In 2012...I CHOSE.

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I'M PROUD OF MYSELF. There I said it.  It's kind of the ultimate taboo - I mean, really, who says nice things about themselves?!

I rang in 2012 a bit down in the dumps.  I hated my ship, I loved being in Maine but didn't love being in Maine at the same time, I was a smidge lonely even though I was surrounded by amazing people and friends...I just didn't know what to do next.

Then I happened upon the word CHOOSE.  This word changed my life.  I know, I know, that sounds insanely dramatic - but, it's all kinds of true.

Making a choice is not always an easy thing - and for some reason making a choice when you are in a funk is extra tough - I had already selected the word choose but I wasn't actually choosing - then all of a sudden I was - and things got good -really good.

Nautie Friends, I made some tough choices and, there was crying.....a lot of crying.  There were sad goodbyes.  There were a lot of Nicki Minaj rock out moments - When you go hard your nays become yays!  There was a lot of packing.  There were moments of doubt - and insecurities.  There was exhaustion.  (To my family and friends who got phone calls - sometimes at ungodly hours - and had to listen to crying Megan - thank you, thank you, thank you.)

I said goodbye (when it was hard), I quit my job (without another one lined up), I said yes (to a new ship and a Chief Mates position), I learned (a new type of cargo) and, I moved (to Houston, Texas).

AND IT FEELS GOOD

....like, really, really GOOD.

CHOOSE I DID.

When I made it to Houston I drove around - to Ikea, and Target and the grocery store and Target and Ikea- rocking out to Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys - like over and over again.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I blew out one of my speakers because I was rocking out.   (I'm channeling all kinds of Katniss Everdeen these days.)

Oh, she got both feet on the ground And she's burning it down Oh, she got her head in the clouds And she's not backing down This girl is on fire

I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing.

I'M SO EXCITED.

For the last bit of 2012 I've been feeling guilty - for feeling so good.  I've been a little reticent to share my plans, and my excitement for the future.  It just hasn't felt right when people ask how I'm doing to say, 'I'm doing GREAT!  I'm on FIRE!'.

But, Seriously?!  EFF THAT!

I FEEL GREAT.  I FEEL EXCITED.  I FEEL LIKE I'M ON FIRE.

I wanted to send 2012 off with a bang.  I compiled some of my favorite moments into a bit of a slideshow.  It's unapologetically cheesy.  I almost put the video to this song unfortunately, it was just a little too short.  That being said - I think Ani has it exactly right:  If you're not getting happier as you get older - then you're fucking up.   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqFPvsXziaY

2012.  YOU WERE AMAZING.

For those new to nautiemermate a little background on the word choose - and my 2011 send off...

30x30 :: One of Three

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It's pretty hard to believe but, I've been blogging for almost two years.  Two Years! Over time a few things have changed (like my sassy new page) but for the most part things are exactly the same as they have always been.  I tell exaggerated stories while I'm out to sea and then I bore you to death when I'm at home on vacation lounging around the house.

I'm not exactly sure why but, I'm very, very, very shy about my blog.  I haven't told very many people about it at all.  In fact, I know everyone who comments.

I've been thinking of ways that I can coax myself out of hiding.  I truly enjoy writing about my days and having a place to post my photos but mostly, I love sharing them with you all.

I decided that one way to come out of my shell was to start thanking the ladies who give me inspiration.  Which is why I included this on my 30x30 List:

14.  Send an e-mail to the ladies behind my three favorite blogs

A few days ago I knew that it was do or die.  I either started sending out e-mails or I'd always just be too shy.

The first one went out with amazing results!

I sent Amy of Coffee and Sunshine this note:

Hello Amy!

First off, let me just say that I really, really hope this note doesn't make me sound like a creepy internet stalker.....

I've been reading your blog for quite awhile.  In fact, yours is one of my ultimate favorites.  There are only a few blogs that I absolutely won't delete from my reader without actually reading...and yours is one of them. 

I started a blog on a total whim about two years ago.  I'm a sailor and I was having a really hard time staying in touch with my friends and family.  When I'm out to sea sometimes it feels like a total chore to write a few emails.  I got a fun camera and then decided a blog might be the perfect compliment.  Since then I've just been blogging away!

I feel so dramatic when I say this but seriously, blogging has absolutely changed my life.  It's gotten me back in touch with long lost family members - kept me in touch with friends far away - and most importantly it helps me look for the positive in my days.  While posting away on my own blog though, I've also started reading other peoples blogs - it's been so much fun!!!!!! 

