So Close. Yet, So Far Away

11 days and counting to Miami. I AM READY!!

Things are really heating up at work. I am more than ready to jump ship and head for the tranquil side of life.

How many times have I thought to myself "How wonderful would it be to chuck it all and buy a boat and sail off into the sunset?" Down to the tropics....... as they say.

Well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to "just do it". Buy the boat, stock it with things that will provide me with a comfortable life aboard. Say "adios" to my boss and cast off the main bow line!

However, my thoughts also turn to a more stationary yet tranquil existence. Thoughts of moving to northeast Brazil creep into my head...... The beaches, the year 'round warmth, the culture, the idyllic lifestyle that one might be able to create in a place such as this. This has a lot of appeal to me.

I'm not sure how I became this person who is always thinking "How do I get out of here?" or "Where is the next adventure." But, I have always been one to do my own thing. I have never been one who follows the crowd too closely. Although, at the same time, I've tried to live a life that my folks and peers would be proud of. (good job/financial stability/good reputation/friends etc.) However, I have always loved the thought of a relatively stress free lifestyle. Someplace where the daily grind is going to the beach, having lunch in a little seaside cafe beneath the shade of a palm tree, talking with friends, laughing..... Enjoying the good people around me and the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

When Jimmy Buffett wrote "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attidudes" he was somewhat correct. I think it's more the other way around however. Most people have the correct attitude. Yet, they are stuck in a latitude or a lifestyle that doesn't allow them to exist as they would like to.

Well, enough of this. I need to get down to business and start planning on how I'm going to exit the rat race and get myself "Down To The Tropics" on a permanent basis.