We know we need to de-clutter and get rid of our stuff before we take off on our RTW journey. Our mantra is “If it won’t fit on a boat, we don’t need it.” For the most part, we are ready to get rid of everything we own. Now. However, we are still a few years away from living on a boat, and we still live in a huge house (which we are selling in the spring.) And so, we plan to continue to use the stuff we have until we downsize. Logical, right?
BUT… we still have stuff we DON’T use!
We have had a bicycle collecting dust in our garage for 8 years. Her name is Raleigh. Raleigh and I spent a LOT of time together training for 
triathlons. A LOT of time. I trained for and completed Ironman Canada with Raleigh in 2002. Ten years ago. She was my partner before I met my husband. In fact, she joined us on our second date – cycling around White Rock Lake! She was probably the reason we connected as well as we did. Matt and I both love(d) cycling. Matt and I did the MS 150 together with Raleigh in 2003. Nine years ago. But Raleigh hasn’t been ridden since Matt and I got married in 2004. It is time to let go.
She was an important part of my past, but we are moving forward with our dream, and Raleigh needs a new home. She needs a new partner who will love her and ride her and maybe meet even use her to meet a new partner. 🙂 I think I haven’t been ready to let go because she represents a part of my past. But I am ready now. I am ready to part with the past so we can move forward with our dream.
Raleigh will be missed. Not really. I mean seriously? She’s been hanging in the garage for eight years. She is a bicycle. The idea of Michelle, the triathlete, is what I will miss. Time to reinvent myself as Michelle, the sailor. Let’s do this!
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UPDATE: Raleigh went to a new home today (8/17/12) – Someone just starting out in triathlons… she seems really happy to have her. She said she would even send me a picture. haha.
I know what you mean. Mine is named Bianchi and she and I trudged through triathlons together (no IronMan though – way to go!); but, it is time to say good-bye as we can downsize. I too, will miss the athlete me, but look forward to the world-traveler me. Good luck!
Tiffany! I’m so excited we get to be our new selves! When will you take off on your adventure? -Michelle
Well, we’re likely taking a “trial” run (3 month) trip at end of 2013. This will be “secure” through jobs (no certain job security, but approved LOA through our jobs) and the compromise my husband and I are making (I would take off tomorrow!). And, then we’ll decide if we want/will do something more. It’s a tad up in the air, but that’s our first step. However, we’ve both decided that we will sell the house, and most of our stuff so we do not have any major obligations while we’re gone or upon our return. We have two boys – 9 & 10 right now – so lots to do.
Sounds like your adventure will be amazing! I look forward to following along!
That sounds great! Are you going to homeschool while you are gone? Can you take boys out of school and then re-enroll them when you return? Our boys will be 11 and 10 when we take off. I can’t wait to hear about your “trial” – so cool! Where are you planning to go? Do you have a blog? Am I following? haha. I am trying to associate blogs with people… let me know!
We’re not sure what we will do about school during our 3-month trip. Likely take them out and then re-enroll. We’ll talk to the district as we get closer. One of them will be in middle school then (6th grade), so we’ll have to figure it out.
We are thinking of going to South America (4-6 weeks), Australia/NZ (2-3 weeks – cha-ching $$) and Southeast Asia (4-6 weeks). Europe won’t be in our budget and the flights are what will be the heftiest charge. Pretty broad plans yet, and I’m struggling with slow-travel vs see as much as we can. I have a tendency to over-plan, so my challenge is to make many of our smaller decisions as we go. For example – start in Vietnam and then decide where else in Southeast Asia to go, and how long to spend there based on how much we enjoy it, etc. It’s a good “problem” to have (deciding).
We’re getting a blog up and running – I’ll send a link once it’s up, thanks for asking! Kinda slow there! I am enjoying following yours – I think I found it through the Escapists Facebook Page (?). What a great resource that group is!
I’m a planner too! I’ve been trying to go with the flow more because I know once we get on the boat, variables like weather, mechanical problems, etc. can/will alter any plans we make. We are trying to save enough for three years at sea, with the hope that we find alternate income options to keep us how for as long as want. I’m hoping we find a place we fall in love with and decide to stay (or return to after seeing the world.)
I’m excited to connect with you since you have boys close in age like we do! Our boys are 13 months apart. Can’t wait to hear about your travels.