I Never Pass Up a Beer

To be quite honest, there isn't much happening in our lives at the moment. We've been in Marathon, FL since April 1. It's hard to believe how quickly one month can be taken by the wind. We've kept our minds and bodies occupied, but Aletheia hasn't moved much. We've traveled a bit up and down HWY 1 up north to Tavernier and south to Key West. The weather has been sweltering, recently rainy and cloudy, but looks to clear up. So living on a boat isn't all sunny skies, steel drums and rum drinks, although I suppose it ought to be. 
To stimulate these quiet days, and to practice my blogging/writing skills, because I'd love to be a more articulate and captivating writer, I've chosen to take the Blog Everyday in May challenge. Through most pieces of information, I found this challenge through the Internet Grapevine and found myself here. There are 31 suggested topics for each day. Below is the first suggested blog topic. Consider these yourself and give it a go!
I'm already behind since accepting this challenge, but I can skip a day, make it up later or not write at all. If inspiration strikes on a topic my fingers will do the work. Although, the goal is to take a topic and run with it, to eliminate the pressure of writing something "cool", "here's what we did today" or even something enjoyable. Just write for the sheer joy of expression.
Day 1: The Story of Your Life
To tell my life story usually means talking about my loved ones and how they have impacted my life. But for this challenge, I write about how I have impacted my own life. Here goes... 

I grew up in rural Ohio among my 4 siblings, loving parents, a house always filled with activity and privilege, summers spent by the pool, winters skating on the pond, relatives coming and going, and surrounded by the best circle of friends I could ever hope to have. Dad, my greatest role model, although I didn't get a chance to realize it, died when I was 15. Athletics has and always will be my lifestyle - cheerleading, gymnastics, running, yoga. I've carried my athletics with me through youth into my 20s and 30s. I've been given the gift of enjoying my workouts, turning physical exercise into a meditative practice, escaping the world around me. I've had a diverse and challenging career, all involving marketing and event planning, which I'd like to integrate back into my life at some point. I'm not done yet. Fortunately, in my youth, I've had the privilege to semi-retire twice to untie the docklines and visit new places. Spring 2007 for a 3-month sail in the Caribbean and most recently Summer 2014 to cruise our 36' home with my husband. Both journeys he has had to pry my butt from the office chair, but I'm always willing to give something new a try in order to grow from the experience even with hestitation (see Mark Twain quote). The over-arching story of my life has been this recent journey. Here, today, is where I've learned the most about myself, where the story of my life has collided with my past, present and future. I've learned I'm not as brave as I'd like. I thought I knew myself better, even at 34. Black water frightens me. Reading books has become a new hobby. I love to cook in a small space. I'm still in love with yoga. I've had lots of time to mediate on my past and how to shape my future. I need to love more. Encourage more. I pause to honor sunsets. Running is what I do. I've run over 60 races in my life. I get compliments on my white teeth. I love to make others laugh. I'd like to get a sunflower tattoo. I want to be my husband's #1 cheerleader. I'm afraid of change. I love visiting VT. I never pass up a beer. I'm a social butterfly in the sailing community. I know more about sailing then I realize. I like sailing. I can't wait to become a mother. I get homesick. I prefer land. I love shoes. Maintaining relationships is crucial. I want a veggie garden. I love to floss. I have a lot to learn.

As I write, I realize the story of my life is ever-blossoming, evolving through blank pages. My story isn't a chronology of events. It's a story of expression, emotions and realizations. A story of how to love myself better so I can love others. Call it rambling. Call it incoherent. Call it incoherent rambling! My needs and wants, positive and negative traits are all part of my character. This is my life story...for today.