News From the Front

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Category: Travel

Published: 31 December 2008

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Okay, the second day’s driving is out of the way . There was a little excitement at the last as the low fuel light came on about 16 miles from our destination and we ended up arriving with almost nothing in the tank.

Read more: Road Trip – Day 2

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Category: Travel

Published: 31 December 2008

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Okay, I might as well tell everyone about the great road trip. I guess we have to look at it as our first official act as a retired person. Okay, let’s set the stage: We have two graduations, two birthday parties and an anniversary celebration – all in the month of May. In four states, including Florida. Of course, one could always fly to all those events, but hey, we’re poor retired folk now, so we drive.

Read more: The Great Road Trip – Day One

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Category: Work

Published: 31 December 2008

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Holy guacamole, 11 days left. Weird. I’m busy trying to get things ready to leave Malongo, and leave my job. Some things get packed, some things get pitched, some things get given away. There’s a sense of urgency about those last few things I want to say to the crew.

Read more: Winding Down

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Category: Work

Published: 31 December 2008

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I’m not the bravest guy in the world, but I don’t consider myself to be the most risk adverse either. I’ve done a few things that might be considered scary, and a few others that were just plain stupid (usually followed by pain or a loud bang). I enjoy the occasional rush. I’m about to do one of the most scary things I’ve ever done. I’m going to retire.

I often wondered about the phrase “pulling the pin”. I’ve used it many times – it’s one of those things you don’t think about very much. If you did, you’d realize that it’s something one would say about pulling the pin out of a hand grenade and running away. Bang.

I guess that’s what I’m doing – running away. Or at least sauntering. One way or the other I’m making a change.

I’m retired. Holy annunity, Batman!

After 31 years working for the same company, I’ve decided to pull the pin. I’ll do one more hitch. Then we’ll head to California where we will work on our house there and give the market some time to recover, then sell the place and move to Mexico.

It’s a pretty scary feeling, taking away one’s security blanket, but it’s time. I need a break.