Tuesday, August 17, 2010

And the survey says......

It looks like a go on the sailboat.  Her name is Sojourner which is a beautiful name.  I am glad that she isn't named Dirty Harriet, Aquaholic, Between the Sheets, Nauti Girl or some of the other aquamoronic names I've seen.  The last hurdle will be the oil analysis to see if there are any metal filings or soot in the oil which would indicate a deteriorating engine. 

Barring any surprises there, it looks like I will close on the boat September 2.  I left her blocked in the yard so that her bottom can be painted if the oil analysis comes back okay.  And I am just about starting to get excited.  The surveyor who is the toughest one in the area and is known as the "deal breaker" was impressed with her.  There are a few cosmetic things that I can do, but she is a 31 year old lady so that is to be expected.  Anyway, I wanted to share some photos and hope that I'm not jinxing anything by doing this. 






It was a full day yesterday with the survey taking about six hours and then going to my home group meeting where I told part of my story.  The topic was willingness and how willing I was to get better when I first came to Al-Anon.  I think that it made some of the newer people think.  There is a choice to be stuck in pain or to move through it and have joy and peace.  I am glad that I was willing and teachable.  I know that I would not be considering a boat or much else if I had stayed in the place of misery where I resided.  I am thankful for God's grace in my life.

27 comments:

  1. She appears to be a fine lady and I am happy for you. retirement must agree with you. This is good.

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  2. Wow. Beautiful boat. And remember- it may be God's grace, but YOU have done the work. Willingly.

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  3. Waaaay Cool! Beautiful lines and the interior...! Wow. Good luck to you on this exciting new venture.

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  4. That's a fine-looking boat, Syd. I love the word aquamoronic. Great word. Laugh.

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  5. How cool! Congrats on the new boat and on being the speaker at your meeting!

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  6. As one who grew up in Arizona, hates large bodies of water, and whose fair skin (red head) kept me inside most of my life, I am totally jazzed about the new boat. Beautiful, clean, and stately.

    My favorite author John D. MacDonald wrote 21 great stories about a guy named Travis McGee who lived on a barge-type houseboat named "The Busted Flush." Seeing the trim and fine workmanship of Sojourner reminded me of his love of boats. Thanks for this.

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  7. This looks like a perfect boat for you two to cruise up and down the coast. The galley is spacious and looks to be in great shape. Is that a pull down mattress? I hope the oil analysis yields a healthy engine report. Yay for you to find this great boat for your retired years.

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  8. Syd, the boat is one serious vessel. Amazing.

    I love how soberly you are making this decision. It's good for me to witness. cheers G

    p.s. btw "sojourn" is also a Quaker word that means time spent in another place or with another community in an effort to deepen one's spirituality.

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  9. She's beautiful. I hope you enjoyed your celebration!

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  10. she is beautiful...i am excited for you...and love the name!

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  11. She is a beauty! All that wood reminded me of the large wooden cruiser my grandpa had. We fished many a time on Lake Superior with that boat. I loved the polished wood, and the smell of lemon oil. How awesome that you can be a live example of the promises. If you are will to walk the journey the rewards can be endless.....

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  12. Wow the picture with the guy walking next to her really shows her true size. Hoping she is all you hoped her to be and more. I could not be happier for you!
    Got a chuckle out of the other possible boat names too!

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  13. Syd - - - It has been such a joy to watch you grow in your spirituality and in your decisions to follow your dreams - with the magnet the water and the beautiful boats that fly with sails in the wind. The story has been fascinating to me to follow.

    As for Sojourner (thanks for the definition Guinevere) - - - she looks like a classy lady with quite a classy chassis! Absolutely beautiful. Her beauty and strength together will provide you with many hours - even days or more - of happiness, joy, and freedom. By the grace of God, with all your footwork, you have provided yourself with the ultimate gift in fulfilling your dream.

    Congratulations! (Will you be hiring a cook?)

    Love and hugs,
    Anonymous #1

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  14. Sojourner...what a lovely name. I feel sure that this 31 year old gal will treat you and yours to years of pleasure and serenity.

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  15. what a beauty!!!! and beautiful name :) there is a boat around here named Aquaholic. that might have been funny to me at one point. but now...it's just stupid!

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  16. i love these boats. the beautiful shine of the wood, gorgeous lines.

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  17. My she looks Yar! I wish I could join you. I love to hear about people in recovery doing exciting things. Life is better on a boat. I don't know why it just is. It is open and alive and on the ocean every moment is about being aware. There is nothing more healing than water. Care to take on a hitchhiker.

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  18. She certainly is a beauty. Love the pictures. Here's hoping all goes well and she becomes your very own September 2.

    PG

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  19. Lovely to have a boat with a history and a spiritual name. I had to post today, Syd, so you could see my profile photo! Gotta go!

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  20. i am so grateful for you that you have found recovery. we have very little by way of nar- anon here. and it saddens me that so many families suffer. but i can only work on me. 30 pounds now and 35 more to go. almost half way there!!
    oh and step eight finally done!! yeah!!

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  21. What a beautiful boat and I like the name too. It must be a wonderful feeling being out there on the open sea.

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  22. I don't know much about boats, but she is a beauty! Good luck with the engine results.

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  23. A true gift in recovery- "Don't quit before the miracle happens"
    (one after another)
    opening many windows and doors...

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  24. omg i think you two could sail round the world in that vessel :) HUGE.
    it looks like the same size as another vessel I have seen in which a couple is sailing round the world. I will email you the website, as you can email them.

    !! wow. exciting!

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  25. wow Syd, she's lovely, and the name, so apropot (or however you spell that lol) ok,. appropriate lol

    I love the boat, and I am so excited for you. I cannot imagine owning something like that sailboat.

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  26. Congrats on the sailboat. She IS a beauty. Also: Congratulations on being such a talented writer. It's a gift from God; never argue that point.

    Also: "aquamoronic"!?! Fricking perfect. It'll be in the Urban Dictionary soon...if it ain't already there.

    Peace to you, sirrah.

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.