Accomplishments Feel Good

Johnny was in Florida with his brothers Rich, Bob, Steve and Brian for a long weekend. I am glad he is home safe and sound but I must say, his absence sure jump started my butt-dragging ways as of late. I had all his weekend chores and my weekend chores to accomplish so playing hearts on my cell phone all weekend was not an option. It felt good Sunday night to look around at the raked gardens, trimmed trees, empty laundry baskets and filled garbage, recycle and yard waste cans. Everything was in order. And you know me-I like everything in its place and a place for everything.

Thoughtless or Need for Independence?

It has been a life-long rule that anyone who lives under this roof be courteous enough to inform other people that live under this roof if they are not coming home. This isn't a 'big brother watching you' punitive rule. Actually it isn't even really a rule - more of an expectation that you treat loved ones with consideration.

The purpose of this expectation is not to pry into the lives of loved ones (unless your under 18 then I must confess, that is the purpose). The purpose is to keep the people lying awake waiting for you from worrying and allowing them to get a good night sleep knowing you are OK. Simple text. Quick voicemail. That's all it takes. Hey, you two...really?

Purpose and Meaning

In this family we are all trying to find purpose and meaning in our daily lives. Two have succeeded. One is in California and the other in Florida. Maybe that's what the rest of us need to do to succeed...travel to another state!

Shannon's Housesitting House in Palm Desert, CA

Hmmmm

I deeply enjoy viewing photos of family, friends and favorite events. I get a kick out of re-reading posts, emails and notes sent to me or written by me. I want to capture the process of navigating through the coming months as a newly retired worker (interested in a few side jobs).

I thought this blog would be the perfect place to chronicle the things in my life that are important. I saw it as a spectacular journaling tool. That has not been the case.

Pre-retirement I was always on the computer so I expected journaling via the computer would be a good fit. Post-retirement I don't want to be on the computer and thinking about putting together clever conversation with accompanying pictures just seems like so much work. Playing hearts on my phone is undeniably easier. This mindless activity does an excellent job of numbing the mind. I suspect that is the definition of a 'mindless activity' but don't quote me on that one.