Blog One, Year One, Decade Two, Century Twentyone

It has been eight years ago today that I retired after 27.5 years from one of the most contentious, asinine, egocentric, all consuming places of employment one might never think existed even in fiction. The first three years of retirement were very very lean. I had left work three years earlier than I had planned and was short a few dozen shekels every month. But I had to leave, I needed to leave, I was glad to leave. I left my most delicate projects in the most capable of hands. I picked them carefully for these tasks myself. They have performed most admirably. Those projects are still alive and thriving today. A total miracle it my world. My gratitude goes out to those who have kept these activities alive.

Now, eight years later I can go and do and be and not worry too much about the cost or debt. That too is a dang miracle. This past year has not been good in other ways. I discovered that old wounds can open after a very long time. Especially if they are wounds of the mind. I lost many friends through death and destruction this year. I lost others as they scurried away for trivial reasons and/or their ego needs. Good riddance to those. Many more voids have been created this year than I have been able to fill.

As I start this next decade I will continue to repair and recover. Although I have traded passion away to conquer anger and hate, I still have a lot to look towards, things to do, people to love, places to go, and curiosities to satisfy. No doubt I will do it slower and with more caution than even just two years ago, but do it I will.

I'm beginning to regain my sense of humor. I've got good children, a reasonable wife (generally speaking), OK cats, and an almost new red Chevy pickup truck. Life is good.
I smile.