What I learned This Week Living on a Tiny Sailboat

This week wasn’t dramatic. Nothing exploded, nothing sank, nothing even really broke. Mostly because the things that are broken are still… well, broken. But that’s the funny part about living on a tiny sailboat. The story isn’t always in the chaos. Sometimes it’s in the slow, steady rhythm of keeping life moving even when the boat is a half‑finished project and you’re juggling everything else at the same time.

Am I Just Lazy?

Dog House is still sitting with her usual list of “we’ll get to it” repairs. The kind of stuff that would stress most people out but has somehow become background noise for us. We didn’t touch a single project this week. Not because we’re lazy, but because life off the boat demanded our attention. We’ve been prepping for a road trip next week and working almost every day on freelance gigs. When you’re living small, you learn quickly that you can’t do everything at once. Some weeks, the boat waits.

A Small Win: I Cooked Again

The highlight of my week was stupidly simple but I got back into cooking. Not “heat up something fast because we’re exhausted” cooking. And I finished all my dishes! Which, on a 28‑foot boat, is basically a spiritual cleanse. When your kitchen is the size of a closet, keeping it clean feels like reclaiming your sanity.

Tula vs. The Beach Glass

Of course, the dogs always add their own plot twist. Tula managed to cut her paw on broken glass at the beach we always go to. She’s fine, but it was one of those moments that reminds you: even your “safe spots” have their hazards. Boat life teaches you to stay alert, even in the familiar.

The Weather Finally Gave Us a Break

Last week was all rain, howling winds, and cold. The kind of weather that makes you question every life choice that led you to live on a floating shoebox. But this week? Sun. Warmth. Calm. The kind of days that make you forget the storms ever happened. Nights are still cold, though. We’re still bundling up with big blankets and running the space heater like it’s our third crew member. California “winter” isn’t real winter, but it still bites.

Gratitude Sneaks Up on You

Somewhere in the middle of all the broken systems, the work grind, the dog drama, the weather mood swings, I felt gratitude again.The kind that hits you when you’re sitting in your tiny cabin, hearing the water slap the hull, realizing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. And with the weather clearing, I’m getting excited to lift anchor soon and explore new shores again. We’ve been hunkered down for weeks, waiting out the season. I’m ready to move.