Weather Helmed

an adventure in renewing the spirit and living the dream…on a sailboat

Weather Helmed

Entries Tagged as 'Thoughts on Family'

The good, the bad & the ugly are all, well, GOOD.

November 23rd, 2010 · No Comments · Australia, Introspection, Life Lessons, Life on the Boat, Loss of a Parent, The End, Thoughts on Family

Now that we are comfortably ensconced in civilization again and able to be off the boat and in movie theaters or cafes or restaurants at a moment’s notice, and have regular internet, and no longer have to worry about the anchor dragging or sails ripping or rigging breaking or being constantly tossed around at sea, […]

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A Perfect 10.10.10

October 8th, 2010 · 2 Comments · Fiji, First Mates, Thoughts on Family

This Sunday commemorates 8 months since we left the dock at Emeryville, but of greater significance to me is that it is also one year since Matt and I exchanged wedding vows in front of our family and friends.  In an email this week, my friend Amanda said, “I feel like every now and then, […]

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Taken In

August 7th, 2010 · 6 Comments · First Mates, Introspection, Thoughts on Family

Family. It’s a funny word in this confusing day and age with even high court justices trying to decide exactly what it means to be a family and who constitutes a family member. It’s also probably a fairly sensitive topic on a blog that all sorts of blood relatives allegedly read… 🙂 Growing up, “family” […]

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The Moms in Moorea (July 24-30)

August 1st, 2010 · 2 Comments · French Polynesia, shoe-cruising, Shore Excursions, Society Islands, Somebody likes us, Thoughts on Family

Wow.  What a whirlwind week.  The moms arrived in Tahiti last Friday, after a long day of traveling – Sandy (Matt’s mom) from New Jersey, my mom (Vicki) from California.  Matt and I had planned to surprise them at their hotel, but their late arrival combined with the lack of buses combined with our hunger […]

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Dreaming of a Mini-Break

July 18th, 2010 · 5 Comments · First Mates, French Polynesia, Life on the Boat, Our Route, Random Thoughts, Shore Excursions, Society Islands, Thoughts on Family

I remember first hearing the term “mini-break” in the movie Bridget Jones’ Diary – which I totally LOVE btw – and thought it was a quaint, truly british phrase.  But, Lord A’Mercy, I am in need of a mini-break from the boat. We have not spent a night off the boat in almost EIGHT MONTHS. […]

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Our Bundle of Joy

March 17th, 2010 · 6 Comments · First Mates, Funny, Life on the Boat, Passages, Thoughts on Family

In honor of my good friends’ Baby Boy #2 who should be arriving sometime today (yay A&L!!!!!)……………… ———————————————————————————————————————————————- Over the last few years, I’ve watched several of my friends become parents and go through the trials and tribulations and triumphs of raising their babies.  And, since Matt and I are hoping to become parents ourselves […]

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Cut Off

February 27th, 2010 · 4 Comments · Introspection, Life Lessons, On Fear, Thoughts on Family

For the last six months, I have said that I would be giving up my cell phone when we finally left California. I figured that it would be nice to have as we went down the coast, where I was sure I’d have good cell service the whole time (thank you Verizon!) Now, we are […]

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A Tale of Two Loves

January 26th, 2010 · 7 Comments · First Mates, Loss of a Parent, Thoughts on Family

On March 16, 2004, my dad died.  He had a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  Thankfully, we got to spend time with him before he died but, of course, it wasn’t enough. The hardest part of his death has not been, surprisingly, accepting his death, but rather my failing memory – my inability to remember […]

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In a Funk

November 23rd, 2009 · No Comments · Introspection, Life Lessons, The beginning, Thoughts on Family

To say that I have spring fever at work is an understatement!  To say that I have it at home also makes me laugh.  I just cannot focus on anything these days.  The reality that our life is about to change significantly feels too overwhelming sometimes.  I’m excited about the change, but also sad and […]

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On Poor Eyesight & a Lesson from my Dad

October 30th, 2009 · 1 Comment · Introspection, Life Lessons, Loss of a Parent, Thoughts on Family

Last night, I pulled into the local gas station to fill up the car.  As I’m removing the gas cap, a young boy dressed in an over-sized basketball jersey and holding a large box, approached me.  “Excuse me ma’am,” he begins, his voice already dragging with obligation and boredom. “My name is Jamar and I’m […]

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