Dreams Don‘t Happen Over Night

I so appreciate everyone who has followed my journey. The people I left at home, that only had well wishes and hope for my dream, to the people I’ve met along the way. It has been quite the adventure, from the moment I turned my office key in, that I had held for 25 years, to the beginning of my adventure being paused by Covid. Stuck in San Diego, without a home, a job, or a school to attend.

Finally Yacht Deckhand school opens. I am the oldest student. I get my credentials and obtain my first yachting job, on GiGi.

Gigi is such a wonderful learning experience for me. Traveling the coast line from Miami to New York. I saw things I’ve never seen and most have not seen from a yachts vantage point. I spend 1 1/2 years on the water, loving the serenity of the sunrise and sunsets on the water. My Gigi will always be close to my heart.

Making the move to the Caribbean to actually research where I could own a bar was fun and disappointing at the same time. I picked St. Thomas, my favorite vacation spot. But statistics prove it is not an island my bar would thrive on.

Covid is still stifling travel, I decide to take up residency somewhere and learn the bar industry. Awe…My Anna Maria Island. I become a bartender, something I’ve never done. I make friends that I still talk to, to this day. Friends that will come see me at my bar someday. Then, Family is in need. I return home, to California. I pause my dream for 2 years, enjoying family, child hood friends and routines. There is definitely “something special’ about home. But, my soul and my being are calling me to my dream. Gigi wants me back, so I return. The joy I feel keeping her pristine, the warmth of the sun on my skin all day, the smell of the water, I am truly “Home”, Until the drama stifles my serenity. I must leave once again.

I return to yet more schooling. Prep to continue working on the water, allowing accumulation of hours to get my captains license. Being a captain I can make a lot more money, much quicker than a deckhand.

I take on, the most grueling job I have ever encountered in my lifetime. The people and friendships I made, I wouldn’t change for the world. And honestly, I appreciate that the hard work, whipped me into the best shape I think I’ve ever been in.

The river boat is in winter hiatus, and I still need to earn an income. My sister in law needs help at her business. I want to help, but I feel like returning to California is 10 steps backwards from my dream. She says she will create the same benefits I’d have as if I were working on a boat. Income, free housing etc. She gave me a Christmas bonus sufficient enough to pay for Captains license school here in San Diego. So here is my jeep, that Captain Harvey loaded up for me tonight in Florida. It’s headed my way, while I stay here helping my SIL out and getting my Captains license.

I feel so blessed to have had the opportunities that I have had, since quitting my real job. The memories and experiences I have had are worth the amount of time and effort that is going into this dream.

Don’t give up on me…you will see me at my bar someday!