Happy Anniversary!

One year ago today—11/1/11—I officially retired. At least, I retired from the full-time, work-a-day, prosper that career, chase the gold ring world. Then, just three weeks later I was commanding a 15-passenger bus at our local airport a couple days each week. In January, I began a 20-hour-per-week gig in a tiny marketing research office and I'm still working both of those jobs.

Bottom Line:  I'm loving it!

Retirement most certainly does not mean solitude, a good book, daily long naps, a rocking chair, and nothing more...at least not for this guy. Both of my part-time endeavors put me in touch with people; people make life interesting, fun and worthwhile. Make no mistake, I covet my "alone time", but that time should be somewhat limited. Interacting with family, friends and others helps to enhance daily life, instills positive thinking, and keeps the old grey matter a bit more sharp—use it or lose it, they say!

So, beginning year two of this new phase of my life I'm happy to say I see no reason for changing a thing. Damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead! After all, the day will come when I won't have a choice about available activities. That day, hopefully, will be postponed by staying active, social and engaged with the fascinating world around me and all that it's inhabitants have to offer.

Back at the Keyboard

OK, now that my official retirement date of 11/11/11 has come and gone, this year's ten-day Deer Camp is history, and my new retired but working part-time life is settling down, I hereby swear that this blog will definitely receive more attention than it has over the past few weeks.

How did I ever have time to work?
I never thought I'd hear those words coming from my mouth, or fingertips, but there you have it.

Lots has been going on with all these changes, but that only serves to offer more topics of discussion for this tiny piece of the Internet. I plan to take full advantage of the wonderful freedom it affords this old guy. For those of you who've been checking in from time to time...Thank You. I promise you'll have many new posts from this point on.

So, there's a brief update just to be sure you know I haven't traveled off into the wild blue yonder. More to follow and very soon. Stay tuned y'all.

Transition

It's hard to believe I'm already well into week two of my changeover from the work-a-day life into semi-retirement, but here I am. Even with the added time available to each day's activity, I find it is a bit difficult to settle into this new and vastly different routine.

I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm thoroughly enjoying this new freedom and I know things will settle down in time, but I know I can do a better job of time management as these days go by. My apologies for neglecting this blog during this period, too. I will do a better job of posting in time...promise.

Right now, the excitement and anticipation of our annual trek north to Deer Camp is at the forefront of my mind and my daily activity. Tomorrow the truck will be packed and be pointed north to another wonderful time of fellowship with my two sons. Without WiFi availability, however, another post will have to wait until I return in ten days. I'm sure I'll have many photos, stories and experiences to share at that point.

For now, y'all take care until my return to "civilization".

Turn, Turn, Turn

My youngest sister recently sent retirement good wishes my way and included the YouTube clip shown below. Wow...talk about taking you back in time instantly! The angelic voice of Judy Collins and the melody penned by Pete Seeger (with the help of the book of Ecclesiastes) put me right back in the mid-sixties.

And for me, it's time to turn into the retirement season, right after I listen to Ms Collins' beautiful voice while gazing into those beautiful eyes!

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To Everything
There is a season
And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

Short-Timer

My final work day at this company is rapidly approaching. It's coming at me so quickly that I'm afraid I'll look back afterwards and think, "why didn't I...? I should've...". I must admit that my focus is on what type of part-time gig will follow. It's a terrific time though, to be sure, very exciting and filled with both anticipation and just a bit of melancholy-ness, too.

The past 13 years with this company have been terrific and I consider myself fortunate to have been here and participated in the growth we've experienced. But things have changed as one would expect, so it's high time this old guy moves on.

A retired friend encouraged me to make the most of the time left here, because the relationships and the day-to-day regimentation will soon be gone. Words of wisdom, I'd bet.

So, here we go down the very short road leading to that last day. You can be sure I plan to make the most of it. Fasten your seat belt, Paul, we've begun our decent as we prepare for landing.

Those Pre-Retirement "Busies"

Long ago, I used to wonder what it would be like to retire from the 9-to-5 world. I watched my dad enjoy 25 years of winters in Florida and heard more than once, "boy, I don't know how I found time to work".

Well, my time has finally arrived. About a month ago I began making the financial arrangements necessary to take this major step down life's road. First of all, I applied—online—for Social Security payouts to begin. It went so smoothly I wondered if I'd missed something. Amazing! The very next day I received a call from them to clarify a couple things, setting my mind at ease that this was really happening.

Of course, making plans for my departure from my current full-time position has been full of challenges and details, but I believe things are just about set for me to ride off into the sunset.

Now, I'm not planning to sit on the front porch in my rocking chair, so what shall I do to be productive (and to produce some income)? I've been researching some part-time opportunities in retailing, delivery, work-at-home stuff, writing the Great American Novel (ha!), and others, but probably won't zero in on anything until some time in November. What a great opportunity though!

So, yes, there are lots of things in need of attention and many decisions to be made, but I'm not complaining. I cannot wait for this new chapter of my life to begin.