As of tomorrow we have 4 weeks before we fly out to meet our boat, Britican, once again. She’s currently waiting for us in Gibraltar. When we fly out, Britican will officially become our home. Simon can’t wait, Sienna (pictured above) doesn’t really know what’s happening and I’m anxious!
In between now and then, Simon and I have one more class to take
We’re doing the Medical Care aboard a boat course. It’s a 5-day course with a serious exam at the end. We’ve already taken the First Aid for Boaters course and are fortunate to have the same teacher for the second course. We’ll be spending five days with our teacher and 3 Carnival Cruise captains so I’m sure we’ll have an interesting time.
And I have to attend my British Citizenship Ceremony!
The day after the class I’ll be heading North to Waddesdon Manor to attend my British Citizenship Ceremony. Starting next week I’ll be a dual citizen – both American and British. My friends are setting up a little party for me so we’ll celebrate my achievement. Ironically, I think we’re going out for a Curry. That being said, I think the Brits are the largest consumers of curry outside the Indians.
Next on the agenda is to pack up all the possessions we are taking to the boat
We have life jackets, books (pilot, first aid, engine repair, and maintenance, outboard, cookbooks, my favorites), kitchen stuff, chemicals, boat spares, tools, teaching supplies (for Sienna), Britican branded polo shirts (I purchased 20 of them!) and of course all our shoes, clothes, and bathing suits. We’re loading up the car, driving 4 hours to Ipswich (East coast of England) to bring our stuff to Oyster. They’re shipping out a missing berth cushion and some other stuff for Britican so we’re adding our stuff to the shipment to share costs.
We still haven’t sold the car yet so that’s still left to do. We’re getting closer and closer to our departure date.
How do I feel?
I’m a bit blah. You’d think I’d be jumping over the moon but I’m exhausted. Every day I’m stretching myself to add posts to this website, I’m reading about either ‘homeschooling’ or repairing something (like an outboard). I’ve had some Britican branded polo shirts created and have just ordered business cards. I know I need to start ‘networking’ in the sailing community by joining groups, forums, and websites but the thought of it makes me even more tired!
I think I get too serious about life and forget to just have fun
I really need to sort myself out. I need to start smiling. Going with the flow. Enjoying the moment. If the journey isn’t fun then what’s the point?
Furthermore, if I’m not the best Kim I can be while I’m creating this new life of mine, the result is going to be less than amazing. To consciously create one’s life or as the Britican logo says, to ‘choose life’s course,’ I need to relax, smile, love life, and then take action.
Okay – that little pep talk made me feel a bit better. Come on Kim – you’re about to live the dream. Enjoy every moment of it as much as you can.
Next Chapter: 32. No – we did not win the lottery!
Previous Chapter: 30. The contrast of sailing around the world and cancer
Or…if you’d like to carry on reading all about our journey from selling up and sailing away, you can purchase my book, ‘Changing Lifestyles – Trading the Rat Race in For A Sail Around The World,’
 | READER REVIEW Kindle Reader. 5 Star Review! "My husband and I are 12 months out from living the cruiser dream. We are ecstatic, but also making every effort to stay realistic! It's not all fun & games...staying grounded is a huge factor in our success with this transition. This book helped to keep it all in perspective, depicted the highs AND the lows! We've learned of destinations we've now on our "just see" list and add important notes to our "just do or you'll regret it" list! I'm now going to search for any other books she's written since! What a great read!! I am excited & inspired!" |
