A friend of mine lives in a marina in a nearby northern state.
She called me and after a few minutes, told me she'd recently met a man in his late 40's who'd started his own business right out college, sold it last year, and had just arrived home after he and his wife piloted their $3.5 million yacht from California, through the Panama Canal, on a 9-month cruise all the way back to their home marina on the northeast coast.
They aren't live-aboards either, because their primary residence is a house located outside D.C. So maybe their yacht's only a kind of second home.
The trouble is, my friend told me, that this man had told her he didn't understand what had happened to his life because, "Nothing's fun any more." He said he was bored, woke up without having a real reason to get out of bed and didn't understand why.
He said he had all the money he needed to travel any where in the world, to buy whatever he wanted, or try any new experience that caught his attention. He just couldn't think of anything worth doing.
My friend was puzzled and asked me, "How would you answer a question like that?"
I closed my eyes for a minute and then told her, "Ask him if he's ever tried a milk shake from Chik-Fil-A."
Sunday, August 19, 2007
What a great idea
So I'm walking down the dock the other day, and see a good friend of mine filling up his boat's fuel tanks. Trouble was, he was filling his tanks from the marina's water hose.
As it turns out, woulda been easier to just shrug and keep walking, but I felt obligated to ask him if he realized what he was doing. "Sure," he said, already impatient with his tone. "I'm gassing up my tanks."
I shook my head and shrugged. "With water?"
His head began bobbing up and down. "That's right. Gas at the fuel dock is $3 a gallon, and it's easier and costs less to get what I need right here, right now. So when I'm getting empty, so long as my tanks get full, what difference does it make what goes inside?"
I had a hard time believing what I was hearing, especially from someone who occasionally boasted about being something of a yachtsman.
"Well, I mused, "number one, you just polluted all the good gasoline in your tanks with water and number two, when water gets into your engines they'll both need re-building. And that's if there's anything left worth rebuilding."
My friend's face suddenly turned into a self-righteous scowl. "Sure, that's what you say ... but that's just your interpretation of the instructions, and you've got your own agenda because you work for the guy who just happens to re-build broken engines!" He was thoroughly provoked and quite hostile at this point, and I could tell he resented my uninvited intrusion.
But I wasn't ready to walk away yet. "I guess I just don't understand why you're intentionally trying to ruin your boat, when you already know putting water in your gas tanks is dead-plain wrong. You just can't do it."
"If I ruin my boat what difference is that to you? What I do with my boat is my business mister, and right now I'm kinda wishing you'd butt out and start minding your own."
Then he climbed back on board, fired up both engines, confirmed over his shoulder that he thought I was "Number One" and left two rooster tails blowing from his exhaust pipes as he thundered across the No Wake zone and disappeared across the lake ... presumably showing me his engines did run on tap water, after all.
But the engines were only running on the ounce or two of pure gasoline still left in the fuel lines ... before the carburetors started sucking fresh (but cheap!) cold water into all sixteen red hot cylinders. I didn't stick around to hear the inevitable symphony of exploding cylinder heads, flying pistons and cracking iron engine blocks.
I figured I'd hear from him again soon anyway, when he called to complain about the high cost of marine engine overhauls ... and getting all the pieces put back together again.
---
It's confoundedly easy to feel that we're so smart--- smart enough to justify our actions and argue that thing we're doing is perfectly OK, or rationalize "That's not my situation and anyway that doesn't apply to me," when we know perfectly well we're told not to do that thing we're doing.
Especially when we become distracted, lonely or impatient ... and our attention drifts away from pleasing and honoring God, to satisfying ourselves and honoring what we want to believe instead.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
As it turns out, woulda been easier to just shrug and keep walking, but I felt obligated to ask him if he realized what he was doing. "Sure," he said, already impatient with his tone. "I'm gassing up my tanks."
I shook my head and shrugged. "With water?"
His head began bobbing up and down. "That's right. Gas at the fuel dock is $3 a gallon, and it's easier and costs less to get what I need right here, right now. So when I'm getting empty, so long as my tanks get full, what difference does it make what goes inside?"
I had a hard time believing what I was hearing, especially from someone who occasionally boasted about being something of a yachtsman.
