Just When You Think Your Ship's Coming in Somehow it Vanishes.

What the heck is going on?  Is Johnny Depp out there attempting to ruin my retirement dreams?

   This post has nothing to do with the Sea Sagas of Somalia.  That is another story in itself.  This one has both a positive and negative twist and is much closer to home at least for the time being.

Surely you've witnessed many former associates and friends in housing affiliated businesses succumb to one of the worst economies of our generation.  Sadly, my plans are now displaced, through no fault of my own, to even consider any form of retirement in the near future.  Those of you out there who have been able to succeed at this endeavor need to be applauded.  Conceptually, I think the youth of today don't realize what a determined effort it takes to fulfill the ability to walk away from a livelihood.  Most companies no longer offer the types of Golden Parachutes which proliferated in corporate America just a few decades ago.  I'm not saying they're gone, only that not as many exist.  Therefore, if you expect that your employer is looking out for your best interests, think again.  Now comes Real Estate, work your own hours, be independent, be your own boss, control your destiny.  That's what many of us thought when we began and it remained true for a long time until now.  Mind you, I'm not crying in my pretzels, this business allows me the versatility I want in my life in a way no other profession can.  Is this where I thought I'd be on this verge of the beginning of the 2nd decade of the 21st century.  Hell no!  I've readjusted my clock and revised my plan, luckily I am still a REALTOR and have the full capability to do so.  God willing.

Now on to the positive aspect of my post.  I have been able to befriend and lend my nautical input to a retiring associate.  His mission is to sail the Ocean Blue singlehandedly.  This will mostly be throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  There was a "test" cruise which occurred last year and was met with favorable results.  I believe that was about 100 days at sea.  I have a fairly extensive marine background which began probably around the age of 5 or 6 and am intrigued by this friend's desire to take on this challenge individually.  You have to have a special personality and temperment to consider an effort such as this.  Although we hadn't communicated during the test cruise I have been assured the satellite receiver has the capability to connect this go around.  You see, the reason I'm so thrilled at the idea of this adventure is that it is virtually the same as mine although we'll be about 8 to 10 years apart.  There are those who may consider this an easy sail.  I might too, except for the knowledge that you're alone.  You can depend on no one except yourself, that could be daunting, even on land. 

Oh yes, I forgot to update readers about the Pirates of the Caribbean.  Use caution always, they do exist, and most are not very entertaining!

Photos courtesy of PhotoBucket.com