So it begins…
I’m sorry and you’re right. I’ve pretty well had my fill of breakfast burrito. I’m telling you, this corporate gig is taking up A LOT of my time. But I hope we can get past that because I need your advice. I know, I know. We don’t talk. I don’t call. And then one day I show up on your doorstep with big sad eyes, and want something from you?!? It’s not fair, you’re right… but pleeeeaaase.
My life is at a crossroads. And when it rains it pours. Right now I have all kinds of opportunities knocking. All good. Some great. For the sake of time I’ll run two by you. Please consider each carefully and then get back with me:
Life Option 1:
As many of you know, I have always wanted to live in the Northwest. The evergreens, the mountains, the ocean, the people. I love it. Specifically, Portland has a special place. Well I had a shot earlier in the year when Princess Cruises interviewed me for a Regional Manager Position… in Portland. I was runner up to a guy who already lived in Portland and was working for a different cruise line in the same position.
Then out of nowhere I get this lead that another position opened for a different cruise line. It’s almost the exact same job: Work out of home. Company car. Good pay. Cruise benefits. Live in Portland and call on Washington and Oregon. I track down the person I need to interview with, interview a couple times, and now out of over 100 applicants I am one of four. I’ll probably find out on Friday if I “got the job”. Honestly, I think I’m in the running after the last interview. I do know none of the other applicants come from cruise backgrounds. Sounds perfect, right?
Life Option 2:
I love to travel and I want to change the world. If you are reading this, you probably already know that too. Well in the past year, as I have been wearing the Public Relations cap at the Grand Canyon Railway (our PR Director left), I had the opportunity to host several groups of travel writers. Travel, write, and have someone else pay. Not bad. So I had toyed with the idea that if I did not have a good job lead by the new year I might try my hand at travel writing. Take another trip and see what I can make of it.
Now the kicker. I have a friend from college who shares the same see the world passion as I do, if not more so. He’s done the crabbing thing in Alaska. He’s built houses in Ireland. He’s traveled. I recently met up with him as he was passing through Arizona and he told me he was planning on sailing around the World… and I could come if I wanted to. Sail around the World? Are you kidding me? It would change your life. So the idea is this: Pack my bags (again). Grab my camcorders, my camera, bring my laptop and sail. Sail AROUND the World. Meanwhile I take this silly little blog to the next level. Look for sponsorship, my own website, video blog, the whole nine. Then get on the boat, and sail. And here’s the beautiful thing, bit by bit maybe make a difference on the human level. Pull in to port in some country and build a house for a family. Report on the human condition every step of the way. Then a year and a half later return to this sweet country, find my way to Portland and… and who knows what.
There’s a story there somewhere. The risk for sailing? Well staying alive. (Just kidding mom–it’s totally safe and the boats already been around the world twice. MOM, it’s fine!) Actually the biggest risk is that I’ve never actually sailed. In fact the only time I spent even a night on a boat was in Thailand when I returned to the same port I left from after a full night of “sailing”. Will I like it? Can I handle it? That’s the risk. But isn’t that what life is… risk. Worst case scenario, I leave. I fly back with my puny sailor tail tucked between my legs and whimper back to, to Portland. Problem is I won’t have a job, much less a sweet job like the one I think I’ll be offered in a couple of days.
What to do? What to do? Currently I’m taking a poll. So tell me what you think.
Cruise… or… sail?
0 comments
Hi!
What a great site! I totally plan on following this as you travel around the world! Exciting! What is the next step? When do you leave?
Sail around the world. Nancy and I crewed a 42′ Piver Tri-Maran shortly after getting married in 1971 with a friend of mine. He sailed over from South Africa. We sailed all through the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and would have “died” to have been able to sail the world. GO for it!
Go for it. Thrilled for you. Will be tracking your adventure.
You are making the RIGHT decision and we will miss you or at least I will. Thanks for leaving me your territory…LOL. Take care and GOD SPEED.
Hi There!
Being the age I am I would go for security (Portland) but being
your young age my friend I would sail the world. What stories
to tell your children/Grandchildren you will have one day.
I say go for it and enjoy the adventure of a life time!!!!
Good seeing you in N.C. Best of Luck! I’ll be watching for your posts.
George
Hey there ,
I am excited for you and know you are doing the right thing, like you said life is to short not to take chances, that we will regret if we don’t take that chance. I will be in touch with you off and on. Wishiing you all the best!!
Anne
Shut Up!!! Who is your Daddy and what does he do?! 🙂 Oh my furry red headed friend, you are now officially a part of my happy place! I look forward to sittin still with my goofy grin, thinking about you takin’ on life outside the expectations of others, embracing the spirit of unforseen adventure, while continually molding your character with the many varied views, experiences and relationships you will collect during your travels. As they say, “we only go around once” in this lifetime to appreciate what life has to offer. The more you enrich yourself, the more capable you will become to enrich others, sharing moments that will pass from one person to the next, which, I believe, is the secret to living forever, no matter how many years you grace and pollute this world with your presence. Now go gets grizzly! Be well, be positive and enjoy!
you are crazy… though that is what I always admired about you! I am praying that you make the right decision… follow your heart. do what you have always wanted to do!!! I look forward to following you on your blog! take care kiddo!!!
Derek,
Just wanted to wish you all the best in your travels. I am glad to have had the opportunity to be one of the last fam’s you had. (Sept. 07). Here’s wishing that you change the world and that it changes you too. Praying for your health and protection, and that God would guide your steps. Enjoy your life-work will always be there. Have fun!
You never call you never write! I’m hurt!
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