"Well, I mused, "number one, you just polluted all the good gasoline in your tanks with water and number two, when water gets into your engines they'll both need re-building. And that's if there's anything left worth rebuilding."
My friend's face suddenly turned into a self-righteous scowl. "Sure, that's what you say ... but that's just your interpretation of the instructions, and you've got your own agenda because you work for the guy who just happens to re-build broken engines!" He was thoroughly provoked and quite hostile at this point, and I could tell he resented my uninvited intrusion.
But I wasn't ready to walk away yet. "I guess I just don't understand why you're intentionally trying to ruin your boat, when you already know putting water in your gas tanks is dead-plain wrong. You just can't do it."
"If I ruin my boat what difference is that to you? What I do with my boat is my business mister, and right now I'm kinda wishing you'd butt out and start minding your own."
Then he climbed back on board, fired up both engines, confirmed over his shoulder that he thought I was "Number One" and left two rooster tails blowing from his exhaust pipes as he thundered across the No Wake zone and disappeared across the lake ... presumably showing me his engines did run on tap water, after all.
But the engines were only running on the ounce or two of pure gasoline still left in the fuel lines ... before the carburetors started sucking fresh (but cheap!) cold water into all sixteen red hot cylinders. I didn't stick around to hear the inevitable symphony of exploding cylinder heads, flying pistons and cracking iron engine blocks.
I figured I'd hear from him again soon anyway, when he called to complain about the high cost of marine engine overhauls ... and getting all the pieces put back together again.
---
It's confoundedly easy to feel that we're so smart--- smart enough to justify our actions and argue that thing we're doing is perfectly OK, or rationalize "That's not my situation and anyway that doesn't apply to me," when we know perfectly well we're told not to do that thing we're doing.
Especially when we become distracted, lonely or impatient ... and our attention drifts away from pleasing and honoring God, to satisfying ourselves and honoring what we want to believe instead.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."
-Matthew 5:12-14 (NIV)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Is that a storm up ahead?
The Lord rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.
-Psalms 37:39-40 (NLT)
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
The Lord helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.
-Psalms 37:39-40 (NLT)
Friday, August 17, 2007
Let's make a deal - updated
Imagine UPS delivers a Time Machine to your front door on Monday morning.
You rip open the instructions, only to read the fine print and learn that the contraption will only allow one jaunt back into time. You give careful consideration before choosing what ancient event you'd most want to visit, and being a believer, you take a deep breath and set the clock back to the day of Christ's crucifixion.
You press the START button and before you can blink, there you are at Calvary standing shoulder to shoulder with the crowd assembled on the hill outside Jerusalem. The spectacle laid out before your eyes is incredible, and you feel the air rush from your lungs as your eyes fall upon Christ for the very first time.
You feel your eyes welling up with tears, you wish more people could have taken the journey with you to witness first-hand what your faith assures you is true. The emotions are overwhelming beyond anything you could've imagined, then suddenly you feel yourself stepping forward, away from the crowd toward the cross where our Savior is hanging.
The Roman guards seem not to notice: at least no one tries stopping you as you inch toward the foot of the cross. Seen from such a close distance, the wounds from his flogging are far worse than you realized. Christ seems so still and quiet, you can't be certain whether he's even still alive.
It's hard, harder than anything you've ever done, but you force your eyes to glance up ... past the nails driven through his feet, past his utter nakedness, past the scourge wounds where the whips ripped open his flesh and then finally into the very eyes of Jesus. His suffering is so close, so real, it seems beyond what any human being could endure.
But then as if he's known all along that you'd be there, his eyes flutter open and gaze back into yours. He tries lifting his head to speak, but every exertion seems almost enough to kill him. There's something you want to say, something you've waited your entire life to tell him.
Your mouth falls open as you glimpse into eternity and suddenly words start pouring out. You hear yourself whispering to Jesus ....
"Man, I wish you'd drop by my church one Sunday morning and bring our pastor up to date on a few things. All he ever preaches about is you and God's word, and it gets boring after a while. Especially if you're like me, and already saved.
"He's either out of his mind or else he's living in another world, because he doesn't notice folks get real uncomfortable hearing him preach straight from the Bible or talk about hell, when sometimes the only thing we're interested in is sitting back, talking about our accomplishments and feeling good about ourselves.
