It was the best of days, it was the worst of days...well, that's a bit extreme on both ends. This day did posses both ends of the spectrum, violently shifting at times. It would provide hope, then steal it away and leave it harder to get back up. So many of my friends had really rough days too - sorry to all of you...may tomorrow's tide bring a brighter day for us all.
I really do my best to post nothing negative in my blog. A couple times I've been asked - "why didn't eating at our place make a blog post?" Well, if I didn't talk about it then it's likely because you didn't want me to talk about it...just trust me. No one was the cause of this terrible day, well nothing mortal, perhaps eternal...but that's a subject for another post.
Anyway I digress, and with few pics to keep you interested I can't afford digression. My day started when Carlo and Ernie's closed for the night and the BTIA Board finally called it a night. The actual meeting ended hours earlier - but lets face it the real progress and action happens after the meeting. The bonding and networking on beers 4 + is lasting, the planning effective, and the plans will move...maybe. Got a few hours of sleep and got up at 6am for what was to be a GREAT day for the Ecologic Divers.
We've put a lot of work into planning and prep of new trips. We spent time designing foods and plans; we executed those plans...things were going so good and the team was really rocking. We were going to have the biggest day of the season so far and a great 'test day' for all off shore trips coming up. Then the worst fears were realized, the winds picked up and the heavens pissed on us...basically pissed all over my f-ing Cheerios. We adjusted one way, and another, tried to make back up plans...and Mother Nature (that ruthless biotch) thwarted our every effort.
So much investment in food, plans, prep, labor - to ruin. The crew was great, the plans went off perfectly, and our confidence is high for our next off shore trips; but the bank doesn't take "confidence" when payroll comes around after the rain washed all our revenue down the drain like that silly Itsy Bitsy Spider. But just like that like that silly spider, I will climb the spout again.
I won't detail the rest of the ups and downs...but at the end of the day I was ready to lay face down in the Sargasso and let the tide carry me away. Then I thought I didn't want to get my phone wet so I got up. And it's a good thing I did.
I initially laid down after closing the shop to nap or die...whatever at that moment. When my new friend Heidi decided she was going to try the new joint in town - Nook - and invited me along. I certainly obliged; though I had dinner plans already, they were for late dinner, so splitting an app and having some fun chat was certainly a good change from 'laying down to nap or die'. PS - since I didn't eat much I won't give Nook a full review yet; I'll just say I was very pleased so far. Heidi was so kind to buy my app and drink! I always have a hard time feeling okay letting people buy me things, but I'm getting better at being gratefully accepting. When you can put aside the fight to pay and just accept a friends generosity you find a warming in the heart. To feel that value that the friend puts on you, to be worthy of them spending their hard earned resources just to spend some time hanging out. Makes an inside smile happen :)
After that it was on to Sandbar Hostel - where Brittney was cooking up my favorite meal, Chicken Fried Steak and Mash, for a few lucky souls (Matt, Sara, Eric, Jeff Parker, and another fellow who's name has escaped me). Amazing. I can't talk about it without my belly crying tears of joy. Knowing that such a great CFS cook is only 200 yards from my house. I tell you the generosity to personally cook up a family meal for us to enjoy - I'm truly speechless. Kindness at it's height. The real treat wasn't the food. It was the friends at both dinner stops! Many times the friends here have made a very positive impact in a very needed time.
I could've had that CFS, or even a better one if such existed, alone and not felt the total attitude adjustment that I got between the two hang outs. Being a bit of a recluse I can easily forget that important fact. We all find a day when we get stuck in the shit - and having hands to reach out is more valuable than nearly anything we can come up with ourselves.
Perhaps more importantly is when you have the opportunity do - you reach out? I try. Likely not the best at it by any stretch...but I hope to always do better. Be a good neighbor and all that jazz right?! RIGHT!! Everyone has a bad day and it's our jobs as friends to extend a hand. Sure, I still need to win the lottery to make payroll, but passing time with great friends and feeling that since of value is priceless to the hidden emotional confidence that is so key to success.
Help those around you and build that confidence, allow their help to fill you with a joy and a warmth of value. We'll all be better people for it.
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