I love how honest you are about your quest for a more healthful lifestyle.  I love your thoughts on weight loss and body image.  I love seeing what you're up to! 

I have to admit.....I have a life list.  Well, actually it's a 30x30 list.  Number 14 on my list is to send emails to my three favorite lady bloggers.  You're my first email! 

While I love blogging I'm actually super duper shy about my blog.  It's the strangest thing!  I very rarely tell people about my blog - it's pretty much just friends and family stopping by.  Your blog provides serious inspiration for me.

In a nutshell what I'd like to say is:

Thank you for your thoughtful writing.  Thank you for your honesty.  Thank you for your positivity and good ideas. 

I feel like we'd be friends for realsies - if you're ever in Hawai'i (and I'm not at sea) - I'd love to treat you to a coffee and show you around!  (See....that sounded more friendly than stalkery....right?)

Thank you for all your inspiration!!!!!

Aloha,

Megan

If you feel like checking out my blog:  www.nautiemermate.com 

(p.s. I didn't proofread this because I'm feeling a little nervous about sending it and didn't want to chicken out....)

SHE WROTE ME BACK THE NEXT DAY!

Here's what was waiting in my inbox:

Hi Megan!

I'm sorry it took me so long to reply! I wanted to sit down and really write you a nice thank you instead of dashing off a quick note.

First of all, thank you so much. This email made my day, truly. I love knowing who is reading! I really appreciate it, and love that you took time to write me. So, so sweet and what a great Life List goal. I might have to steal that one.

Secondly, I am so glad you've found blogging! It really is a life-changer in the best ways. I feel so much more connected to people I love and also have made so many great friends as a result.

I will definitely check out your blog and I'm seriously hoping my boyfriend and I make it to Hawaii this year (it's part of our plan!) and I will keep you posted. I'd love to meet up!

Thank you so much again for taking the time to write. It means the world.

Have a great day!

xo

Amy

I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW EXCITED I WAS!  (Well, so excited that I forwarded her e-mail to my Mom and my Bestie...)

 

Do any of you ever dream of sending a note to someone who provides you inspiration?

 

 

 

FRESH OFF THE PRESS!

in

Welcome to the NEW and IMPROVED Nautie Mermate Land! I've been silently working on a new look for my internet home.  What do you think?

There are still changes to be made - and they'll be made live and on the fly - so please be patient if things are not loading properly.  Also, please feel free to give feedback!  I know that somethings are slightly off (as in the font) but, hopefully the kinks will be worked out soon.  If you notice errors feel free to drop me a line - as a comment here or as an email (nautiemermate@gmail.com) - please also include what type of computer you have (mac or pc) and what browser you're using (explorer, safari, firefox, etc.).

I'm very, very excited about the new look!  A huge shout out to Lauren of Windward Webdesign.  She has answered countless emails and has sat very patiently at her desk while I sit next to her whimming and wahhing.  Huge Mahalos!

 

2012 :: I Choose

in

I believe in resolutions especially ones that welcome in a fresh new year. Last year I jumped on the blogging band wagon and chose One Word.  One word that summed up what we wished for the year to come.  A resolution in a neat little package.  I chose the word create - and then I morphed it into more than word:  Create Productively - Produce Creatively.

As 2012 rolled in and I reflected on my 2011 I felt a little disappointment - mostly because I felt like I had neglected my words.  Did I produce?  Did I create?  Was I creative?  Were things accomplished productively?  I think maybe.  I managed to pass my Chief Mates exam - which is pretty effing productive.  I blogged through the process.  I got a new job and my new ports inspired some creativity on the blog - I had fun on a few photo safaris. 

The problem is, 2011 turned into a bit of a mess towards the end.  There were (and are) a lot of loose ends.  I'm having to make decisions that bum me out.  The kind of decisions that aren't fun and certainly aren't easy.  I'll have to let things go before I'm ready.  It means I'll have to do damage control before things get any messier.  Which means that this year I need to put on my big girl panties and pull up my bootstraps!  Chin Up Buttercup!

I struggled to put my desires for 2012 onto paper.  Should I concentrate on being responsible?  Should I wish for whimsy and magic?  Could I pick creativity two years in a row?  How do I make things happen.  How do I welcome in 2013 feeling like 'TA DA!  I DID IT!'? 