"Shoot he's a real fanatic, and even says little stuff like gossiping and telling white lies are sins, can you believe it? But if the gossip just happens to true, isn't it better if everybody knows it? I think you see my point.
"And what about lying to stay out trouble ... so long as nobody actually gets hurt? See, I know this guy whose boss wouldn't pay him what he's worth because the boss thought he's lazy. So if this friend stole from the boss to get back what's really his, then lied about what he took and ended up getting fired anyway, are either one of those things actually a sin?
"Look, it's not like I don't appreciate what you're doing and everything, but my life is kinda complex these days so I was kinda hoping you and I could make a deal on a few things.
"In the first place, you need to be more flexible and open-minded about how you expect people to behave. Especially people who're already saved and going to church. Times are gonna change beyond anything you can imagine over the next 2000 years, and people would pay a lot more attention to you if you let them bend the rules a little bit. I mean, it's only human nature to wanna break the rules.
"I mean come on, for crying out loud. Look, I've been dating the same girl at church for almost a month now, you know the one I'm talking about. Yeah, I really respect and admire her a lot and dude, she's hot as hell ... especially in a tank-top and jeans. So when we're fooling around I can tell she really wants to, and being a guy I'm all about wanting to, so isn't it OK for two adults to give each other some release, or even have sex, if it feels like they're in love and say they care about each other? Even single church people have those needs, you know.
"It's not like neither one of us has never had sex before, right? And didn't you already forgive us for all that?
"You're willing to forgive folks who've done a lot more sexual sinning than me ... so it only seems fair. If your grace is as infinite as you say it is, then surely you've got enough left over to cover a little bit of my sexual sinning on the side, at least till I get married, don't ya think? Heck, you already know in advance when we're gonna be weak and get tempted and besides, I always end up asking for forgiveness afterwards, so what's the point of resisting in the first place?
"Is it too much asking you to look the other way every once in a while, especially on weekend nights after 11?
"Oh never mind, I can already see that you just don't get it. I mean, you were single your whole life, so what in the world do you know about sex, love and commitment anyway? Times have changed, and it just seems like you could keep up if you wanted to.
"You called me your friend, so all I'm trying to do is return the favor and let you in on the big picture so you'll know exactly where I'm coming from. Sure, all ten commandments sound good on paper, but couldn't we try doing best five out of seven instead? It'd sure help if you gave us a few more choices in our lives, that's the thing.
"Ooops, I hate to bring up a touchy subject at a time like this, but tithing? Tithing sounds so Old Testament and legalistic! I've got a hard enough time as it is making ends meet, and I'm already pinching pennies to put a down payment on that new boat I need.
"Oh, and not to gripe or anything ... but I prayed a lot last month about my personal finances because I'm in so much debt for taking that vacation to relax after I got fired. I guess we had a bad connection that night, because my credit cards are still maxed to the limit. And frankly, I deserve my share of the abundant life, don't ya think? See, when prayers don't get answered, it makes people think you really don't exist after all.
"Well, it's getting late so I better run. Hollywood Wives comes on at 7 and I'd hate missing my show. Unless you feel like hooking a brother up with some TiVo?
"Oh I almost forgot. I wish you'd answer this so I can repeat it to all my saved buds back at church when they're out in the world trying to witness. In general, wouldn't you say that any sinning you do in the privacy of your own home is really nobody's business but their own?
"Like porn ... how can you say porn is bad when you've never even seen a satellite TV or a DVD? See, that's what I'm getting at. Too much of the Bible is too old-fashioned to do anybody any good.
"And even when I find time, trying to read scripture every once in a while is as dull as watching paint dry in the church bathrooms. And there's hardly anything there that applies to my life.
"Well Jesus my man, it's getting late so I'm heading back to real life. Thanks for taking time and letting me vent a little bit. Guess I'll be seeing you in Heaven one day, so take care and thanks for everything.
"And remember to leave the lights on at the pearly gates, old buddy."
---
Naaah that's just a made-up story, because nobody would go back in time and talk to Christ that way. It's inconceivable we'd ever stand at the foot of the cross and mock Jesus' suffering, or go back 2000 years to treat his sacrifice with such total selfishness, disrespect and ingratitude.
Today it's easier do it from the comfort of our church pews and living rooms instead.
