Tide the Knott--First Chapter






Hauled with a new paint job



This is the first time I have ever owned a boat.  Lance has owned several boats and is fully aware of the responsibility involved in being a boat owner.  I get really perturbed when people make comments like, “the two best days in a boat owner’s life are when you buy the boat and when you sell it” or “it’s a money hole” .  I find those type of comments irksome and plain rude because it implies we are ignorant.  I may be ignorant, but Lance is NOT.  I have full faith in his ability to maintain, repair, restore, and manage a boat.  I trust him implicitly. I have always been self sufficient, self supporting, and independent. Prior to Lance, I was raising my family -  relying on my own initiative and resources.  I don’t need Lance to manage.  Moreover, Lance lived on a boat for years.  He does not need me to manage.   Our two very separate lives joined;  instead of taking from one life, we just enhanced each other’s lives.  Lance gets to live closer to work in a townhouse with a garage, and I get to be a first-time boat owner.

People also have the misconception that having this boat equates to immediate “wealth”; a point I need to clarify.  Tide the Knott was purchased for only $17,000 (the previous owner had abandoned it), which is a real ‘steal’ but only for someone with the knowledge, skill, and time to restore the dilapidated boat.  Lance just happens to be that perfect someone (minus the time).  He has the skill and knowledge.  Time is less abundant but if we accept the reality of a 10-year time frame, things look optimistic. He spends a solid two weekends a month in San Diego working on the massive reconstruction project—currently, focusing on the exterior, tearing down and replacing rotted wood.  He has already done so much, but it can be overwhelming and discouraging when you think of all the work that still needs to be done.  The boat has been hauled twice, repainted, and stripped. I cannot even begin to count the multitude of trips made to the dumpster.  We tore out a bar, threw away loads of trash that included a complete living room set.  We ripped out the nasty-looking carpet. I spent about two days helping Lance unload trash, rip out carpet, wallpaper, and tile.  It was exhausting. He told me he appreciated my help because he said in his previous relationships, no one ever helped him. It was a solo project.  They never cared or expressed interest in the boat  until it was done; but here I was….getting very dirty and sweaty in the process.  We often share ideas on how we envision Tide the Knott to be in its final stage—fortunately, Lance and I have identical taste in décor/style.  By the time this boat is completed, it is going to be a beautiful, and the investment will be well worth it.  You have to be able to visualize Tide the Knott’s potential and disregard its current reconstruction state with the tools, sawdust, and wood everywhere. It is a five bedroom boat with three bathrooms.  The kitchen is just perfect and needs the least amount of work.  We are going to install a huge flatscreen television and build a small mini bar in the living room.  In the pilot house, we plan on installing a Turkish style sitting area. Our goal is to have this completed in 10 years.  The plan is for Lance to retire in 10 years.  He will take the boat up/down the coast, and since I will still work for another 5 more years, I will fly to be with him on long weekends wherever he and the boat are anchored. During this period, we hope to have our grandsons spend a part of the summer with us (a month or so). Of course, their parents are invited but we don’t expect them to stay the entire month. When I finally retire (in 15 years), Lance and I will be traveling on Tide the Knott with periodic return trips to Orange County.

I have alot to learn about boats.  I am unfamiliar with the vocabulary, and I have very limited exposure to boats. However, this boat means a great deal to me, and I'm willing to learn.  I am not as passionate about boats as Lance is—but what I am passionate about is Lance. If a material thing were to possess a soul, Tide the Knott would have one.  My husband’s sweat, pain, and love will be engrained in every aspect of that boat.  I will never be able to look at that boat without seeing Lance, and because of that, I love that boat immensely. 

Now, I need to work on curing my seasickness. 

One last note--the name? Yes, poor Lance got beaten up for naming the boat such a "p***y whipped" name, and believe it or not, we agonized over the name--searching through every website trying to come up with a name that symbolized us.  It wasn't easy.  Lance actually came up with the name. It is common for a boat to be named after a woman, but I didn't want that.  I wanted something that was for us.  Sure, his bachelor boat, the Gryphon, was a masculine name and Tide the Knott might be ridiculously corny, but it is what we are now.....married, in love and corny to the rest of the world....




Lance's work bench adjacent to the engine room

 




the new paint job

 



the kitchen--this room needs the least amount of work. 



Another view of the kitchen--we have a new stove ready to install



The living room before we stripped it



Another view of the living room--we debated about removing the bar;  I liked it (surprising-- especially since i dont drink), but we are going to install a flatscreen television where the mirror is and we are building a smaller bar on the opposite end of the room.




Stripped....

 


the bar has been removed




rotted wood--Lance replaced this



Bedroom





Lance replacing some beams





door leading from living room to outside



The engine room--Lance said the engines were running perfectly





Look at the difference between the right and left side--all the handiwork of Lance....it is a gradual process but we are slowly seeing improvements.






Bedroom









San Antonio

(First- a quick and obvious sidenote:  I am not very clever when it comes to titles for posts....)

