I attended a workshop at the local community college on "Basic Business Start-up." It cost $40, and was three hours long. I recommend taking this course if available, I was provided with a lot of information that I might not have found on my own. The instructor is from Small Business Development Center, apparently ever state has them. I can go to them later and they will help with every step of the process free of charge, they are funded by the government. I was also informed of other workshops and seminars that are offered for small business owners or those who would like to start a business. Most of the way through the workshop, I started feeling a little over whelmed with all the information. There are a lot of steps and process involved in opening a new business especially in New York. But I'm grateful to know I can go to the SBDC, and get all the help I need. They do all the leg work, and make sure no steps are skipped. First thing is first, I need to gather some funds. The banks are not thrilled on the idea of lending out money at the moment. Some want the potential business owner to come with 20% of the start-up cost. So, I guess we'll start saving money...

I've had a spark of inspiration. I have decided to learn how to open a business with our boats and boat parts. I found a workshop offered by the local community college that I will be taking in October. My mom has offered awesome support and encouragement in this decision. SO was happy to hear this news as well. We have two friends that will probably join us in the endeavour. I will be sure to post my journey here, possibly inspiring someone else to do what they love.

Boating. SO and I have the boating fever. We love going boating, we love buying, selling, fixing, and parting out boats. We just love boats. Our hobby started last year during an extensive fight. On one of these days, SO came home with a boat. A 16 foot, baby blue, Cobia Sportster. I, of course, was not happy about it. I was not too thrilled about the financial side of it. Once the fight dwindled down, he talked me into at least trying it out for a bit. So, a few days later, we packed enough stuff for an excursion through the Sahara into this little boat, threw the kid in the truck, and took off for the local lake. At first, I was very unsure about being on a boat. Stepping into the boat caused it to wobble on the water, and I had not yet gained my "sea legs." However, it didn't take long for the love of boating to infect and consume me. We took that boat out as often as we could. Taking it a step further, we started finding old boats sitting in farmers' fields. SO and friend would stop and ask about these boats, and either the owners would tell them to just take it or sell it to us for cheap. Our friend as plenty of property for us to put these boats on, so we continue collecting them from wherever they pop up. Our current boat is a 1980 Century Cortez 300, a 32 foot cabin cruiser. The cabin is huge, perfect for the kids. We are currently working and assessing the condition of the motors. Sadly, it is the end of the season, so we won't be able to take it out yet. We'll find and/or modify a trailer to put under it, so we can move it closer to us in preparation of refitting during the winter.