---
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
-Galatians 6:7 (NIV)
You rip open the instructions, only to read the fine print and learn that the contraption will only allow one jaunt back into time. You give careful consideration before choosing what ancient event you'd most want to visit, and being a believer, you take a deep breath and set the clock back to the day of Christ's crucifixion.
You press the START button and before you can blink, there you are at Calvary standing shoulder to shoulder with the crowd assembled on the hill outside Jerusalem. The spectacle laid out before your eyes is incredible, and you feel the air rush from your lungs as your eyes fall upon Christ for the very first time.
You feel your eyes welling up with tears, you wish more people could have taken the journey with you to witness first-hand what your faith assures you is true. The emotions are overwhelming beyond anything you could've imagined, then suddenly you feel yourself stepping forward, away from the crowd toward the cross where our Savior is hanging.
The Roman guards seem not to notice: at least no one tries stopping you as you inch toward the foot of the cross. Seen from such a close distance, the wounds from his flogging are far worse than you realized. Christ seems so still and quiet, you can't be certain whether he's even still alive.
It's hard, harder than anything you've ever done, but you force your eyes to glance up ... past the nails driven through his feet, past his utter nakedness, past the scourge wounds where the whips ripped open his flesh and then finally into the very eyes of Jesus. His suffering is so close, so real, it seems beyond what any human being could endure.
But then as if he's known all along that you'd be there, his eyes flutter open and gaze back into yours. He tries lifting his head to speak, but every exertion seems almost enough to kill him. There's something you want to say, something you've waited your entire life to tell him.
Your mouth falls open as you glimpse into eternity and suddenly words start pouring out. You hear yourself whispering to Jesus ....
"Man, I wish you'd drop by my church one Sunday morning and bring our pastor up to date on a few things. All he ever preaches about is you and God's word, and it gets boring after a while. Especially if you're like me, and already saved.
"He's either out of his mind or else he's living in another world, because he doesn't notice folks get real uncomfortable hearing him preach straight from the Bible or talk about hell, when sometimes the only thing we're interested in is sitting back, talking about our accomplishments and feeling good about ourselves.
"Shoot he's a real fanatic, and even says little stuff like gossiping and telling white lies are sins, can you believe it? But if the gossip just happens to true, isn't it better if everybody knows it? I think you see my point.
"And what about lying to stay out trouble ... so long as nobody actually gets hurt? See, I know this guy whose boss wouldn't pay him what he's worth because the boss thought he's lazy. So if this friend stole from the boss to get back what's really his, then lied about what he took and ended up getting fired anyway, are either one of those things actually a sin?
"Look, it's not like I don't appreciate what you're doing and everything, but my life is kinda complex these days so I was kinda hoping you and I could make a deal on a few things.
"In the first place, you need to be more flexible and open-minded about how you expect people to behave. Especially people who're already saved and going to church. Times are gonna change beyond anything you can imagine over the next 2000 years, and people would pay a lot more attention to you if you let them bend the rules a little bit. I mean, it's only human nature to wanna break the rules.
"I mean come on, for crying out loud. Look, I've been dating the same girl at church for almost a month now, you know the one I'm talking about. Yeah, I really respect and admire her a lot and dude, she's hot as hell ... especially in a tank-top and jeans. So when we're fooling around I can tell she really wants to, and being a guy I'm all about wanting to, so isn't it OK for two adults to give each other some release, or even have sex, if it feels like they're in love and say they care about each other? Even single church people have those needs, you know.
"It's not like neither one of us has never had sex before, right? And didn't you already forgive us for all that?
"You're willing to forgive folks who've done a lot more sexual sinning than me ... so it only seems fair. If your grace is as infinite as you say it is, then surely you've got enough left over to cover a little bit of my sexual sinning on the side, at least till I get married, don't ya think? Heck, you already know in advance when we're gonna be weak and get tempted and besides, I always end up asking for forgiveness afterwards, so what's the point of resisting in the first place?
"Is it too much asking you to look the other way every once in a while, especially on weekend nights after 11?
"Oh never mind, I can already see that you just don't get it. I mean, you were single your whole life, so what in the world do you know about sex, love and commitment anyway? Times have changed, and it just seems like you could keep up if you wanted to.