Unlike many people, my roots are scattered and not firmly planted in one particular place.  I grew up an Army brat.  Part of me has always been envious of people who grew up in one place and had roots; a hometown.  Nonetheless, though not born and raised in California, I do consider California my home. I love this state and all the beauty it possesses; I am a California girl.  Lance, however, is 50 percent Texan. He may disagree with that statement as he is quick to disown California, but whether he likes it or not; he has California in him. He appreciates the beauty of California, but he has a distaste for California politics and regulations.   The only cities I have ever visited in Texas were El Paso and San Marcos of which neither left a lasting impression on me.   However, this past weekend, I saw a part of Texas that gave me a better understanding of Lance’s passion for the Lone Star State.  Lance and I decided to not exchange birthday gifts this year. Instead, we arranged a trip to San Antonio as birthday presents to each other. Initially, the trip was intended to be a romantic getaway for us, but a few months after I began planning it, I wanted the boys to accompany us on the trip.  When I suggested it to Lance, he loved the idea.  I feel so blessed to be married to him, because he loves his stepchildren.  You can tell the difference between someone who just tolerates stepchildren and someone who makes a concerted effort to be involved and inclusive. I know many men would have not welcomed the idea of bringing stepchildren on what was suppose to be a romantic trip, but not my Lance.

Our hotel in San Antonio was perfectly situated in the city.  It was within 5-10 mins walking distance from every major site. We explored the typical tourist attractions:  The Tower of Americas, the Alamo, Buckhorn Museum (Lance’s high school friend, Mike Tedford and his wife, met us for drinks and a tour) , and the Riverwalk.  We also did some fun activities like Ripley’s Believe it or Not (we got to see locks of George Washington’s and JFK’s hair and a part of the Berlin Wall), the wax museum, The Guinness Book of Worlds Records museum, the mirror and laser mazes, and a frightening haunted house! 

Before we entered the house of doom. Little did I know, Dylan would suffer no guilt in leaving me behind to save his own self.

An elevator shaft brought brave or stupid visitors to the top floor of the haunted house where you were chased through a dark maze complete with ghostly animatronics and live actors.  Dylan desperately clung to Lance while I made a simultaneous though futile effort to seek my husband’s protection.  During this trip, I learned something new about my eldest son.  Dylan is a coward and would, without hesitation, sacrifice me to save himself.  He selfishly pushed me away as he grabbed Lance for his sole protection.  We were both frantically and fearfully fighting over Lance, pulling violently at his clothes and literally almost pulling his pants off in the process.  It is true. Fear brings out the worst in man. 

Outside the Tower of Americas



View of the Alamodome on top of the Tower of Americas



The Tower of Americas is the second tallest tower in the United States (second to the Stratosphere in Vegas).  We had dinner at the elegant Chart House restaurant and were able to watch an amazing sunset with a spectacular view of San Antonio. 

We also took a riverboat tour and had several meals at the multitude of restaurants along the Riverwalk.  It was simply beautiful.

Visiting the Alamo was a very somber yet thought-provoking experience. 

Prior to our visit, we went to see an IMAX film about the Alamo so that Dylan and Brandon could understand the significance of what they were about to tour.  I felt myself getting teary-eyed as we entered the Alamo.  I think we often take for granted all the sacrifices that have been made for our country.  It was inspiring to learn the story of these very brave and patriotic men who sacrificed their lives for liberty; they knew their dismal fate, and yet they met it with such courage, strength, and conviction.   True American heroes.

Why did we visit San Antonio?  I learned that it is the most visited city in Texas and the 7th biggest city in the nation.  However, the main reason we travelled to San Antonio was to run the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. 



Showing off our medals



Showing off my race bib



One of the things I love about running is that it encourages us to see and do things we wouldn’t normally do.  On Sunday, November 11, Lance and I ran the San Antonio half marathon.  When I first met Lance, I was running a half marathon at 1:54 but my time has recently plummetted to an average of 2:25.  I am very eager to recondition myself back into shape.  It is a gradual and continual climb, but I was proudly able to complete the course at 2:15:17.  Lance had not run more than 6 miles consecutively so he was not adequately trained for the half marathon. However, he finished at 2:42.  I am proud of him.



Meeting Meb!!



What was an exceptional treat for me though was that I got to meet Meb Keflezighi at the expo on Saturday.  Anyone who has glanced through the pages of any running magazine will be very familiar with Meb.

He is the 2009 New York Marathon winner, 2004 Olympic silver medalist, and he placed 4^th in the marathon at the 2012 Olympics.  He runs a full marathon at an impressive 2:09.  

On Monday, it was with sadness that we left San Antonio.  I truly think San Antonio is one of the prettiest cities in the United States.  If Lance ever insisted on us relocating to Texas, he actually would have a chance of being successful in his argument if San Antonio was in the equation.  I can totally see myself living there.

On a side note, I turned 41 on Wednesday.  My birthday celebration was simple.  Lance took the kids and I to eat my favorite food, Vietnamese.  I only wanted one thing from him: a love letter that would make me gush.  Lance tries to conceal his romantic and emotional nature, which I can't quite comprehend as it is the reason I fell so hopelessly in love with him.  He did deliver and write me a beautiful letter which induced me to tears.  As much as he is romantic and emotional, he is also quite private too so I wont share the precise words in his letter, but instead…. a quote that he cited at the end of his letter, which, to me, sums it up. 

