Ooooh interesting that you wouldn’t press certain buttons! Two question: what’s a button most people would press that you wouldn’t? And how much would you pay for the language-speaking one?
The cooking/baking is a great example. Why would you make your own cookies or bread if you can just BUY THEM AT THE STORE? And yet nothing tastes better than that which is homemade.
And I hear you about the affordability piece haha. That’s an impossible-to-ignore component. Like if Google Maps cost $20/month would we all use it? I don’t think so. And I’d probably be talking about the beauty of navigation using old maps.
Right now, learning the Spanish the slow/hard way is really the thing in my budget!! But also, I’m grateful for that!
Because it's the journey and not so much the destination that actually matters.
Convenience is great if it allows me to focus my time and energy on the things I want to do- online shopping for groceries so I can spend more time on a passion sure; less so for substituting experiences that will enrich me as a person.
We humans like and need to have goals or plans to keep us interested. I think these goals or plans represent hope bc they keep us looking and moving forward.
I love this, Daniette! I think we gotta be intentional about what we do & know why we do it — especially if it’s costing us something in the long-run (e.g. money). But when we answer that question, we should go it!
Even when I had a big income, I still never had food delivered because I actually learned to love grocery stores. There was something meditative & so colorful about it. But also, that saved cash was for something down the road…. That said, I paid a pretty penny for in-person yoga classes that, sure, I could’ve gotten for free in YouTube.
What you call a goal or plan, I’m thinking lately as a mission. And connection with other humans, freedom to do my passions — sometimes the conveniences help make those happen & they’re worth the cash. Like this marina is incredible, & gonna create more connection/freedom, even though I could anchor for free…
Thank you for sharing — have been in the midst of a difficult year and this reminded me of the growth that comes through unpredictable difficulties! And in choosing those difficulties sometimes, we can grow to versions of ourselves we would’ve never seen otherwise. Also mad respect for choosing the sailboat life!
You nailed it, Francesca. There’s a beauty even in the difficult, even if it takes a bit of time to reflect on it. But in my experience it leads to more resilience, & that leads to more optimism for the future.
“I’ve learned that the harder way is the 1 that changes you.” I agree with all of this. Sometimes it’s nice to know the button is there and I’ve chosen not to push it.
Thanks for the comment & I totally agree with that Darren! I get that same sort of pleasure. Otherwise our life is just about pushing buttons! Monkeys can do that :)
I loved this one. Becoming a better chef, learning spanish, and getting in better shape/learning about my body are my three biggest pursuits right now and I wouldn't hit the easy button for any of them.
There is so much value in seeing progress, even when it is slow and hard. With spanish, I used to be excited when I understood a word in a song. Now I can understand a whole sentence. There are no small wins to celebrate with the easy button, and that takes the value away from whatever you are doing.
Thanks so much for the comment, Travis! And glad I’m not alone here.
Love what you said about there being “no small wins with the easy button”. I’ve tried thinking of exceptions, & the only thing I can think of is that efficiency frees you up to do other things. But like Wu says, that’s not how it often works, & convenience simply leads to more convenience.
I think it’s so important to cultivate a positive attitude toward patience & persistence, and this leads to more resilience, and this leads to more hope for the future. Sidetracking all that leaves us with what? More shit & little else.
I thought about including an example of the kid who inherits so much money from his grandparents that he doesn’t need to work. I think most people could see how this kid could easily get lost, unless he finds something hard to do with that money — like giving it away to causes bigger than himself.
1- Please make sure that the movements you are both using to raise the anchor are the correct ones. This is precisely the type of repetitive job that can shoot to hell your shoulders, wrists, and upper back. You probably looked into all of this, but if you haven't, get some online advice on how best to do these movements so you can avoid injuries. Remember, every physical movement can be done wrong, or it can be done properly. Focus on that not only to get through your journey, but also to age well.
2- If you met nearly 18 years ago, then you met while my husband and I were getting ready to be married. July 11, 2008. Coincidence? Of course! But a nice one.