"You called me your friend, so all I'm trying to do is return the favor and let you in on the big picture so you'll know exactly where I'm coming from. Sure, all ten commandments sound good on paper, but couldn't we try doing best five out of seven instead? It'd sure help if you gave us a few more choices in our lives, that's the thing.
"Ooops, I hate to bring up a touchy subject at a time like this, but tithing? Tithing sounds so Old Testament and legalistic! I've got a hard enough time as it is making ends meet, and I'm already pinching pennies to put a down payment on that new boat I need.
"Oh, and not to gripe or anything ... but I prayed a lot last month about my personal finances because I'm in so much debt for taking that vacation to relax after I got fired. I guess we had a bad connection that night, because my credit cards are still maxed to the limit. And frankly, I deserve my share of the abundant life, don't ya think? See, when prayers don't get answered, it makes people think you really don't exist after all.
"Well, it's getting late so I better run. Hollywood Wives comes on at 7 and I'd hate missing my show. Unless you feel like hooking a brother up with some TiVo?
"Oh I almost forgot. I wish you'd answer this so I can repeat it to all my saved buds back at church when they're out in the world trying to witness. In general, wouldn't you say that any sinning you do in the privacy of your own home is really nobody's business but their own?
"Like porn ... how can you say porn is bad when you've never even seen a satellite TV or a DVD? See, that's what I'm getting at. Too much of the Bible is too old-fashioned to do anybody any good.
"And even when I find time, trying to read scripture every once in a while is as dull as watching paint dry in the church bathrooms. And there's hardly anything there that applies to my life.
"Well Jesus my man, it's getting late so I'm heading back to real life. Thanks for taking time and letting me vent a little bit. Guess I'll be seeing you in Heaven one day, so take care and thanks for everything.
"And remember to leave the lights on at the pearly gates, old buddy."
---
Naaah that's just a made-up story, because nobody would go back in time and talk to Christ that way. It's inconceivable we'd ever stand at the foot of the cross and mock Jesus' suffering, or go back 2000 years to treat his sacrifice with such total selfishness, disrespect and ingratitude.
Today it's easier do it from the comfort of our church pews and living rooms instead.
---
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
-Galatians 6:7 (NIV)
Friday Firm Up
"You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ."
-Hebrews 3:13-15 (NLT)
"So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?""
- Acts 11:17 (NIV)
"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (NIV)
"Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."
- John 14:24 (NIV)
-Hebrews 3:13-15 (NLT)
"So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?""
- Acts 11:17 (NIV)
"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (NIV)
"Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."
- John 14:24 (NIV)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Gotta do this more often
When's the last time we took Calypso out for a sunrise cruise?
I couldn't remember either ... so this morning I grabbed the video camera, just in case. Now, let's Trance.
I couldn't remember either ... so this morning I grabbed the video camera, just in case. Now, let's Trance.
what're the odds?
I'm not a big fan of seeking answers to difficult questions by flipping open the Bible, stabbing a finger on a random verse and hoping for inspired wisdom or revelations from God. Just doesn't work that way. Though sometimes the book seems to open at just the right place, at just the right time ...
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
-Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
-Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A good and thorough ice-kicking
Doesn't matter that today's temperatures topped 100 degrees F; this afternoon I got a solid & complete ice-kicking ... promptly delivered On-Time courteous (though not coincidentally, I'm sure) of this morning's Dos post.
A few minutes before 5 PM I got an unexpected phone call from an unfamiliar number that meant facing up to and living with my own words ... and having the choice of simply hanging up ... or following Christ through frighteningly unfamiliar and scary territory. Yes it was hard, Yes I was way in over my head, No there's no point detailing the particulars because it's not Christ in me that hurts; it's the Me and the I that wants to crawl up under the lake and hide till the rapture.
What's That Guy Doing?! wasn't about driving boats at all: the subject had to do with representing Christ at all times ... even when we don't want to & especially in the most unbearably difficult situations (and today would go down near the very, very top if Bleak Me Moments counted or was worth remembering).
Folks, he is there and he's real. Always ... and we are never forgotten. Even when the broken pieces of us feel kicked around and scattered on the floor.