Then the interwebz saved me.  I read so many blogs written by so many amazing ladies (it does seem like most of my most loved blogs are written by ladies).  There were so many examples of New Year Awesomeness!   I picked some of my favorites and did what they told me to do - and then I wrote down my thoughts in the exact format that they wrote down their thoughts. 

Gala Darling said that we should write mission statements and provided resources.  So I did.  I used the link provided to create a mission statement - and then I switched it up just like her.

I was now on the right track.  I had a mission statement.

But I was missing my One Word.  I did not want to ring in the new year without a Word!!!

In comes Elise.  I copied her word.  There, I said it.  I couldn't even think of my own word.  I felt a little bad at first and then I decided 'screw that!  This is the best word EVER!'.

There is no shame in my game (well maybe a little shame in my game) - I'm a total copycat (just ask Baisey I've bought the same car as her TWICE). 

With my new word came a modified statement.  It turned out to be a little fruitier than I imagined but I'm loving it.  I think I could use a little fruitiness in my life - maybe it will balance out the jet fuel staining my boots.

In 2012 I will CHOOSE.  I can't think of a more powerful word. 

I am planning on making choices that are good for me.  That propel me forward.  That make me happy.  That are responsible.  That are courageous.  That promote self reliance.  I will CHOOSE. 

I will choose passion, adventure, and love.  I will choose to take my camera with me and capture life's finest.  I will choose to look on the bright side - to hang on like a little tomato and shake it out (someday I'll explain this one).  I will choose to stay hungry and foolish.  I will choose sweat, tears and the sea - they have never failed me.  I will CHOOSE.

Without further ado please help me welcome in this years mission statement:

Passion.  Adventure.  Love. Kai: Sweat, tears or the sea. Have less.  Do more. Take your camera. Ho'ihi.  Kuha'o.  Koa. Shake it out little tomato! Stay hungry.  Stay foolish. CHOOSE.

I'm entering 2012 with slight trepidation.  Can I do it all?  Can I make the choices that need to be made, have fun and stay true to myself?  I can only hope! 

Here's to fresh starts!  Here's to the word CHOOSE!  Here's to 2012!

Nautie Friends, what are you looking forward to in 2012?

2011 Best.

in

What better way to ring in the new than pay homage to the old?

 

I rang in the new year by flying to Florida and taking all the classes required to upgrade to Chief Mate!  I managed to get a few good beach days in and met tons of new friends!

 

 

After completing all my classes I submitted my application to sit for my exam and flew home to wait it out.  I decided since there wasn't enough going on that I better get all four wisdome teeth removed.  What the hell was I thinking?!

 

 

While still recovering from the most pain my mouth has ever experienced I moved out of my lovely little Hilo Hale (Hilo House) and headed to the East Coast!  (I should really say that my Mom and Aunties moved me out of my house while I tried not to cry on the couch.)  I really didn't feel like leaving once it was time to go - insert semi-sad face.

 

 

I flew back to Florida where I studied my Patooty off for two and half weeks before sitting for my Chief Mates Exam (which may in fact have been the most stressful thing I've ever done).  Meet Megan the Nautie Chief Mate!!!!

 

 

Two days after passing my Chief Mates exam I joined a new ship.  I missed my old ship dreadfully (I had been there for three years!).

 

 

 The great thing about my new ship was a whole new set of ports.  Being able to visit the Parthenon while in port was fantabulous!

 

 

 After documenting my sunrises since the creation of this blog I saw the most amazing sunrise on my way to the Azores.  I have never seen anything like it and the photos just didn't do it justice.  The way the colors banded across the sky blew my mind.  (By the way, the Azores were gorgeous.)

 

 

When I finished my rotation at work I flew to Maine instead of Hawaii.  I missed my old stomping grounds!  I bought a car found a house and visited, visited, visited!  The best part of being back in New England?  Friends with boats!

 

 

After enjoying a fun filled New England Fall, a bit of snow, a trip to Norfolk, VA to work in the corporate offices and a brief stint in Florida it was back to work.  Immediately upon my return to work I had my coolest day in port ever.  Can we say 'Holy Monkeys!'?!

 

Dec 21st

 

This year there were 271 posts!!  That means that I blogged 74% of my days - Thank you Nautie Friends for sticking with me!

I'm excited about what the New Year has to offer and can't wait to take things up a notch!