3- You are doing this the right way. You know that, but sometimes it's good to hear that validation from someone 2 decades + along. I admire you both. You have shared values, and in a relationship, there is nothing more important. How you travel, how you care for your pets, how you notice things, what you laugh at. These are shared values. I've learned to focus on these things in my marriage. Shared values aren't just the big things, they're the day-to-day things that you do in sync. They're the things you both love.
So important, all of this! Thanks for the reflections. I’m absolutely as careful as possible on the windlass, as that’s my job as first mate. But every reminder is a higher likelihood I continue to thrive.
And wow, you’re exactly 1 month ahead of us! We’re August 11, 2008! Which is crazy. Bush was president then! 🤯
Thanks so much for the kind words about shared values & doing this right way. Sometimes I feel like an odd one, for sure, but this whole adventure was born out of doing what WE think is right (no one else). I’m just glad it resonates with you, & others, and hope it helps someone else.
For the ultra optimizers, embracing the uncertainty of what is next without a plan is often hardest. But the certainty of taking that plane ride back to the US would be boring - no Guatamala markets, messed up quesadilla orders, or monkeys in the trees (incredible video btw by Corey).
You’re so right about that. You gotta be OK not knowing, be easy on yourself, & trusting yourself to figure it out. None of that comes naturally but you learn it! Or, it comes easier over time.
Hola Cory! I fully understand the frustration w/ the language, and remember, Guatemala Spanish can definitely sound different than Mexican Spanish and for sure diff that the Spanish we learn in hs. In Mx there are also dialects etc. But, here is a great guy who has Spanish lessons on YouTube. They lived in Tulum, from FL, for several years and now back in US. His Spanish lessons are simply the best. Spanish Lessons with Qroo Paul. I can send you Lesson 1 link. There are many many free still on YouTube but now he is promoting a course. I think you can get so much from his early sessions, and I'd begin w/ Lesson 1, bc he is pedantic but not pushy, likable and knows the ins and outs. I 'll DM you his first YouTube link to lesson. Suerte, amigo!!
Thanks Jeanine!! Maybe corey & I should be doing those together!! But it’s a cool adventure nonetheless. I’m really pleased with my progress & like anything else, it really just takes time!
He's great to tune into and out of, just if you forget something, or a tense, etc. and the majority of his early stuff is free. I've checked out a ton of online Spanish and he's if not, one of, the best. Very easy to follow along and understand his lessons .
Great post Cory. If we choose the easy button all the time we don't get the full experience. But you need to decide what fits and what doesn't on your path to happiness. Seems like it's working for you.
I choose to side with Pineapple and her innocence, but have to ask... could she climb up to reach the nest? 🤔😈
Thanks Linda! So far it’s working, but it’s also hot af here, like in ways I’ve never experienced. So we’re looking into sunshades for the boat, & maybe even the convenience of an A/C haha.
And nooooo, I haven’t seen Pineapple doing anything that resembles climbing a tree in quite a long time. Unless she’s like that cartoon character I can’t think of that plays “lazy animal by day” & superhero by night…
Hot AF (note caps) is a feature of the tropics. I highly recommend sunshades while you are sitting still, and you can even use those reflective windscreen sun shades for cars and cut them to size to make covers for your hatches from the inside. But surprisingly, you do acclimate somewhat over time. Don't walk too fast, get your chores and exercise done early, stay hydrated, sit in the shade. Fans help. Moving air is cooling.
As for the hummingbird tragedy, I'm blaming the monkeys. Pineapple just wouldn't. 😎
Thanks for all these tips, Linda! I love the idea of the car reflective sunshade! We priced out Sunbrella today but it was wayyy too expensive. Then we found some awesome high quality tarp-like material for a good price & people at our marina said that we had stumbled on the best solution. Just gotta do some sewing to make it look somewhat presentable, but even the non-tailored version seems to instantly shave off 2 degrees F inside the boat!
