Retirement ?

RETIREMENT- is the point where a person stops employment completely (or decides to leave the labor force if he or she is unemployed). A person may also semi-retire by reducing work hours.
     I "retired" (left my old career field, and "regular" work hours) just over a year ago, I had FINALLY tired of the proverbial '9 to 5', and increasingly frustrated with 'Medicine'.
     Many friends and family were concerned that when I retired I would do what many have done (become sedentary and die) but I have always been a busy person, involved in lots of things. I looked forward to retirement so I could do many of them, when living in Arizona I had some livestock projects I wanted to expand, started wood carving, glass etching, painting and making reproductions of "Native American" items.I have been working on a book for several years and was going to devote more time to that.
     However after re-evaluating affairs of the heart and finances we decided to move Home to Louisiana, where we had family [kids, grand kids] .Moving back has changed some things, such is life, space limitations have but the "Art Work" on hold, and 'new' career developments have limited the time dedicated to the book [I am saving for a good lap top so I can work while on set !].
     Two landmark events occurred this past Labor Day weekend which have set me to reflecting on
"retirement" again, I used a "GARMIN" for the first time, my Son lent me his [I want to know how that British dude knows so much about North Louisiana] The other landmark was my 45 Th HIGH SCHOOL reunion. YES, FORTH-FIVE YEARS- a life time for many !
     I did not get to attend in the flesh but enjoyed the pics and video's via the internet [great technological progress in 45 years] as I viewed the pictures I wondered who those "Old" people were who were pretending to be my former classmates. We seldom picture ourselves growing old, both my Son's are graying, my oldest Daughter just turned 40 and my eldest Son will soon be 41. I am fortunate in that I am most always surrounded by younger people. The girl I am married to now, did not witness the first manned space flight, and was born the year after the "Beatles" came to America.
     In the line of work I am involved in now most of my associates are are 15-20 years or more younger than I.It is a good feeling to be able , in most cases, to keep up with them, to be able to work as long and hard as they many of them are surprised to discover that I am in my 60's [they think I am prematurely White Haired].
     I have much to be thankful for,I am in reasonably good health, I limp from some old wounds, and have a couple of medical issues caused by poor life style choices [20 lbs over weight and High Blood Pressure]. I have many new and old friends and a family that tolerates me and asks for my help and advice as if they still need me.A wise man, I believe it was Mark Twain who said "The only problem with youth is that it is wasted on the young."

I am going, now to sit in my recliner with a bowl of Ice Cream and record "Americas Got Talent", in case I fall asleep and text unsolicited advice to people I think might need it !

I can get away with it because I am old.