Escaping the Boat Show Circus (and Other Life Upgrades)
There are few things more soul-crushing than a boat show when you’re there not for the boats.
For years, thanks to the X (yes, capital X—like a warning sign), I was trapped in the purgatory of attending these so-called "boat shows," which somehow managed to feature everything except actual boat supplies and boat service vendors. You'd think you’d be wandering through rows of boat components, sipping something sparkly, living the dream.
Nope.
Picture endless booths for rain gutters, home improvement hacks, and questionable massage chairs… sitting around killing time. It was basically Home Depot with a parking problem.
Meanwhile, I played unpaid sherpa, logistics manager, and emotional support animal—hauling her gear, setting up her booth, soothing her stress meltdowns for the weeks prior to and throughout the shows. All while watching my weekends dissolve into a sea of soggy flyers and lukewarm beer.
And the kicker? None of it was recognized as my contribution to the relationship.
This year? Freedom. No boat shows. No crowds. No pretending to care about “innovative gutter solutions.”
Just peace, quiet, and a deep, personal relationship with my girl Ohana.
Renovation Nation
Speaking of playing sherpa, I’ve traded in boat show madness for some good old-fashioned renovation chaos.
Joe’s kitchen demolition started today (pray for him)—and once he’s finished smashing things, I’ll swoop in to supervise painting, cabinet hanging, lighting, and whatever else HGTV forgot to warn us about.
After the kitchen? The bathroom gets its turn.
Some dads teach their sons how to change a tire.
Mine are getting a masterclass in DIY survival.
Reflecting on today's reading from Acts 5:12-16, where the apostles performed many signs and wonders, I find a parallel in these home renovations. While not miraculous, transforming a space requires vision, effort, and a touch of faith that the end result will be worth it.
Boat Life (The Fun Part)
Tomorrow, Ohana heads over to Bert Jayne’s Yacht Yard for a dry fit of her brand-new solar arch support.
It’s going to be big. Like "cover-the-entire-back-deck-and-make-the-dinghy-feel-special" big.
Bonus: I’ll be able to zip everything up tight and waterproof the whole back deck—but still have a huge window to watch the sails... or the sunset.
Impressing the Powers That Be
Yesterday, I pitched myself to the owners of Piney Narrows Yacht Haven to join their Board of Directors.
And not to brag (okay, maybe a little), but I absolutely crushed it compared to the usual suit-and-tie snoozefests.
Instead of boring them to death with a resume, I started off recommending someone else who should definitely be on the board. (Bold move, I know.) Then I showed off how I use technology like QR codes and custom webpages (check it out) to market myself creatively.
I talked about teamwork, empowering management (Joe, Kai, and Eric), and yes—how my "stimulating character" will spark fresh ways of doing things.
Here’s hoping they were dazzled enough to hand me a seat at the table.
This aligns with the message in Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19, where John shares his vision and is instructed to write down what he sees. It's about taking initiative, sharing insights, and contributing to a greater purpose.
Wok This Way
On the culinary front: I am in love with my wok.
Seriously, if this was The Bachelor, I’d be handing it a rose every week.
Every few days, I whip up a new rice masterpiece—shrimp, steak, chicken, veggies, you name it.
It’s different every time, delicious, and cleanup is basically one swipe and done.
If you’re wondering if my wok has developed that legendary seasoning from frequent use… oh, it has. It’s practically a family heirloom already.
Dreams Are Moving South
Everything’s moving toward one goal: Key West by fall!!
After one last boat show (but a real one, where I get to stand in the Antares booth and actually talk about a boat worth drooling over), I’m setting sail for the Conch Republic.
The plan?
Morning dives as a PADI instructor, evening sunset cruises as a 50-ton USCG captain. Basically doing what people go there to vacation and do…but I will be getting paid to do it!!
Days packed, social life buzzing, expenses microscopic—$400 a month for a mooring ball, with solar power and endless water thanks to my onboard magic machines.
Basically, living the dream... and somehow making it work.
Yes, I have minor concerns that dating in Key West might involve a few more missing teeth than I’m used to, and let’s just say the intellectual crowd might not be flooding the docks. But I do know there are business there that require some intelligence to operate, so I may get lucky….(in more ways then one. 🤪)
But you know what?
For the first time in a long time, I’m really okay just living life my way!!
No Plan B. No compromises. No invisible leash. No boat shows, and no trying to please a woman!
Some of you might remember when they used to call me "OC Dave" back in my college days.
It’s funny—it’s like I’m finally circling back to who I was before life detoured me into all the “should’s” and "supposed-to’s."
And yeah, if I'm being brutally honest, part of me thinks Donna would’ve been a little envious seeing me live this out. She always knew she was one-of-a-kind by also wanting this kind of lifestyle. And I guess... I just took that for granite.
(Not a typo. Granite. Heavy, valuable, and something you regret taking for granted once it’s gone.)
This journey mirrors the transformation and new beginnings highlighted in today's readings. Just as the disciples moved from fear to joy upon seeing the risen Christ, I'm stepping into a new chapter with hope and anticipation.
Here’s to new beginnings—even the ones that start with busted kitchens and oversized solar panels.
At least this time, the only rain gutters in my life are staying right where they belong: on someone else’s roof.
May this Divine Mercy Sunday inspire us all to embrace change, seek peace, and find joy in the journeys ahead.
