Thursday, July 12, 2012

One to go

Well, I have emerged from the long tunnel of studying today.  I passed all the exams for Captain with high scores and will be turning in my paperwork to the U.S. Coast Guard after completion of the Master's exam.  I've heard that one isn't hard.  But I will go over the material and take the exam next week.  I have completed the qualifications to be an operator of uninspected passenger vessels (OUPV).  Hopefully,  I will add Master to that over the next week.  Then all the paperwork gets submitted, and I will be officially licensed.

I feel as if my focus has been to study, work on the garden, take a few breaks to chill with my wife, and go on the boat.  I simply have not felt like blogging.  The break from blogging feels good.  I may continue to take breaks because frankly there is much more that I want to do than sit at the computer so much.

I will catch up on blogs though and leave comments.  I want to know what you have been doing.  But my story seems to be one that has become repetitive.  I am involved in as little drama as possible.  I don't have to deal with issues at work.  I concern myself with gardening, sailing, meetings of Al-Anon, and what little family I have.  Most of the time, my existence is simple and care free. I miss those who have died and think of them often.  But I am grateful to still be living and healthy.

I learned over the past few weeks that I didn't suffer bad withdrawal from blogging.  Instead, I felt a relief that I didn't have to write the same stuff over and over.  I am at peace with who I am, flaws and all.  And I am relieved at the moment that I can go to a dinner meeting tonight, maybe stay up late and watch a movie, and not have to open a text book to study.

We are off on the boat for the weekend.  Time for some fun!

24 comments:

  1. thanks for the update on your progress and congrats on seeing the end of this tunnel for you...

    my life...we survived the derecho with little damage...can not say the same of my neighbor...we finally have power back...the heat wave has broken...its a good life..a.nd i go on vacation next week...shich is so needed...ok there is the update...smiles.

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  2. Congratulations! What a task you have completed! And congratulations on the blogging realization too, although I would sorely miss you if you left completely, Syd. Yes. I really would. I like to be reminded that we need to take care of ourselves and the ones we love in this world and that the rest of the world has the same responsibility.
    Have a wonderful weekend on the boat. WONDERFUL!!

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  3. Hi Syd,

    Seems to me you have settled comfortably into Step #11 - the ultimate in serenity. In following your history, it has become pretty obvious to me that you truly have discovered the 'secret' that we long-timers try to achieve.

    You have arrived!

    Congratulations on your captaincy!

    Hugs and Love,
    Anonymous #1

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  4. Congratulations!!! Just as you have told me so many times and what I have learned from your blog. Take time for yourself, that is your most important investment.

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  5. I'm glad you are making progress. I have been happy where I am at for some time now.

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  6. Congrats! And glad you are enjoying your break from blogging. Just don't make it permanent, please!

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  7. Life changes, so do we all. It sounds like you are in a really good place - enjoy to the fullest!

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  8. Wow, what an accomplishment! Been following your blog for a year and have learned a lot from you. I don't think your blog is repetitive. Quite the contrary, very insightful and the photography is impressive. Enjoy your relaxation break. You deserve it. Well done!

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  9. Wow Syd! Congratulations! You never cease to amaze me!!

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  10. That red Merchant Mariner Credential looks impressive! I'm glad but not surprised to hear you are doing so well.

    I know blogging can get stale and sometimes a break is necessary -- I know that because I sit writing at a desk so much of the day that I need to get out into the community and get my hands dirty in the garden and live in the real world.

    But I have to say I would miss reading you and I feel your writing skills have developed so much in the last years.

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  11. I am glad you don't feel bad about not posting so much even though i enjoy reading your posts.. :)

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  12. OH SYD....THAT IS WONDERFUL !!!!

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  13. Aye aye Cap'n. As you order. Loose the landlines, cast off and set sail; check in when you needs replenishing.

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  14. Sounds like you're doing just what you're supposed to.

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  15. Congratulations Captain Syd!

    When I have taken a break from blogging I have been amazed at how much I didn't miss it. It takes a LOT of time. Especially for you, since you are such a loyal reader and commenter to so many blogs.

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  16. Hey Syd....I always check in on your blog but don't always comment.

    Congrats on you've done with your classes lately. I know you will be excited to put the intensity of studying behind you.

    As for the break from blogging - I don't have a blog but it has to be intense at times for you. I am so thankful for your thoughts and words and hard earned wisdom - they carry my. But you do need that mental and spiritual break from blogging at times to recharge.

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  17. I'm feeling the summertime slow down and relaxation too. Let's enjoy these good times!

    Congrats to you on a job well done! I'm starting a 2 year course in the fall, and will have to get back into the discipline of study.

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  18. Congratulations Syd,
    Enjoy your fun weekend, you must both be so ready for it.
    I would miss you . . . I already have. I hope maybe you'll still write here, if not as often.

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  19. Good for you!

    And I don't blame you, not feeling a need to blog. Sometimes it is good to take a break from things.

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  20. Good for you, Syd! I mean Captain Syd! I remember a time not too long ago when you were concerned about retirement and how you would fill your time. Glad you are enjoying yourself and your wife and whatever else your heart desires :)

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  21. SYD..your blog for me has been a breath of fresh air ...I still go back and re-read the older posts when I need a little reminder of how I too can be at peace with choices in my life ... and that there is always hope as long as I remember to let go and work on myself. If you only get on the computer just long enough to share in your daily weekly or monthly life...I would still enjoy ..Your blog has helped so many ...you will never really know the lives you do touch .. But... if this is the time to "computer shut-down"...instead of "temporarily minimize" ..you will definitely be missed...just please leave the blog up to visit even if inactive ..your pics and outlook on life will never be outdated to me ..You are like a treasured book that I never tire of reading ...

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  22. Great accomplishment Captain! When you feel the need to write, you will. Enjoy the sea spray and all the beauty you see on your boat.

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  23. Congrats Syd! What a great accomplishment :0)

    Keep being who you are my friend! I agree with many that have shared above, I thank you for your experience, strength, and hope you have shared!

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