with Arley for an extended period of time.

(2) college. I'm not getting any younger and college is not getting any cheaper. I have no idea what I want to study (still) so I am using that as an excuse for the further delay.

(3) safety. Of course I'd love to bring at least one gun with me but all states have different rules regarding carry. Some states allow guns in the car that are in a case and not loaded. Some allow loaded guns in the car but still must be in a case. What good does an unloaded gun do me? Then of course I have to be concerned about my stuff being stolen on the way... like my car loaded with all my crap.

(4) health. I wont have healthcare and I'll be unemployed so injury could be more serious on the road than at home. Not to mention mental health-- will I be okay without my friends and family?

Although I have a few others, those are my main concerns. The upside is that I'll be able to see Arley, the country, and possibly a great place for future residence. I love Washington and everything but do you ever feel like you just want to escape? I get real tired of seeing people I used to know. And liberals.

And that's my debate and dilemma. Should I go? Not? How do I know what is the right thing to do? At least I have some time to think about it.