Sunday Musings: “Boredom Logging” and Sailing into the Senior Scene

It’s Sunday, and here I am having my 5 shot latte by the Narrows, watching the rain dance on the water while couples around me flirt and make googly eyes at each other. Meanwhile, I’m reflecting on the week ahead and what was said at Mass today. And oh yeah, I’ve cracked the code on what “BLOG” really stands for—it’s Boredom LOGging, not web logging! Who knew? At least it keeps me busy and gives me someone to “talk” to, even if it is myself.

Before diving into the deep spiritual insights from Mass, I have to share a laugh. So, I joined a singles group this week! Not just any singles group—Singles on Sailboats!! I was so excited. I mean, how perfect does that sound? The issue I have had w/ dating is: my lifestyle tends to leave traditional women blinking like deer in headlights. Apparently, saying “I live on a boat,” “I’m already retired,” and “I sail wherever the wind takes me” is basically the equivalent of saying “I’m a real looser.” They’re out there looking for a guy who lives in a mansion, works a high-powered job, and spends his weekends golfing or at wineries. Never mind that my boat costs more than their house, I am finacial secure enough I don’t need to work, or that I’m active and involved in the community and not just staring at my own reflection all day or running off to golf w/ my buddies!

Anyway, back to the singles group... I was all fired up to join, but then I attended one of their events. Let’s just say, they’re... old. I mean, REALLY old. Now, don’t get me wrong—they were some of the nicest, wisest, most interesting people I’ve ever met. Exactly how I hope to be when I hit their age. But as for finding my first mate? Let’s just say the odds aren’t exactly in my favor. Oh well, at least I’ve found a fun group to sail with—even if we end up comparing aches and pains out on the water.

As for Mass today... I was actually surprised. Usually, it’s the New Testament or Gospel that resonates with me, but today it was the Old Testament. (For those not in the know, the Catholic Mass always features three readings: Old Testament, New Testament, and then the Gospel from one of the “Big Four Dudes”—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.)

Today’s Old Testament reading was from Jeremiah 17:5-8:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord.”

What’s tricky about the Bible is that it’s so open to interpretation—it can be molded to fit any agenda. Only with proper theological training can you really understand it the right way. That’s why I have so much respect for “Bill” Barkley. (I say “Bill” because, growing up, we’d tease my mom by calling him that instead of his full name, William Barkley—like, “So, what does Bill say about today’s readings?”)

Anyhow, I usually find the Old Testament to be more about historical context than life lessons, but this one hit me. It made me think about my search for a partner, my longing for the kind of relationship I had with Donna. Is that me “seeking strength in flesh”? Am I interpreting it right? Maybe the message is to focus on my own journey and trust that things will fall into place. A bit ironic, considering I just joined a singles group, huh?

The sermon was about Hope—what we hope for and what truly matters. Spoiler alert: the answer wasn’t “Hope to find a cute first mate.” It was about Salvation and building a friendship with the Lord. Go figure.

So here I am, blogging—or should I say boredom logging—about it all. Who knows? Maybe the next entry will be about finding a singles group with a slightly younger crowd... or at least one with fewer discussions about hip replacements.

On a lighter note, here’s a quick “live aboard update”:

1. All this rain has been pretty awesome. Why? I got to skip the weekly dock event where everyone hauls out seven hoses from the frost-free spigot on land to fill their water tanks. Thanks to Ohana’s rain capture system, my tanks are full without lifting a finger. Seriously, I love this boat!

2. I put down the deposit and signed the contract to purchase my slip! Now, I’m just waiting for closing. Turns out, as the buyer, I can close remotely, while the seller has to be there in person with the title company.