A few minutes before 5 PM I got an unexpected phone call from an unfamiliar number that meant facing up to and living with my own words ... and having the choice of simply hanging up ... or following Christ through frighteningly unfamiliar and scary territory. Yes it was hard, Yes I was way in over my head, No there's no point detailing the particulars because it's not Christ in me that hurts; it's the Me and the I that wants to crawl up under the lake and hide till the rapture.
What's That Guy Doing?! wasn't about driving boats at all: the subject had to do with representing Christ at all times ... even when we don't want to & especially in the most unbearably difficult situations (and today would go down near the very, very top if Bleak Me Moments counted or was worth remembering).
Folks, he is there and he's real. Always ... and we are never forgotten. Even when the broken pieces of us feel kicked around and scattered on the floor.
Reflecting Badly - Part Dos
What's That Guy Doing?!
Knowing and working with Mike "The Asphalt Mariner" certainly eased my transition into Marina-Life. When your boat's broke and won't go then Mike is the man to know: he's been around the marina long enough to become a fixture, and folks trust his advice (or ignore it at their own risk) .
Because he fixes and works on boats, Mike's livelihood either thrives or dies by his reputation: a marine technician who ruins engines, mis-wires circuit panels and burns up boats, steals, overcharges or crashes customers' yachts into pilings can't expect much in the way of repeat business. So there's not much point in Mike cutting corners, looking for shortcuts, making excuses or doing things half-way.
Being known as "the guy who works for Mike" is lots better than being called "that guy who kills time wandering around the marina." Being known as "the guy who works for Mike" almost automatically tells folks I must be OK, and surely saves me lots n' lots of grief all the way 'round.
---
But while working for Mike might let me enjoy short rides on the coattails of his reputation, being associated also comes with the responsibility of measuring-up on my end of the skill stick.
If Mike can do impossible things like dock a 100-ft houseboat in a 15 knot crosswind all by himself, then by association folks at least expect me to be capable of maneuvering Calypso back and forth across the marina without blitzing through the No Wake Zone, running aground, crashing into piers or gouging holes in the hull trying to dock my own boat.
Week-enders and pleasure-boaters lacking full-time commitment may have book-fulls of excuses for their mistakes and poor judgement, but Mike knows there's no excuse that'll cover pride, laziness, getting distracted, losing focus & control, compromising or simply not caring and giving up.
Doesn't matter if a beer-guzzling pontoon pilot suddenly cuts me off, or if an unexpected wind gust tries blowing Calypso sideways into another boat ... or even if I'm trying to dock moving backwards at night on just one engine: It's always got to be done to the best of my ability ... because I'm associated with Mike and represent him in my actions.
Otherwise my ineptitude (or carelessness) makes Mike look bad ... and might cause folks to start wondering "Why did Mike hire that guy?" ... and whether Mike's really the best after all.
---
I'm not perfect, not ever. Mike doesn't expect me to be and knows I have my share of bad days like everybody else.
But I don't start thinking "At least I'm better than so-and-so" or become complacent with "Heck, that's good enough" or ever forget for a moment who's the boss and why he's charge ... much less start criticizing or debating Mike for wanting to teach me and correct my mistakes.
And Woe be upon me if I ever tried the silliness of slipping an excuse past the boss.
Because my actions, my behavior and my commitment reflect and represent someone who's better, knows infinitely more and whose been around a whole lot longer than I have ... someone who by reputation is known all around as being The Best.
Knowing and working with Mike "The Asphalt Mariner" certainly eased my transition into Marina-Life. When your boat's broke and won't go then Mike is the man to know: he's been around the marina long enough to become a fixture, and folks trust his advice (or ignore it at their own risk) .
Because he fixes and works on boats, Mike's livelihood either thrives or dies by his reputation: a marine technician who ruins engines, mis-wires circuit panels and burns up boats, steals, overcharges or crashes customers' yachts into pilings can't expect much in the way of repeat business. So there's not much point in Mike cutting corners, looking for shortcuts, making excuses or doing things half-way.
Being known as "the guy who works for Mike" is lots better than being called "that guy who kills time wandering around the marina." Being known as "the guy who works for Mike" almost automatically tells folks I must be OK, and surely saves me lots n' lots of grief all the way 'round.
---
But while working for Mike might let me enjoy short rides on the coattails of his reputation, being associated also comes with the responsibility of measuring-up on my end of the skill stick.
