Overwhelmed.

I have been "virtually" absent.

Overwhelmed.

We are in a great place.  Our family is happy.  We LOVE this lifestyle.

HOWEVER - there is a laundry list of things that I am trying to work on and I find that I get overwhelmed quickly.  Researching products and options - all while trying to make sure we are getting the best possible deals on the best reviewed/rated products.

We DO have a travel timeline and list of goals and tasks that we need to complete.  Our to-do list isn't that long... but, due to our tight budget, we have to meticulously research all of our options.

We are in the process of replacing all three of our halyards (two of them broke... but that is a side story), replacing our coated lifelines with uncoated stainless steal lifelines, ordering and installing lifeline netting, figuring out what first aid equipment we want aboard (whether we will order a pre made kit or build our own), preparing a "ditch" bag, and much much more.  I am also trying to find a wild land (or even cruising/marine) related first aid class to take.

I find myself spinning in circles and stressing about little (and big) things.  I am starting to accept the reality that we are going to be spending a lot of money to get the boat ready for travels.  Our main concern with the kids aboard is their safety - turns out that safety gear and accessories are expensive!

Additionally, we are trying coordinate the gifts that we receive this holiday season to be related to things on our to-do list.  For example, T is very excited to receive a new membrane for our watermaker.

Anyhow.  I am around.  Just a bit overwhelmed and spinning my wheels.

Appreciating little moments...

I am sitting inside our warm boat... it is dark outside and RAINING. 

Looking through my photo and video archive, I found this video I recorded while kayaking on September 30th - a simple and beautiful day.  I am so thankful that I have the perspective to appreciate special moments like these... to really enjoy them soak them up. 

Instead of paddling on, I stayed still, listened, and appreciated the peaceful man, practicing his guitar on the bow of his boat, the cloudless sky, the relative quiet/calmness on the water, and mount Baker off in the distance.