Paradise Island...

The last month has been a whirlwind of trips, beach parties, and laughs…and in the midst of it all I’ve apparently forgotten about my blog so here’s a quick (or not so quick) recap of the last 5 weeks of life :D .... 

So shortly after my last entry I got some pretty interesting news – my boss Kevin, from Pacioli put in his notice after 9 years with the company, his dad was the founder some 27+ years ago.  Kev called so he could A) give me the news himself and B) let me know that the VP of our region would be giving me a call to offer me his position…Managing Director of the Minneapolis office.  You can imagine my surprise; not only was the “home” I was planning on coming back to about to change completely by Kevin's departure, but a once in a life-time career opportunity was being hand-wrapped in glittery paper and given to me, at the most inopportune time eVer!  Long story short, as expected his boss gave me a call and offered me the position.  I gave myself the weekend to think it over, and after three revised pros and cons lists and a lot of parental advice I decided to stick with my original (however insane, unpredictable, or irresponsible) plan of adventure.  I had a conference call with two of the higher-ups Monday morning and told them had this come at a different time in my life I’d be all over it…they understood and told me they’d have a spot (of some sort) waiting for me when I was ready to come “home”.   The only problem with that plan is that home looks a lot different now.  Kevin wasn’t only my boss and mentor…after four amazing years he became like a brother to me and I can’t imagine our office without him.   Although Kev’s departure and this sudden job opportunity caught me completely off guard, the fact that my gut told me I had to keep exploring has definitely helped me realize what a great decision I made in leaving MN.  Here I am, two “once in a life-time opportunities” to choose from, both leading in opposite directions (career/responsibility vs. adventure/freedom) and I was finally able to give my brain a rest and follow my heart.  Leaving Pacioli was the hardest thing I’ve done in my adult life but this decision was a  close second…and after 5 weeks I haven't looked back!  After all, it's hard to open you're eyes while you're basking ;-)

Harbor Island

So enough of that boringness, back to the sandbox!  Life is starting to settle down and Lauderdale is definitely starting to feel like home.  My"one new friend" has turned into a handful and between the beach, our bicycle gang, Thursday night crew outings and A1A Saturdays there's never a dull moment.  My old roommate and close friend Shelly came to visit a few weeks ago, and I was shocked at how many people & places I had to introduce to her!  It was so great seeing her and getting that taste of home, but after drilling her on the latest gossip I definitely realized I'm not missing anything.  Minneapolis is a great city full of great people but my GOD does it feel good to get out!  Although I miss my friends, my real "couch buddies" who can recognize my laugh from a mile away, who know me inside and out and love me just the same...this change of scenery has been crucial.  As always it was hard to say goodbye to Shell, but deep down I know it was harder for her than it was for me...she got a taste of how exciting life can be and for the first time since moving down here it felt good to be 'home'.  

In terms of life at sea, we've been on 3 trips in the past 5 weeks and heading to the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday.  We're currently anchored at Harbor Island in Devil's Backbone and heading back to Paradise Island tomorrow (Albany marina) and let me tell you the name does not disappoint...it's nothing short of Paradise!   If you're considering a Bahamas getaway weekend you HAVE to check this place out (and no, they're not paying me for this advert)!  It's T Wood's new resort/marina and apparently his hangout "hot spot"... we saw his boat in Miami a few weeks ago and again when we pulled in on Thursday, pretty sure he spotted the three blond stewardesses on board Inception and has been following us ever since ;)  Either way, he's managed to build one hell of a marina and I can't wait to get back to it.

Tiger's boat

Honestly the gym looks like a place where the Biggest Loser contestants would work out - it's got a climbing wall, one of those ropes you shimmy up in 6th grade, a boxing ring, palates, yoga, and karate studios.  There are like 8 pools (not including the water park), a full spa, great bars & restaurants, and of course a golf course - Tiger style...all I can say is Woody did good ;-)  

Paradise

Island...

And as if  these amenities aren't enough, throw in the big man himself.  We were only docked in Albany a few days before our owners came onboard, but with the number of Tiger run-in's I'd say were practically best friends ;-)   I can tell you he works out in cut offs and baggy tank tops, is a lot taller and thinner than he looks on TV, and my Captain plays better golf (on the same hole out of the same bunker) than Tiger does...all in all it's been a fun & entertaining couple of days.  

Painful

My captain and I picked Mr. & Mrs (and Joe, their chef from NYC) up from the airport Friday afternoon and we headed out to sea shortly there after.   A plane met us this morning to bring us through the reef (he had to fly in, land, and come aboard to navigate our yacht) and we spent the rest of the day at anchor...swimming and fishing while the guests went ashore.  It's now 1:28am and I'm sitting in the bridge watching three little circles...  my eyes feel sandy, my mouth completely dry, and 2am feels like it's 6 days away!  So that about sums it up...life's been a roller coaster (nothing new there) and I'm enjoying the hell out of this ride.  I miss you guys like crazy but the warm weather and gorgeous views are helping :)  Promise to write again soon...

xoxoxox,

mE