If Mike can do impossible things like dock a 100-ft houseboat in a 15 knot crosswind all by himself, then by association folks at least expect me to be capable of maneuvering Calypso back and forth across the marina without blitzing through the No Wake Zone, running aground, crashing into piers or gouging holes in the hull trying to dock my own boat.
Week-enders and pleasure-boaters lacking full-time commitment may have book-fulls of excuses for their mistakes and poor judgement, but Mike knows there's no excuse that'll cover pride, laziness, getting distracted, losing focus & control, compromising or simply not caring and giving up.
Doesn't matter if a beer-guzzling pontoon pilot suddenly cuts me off, or if an unexpected wind gust tries blowing Calypso sideways into another boat ... or even if I'm trying to dock moving backwards at night on just one engine: It's always got to be done to the best of my ability ... because I'm associated with Mike and represent him in my actions.
Otherwise my ineptitude (or carelessness) makes Mike look bad ... and might cause folks to start wondering "Why did Mike hire that guy?" ... and whether Mike's really the best after all.
---
I'm not perfect, not ever. Mike doesn't expect me to be and knows I have my share of bad days like everybody else.
But I don't start thinking "At least I'm better than so-and-so" or become complacent with "Heck, that's good enough" or ever forget for a moment who's the boss and why he's charge ... much less start criticizing or debating Mike for wanting to teach me and correct my mistakes.
And Woe be upon me if I ever tried the silliness of slipping an excuse past the boss.
Because my actions, my behavior and my commitment reflect and represent someone who's better, knows infinitely more and whose been around a whole lot longer than I have ... someone who by reputation is known all around as being The Best.
Reflecting Badly - Part Uno
No kidding, what's the worst part of living on a boat?
-A few quick jabs around Calypso's "salon" with a tape measure reveals my total interior living space (including the "bathroom") is less than 70 square feet. A bit more spacious than say, living in the back of a cargo van ... but then I can run the air-conditioner 24x7 at Warp Factor 4 and still keep the electric bill under $80 bucks a month. I like staying cool, so small is good.
Plus there's practically no space left over for clutter, which means there's even less mess to hide or clean up.
-Laundry's still a headache, but I'm gonna invest $43 in a Mini-Wonder Washing Machine ... and let the sun, some clothespins and a nylon line do all the rest.
-The Groceries & Cooking situation is a non-issue since I heeded ORP's advices and replaced Calypso's tired 1984-issue microwave with a Sharp Carousel Grill 2 Convection/Microwave oven. Now I can do popcorn, toast bagels and cook full-sized frozen pizzas ... about all that really counts.
-Repairs, Maintenance & Upkeep? The old adage "Something's always breaking on a boat" simply is a myth. The truth is that Everything's always breaking on a boat, just like something's always breaking with a house or a car. Or with a computer ... or anything else that's manufactured by human beings and sees regular use by fallible people.
Besides doing 95% of the work myself, the key to living with repair issues is understanding that Maintenance and Repair isn't actually a goal ... it's an on-going & perpetual spiritual process intended to develop patience, perseverance and boundless optimism in the face of overwhelming odds.
So those things merely amount to minor aggravations and annoyances.
What keeps pushing my buttons and testing my witness are the inconsiderate boaters who blow past the NO WAKE buoys; the week-enders and Gotta-Get-There! amateurs who ignore the NO WAKE ZONE signs and roar through the marina at speeds fast enough to haul tandems of water-skiers.
Speeding through a NO WAKE ZONE creates surprisingly powerful waves that spread across the water behind the offending vessel ... waves which then plow into nearby boats tied to the dock, which results in any occupants on-board (meaning, me) getting literally & violently tossed around inside like a cat inside a clothes dryer [sorry] as they're trying to cook in the proximity of hot surfaces, or exit the shower on a slippery floor.
And every weekend it's getting to be the same thing.
---
Ignoring NO WAKE signs and buoys is more than being inconsiderate or stupid, it's also against the law:
-A few quick jabs around Calypso's "salon" with a tape measure reveals my total interior living space (including the "bathroom") is less than 70 square feet. A bit more spacious than say, living in the back of a cargo van ... but then I can run the air-conditioner 24x7 at Warp Factor 4 and still keep the electric bill under $80 bucks a month. I like staying cool, so small is good.
