6:45AM A few seconds before DD asked me to ‘lock her out’ the old pooch scratched on the front door. The little dog bell hanging from the handle did its job and amplified the ‘scratch’. It would be her second walk of the day, the first was about 4:50AM. My fault I got up to use the facilities (Late night big mug of warming tea) and I woke her. Not a big deal, I was awake anyway. We, Dusty and I followed DD out the door and watched her quickly load up and pull away. Even though it was 10 degrees out her remote starter had the car already warmed up. A well used gift from Mom and Dad.
While the dog took care of business I could see my neighbors getting into their cars, warming them up and driving off. Although I always liked my job and was an early riser by nature, this was the time of year I dreaded the most. That cold uninviting car, the frozen windshield and for many years the freezing wind standing on the platform waiting the my Long Island Rail Road train. Of course the cold often delayed the train.
The disbelief has turned into accepted reality, I don’t have to go to work, not today, not ever. Silly, but I and manny others, have an affliction we are programmed to work and not doing so causes guilt. Take an unnecessary sick day - never. Before my knees went I probably took 10 sick days in 30 years. A week for a blown disc in my back and the occasional dental issue- Other than that nada. Some people consider sick days fungible with vacation days- unfortunately I wasn’t so constructed.
So nearly three weeks in and I’m starting to get into the swing of retirement’. There’s my obligatory nap - heck I was up before 5AM you know. My walk, yep 16 degrees and I was still out there and my commitment to add 1 post to my consulting website each day. I give myself three days for more complex posts of what I call ‘my master class’ demonstrations.
A funny thing happened this morning one of my posts poped up when I was googling something. That is a very good sign. I suspect I’ll continue to improve the site and I may see a job or two in a few months. If I don’t that will be fine too.. I am after all retired.
While the dog took care of business I could see my neighbors getting into their cars, warming them up and driving off. Although I always liked my job and was an early riser by nature, this was the time of year I dreaded the most. That cold uninviting car, the frozen windshield and for many years the freezing wind standing on the platform waiting the my Long Island Rail Road train. Of course the cold often delayed the train.
The disbelief has turned into accepted reality, I don’t have to go to work, not today, not ever. Silly, but I and manny others, have an affliction we are programmed to work and not doing so causes guilt. Take an unnecessary sick day - never. Before my knees went I probably took 10 sick days in 30 years. A week for a blown disc in my back and the occasional dental issue- Other than that nada. Some people consider sick days fungible with vacation days- unfortunately I wasn’t so constructed.
So nearly three weeks in and I’m starting to get into the swing of retirement’. There’s my obligatory nap - heck I was up before 5AM you know. My walk, yep 16 degrees and I was still out there and my commitment to add 1 post to my consulting website each day. I give myself three days for more complex posts of what I call ‘my master class’ demonstrations.
A funny thing happened this morning one of my posts poped up when I was googling something. That is a very good sign. I suspect I’ll continue to improve the site and I may see a job or two in a few months. If I don’t that will be fine too.. I am after all retired.
