Right before Christmas in 2016 was a tough time.  There were many layoffs and both Gary and I were worried about losing our jobs (since we work at the same company).  Unfortunately, I found out I was on that list – I was told my position was no longer needed.  This was a huge blow to me personally – I had worked at the same company for over 21 years, and was recently promoted!

I work for a large company and their policy was to allow you 3 months to apply to other jobs within the company.  If you couldn’t find an internal position, you are provided a severance package and you go on your way.  With Gary still employed and the kids in junior high and high school, leaving the area wasn’t realistic.  My luck returned and I was able to find a position JUST before the 3 month period!

Since then, it has still been difficult to get back into work. I used to spend a LOT of time there, trying to keep projects on task, resolving problems, etc.  However, things were much different after this experience.  I realized (not so quickly) that my priorities were previously skewed towards work and not on the important things – like family and enjoying life!

Dipping our toes into Boats

Gary and I had some long conversations about what we’d like to spend more time doing, and one thing we did enjoy was boating.  We had spent some time over the last year with “our” boat – a 1995 Starcraft 17′ boat we inherited from Gary’s brother.  We had spent an entire summer in 2011 tearing the boat apart and fixing holes, seals, re-upholstering, re-fiberglassing, adding new flooring, new seats, updating electrical, you name it…

All the effort was worth it, and we spent a lot of time enjoying that boat!

We had a fun time on the boat, but it was a bit crowded for the four of us and we couldn’t take anyone else along beyond us four.  Gary and I also started fishing and really enjoyed the early mornings out on a lake together.  But it was quite difficult to maneuver without a trolling motor.  That, and I’m apparently heavy footed, and would always be rocking the boat back and forth when moving around.

Hurricane Boats and Deck Boats!

One thing led to another and we upgraded to a Hurricane Boat.  The best way to describe our boat is if a v hull and a pontoon boat had babies, they would look like our boat!