Plus there's practically no space left over for clutter, which means there's even less mess to hide or clean up.
-Laundry's still a headache, but I'm gonna invest $43 in a Mini-Wonder Washing Machine ... and let the sun, some clothespins and a nylon line do all the rest.
-The Groceries & Cooking situation is a non-issue since I heeded ORP's advices and replaced Calypso's tired 1984-issue microwave with a Sharp Carousel Grill 2 Convection/Microwave oven. Now I can do popcorn, toast bagels and cook full-sized frozen pizzas ... about all that really counts.-Repairs, Maintenance & Upkeep? The old adage "Something's always breaking on a boat" simply is a myth. The truth is that Everything's always breaking on a boat, just like something's always breaking with a house or a car. Or with a computer ... or anything else that's manufactured by human beings and sees regular use by fallible people.
Besides doing 95% of the work myself, the key to living with repair issues is understanding that Maintenance and Repair isn't actually a goal ... it's an on-going & perpetual spiritual process intended to develop patience, perseverance and boundless optimism in the face of overwhelming odds.
So those things merely amount to minor aggravations and annoyances.
What keeps pushing my buttons and testing my witness are the inconsiderate boaters who blow past the NO WAKE buoys; the week-enders and Gotta-Get-There! amateurs who ignore the NO WAKE ZONE signs and roar through the marina at speeds fast enough to haul tandems of water-skiers.
Speeding through a NO WAKE ZONE creates surprisingly powerful waves that spread across the water behind the offending vessel ... waves which then plow into nearby boats tied to the dock, which results in any occupants on-board (meaning, me) getting literally & violently tossed around inside like a cat inside a clothes dryer [sorry] as they're trying to cook in the proximity of hot surfaces, or exit the shower on a slippery floor.
And every weekend it's getting to be the same thing.
---
Ignoring NO WAKE signs and buoys is more than being inconsiderate or stupid, it's also against the law:
- In South Carolina, "Idle Speed" or "No Wake Speed" is defined as a speed not greater than that which is necessary to maintain steerage.
- If operating your boat or PWC in a No-Wake Zone and you cause damage to another person's boat or property, you are responsible.
- Boats and PWCs may not be operated in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of a moored or anchored boat, a wharf, pier or dock, or a person in the water.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Coup de grâce
In 1956 Floyd Patterson became the youngest man in boxing history (to that point) to win the World Heavyweight Championship title.
Patterson was on the smallish side for a heavyweight, and as if his size and punching power weren't already limiting enough ("How can this guy be World Champion?"), Patterson had an even worse flaw ... at least so far as fighting for the World Championship is concerned.
Patterson lacked the Killer's Instinct- the willingness to charge forward with urgency and finish off a stunned, back-peddling opponent.
In other words, once Patterson had thrown his hardest punches and had the opponent reeling on the ropes, he couldn't administer the final, fight-finishing coup de grace.
To be sure, Patterson was a good person and the quintessential Nice Guy in real life outside the ring. Trouble was, he was Mr. Nice Guy inside the ring as well, and sometimes it seems like he was reluctant to roll up his sleeves and finish the fight.
Which gave his enemy time to rest, recuperate, regroup and recover ... and come back swinging. And because of his size, Patterson was already fighting at a disadvantage.
Fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship is serious business indeed. Because there can only be one winner in the end.
---
Not to pick nits, but Coup de grace is pronounced ku də gras. Not ku de'gra ... which means "to blow fat."
Monday, August 13, 2007
the weak, the uninformed and the vulnerable
This morning I added "Maxed Out" (2006) to my NetFlix queue:
"Investigating both the personal and the national debt owed by Americans, this thought-provoking documentary explores the staggering financial burden we live with every day and exposes how the contemporary financial industry is set up in ways that can harm unwitting customers. With both sobering facts and black humor, Maxed Out unveils the consequences of our debt addiction, including its contribution to the vanishing of the American middle class."
Also, "The Secret History of the Credit Card" is available for online viewing over at PBS.
Taking the scissors to your charge cards gets ***** stars and two big Thumbs-Up.
Also, "The Secret History of the Credit Card" is available for online viewing over at PBS.
Taking the scissors to your charge cards gets ***** stars and two big Thumbs-Up.
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