Ramblings From a Different Mind

Enough is enough!

svnisus — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:10:33 GMT

It rained for almost 36 hours and the wind is still blowing strong since early Sunday afternoon. Ok, I get it...Mother Nature is in charge, we need the rain, etc.etc. but I can't take it anymore!!! It's different when you are out at sea, away from the dock and know you can't get off the boat or away from the weather but when I'm tied to a dock after 24 hours it really sucks to not be able to get off the boat. I am grateful that the wind is pushing us off the dock, keeping Nisus safe from the damage that so often occurs during storms but the wind direction also keeps me from being able to leave. My little short fat legs just can't make that span between. During regular weather I can just pull a line and move the boat closer but when you have wind gusts of 40-50 mph, that's just not possible. At less I awoke to blue skies this morning and the promise from the Weather Channel that the winds will be dying down later this afternoon. And I do offer thanks that Fay didn't develop into a hurricane either here in the Keys or on the west coast of Florida either.

The worse is over.

svnisus — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:41:23 GMT

I have tried in the past, many times, but failed to stop drinking alcohol. I never was one of those "have a beer as soon as I wake up" persons, but still drank enough that it bothered me. Also, everytime I stopped, but then started back, I felt I had a problem. I would love to be able to be a social drinker but that doesn't work so well for me. One drink turns into two and at that point most people stop...not me... one turns into two, two into three, three into the entire six pack or bottle. But this time I think I have the problem conquered. I now realize my craving for alcohol mimics the craving for cigarettes I had right after I stopped smoking. I would, out of the blue, want a cigarette so bad I would give my right arm for one but if I could direct my energies to something else, that feeling didn't last more than a few minutes. I have now discovered it's the same with alcohol. I worked the docks the other day. It was hot, humid with very little breeze. I was thirsty and dripping in sweat and wanted an ice cold beer more than a million $ at that very moment, but still had another 1/2 hour at work. Hubby went in the ship store and bought a six pack of my beverage of choice, took it to the boat and stuck it in the cooler. After I was finished with work I opened one of the beers but at that point I really didn't want it. Drank it and it was ok but I didn't want another. At that moment I realized how my craving was exactly like the nicotine craves that I have finally overcome. Feel this is real progress because now I know how to control those urges. Plus it helped today when I stepped on the scales and have lost a total of 6.5 lbs. without even trying! Please keep good vibes and thoughts coming my way so that I stay strong and "buzz free."

Is there any unclaimed skin left??

svnisus — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:23:37 GMT

It's been over a year since my last ink, the lat and long of the hospital where my daughter was born ,and I was getting the tattoo jones again. So two weeks ago this coming Friday I sat down, or in this case leaned against a wall with my leg propped up on the seat of a chair, (more on that later) for the latest and greatest. Met this guy Skip and his wife Deb at Castaway's, a restaurant right around the corner from my marina. During the week they take Boy Scout troops out sailing and fishing on their 65' sailing schooner, Pirate Lady. But his first love is tattooing and during our conversation over a couple of coldies I decided it was time to continue with the nautical theme, hence the compass rose. I have a large anchor on the left side of my neck and so I had an anchor drawn in the middle of the rose. Think I will start having anchors put in every new tat I get from now on, you know, sort of like hidden faces in some jigsaw puzzles. I really like the way he used white ink to give it a marble effect. Skip decided to do my ink on his boat. He set up in one of his staterooms which was going to be ok since I told him I wanted it on my shoulder but then at the last minute changed my mind and decided to get it on my right calf. There wasn't enough room for me to lay down so I stood up with my leg across the seat of a chair for the entire session of about 2 hours. We took frequent breaks but still....it wasn't the most comfortable position. Next on the inking schedule is a big back piece of a river otter on his back cracking an oyster. That is probably going to be done overseas but not sure where yet.

Please take a moment.

svnisus — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:45:57 GMT

Professor Randy Pausch died this morning 7/25/08 at his home in Virginia. He was the author of the inspirational lecture and now book entitled, The Last Lecture. He leaves behind a wife and 3 small children. Regardless of your religious beliefs, please take a moment to wish him a safe journey onto the next level and to think kind thoughts for his grieving family. Rest in peace, Randy.

Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes

svnisus — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:11:12 GMT

Only one is really true but I just thought it would make an interesting title. Still stuck in the Keys, though I am going to the big city of Miami tomorrow to shop and I am SO excited...hubby not so much...but the Whole Foods in Coral Gables has an awesome cafe that I can park him in with a book and a latte and he will be a happy camper while I browse and shop down each and every aisle. Have a list about 2 pages long, Starbucks, Whole Foods, the Vitamin Store, Starbucks, a craft store, PetSmart, Walmart (boo, but a necessity) Starbucks....oh and a jewelry store since the Baby will be 25 next week and wants diamond or pearl studs for the big occasion. Leaning toward pearls ever since I saw the documentary on the inhumane conditions that occur while mining diamonds...or maybe pair of CZs...would it be wrong of me if I got her a huge (one carat each) pair of CZs and didn't tell her? Life is wonderful since I left my desk job and am now working outdoors doing physical labor for a change. I have lost 3 lbs. have a heck of a tan and over all my disposition is so much better. Also working a bit as a waitress, something I haven't done in over 20 years at the little bar/grill upstairs over the ship store and fuel dock and having an awesome time. Only work 3 maybe 4 days a week so I have plenty for a life now. I stopped drinking (again) 13 days ago and for some reason this time I feel I have had a breakthrough and I won't relapse like in the past. For the first time since I have decided that I have a slight (HA!) problem I have realized that I can't be a social drinker, that I have an "all or nothing" personality so in this case it has to be nothing. Next on the list is trying to decide where we are going next...any suggestions??

Finally Gave My Notice!

svnisus — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:06:25 GMT

Well, the job from hell is almost over. To catch everyone up to speed, I took this job the first of December, 7 hours away from where I was living. They HAD to have me there immediately so I didn't get to sail my boat down, my husband and a friend did that while I stayed in a hotel (and not a great one at that but at least the new company paid for it). Strike 1. Then it took the girl I was replacing 6 weeks to finally quit--hey, we ain't doing brain surgery here! And she wasn't the most pleasant person in the world to be around so that sucked. Strike 2. The other girl who did the accounting decided to quit about a month later and it was decided I would take over her job and they would hire someone else to replace me. That was the plan until the owner met this other woman and he decided to hire her to do the accounting; after he had not only promised me the job but also had the other girl train me and had interviewed numerous others for my job. Strike 3. Strike 4--and oh by the way, the $3.00 an hour raise I gave you is now only going to be $1.50. But don't worry you are still making more than anyone else. Yea, 50 cents more and plus the new girl was hired making $1 more an hour than I was originally getting and I relocated for your shit job. So needless to say, my employment life has basically sucked for the last month but I hung on because I just became eligilbe for insurance and needed to get all my pieces parts checked out. Well happy days because I just got the results of the last test and everything is fine so as soon as I hung up the phone I typed up my little notice of resignation and stuck it in the owner's box. Plus I have an awesome job waiting for me! I worked it Sunday and had the best time! It's working outdoors on the docks at the marina where I live. Takes 30 seconds to get to work...my hubby, cats and dog can come visit whenever they feel like it, plus I make tips!! WOOO HOOO!! No big $ but enough to (if I'm careful) live on. And the boss, is awesome and a hottie at that! When I quit my last "major" career job in SC I swore I would never do that type of work ever again but unfortunately when you need the $ you tend to go back to what you know. But no longer....I know I can live off of less money and will be doing something that I enjoy.... LIve is so good and I am truly blessed.

People Magazine Article 4/6/08

svnisus — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:45:52 GMT

Please go to YouTube and type in "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. It was the headline story in this Sunday's Parade magazine and it's definitely worth watching and listening to. Professor Pausch is 47 years old and has pancreatic cancer that is expected to kill him with-in the next few months. It is a very moving and inspirational, as well as at times funny, lecture on not only how Professor Pausch has lived his life, is choosing to spend his last days here on earth but also has an important message on how WE should try to live each day. Please watch and then feel free to comment here if you would like. I'm curious as to see if it impacted others as it did me.

