Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Carpe Diem?

I have an opportunity to seize the day. Fourteen of them, actually.

Over the next few years (or so), a friend of a friend of a friend will be circumnavigating the globe on a 65' Ketch he just purchased in early 2006. He's an accomplished skipper, has already got about the first two years planned out and is looking for friends to help crew. Not your standard "barefoot cruise," my friend. You have to participate.

Most of the legs are three or four weeks long but he's got a couple two week legs in there, too. Do I need to say it? Probably not. But there's one leg that works out quite perfectly for my calendar in early 2008. It's approximately a year from now. Sure, there was this other thing I'd like to do but sailing for two weeks at minimal cost (seriously affordable) might just have to take precedent.

The thing is, I just don't know. A year in advance is tough to plan. Jumping on a boat with people I've never met before is a little scary- okay, I've done it before but two weeks is a little more than your standard island hop. I'm trying to be logical. Last year, though, I read this book and when I finished it, I promised myself if I ever had the opportunity to do something even remotely close, I would take it.

I'm also overwhelmed with the thought of how great it could be and the amazing opportunity. Think of the experience, and learning about sailing; my gosh how I've wanted to do that! And the leg? It's perfect, it's one of the Caribbean legs (go ahead, act like you're not surprised I'd choose that one). It feels like a "sign" or something that this particular leg, in my preferred season, in my preferred sea, is being put in front of me right now.

I have some thinking to do.

13 comments:

adam said...

Sounds like a no-brainer! Sorry if this is harsh, but the only hard part I would have if presented with the opportunity, is waiting that long!

justacoolcat said...

I'm guessing if you don't do it you'll always regret the decision.

I'm just saying.What month would you be in the Carib? That makes a big difference. You may not want to be there in rainy season.

Ginger Breadman said...

Do it. What could there possibly be to regret? Anything negative or challenging could simply be labeled a learning experience. But honestly, talk about the chance of a lifetime! And someday in the future when you're much more tied down to a specific job, a family or family member, kids, pets, houses - whatever - you'll be so thankful to look back and remember when. I firmly believe opportunities present themselves in life for a reason.

anne said...

I am probably going to be in the minority here - but I can totally see what the hesitation is and why there would even be a question over why not to do it. Though it is nice to have these sorts of dilemmas and options.

Backofpack said...

Do it! Do it! Do it! This is a one of those fabled once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. And that is precisely why you should go for it.

I totally get the hesitancy, because I'd be doing the same thing, but I think this is a case of close your eyes and jump in. It's a chance for an experience that most of the world will never get. My vote is to go for it!

Anonymous said...

Go.


And put me in your suitcase.

Sizzle said...

seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity. what does your gut say when all that logic business is getting in the way?

runliarun said...

Oh, yeah, it might be scary, I mean the part with unknown people in close quarters. But OMG, what a cool thing to do, this is life, intense and adventuresome, and if you will not do it you will always question and wonder and regret...

the_ubster said...

Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it.

Having raced on a sailboats for 15 + years, sailing in The Keys to Lake Erie, in the sun and snow, this is an adventure you will tell all you meet.

Don't Just Run, Sail too!

Unknown said...

I've gotta agree with The Ubster. You must go!

Take a laptop and a digital camera and document the trip on your blog... So that I can live the experience vicariously.

Sister Buckle said...

Will there be pirates?

I think it'll be RAD.

I am experiencing some feelings of inferiority though as the new girl at work who is only 22 - not only was she a Jillaroo for 6 months, but I've now found out she has already done CPR on one person and resuscitated another! She totally brought back to life a girl who had OD'd in a nightclub, and that was 3 years ago - when she was 19. Then some drunk old woman passed out and stopped breathing when she was living in a share house and she brought her back too!

So I'm all ready for chalking up adventures and experiences... even if you're not!

My comments are so selfish...

Runner Girl FL said...

I ditto Bre!! :)

She said it all in that little bit.

Danielle said...

Oh, I would definitely do it...think about it this way, is there a chance you'll regret it if you don't? This sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don't think we ever regret doing, it's the not doing that we do regret...