Good to know you get used to the heat a bit! You’re totally right about the rhythms. From 12pm-3:30, I can’t expect myself to do anything that requires my brain :)
One other thing I thought about is to counsel that you look for mesh shade cloth to make tarps out of. In the past, we found that sunshades made out of this material is much better for airflow than any kind of canvas. It's available at garden centers and some hardware and usually comes in pieces that have edges and grommets already installed.
I’m pushing the difficult button right now and your texts inspire me a lot. Please, keep going on with “dos” tortillas and quesadillas! After two immigrations (and now a boat) I can tell you that we grow on disconfort. (Seems I wrote this last phrase for myself).
Another sailor from NC here! We’ve been aboard for a year and a half, the past year mostly in the east Caribbean. I think a LOT about convenience. It is immensely more satisfying to arrive in a new place after we’ve worked so hard to get there, but not every inconvenience is as rewarding. Living without has made me a lot more thoughtful about what conveniences actually would improve my life, vs the ones I only use because they’re there or easy. For example- I love homeschooling. It’s really hard, and there are less-parent-labor-intensive options out there (online school,all in one curricula), but I think the kids benefit more from the customization, and I enjoy the challenge. I don’t love baking in our oven. So I got myself a bread machine 😜 that I have to wait until we upgrade our batteries to use… which will happen soon.
I don’t know what I’d do about that language button… I’ve been brushing up on my French and it is SO exciting when I can actually communicate! But it would also be nice to do it all the time, especially when I don’t have a ton of time to study.
I’m excited to have found your Substack, maybe we’ll cross paths someday!
Some buttons I wouldn't push, but the language-speaking one? Yeah, I'd slam that button.
Ooooh interesting that you wouldn’t press certain buttons! Two question: what’s a button most people would press that you wouldn’t? And how much would you pay for the language-speaking one?
I wouldn't press a cooking/baking one, because you learn a lot through trial and error, and I enjoy it.
Right now, unfortunately, I can't afford any buttons, so I'd have to eat Spanish chicken and macaroni. Lol
The cooking/baking is a great example. Why would you make your own cookies or bread if you can just BUY THEM AT THE STORE? And yet nothing tastes better than that which is homemade.
And I hear you about the affordability piece haha. That’s an impossible-to-ignore component. Like if Google Maps cost $20/month would we all use it? I don’t think so. And I’d probably be talking about the beauty of navigation using old maps.
Right now, learning the Spanish the slow/hard way is really the thing in my budget!! But also, I’m grateful for that!
Because it's the journey and not so much the destination that actually matters.
Convenience is great if it allows me to focus my time and energy on the things I want to do- online shopping for groceries so I can spend more time on a passion sure; less so for substituting experiences that will enrich me as a person.
We humans like and need to have goals or plans to keep us interested. I think these goals or plans represent hope bc they keep us looking and moving forward.
I love this, Daniette! I think we gotta be intentional about what we do & know why we do it — especially if it’s costing us something in the long-run (e.g. money). But when we answer that question, we should go it!
Even when I had a big income, I still never had food delivered because I actually learned to love grocery stores. There was something meditative & so colorful about it. But also, that saved cash was for something down the road…. That said, I paid a pretty penny for in-person yoga classes that, sure, I could’ve gotten for free in YouTube.
What you call a goal or plan, I’m thinking lately as a mission. And connection with other humans, freedom to do my passions — sometimes the conveniences help make those happen & they’re worth the cash. Like this marina is incredible, & gonna create more connection/freedom, even though I could anchor for free…
It’s worth it!
Thanks for the reflection my friend!
Thank you for sharing — have been in the midst of a difficult year and this reminded me of the growth that comes through unpredictable difficulties! And in choosing those difficulties sometimes, we can grow to versions of ourselves we would’ve never seen otherwise. Also mad respect for choosing the sailboat life!
You nailed it, Francesca. There’s a beauty even in the difficult, even if it takes a bit of time to reflect on it. But in my experience it leads to more resilience, & that leads to more optimism for the future.
Thanks for the comment!
“I’ve learned that the harder way is the 1 that changes you.” I agree with all of this. Sometimes it’s nice to know the button is there and I’ve chosen not to push it.
