Going Places Where Most People Don't

T’was the day after Christmas and all through the neighborhood, houses were selling just like we knew they would. Except for with one house the buyers were deft. That one at the top of the hill was the only one left. People were buying, even paying more than they should. Searching for properties and buying almost everything they could. The market was changing, turning around and getting stronger. But one house still sat there. The days on the market kept getting longer.
People would tell us don’t worry it will sell. But waiting’s no fun. My urge to sail I can’t quell. Why this torture this torment this brutal distress. When all that is necessary is an offer on one more address. Oh well its something I can not control, so I’ll sit back and wait and dream my ultimate goal. Sailing oceans, seeing places, meeting people and strange faces. Sipping good beer, spreading good cheer and sharing all of God’s graces.

Today is December 7th. The anniversary of Japan’s raid on Pearl Harbor. I’m not sure if that is more nautical or aeronautical, but since I’m a former air traffic controller soon to be sailor, I thought I would mention it. It is truly a significant date in American history.

We all enjoyed the lessons at Emerald Coast Yacht Club in Pensacola, FL. http://www.ecsailing.com/ Captain Mike and now Captain Peggy did a wonderful job making sure we were well taken care of. We stayed on a nice Beneteau 33 while we were there. It was fun staying on a boat again, although the 33′ mono-hull was maybe a little small for our family. Pensacola Bay has a lot of fun places to sail and explore, and seeing the many dolphins every day was great.

I’ve worked a seasonal position at UPS for the last two weeks to pass the time while we wait for an offer on the house, but today will be my last. I calculated that I made more money sleeping per week at my last job than I do busting my a$$ at UPS. I also believe that God was telling me that I’m not focused on what needs to get done around here.

Our house has been shown twice in as many days, but still no offer.

Starting Monday I’ll be focused on selling and donating items. I’ll be organizing papers for taxes. Setting up systems for businesses here that I’ll be unable to unload prior to departure. If they are still unloaded in time, all the better. Some systems I’ve already put in place are not working quite as planned, so tweaking is in order.

A trip to AZ is in the works for Christmas. This not having a job to report to is a blessing. I think I will get used to it.

Somebody please buy our house, because until you do, I’ll be still waiting!

It’s official. I am a retired person. What does that mean exactly? You would think it would mean a lot more time on my hands, and well yes that is partially true, but I seem to be filling the time with out too much trouble.

Since there is no offer on the house yet, we signed up for some sailing lessons in Pensacola, FL. That’s coming up next week and it requires book study. It’s fall in TN so that means leaves to rake. A tenant moved out without notice so I’ve been to Chattanooga three times in as many days fixing and cleaning that place up. Gosh, it seems I’m working awfully hard for being a retired person.

Anna and I caught a matinée and ran into a retired friend from my morning men’s group. What fun. The movie ended just in time for Happy Hour, so I guess you know what came next.

The whole family is excited about the sailing lessons. Since were not moving onto our own boat, we at least get to enjoy A boat.

You may notice the Countdown To Retirement has been replaced with “Countdown to Christmas” I’m still hoping to be on our own boat by then, and if so, I’ll have a much more definitive answer to I’m retired, now what?