My Daughter Is Coming To Visit

svnisus — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:02:17 GMT

I am so excited! The "baby" who I haven't seen since she graduated from college last May is coming to visit on Friday for almost a week!! We left to go sailing about 3 months before she graduated and saw her at our "Wreck the Dock" party in February and then again in May at graduation, so it's been pretty close to a year--way too long. Plus she has never been to this part of Florida and there is so much here to do!!! I can't wait!!!!

Owner is a member of the Village People!

svnisus — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:49:42 GMT

What so many people lose sight of doing....

svnisus — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:51:50 GMT

THE DOOR Go and open the door. Maybe outside there’s a tree, or a wood, a garden, or a magic city. Go and open the door. Maybe a dog’s rummaging. Maybe you’ll see a face, or an eye, or the picture of a picture. Go and open the door. if there’s a fog it will clear. Go and open the door. Even if there’s only the darkness ticking, even if there’s only the hollow wind, even if nothing is there, go and open the door. At least there will be a draught. Poem and Photo by: Miroslav Holub

So true!

svnisus — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:00:07 GMT

Gotta love kitties!

svnisus — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:20:55 GMT

What gets me thru the day...

svnisus — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:39:35 GMT

Be grateful for each new day. A new day that you have never lived before. Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably. We can squander, neglect or use it. Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. (Ralph Waldo Emerson) AND The best way to live is to appreciate each minute as an unrepeatable miracle. Work at your work and play at your play. Shed your tears, enjoy your laughter. Don't try to borrow from the future. Accept the fact that this is the best time of your life. (Origin Unknown) These might strike some of you as corny, but over the years I have taken these words to heart and they have made a difference in my life and attitude.

Like a Virgin

svnisus — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:31:02 GMT

OMG--this is like so cool!! Yea, yea I know--I don't have to act like a 20 year old to have a blog but I guess I'm showing my age (almost 52) by stating that this is the first time I have ever tried this. Is it like riding a bicycle or sailing? Once you learn, you never forget?? In a previous life I was a real estate advertising goddess. After deciding that I just couldn't continue in the wanton destruction of the earth by thinking up cute catchy phrases to help sell a $1million + second home to some rich ambulance catching lawyer that only used it for secret get-aways with his S&M mistress I decided on a career change. So what did I do?? I got into construction business. Built high-end homes and condos. Boy, that sucked even worse. Now instead of sitting in some 14 story office building writing words to go with a picture, I was on the front lines watching trees getting bulldozed, ponds being drained, and pristine acreage being destroyed all in the name of progress. Well, needless to say, that didn't last very long! I finally decided since I had made good $ putting 2 or 3 words together maybe I could be a writer--you know, out on my own--my own little cozy space, wood burning fireplace, cat on my lap while I pondered deep philosophic questions about my future and the future of mankind. Unfortunately that didn't pay the bills. But writing about what I knew, big houses, new neighborhoods and sailing did. But that my friends is a very hard life--months with no income while you are waiting for the magazine to hit the newstands, high-end "glossy" publications that have excuse after excuse for why you still don't have a check. So after a couple years of that I said screw it, "Let's go sailing!!!" Left Charleston SC in March and what takes most people 4 or 5 days took us 6 weeks. We finally got to Jacksonville FL the first of May after a fabulous trip down the ICW. While most people won't do the Georgia ICW because of the shallow spots, we had no problems and saw some of the prettiest water and scenery out there. Georgia has some very large and very well managed wifelife preserves, St. Catherines Island is one as well as Cumberland Island who's claim to fame is the Carnegie ruins and the wild horses. Now we are in Jacksonhell until the end of the year. Fall is here and it is getting cool again. Down to 64 last night--to cold for me! Can't wait to start south again. And while I am working the ole 9 to 5 for a short time I have started writing again and am pretty excited about it! In fact, I think I just sold an article to a sailing magazine about the culture of consumerism and how it effects the live-aboard boating community. Keep your fingers crossed and when it's published I will let everyone know so you can rush right out to your local Barnes and Noble and pick up a copy so their sales that month will triple and they will want me to write for them all the time!! Boy! Aren't I the optimist????