First Day As A Nomad

                 I had an unsettling feeling Thursday, realizing that it was my last day at work.  I was sad, happy, nervous, and excited all at the same time.  Jake and I put in our notices to our jobs a couple weeks back and we have been preparing for what will come next.  We are starting a new chapter in our life.  With the dream to travel the world, we have been saving our money to take some time off, and explore.  Doing what most don't, we are saying goodbye to the monotony and setting sail to explore the sea.  Others may think we are running from responsibility, and making a poor decision, but over the past year and a half we have been working towards and saving for this dream.  We see it as a long vacation full of discovery and education about the world we live in.  We are hoping to explore the culture and land of the Caribbean and beyond.  We want to learn from different cultures and share with them what we know.  As we make friends and acquaintances we hope to encourage ocean conservation and show them the wonders of the sea.
                  It is nerve racking making such a huge life change, but I feel free.  We are making a leap of faith, believing that all of our hard work and preparation will give us one of the best experiences we could have.  There is an amazing feeling of peace and confidence in me.  I feel like I can conquer the world.  Since we have left our jobs we are free to leave island and explore.  Our first plan is to go to the states and see family and friends.  We are excited to spend Christmas in Utah with snow! when I say we, I mean me.  Jake could live without the cold ;).  After the holidays we will make our way back to St. Thomas, prepare our boat, and set sail.  We still have a lot to do, but we are so excited to be close to pulling the dock lines and sailing away.
                Yesterday was my first day being a nomad.  I went to the beach, cook care of my responsibilities at home, and then we enjoyed "Miracle on Main", a Christmas celebration featuring a boat parade, food vendors and holiday shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie.  Today is Jake's official last day of work, he may work a couple random days before we leave, but he is thrilled to be stepping into the nomad life with me.  Here are some pictures and video from last night, "Miracle on Main". (they are blurring, I forgot my camera, so my phone had to do.)

Kids Steel Pan Band

Gelato with Christmas Lights!