Thanks for the comment & I totally agree with that Darren! I get that same sort of pleasure. Otherwise our life is just about pushing buttons! Monkeys can do that :)
I loved this one. Becoming a better chef, learning spanish, and getting in better shape/learning about my body are my three biggest pursuits right now and I wouldn't hit the easy button for any of them.
There is so much value in seeing progress, even when it is slow and hard. With spanish, I used to be excited when I understood a word in a song. Now I can understand a whole sentence. There are no small wins to celebrate with the easy button, and that takes the value away from whatever you are doing.
Good luck figuring out your next moves!
Thanks so much for the comment, Travis! And glad I’m not alone here.
Love what you said about there being “no small wins with the easy button”. I’ve tried thinking of exceptions, & the only thing I can think of is that efficiency frees you up to do other things. But like Wu says, that’s not how it often works, & convenience simply leads to more convenience.
I think it’s so important to cultivate a positive attitude toward patience & persistence, and this leads to more resilience, and this leads to more hope for the future. Sidetracking all that leaves us with what? More shit & little else.
I thought about including an example of the kid who inherits so much money from his grandparents that he doesn’t need to work. I think most people could see how this kid could easily get lost, unless he finds something hard to do with that money — like giving it away to causes bigger than himself.
Three things.
1- Please make sure that the movements you are both using to raise the anchor are the correct ones. This is precisely the type of repetitive job that can shoot to hell your shoulders, wrists, and upper back. You probably looked into all of this, but if you haven't, get some online advice on how best to do these movements so you can avoid injuries. Remember, every physical movement can be done wrong, or it can be done properly. Focus on that not only to get through your journey, but also to age well.
2- If you met nearly 18 years ago, then you met while my husband and I were getting ready to be married. July 11, 2008. Coincidence? Of course! But a nice one.
3- You are doing this the right way. You know that, but sometimes it's good to hear that validation from someone 2 decades + along. I admire you both. You have shared values, and in a relationship, there is nothing more important. How you travel, how you care for your pets, how you notice things, what you laugh at. These are shared values. I've learned to focus on these things in my marriage. Shared values aren't just the big things, they're the day-to-day things that you do in sync. They're the things you both love.
So important, all of this! Thanks for the reflections. I’m absolutely as careful as possible on the windlass, as that’s my job as first mate. But every reminder is a higher likelihood I continue to thrive.
And wow, you’re exactly 1 month ahead of us! We’re August 11, 2008! Which is crazy. Bush was president then! 🤯
Thanks so much for the kind words about shared values & doing this right way. Sometimes I feel like an odd one, for sure, but this whole adventure was born out of doing what WE think is right (no one else). I’m just glad it resonates with you, & others, and hope it helps someone else.
For the ultra optimizers, embracing the uncertainty of what is next without a plan is often hardest. But the certainty of taking that plane ride back to the US would be boring - no Guatamala markets, messed up quesadilla orders, or monkeys in the trees (incredible video btw by Corey).
You’re so right about that. You gotta be OK not knowing, be easy on yourself, & trusting yourself to figure it out. None of that comes naturally but you learn it! Or, it comes easier over time.
And yes, that monkey video is unreal, right?!
Hola Cory! I fully understand the frustration w/ the language, and remember, Guatemala Spanish can definitely sound different than Mexican Spanish and for sure diff that the Spanish we learn in hs. In Mx there are also dialects etc. But, here is a great guy who has Spanish lessons on YouTube. They lived in Tulum, from FL, for several years and now back in US. His Spanish lessons are simply the best. Spanish Lessons with Qroo Paul. I can send you Lesson 1 link. There are many many free still on YouTube but now he is promoting a course. I think you can get so much from his early sessions, and I'd begin w/ Lesson 1, bc he is pedantic but not pushy, likable and knows the ins and outs. I 'll DM you his first YouTube link to lesson. Suerte, amigo!!
Thanks Jeanine!! Maybe corey & I should be doing those together!! But it’s a cool adventure nonetheless. I’m really pleased with my progress & like anything else, it really just takes time!
