Profiles in Adventure: Cindy & James of 1000 Leagues Across the Sea

“With little going for me other than unstoppable eagerness, a sense of total commitment, and a stubborn refusal to give up on what felt like a divinely ordained scheme, I cast myself upon the waters of the world’s oceans.” – Roz Savage

Cindy changed my life. I still remember the day we first met. I had just moved offices to start a brand new sparkly job in the world of training and development (transferring for the so-not-right-for-me realm of budget and policy). Her bright pink hair popped over the cubicle to say hello and my life has never been the same since. The connection was instant. Not only did the connections take on the normal façade of a shared alma mater and a similar Myers-Briggs type; but more importantly it looked like conversations comprised solely of quotes from TV shows and movies, a shared cubicle wall full of knick knacks (including a miniature red Swingline stapler), and an unquenchable and somewhat rebellious desire to change the world!

Throughout the few years that we worked together, she impacted me in several ways. Not only the easily recognizable ways like unconsciously convincing me to create a stand-up desk from a shoe rack bought at Target, or by pushing me to speak up for myself and take on projects we both knew I would own like a champ, but also in some more deep seated ways. When I really reflect on it, Cindy is one of the main reasons I reconnected with my long-lost sense of adventure! And for that, I am forever grateful.

In just a few weeks, Cindy and her main squeeze James are embarking on a crazy epic adventure – rowing 1000 Leagues (their namesake, which also equals 3000 miles) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Dingle, Ireland. Yes, you read that right, ROWING! It has been so much fun to watch them dream up, plan, and do the final preparations for this trip. We went to their house last night for dinner and were greeted by boxes and boxes of safety equipment, freeze dried foods, and power bars! I also got to have my own mini-adventure of trying on her immersion suit which is their third line of defense if something happens – if the boat sinks, they have a life raft, and if that sinks they have these suits. (Watch for a post later this week about the experience!)

Watching Cindy and James dream up this adventure has inspired Greg and me countless times, and I know it has done the same for others. One such time was during their boat Christening in April, when the Nautilus was officially blessed with a personalized rendition of Jules Vern adapted by Cindy, followed by the breakage of a bottle of campaign, lots of signatures, and lots of hugs and high fives.

I saw proof of how Cindy has unforgettably impacted others on her Facebook wall last night when a friend wrote:

You are without a doubt the fiercest woman I know. You have the pinkest hair, the bluest toes, and the worst handwriting I’ve ever seen. But you also laugh the loudest, forgive the fastest, love the hardest and clearly have the patience of a saint. I am the luckiest person to be able to call you a friend and I’m excited to see you take on the Atlantic. I would wish you luck in this grand adventure but I know that you’re going to go in full attack mode and [own it].

Cindy & James, we wish you all the best and will be following you on your sweet Nautilus Tracker App throughout your journey! We cannot wait to greet you upon your return and scheme up some fun adventures right alongside of you. Thank you for inspiring us, challenging us to be more, and most importantly, for never being afraid to be your most unique and authentic selves! We love you guys!!

And if YOU are feeling adventurous, please give all of a listen on our podcast last year when we helped them move, eat sushi, and answer questions from eager followers!