A dream has to start with an introduction, and then we see to it they happen. Having introduced myself to sailing inland waters ten years ago, I have been contemplating a life as a cruising sailor. I’ve been doing what it takes to make my dream a reality, regardless the stress. I decided to sell the house which I had to remodel and give it what it needed to sell, many upgrades as it is an older home from the 70’s. A remodel is something I never want to experience again anytime soon. It was quite an awakening for my dog too. It didn’t take him long to learn what it meant when I said “We busy.” I began my remodel in January 2009 and it took me seven months, and I don’t know how much beer and rum. All I know is I am beered out! Most of the tasks were outsourced to contractors whom have left me hanging with more work to finish myself than I had anticipated, so I drink another beer. This has only created a budget far over from what I had initially planned, hence I drank another beer. All I can say is I am glad I decided to stay and live in the house throughout the process, otherwise detail as I delicated would never have been met. Some work had to be ripped out and redone because the crewman did not listen to a word I said, hence I drank another beer. It has been a rough seven months living covered in sheetrock dust, freezing to death in an open environment where the electric and gas bill went through the roof (progress stalled due to having to add insulation throughout the house cause there never was any in the entire house), moving stuff as the workers moved from one area to another, chasing supplies, keeping supplies dry from winter rain and watching my stuff get stolen or damaged by the incompetent minority workers (several were illegal immigrants.) The weekend in February when I went to look at a boat, which I wound up buying, they laid my tile floor, but not at 45 degrees as I instructed them. So much for leaving for a few days. It was then I told them to tear it up, that I was not going to pay for it, and to get the hell out of here, when I had another beer. It has been work, beer, work, beer, work, beer since without adequate help. My son even proved to be has much help has a one-armed archer in battle. I open a beer and run him off too. So as I walked around here fer days with my head spinnin, I wonder where do I start. I find myself each morning wonderin the same ole thing. By the time I walk the floor assessing th damage all I wanna do is, have another beer. Each morning the same for a month or two, or was it three, who cares, where’s my beer. Anyway I get things done till I again experience the burnout. Damn, outta beer. Why did I not just bulldoze the house like Im wishin I did? It has been a road Ive never traveled, and honestly, Im glad I did. Cheers! I have another beer. So, after I’ve had all I can stands, I call the neighbor to help me tie up these loose ends and to help me get this monkey off my back. We’ve been painting and installing fixtures now for the last month. Just him coming down to drag me outta bed and not let me have my church key till he leaves has been a load of help.
Anyway, the house did come out as I planned and I can keep looking forward and moving on.
I suppose I am too mindset towards living on-the-go and learning something new. Ive never remained happy stuck in one place doin one thing long. Cut-throat industries have certainly discouraged me from wanting anymore to do with them. I hope this new life aboard will give me all the happiness I have been longing for, and more. With so much to learn about living aboard, maintaining a boat and navigating safely and not to mention people and places to visit, I see ample opportunities to be happy.
Just some before and after shots.
Preshate yer viewin'
___/)
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