We Went to the Miami Boat Show
The last time I went to the Miami Boat Show was six years ago during the “Great Giveback.” We were not sure what I future held and considered the romantic idea of living full time on a boat. It was hard to imagine, a small sailboat with our kids and our dog. We did go as far as looking into slips at the marina and even had our name on the waiting list.
Fast forward six years…we had downsized, we lived in our 900 sq ft cabin in Georgia, we moved to Dallas, we have moved back to Florida and lived in our RV for nearly a year while building our house. Suddenly even a 35-foot sailboat could accommodate us. And, our family has changed as daughters have grown and matured. But, the goal of attending this show was not to look at finding a house.
We went to have fun! Valentines Day with LeeAnn in Miami spending a day around yachts was our goal. Our day would have been easier if Ty was not fussy and also determined to go on and off the boats on his own – making Mom and Dad quite nervous. The surprise of the day? Going to the convention center, leaving the marina behind, to look at motorboats. This reminded me of our trip to the Texas State Fair several years ago when we decided to buy our Jeep.
LeeAnn and I are great at examining what we have, dreaming, and making changes we feel will support adventures in our life.
For several years I have wanted a boat, a bow rider. Nothing too big, nothing fancy. Just a nice runabout we can take to disappearing island on the weekends, go to dinner, explore local rivers, combine camping, and use for scuba diving. With all of us being scuba certified and avid outdoorsman a boat would fuel fun.
Many years ago a colleague, Jack Burgess, shared a story with me that he came home one Saturday after playing golf and looked at his three daughters. Realizing they were getting older he bought a boat the following week. Thereafter every Saturday that the weather was good Jack took his family boating and each daughter could bring a friend. They fished, they water-skied, they spent time together. Memories Jack said he would treasure forever. And, when I met him his daughters had started families of their own and had
done the same.
Maybe we will own a boat in the near future. Or, maybe not. I have wanted to buy one since I moved to Florida in 1998 and have regularly looked. We will see.
Haley and I went Skydiving!
For Christmas I gave my daughter Haley a gift certificate to go skydiving. We had agreed it would be a few weeks and we matched our calenders to this past weekend. Originally I was not sure if I was going to go as the last time I went was just before Haley was born, about 19 years ago. I have no fear, it was just something I felt I could not justify.
Haley and I headed to Skydive Deland at 10am Sunday morning to start our 11am reservation. I had planned three hours based on my last experience and we were concerned about the winds. However, we arrived and the process started quickly. First we sat and watched a video by a guy with a huge beard. It turns out he is the inventor of tandem skydiving. Next, we signed our life away. Being in law school I am still not sure I agree with the contract to not sue for any reason or for signing away that liability, but I signed anyway.
Within 30 minutes Haley and I were climbing in our jump suits and getting our harnesses on. Soon we were walking to the airplane and climbing aboard.
We had a blast. There is nothing scary about skydiving. It is freeing and exhilarating. I strongly recommend going to everyone.
Monday was a Holiday
Marcella had her first track meet of the season. She was tapped to run the 800m, but is struggling with a nagging injury. I was proud of her performance and am looking forward to the rest of the season for her.
James and I stopped by LeeAnn’s office to say hello on the way home from the track meet. While hanging out at the airport, where she works, the Thunderbids were taxiing in. James got a chance to stand on the ramp and watch the shut down procedures.
The evening wrapped up with a trip to school for Evidence class. Ugh.
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