It seems that we can’t go a few hours without someone asking “So, when are you leaving” or, “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be in the islands by now”. To that we’ve been stumbling through vague answers “soon” and “after hurricane season”. The truth is we no longer know when. We no longer have a date on the calendar circled. For me, the one who needs a list, needs a plan, this is difficult.
Keith’s promotion has turned out to be a game changer for us. And here is where the game–the gambling– begins. In a matter of weeks he has been able to put into savings what previously took us an entire year to accomplish. It is impossible not to imagine what another six months could do to our cruising kitty-or a year-or…..more. We’ve exceeded our savings goal for this trip and it’s not like we can’t go now but we will, admittedly, be sliding into home base pretty darn broke. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore. But………but, it all comes with a risk. We know oh-too-well life can be short, or health too frail. We’ve seen too many dreams crumble due to death, illness, or age and we have been so adamant about going as soon as possible and not waiting, and yet here we are-questioning what to do. How much do we wager?
Right now, we just don’t know.
Then there is the little detail that I have already been replaced at work. I don’t know when my last day will be, but probably quite soon. Timing. Messed that one up! We are going to make it work though, I will be going full throttle on the remaining to-do list (which is still quite large) so that the boat will be ready and waiting for us to pull the trigger. I am also going to be devoting a large amount of time and energy into getting both of us healthier and living more wholesome lifestyles. Fast-food and sodas have been on the menu daily for both of us and we kept saying it would change when we got underway but this isn’t something we can’t put off as well. The gambling game, this risk needs reduced now.
So, if it appears in any way that we are losing sight of our lifetime dream, we are not. We are (or at least I am) just a little weary from trying to make the best decisions for ourselves. It is a good dilemma to have, but all I really want right now is a plan again-or a crystal ball. But I don’t have either so my focus will have to just be on today and making today an absolutely wonderful day.
What do the following photos have to do with this post? Nothing. I was just looking at some old underwater photos from trips past and thought I’d share because I haven’t taken any current photos lately.
Where were we ONE year ago: Haul out-preparations
Wright Away Sails Away 
We’ve had so many game changers in our journey so far (but, none that have had the same effect as yours unfortunately!). I can honestly say that one of the best things I’ve gotten from our cruising experience is to learn to take whatever is thrown at us. I used to be a big planner as well, and now I have no idea what is going to happen and I kind of like it 🙂 You guys will go on your journey just as soon as you are ready 🙂
Thanks for the reassuring words:)
Believe me, I’m not complaining, even if it sounds like I am. I am just having a difficult time balancing the time vs. money thing. Staying here longer (time) buys us money, which buys us more time cruising. Or does it? You never know. Agh!! I don’t want to be old and decrepit when we finally leave! Obviously I need a little bit of that cruiser mentality you have gained to help me go with the flow right now. 🙂
We were talking more tonight and we are just going full steam ahead on all fronts-finish getting the boat ready and preparing and Keith will keep working, all the while trying to live a bit more in the moment–eventually we will know what we should be doing!
Deborah
Trust your instincts – I sure the gamble is the right one and you’ll be glad you made this choice. Time will fly by and before you know it, you’ll be out there cruising.
Ellen, you are right, we’ve got to listen to our instincts. Of course, I can’t hear mine yet :). We will get it all worked out soon enough and be out there cruising too.
By the way, your post about night sailing (and cookies) has to be my all-time favorite post. Ever.
Just found your blog via Bumfuzzle. It only took me a few entries to bookmark you! 🙂 The first thing that came to mind when i read this post was, enjoy the journey! So much stress and frustration comes from the “plan” not going as it “should” I am a recovering anal retentive and I am a lot older than you and I just wish I would have gotten the “chillax, it’s all gonna work out the way it’s supposed to” lesson a lot sooner! So take it from an old broad, you are just where you are supposed to be. You are still working towards your ultimate goal and I have no doubt it will happen. In the mean time, I am going to enjoy checking in and reading your latest post. Of course now, I will need to start from the beginning so I am up to speed. Thanks for sharing! Be well, Valerie in Colorado
Valerie,
Thanks! I’m am already starting to adjust to the fact that our plans are ever changing and at the moment I am doing a bit better with the “it’s the JOURNEY, not the DESTInATION, thing”. We’ll get there. 🙂
(Shouldn’t take too long to “get up to speed” we are kind of new blog-glad you enjoyed reading!)
Deborah