Departure Planning, money, the boat, Andrew

Things are happening quickly now!  Andrew arrived just before Christmas and although I was kinda of advising against him coming so soon since the trip was still slightly questionable about if it was going to happen... I'm happy he's here.  I'm actually very relieved the holidays are over now so I can really focus on working, getting the boat ready, and getting out on the water with Andrew.  Its amazing what a different world I've already entered regarding life priorities.  I'm excited, nervous, and slightly scared.  I think its because I really don't know what to expect and I've fallen into such a comfortable lull the last few years.  One thing I'm really counting on is that we won't get to far from home that quickly and I don't think it will take long for the four of us (Andrew, Areyto, the sea, and myself) to find our zen or discover we won't. 

Working:
I'm trying to work as much as possible for the obvious financial benefits.  This policy is of course in direct contradiction with making time for boat projects and the effort I have to make every morning to drag myself to work each day and put on a smile knowing the end is in sight.  Also, the truth is that without that hotel and its many challenges I wouldn't be planning this sailing adventure at all.  Thank you.  I know I'll miss the friendships I've made and the constant push to get things done.  It really has been a growing experience for me and I really can't say enough positive things about the people that really make that place go.  So thank you to all of those people...  but I can't wait to leave and get out on the wata mi son!!!  ;-)   I'll miss you St Thomas!  Hopefully I'll be back.

Andrew:
Andrew is here and we've managed a little quality time together on and off the boat.  I've known him for a long time, but have only sailed with him a few times.  He had lived in St. Thomas for a time and had helped with many Areyto boat projects with me while he was here.  good on ya!  I originally advised against him showing up here until the very last minute.  I'm happy he is here.  There is alot to do and most importantly get out sailing to dial in our life aboard and make sure its going to work before we quit jobs etc.  We had a nice meeting a week or so ago.  I felt really good about what was said about attitudes, ideas, expectations, and some logistical aspects of the adventure.  He is a great person and friend and not short on anything but maybe needing to get to know Areyto, her strengths, weakness, and basically knowing the big picture sailing challenges that we'll face, weather patterns, geography, current, etc.  He is going to be a rad person to experience it all with.  I need to adjust to him being aboard and be flexible and understanding to things he wants and needs.  Currently I think he wants to bring more stuff than nessary or we'll be comfortable with on such a lil boat but I think a few nights out on Areyto and some more sailing together might change his attitude.  If not thats ok too!  And tuthfully I don't really know what a few months on Areyto and with Andrew in the Caribbean will be like, so who am I to judge!?  I'm hoping AWESOME might be one word to describe the experience!!!

Project list...Ugh!!:
The project list is long, however there is a huge part of it that I will feel comfortable about just not getting done as that part of it is really just more creature comforts and fine tuning.  I've been living on the boat and have been on several trips so I'm feeling pretty ok about the boat if we were to leave tomorrow and kept the boat as is.  This gives me comfort in the back of my mind.

Anegada

So, in a nutshell...  Work as much as possible, work on the boat, make sure Andrew and I go out sailing!!  I'm excited!!!