EDITED 2/25/24

So, here we are, embarking on the wild adventure of downsizing and moving onto our boat. If our time in Maryland has taught us anything, it's that we've become quite the collectors of "treasures" – or as some might call it, stuff. Surprisingly, we've managed to cling onto more belongings compared to our previous moves, thanks to not being forced to downsize every time we turn around. Moving frequently has its perks, like giving us the chance to evaluate just how much stuff we've accumulated.

Now, we're determined to make this move onto our boat as smooth as a dolphin gliding through the waves. We've promised the kids a cozy stateroom, complete with their very own Harry Potter closet under the stairs – because every boat needs a touch of magic – and the space is pretty limited but we want to let their creativity run wild with decorations.

In March, we're kicking off the downsizing extravaganza by listing our household items for sale and handing the kids some rubbermaid containers to pack up their essentials. Then, in April, it's garage sale time, followed by donating the leftovers to a local charity. By the end of the month, we should be ready to set sail... well, at least move into our travel trailer while the boat gets a makeover. Or at least, that was the plan until last Friday.

You see, I've been hitting the basketball court every Friday night in preparation for a fundraiser called the Spring Swish. It's all for a good cause – raising funds for our kids' elementary school. Despite my left knee giving me a bit of grief during practice, I powered through with the help of a trusty brace. Little did I know, my knee had other plans. It decided to pull a surprise maneuver, sending me crashing to the ground like a floundering fish.

Now, I'm stuck in limbo awaiting a surgery date. The initial prognosis? Complete ACL tear, meniscus tear and two significant bone bruises. Dr. Redziniak wants me to jump into some intense physical therapy before he operates. For the next 3-4 weeks I will be pushing my leg pretty hard. Currently it will not completely straighten and I apparently need full range of motion before he will operate on my knee. Not exactly what I had in mind as we're trying to cram our lives into a boat.

Adam and the kiddos have been rocking the assistant life, but let's face it, Adam's got a plate full of tasks from Coast Guard duties to DIY projects, daily grind, and kid wrangling.

But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? Our friends have swooped in like a flock of seagulls, offering support, meals, and probably a few sympathy laughs at my expense. And since I work remotely, at least I don't have to worry about hobbling to the office and back.

Sure, the timing could be better. Some might argue it's good timing because it happened before we set sail, and we have our friends by our side. Others might say it's bad timing given the chaos of moving. But hey, life's an adventure, and we're diving in headfirst – or, in my case, limping in with a wonky knee.

So, here's to downsizing, sailing into the unknown, and leaning on our amazing friends to help keep us afloat – both literally and figuratively. It's going to be a wild ride, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Downsizing and Knee Surgery

Months of Madness

The start