Simplifying.

That is the goal.  To make life simpler, less complicated, and easier.  And, most importantly, enjoy this time in our lives while we have the ability and means to do so.  And now that we have “officially” confirmed our plans to set sail in 2014, we can chat a little more about what all we’ve been up to over the past few months to make this happen.

^^one of my all time favorite iphone photos. taken on new year’s eve 2012. we didn’t even own our sailboat at the time. Man, what a difference a year makes.^^

The simplifying process started for us back in October.  Technically, a bit earlier if we consider the fact that Jereme and I both made the conscious decision a while ago not to indulge in purchasing more “stuff” we didn’t need. (He’s always lived by this philosophy. I, on the other hand, still need a little work…you mean I don’t need 10 new swimsuits and 14 new coverups?)

Oddly enough, we’re spending more money than we probably ever have. It’s like it’s going out of style or something. Or growing on trees. Neither of which are true. But, man, boat projects/improvements cost an arm and a leg (both covered in designer clothing).

Anywho, back in October, we listed our house for rent on Friday, the 18th. We found the perfect young family moving from Idaho to rent it that same night (insane, right?), and by the following Monday we had a signed contract in hand for our new renters to move in November 1st. Wow, that was easy (minus dealing with the 50 subsequent phone calls from other interested renters).  The landlord process thus far has been pretty painless (we’ve had one minor garbage disposal issue that worked out just fine).

We spent the next 10 or so days left in the month cleaning out our house and preparing to sell most of our stuff so that we could comfortably move into Jereme’s parents’ house three blocks over for the next two months and prepare for our big adventure. Ten days (while working full time and squeezing in boat projects on the side) is definitely NOT enough time to pack up an entire 3-bedroom house. Just a little FYI for anyone else considering a similar move.

We held a raging garage sale the last weekend in October. (If you want to host a successful g-sale, move to Naples Park!) Our close friends took a few pieces of furniture, my parents snagged our bikes, Jereme’s parents took a few things, and we were really only left with mostly the belongings we really wanted to keep for the long-term.  Which, if I’m being honest, was a bit more than expected.  (I probably still have two closets and a dresser worth of clothes right now…that I’ll need to whittle down to about a suitcase worth before we leave.)

Lord knows it wasn’t easy, but we somehow managed to compact our lives into one small walk-in closet at Jereme’s parents’ house.  And, we’ve moved a handful of our other possessions onto our boat for the long term.

So since November, we’ve been living three streets away from our “old” house, while we continue to diligently work on boat projects.  Living just 3 streets over is all kinds of weird. I think it would’ve been a little easier to live in a totally separate neighborhood. I can’t even count how many times I’ve almost (and actually) turned down the wrong street on my way home. And I think it confuses Oliver that we’re taking him on walks and car rides in the same neighborhood, but he hasn’t seen “his yard” or lounged in “his room with a view” in weeks. 🙁

Otherwise, things have really begun to fall into place.

• We’ve crossed LOTS more off the good ‘ole boat project list.
• We’ve put in our notice at work and Jereme’s been “retired” for about two weeks now. I’m wrapping up my last few days.
• We’re about to list one of our Jeeps for sale (we’re keeping our ’86 Wrangler — since it’s one of a kind!).
• We’ve scheduled/attended doctor and vet appointments.
• We’re planning, ordering things we’ll need, and figuring out what all else we’re missing/forgetting.
• We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

And we CANNOT WAIT to start cruising! 🙂

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