Motor boating

I didn't build the boat that I have, but I did pay for it several times over. My initial goal was to have a boat I could live on, and if I had to flip burgers to pay for moorage, etc., then so be it. But it's good to keep in mind just how easily a fantasy can get away from you...

The first departure from my seriously half baked plan was when I got married. The second was when my wife and I were about 7 months pregnant. It was then that I spotted my boat in a slip in Friday Harbor just sitting there minding it's own business. Not being able to leave well enough alone, I asked the couple that was on board if I could have a look around. They didn't seem all that enthusiastic at having a 6ft 2in Sasquatch invade their floating vacation world, but a glance at the big "For Sale" sign reminded them that this sort of thing might happen. I got the 'grand tour' and the rest is history...

Now, don't for a second get the idea that I'm complaining about the whole marriage - kids thing. I wouldn't trade it (or them) for anything. I love them dearly. It's just sort of weird how it all came about and sort of confirms the old saying: "never say never". I was at a point where at worst I figured I'd spend the rest of my life either as a confirmed bachelor, or (at best) in the company of a female companion. The 'having Kids' part of the equation hadn't really occurred to me...

Looking back, I also couldn't have lived on a boat the size of the one I own anyway. Some people do it, but I don't think it would have worked out for very long. I still complain everytime I have to take a shower on board. The 'head' is not only the throne room, but also shower room and powder room (for the ladies). My refrigerator at home has just about as much room as the bathroom on my boat. So I'm quite satisfied that I deviated from that part of the plan as well...