Re: Do you enjoy boating as much after restoration?
I have a somewhat related tale about a friend who had an '86 Porsche 944 Turbo that he really loved. It only had about 45k miles and was in pristine shape, but he'd never drive it because we live out in the country and you have to go over a gravel road to get to his house. After sitting in the garage untouched for several years his wife harassed him into using it as a partial trade in on a used pontoon boat (they already had a nice malibu ski boat). His argument strength was really weakened because he hadn't used it in years in order to keep it in mint condition.<br /><br />Ignoring anyone elses perspective of the benefits of the car vs. the pontoon boat, he viewed it as a real loss, partially because it was the last thing he had from before the marriage that was really his, not theirs. And he probably didn't get any more in value on the trade than if it had had a couple of scratches or dings and a few more miles. <br /><br />The issue also reminds me of one of those chain emails someone sent me awhile back. Kind of corny, but here it is:<br />---------------------------------------<br />A story to live by (by Ann Wells, Los Angeles Times). <br /><br />My brother-in-law opened the bottom of my sisters chest of drawers and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. This, he said, is not a slip, this is lingerie. He discarded the tissue and handed me the slip. It was exquisite, silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an astronomical figure on it was still attached. <br /><br />Jan bought this the first time we went to New York, at least 8 or 9 years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to me. Dont ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day youre alive is a special occasion.<br /><br />I remembered those words through the funeral and the days that followed when I helped him and my niece attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected death. I thought about them on the plane returning to California from the Midwestern town where my sisters family lives. I thought about the things that she had done without realizing that they were special. Im still thinking about his words, and theyve changed my life. <br /><br />Im reading more and dusting less. Im sitting on the deck and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. Im spending more time with my family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not endure. Im trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them. Im not saving anything. We use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first Camilla blossom.<br /><br />I wear my good blazer to the marked if I like it. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries without wincing. Im not saving my perfume for special parties. Clerks in hardware stores and tellers in banks have noses that function as well as my party going friends. Someday and one of these days are losing their grip on my vocabulary. <br /><br />If it is worth seeing, or hearing, or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now! Im not sure what my sister wouldve done had she known that she wouldnt be here for the tomorrow we all take for granted. I think she would have called family members and a few close friends. She might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think she would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, her favorite food. Im guessing - Ill never know.<br /><br />Its those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew that my hours were limited. Angry because I put off seeing good friends whom I was going to get in touch with - someday. Angry because I hadnt written certain letters that I intended to write - one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didnt tell my husband and daughter often enough how much I truly love them. Im trying very hard not to put off, hold back or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. Every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift! <br />--------------------------------