If I had to choose between loving you, and breathing. I would use my last breath to say I LOVE YOU.

I feel so blessed.  Happiness is the absence of desire.  For the first time in my life, I no longer want anything.  I have no desire or need. I feel so complete. I feel so satisfied.  There is an indescribable peace that comes with that.  I am  at peace…happy….grateful. Even if it took me 41 years to arrive at this point in my life, I'm there. I finally can understand what happiness truly is and what peace it brings.



The Boys in front of the historic Berlin Wall

 

In the Mirror Maze



Lance and I experiencing the 3D version of the mirror maze.



Brandon with a wolf at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum



Lunch with the Tedfords at Buckhorn Saloon

Special Visitors and Fall Update

We had special visitors at our house yesterday evening.  President Barack Obama paid us visit!  Can you believe that?   He wanted to deliver a critical message to us …..how important it was for us to vote for Mitt Romney on election day!  In person, the President seemed much smaller in stature.  All of the stress of campaigning has also caused him to lose weight.  He looked exceptionally thin.  We did appreciate the President’s efforts to garner more votes for Romney, but we had already made up our mind that we were  voting for Romney.

President Obama

Strangely, during President Obama’s visit, we were also invaded by a swarm of bees.  I don’t know where they came from, but they somehow managed to find a way to infiltrate our house.  I must admit, these were not your normal bees; they were the best - looking bees I’ve ever seen!!  Fortunately, I don’t think anyone got stung. Whew! On second thought, I think Lance may have wanted to be stung by the Queen Bee . 

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!



As the sun fell and the air became crisp, we were visited by a dark creature of the night—a terrifying zombie from the grave!  Our initial reaction was to run, but instead, we chose to defend our home.  We soon learned that this was completely unnecessary because the zombie was actually very friendly.  Have you ever heard of Casper, the “friendly” ghost? Well, this was Brandon, the “friendly” zombie! 





Zombies from the grave.



With the President at our home, the  swarm of bees, and the zombie, it became a fun Halloween party.  We had a great time eating pizza, trick or treating, and snacking on candy!  We tried to get Dexter, America’s favorite serial killer, to stop by, but regrettably, he was a no-show.  Perhaps, he may visit us later when he has a night off from feeing his "dark passenger". I can only hope.  I have to convince Lance to disappear one night and have Dexter stop by.



The entire group (Mitt Romney, two kitty cats, two zombies, the President, and the bees)





The Queen Bee with what was suppose to be Dexter



Fall has been a very busy time for us; nothing ever seems to slow down.  With all the kids' activities and school, it just seems endless.  Lance continues to spend weekends on the boat.  He works 7-days a week.  It is ultimately going to catch up with him.   I was able to convince him to take a weekend off to attend the Rock and Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon with me last weekend.  We stayed at the historic Biltmore Hotel which served as the location for the Academy Awards in the 1930s.  It was a beautiful, elegant hotel.  We had dinner Saturday night at L.A. Live with several friends.  The weekend was supposed to be romantic, but things don’t always go as planned.  After dinner, we left L.A. Live and began to walk the mile distance back to hotel.  Unlike the typical woman, I am a very skilled navigator.  Give me a map, and I can find my way anywhere.  I am not exaggerating.  Lance relies heavily on my navigation skills.  I direct; he leads.  When we left the restaurant, I foolishly did not look at a map (my mistake) and just started walking to what I thought was back to the hotel. We walked about ¾ mile off track before I realized it.  I then glanced at the map (finally!) and began to navigate us back to the hotel. Lance seemed to think we were not in the best part of town.  However, I did not feel threatened because Lance always makes me feel safe.  Nonetheless, Lance was not a happy guy.  He was very stressed and concerned for our safety.  He began to show his frustration.  What made matters worse was that he was not feeling well.  With the map, I was able to easily direct us back to the hotel, and once we arrived, poor Lance had a fever, the runs, and uncontrollable vomiting.  He made the hotel room smell like a sewer. Because he was so sick, he felt guilty for not being able to support me the way he wanted to for the half marathon, but I have done many half marathons in my two-year running career so it was not a big deal.  I am slowly climbing the mountain back to my previous fit condition and completed the half in 2:17:09.



At the Los Angeles Convention Center to pick up my race bib for the Rock and Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon


Brandon is playing flag football with the Harvard Crimson.  He loves the game and is getting better as the season ends. At last week’s game, he helped the team gain several yards on the field. I don't quite understand the game, but we love spending Friday nights out on the field cheering him on!  Next week, Lance, Dylan, Brandon, and I will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas to run the Rock and Roll San Antonio Half Marathon.  Yes, two weeks later, I’m running another half.  It will be a mini vacation for us while Mia gets to have her daddy all to herself. 



Brandon makes a flag football tackle in a defensive move!



 



Brandon running with the football.