He's great to tune into and out of, just if you forget something, or a tense, etc. and the majority of his early stuff is free. I've checked out a ton of online Spanish and he's if not, one of, the best. Very easy to follow along and understand his lessons .
Great post Cory. If we choose the easy button all the time we don't get the full experience. But you need to decide what fits and what doesn't on your path to happiness. Seems like it's working for you.
I choose to side with Pineapple and her innocence, but have to ask... could she climb up to reach the nest? 🤔😈
Thanks Linda! So far it’s working, but it’s also hot af here, like in ways I’ve never experienced. So we’re looking into sunshades for the boat, & maybe even the convenience of an A/C haha.
And nooooo, I haven’t seen Pineapple doing anything that resembles climbing a tree in quite a long time. Unless she’s like that cartoon character I can’t think of that plays “lazy animal by day” & superhero by night…
Hot AF (note caps) is a feature of the tropics. I highly recommend sunshades while you are sitting still, and you can even use those reflective windscreen sun shades for cars and cut them to size to make covers for your hatches from the inside. But surprisingly, you do acclimate somewhat over time. Don't walk too fast, get your chores and exercise done early, stay hydrated, sit in the shade. Fans help. Moving air is cooling.
As for the hummingbird tragedy, I'm blaming the monkeys. Pineapple just wouldn't. 😎
Thanks for all these tips, Linda! I love the idea of the car reflective sunshade! We priced out Sunbrella today but it was wayyy too expensive. Then we found some awesome high quality tarp-like material for a good price & people at our marina said that we had stumbled on the best solution. Just gotta do some sewing to make it look somewhat presentable, but even the non-tailored version seems to instantly shave off 2 degrees F inside the boat!
Good to know you get used to the heat a bit! You’re totally right about the rhythms. From 12pm-3:30, I can’t expect myself to do anything that requires my brain :)
Embrace the siesta!
I’m spreading your wisdom around the marina & all the old timers in Rio Dulce fully agree!!
So cool!
One other thing I thought about is to counsel that you look for mesh shade cloth to make tarps out of. In the past, we found that sunshades made out of this material is much better for airflow than any kind of canvas. It's available at garden centers and some hardware and usually comes in pieces that have edges and grommets already installed.
I’m pushing the difficult button right now and your texts inspire me a lot. Please, keep going on with “dos” tortillas and quesadillas! After two immigrations (and now a boat) I can tell you that we grow on disconfort. (Seems I wrote this last phrase for myself).
Thanks for the comment, mi amigo. I’m so happy that the essay connected with you. And that comment, even if it’s for you, is super powerful
Hummingbird nest!!! We had one outside our window and it was pretty much the most special thing ever. Love you
You may have missed the end of the story about the horrors of nature!! But I agree, it was soo cool. One of the eggs hatched too.
I saw it! So cool that it hatched.
The babies also died, sadly. Nature is cruel!
I'm still blaming the monkeys 🐒 🙈 🙊 🙉
Oooh Cory I have a good one to share with you about my aventuras de Español en Ecuador. https://iseelife.substack.com/p/why-learn-another-language
I’ll take a look!
Cheers to taking the long way around!
Another sailor from NC here! We’ve been aboard for a year and a half, the past year mostly in the east Caribbean. I think a LOT about convenience. It is immensely more satisfying to arrive in a new place after we’ve worked so hard to get there, but not every inconvenience is as rewarding. Living without has made me a lot more thoughtful about what conveniences actually would improve my life, vs the ones I only use because they’re there or easy. For example- I love homeschooling. It’s really hard, and there are less-parent-labor-intensive options out there (online school,all in one curricula), but I think the kids benefit more from the customization, and I enjoy the challenge. I don’t love baking in our oven. So I got myself a bread machine 😜 that I have to wait until we upgrade our batteries to use… which will happen soon.
I don’t know what I’d do about that language button… I’ve been brushing up on my French and it is SO exciting when I can actually communicate! But it would also be nice to do it all the time, especially when I don’t have a ton of time to study.
I’m excited to have found your Substack, maybe we’ll cross paths someday!