Funny thing, it doesn’t seem like the start of the workweek. But it is for many that I still have regular contact with. I now look at life, day to day, instead of the previous workweek/weekend schedule.
Roadwork in Frederick MD. Photo by Mike Hartley
No end, or start, just days that I get to make of what I choose. At least till my better half rises or after she crashes. And even though it might look like work to many it’s just me having fun. Writing, photographing, drawing, carving, working on the home, or cutting our yard.
This old man washing and detailing his ride (Miata) isn’t cheap, I like doing that work. It reminds me of being young. The pride I took in polishing, motor, paint, and chrome.
It’s not that I retired young, I didn’t. I contemplated working till 70. But given my past health history, I jumped when I had the opportunity.
A couple of relatives will be retiring this year. It will be a year or two before my good friends follow me. So I will have more company soon.
I saw a recent AARP article headline that if I recall correctly said 1 in 4 seniors plan on working the rest of their life. Pew Research says 9% of those 75 and older are still working. That is way up from the 4% in 1987. And these numbers will continue to grow would be my guess.
I know a couple of people I love in situations where they will end up working the rest of their lives and not by choice. I also know some who may choose to work out of their desire or fear of having nothing to do in retirement.
I hope I can stay retired from working for someone other than myself. Well, other than doing some volunteer work in the future. Time will tell.
For those of you rising, risen, on their way, or already at your workstation, I salute you. Have a Great Day, regardless of that asshole customer, boss or coworker.
And for those of you in school for an education, suck it up, enjoy it. Work is the real bitch. And that is for those of us who love what we do.
I miss everything and nothing about my job. And I’m fine with retirement after a few weeks.
I miss seeing some of the people as often as I did. But have replaced that and the time I had to spend with others I don’t miss, with people I like is nice.
I thought I would miss being challenged or having a manager to challenge me. Nope, I’m fine with this because I’ve often challenged myself more. And I like being in charge, for a change of pace.
I do miss being part of an organization and people that I thought were doing an important service for society. So I do have to find a way to replace that.
I do miss messing with people who think they know everything.
I miss my office chair, it’s more comfortable than my home one.
I miss watching the power plays, games, and maneuvering people do to get ahead at work.
I do miss having a second home but am relieved I no longer have to commute to it.
I do miss standing shoulder to shoulder with valued co-workers doing difficult things in difficult times. And of course, I miss the fun times and laughter we shared very much.
I miss the “thank yous” after helping people on the job. But I hope to replace that soon.
I don’t miss night shifts.
I miss the excitement of the daily news cycle and deadlines all day long causing a constant flurry of action and reactions.
In some ways, I miss the pressure of having a machine and keeping it running at all times, and if it had a hick-up we had better have it fixed before someone sneezed. No failure to publish under my watch.
I do miss sharing my knowledge with people. Helping them grow and avoid problems.
I don’t miss being stuck in Washington DC traffic or the streets trying to eat my car.
I do miss the prestige of The Washington Post nameplate. But hopefully, I’ll have enough time to be proud of the one I create for myself now.
The elevator lobby of the old Washington Post building. Photo by Mike Hartley
Each day is this wonderous opportunity. I’ve felt so relaxed and so charged up at the same time. I’m working harder at my own pursuits the last few days and feeding this body some much needed rest at the same time.
Off the bench. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s been an interesting start to 2024. Just getting off that night shift has done wonders for my mental outlook. I feel like I’m part of society again. Not that I didn’t like my fellow nocturnal beings, there just weren’t too many of us.
Each day I’m discovering myself again. For I’m out of the business I worked my life in and while I separated my identity from that a while back, I’m learning what my new identity is.
I’m reprioritizing. I’m sorting differently. And I’m working with a sense of urgency and purpose now. I get up and I’m excited to get to work. I don’t see limits, just possibilities. So off I go for this early morning hour.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Listening is good but asking more questions is better if you really want to know.
Pick good friends, incorporate their best qualities.
I haven’t felt this alive in a while. Like I’m looking out and I have the chance to redefine my world. What an opportunity that is to have. And now that the job that pays the bills is no longer, the time to live again for wonderful things is about to happen. I don’t know who is more excited, my better half or me.
Enjoy the view with your best friend. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ve boxed up my work computers and they are ready to be sent back. Moved my work desk back into my office and got my two computers set up nicely on a separate desk. Also redesigned the TV area of the basement space a bit.
My balloon. Photo by Mike Hartley
I think this is the first New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that I haven’t worked in a long time. It’s sweet to have the time off. Tomorrow is another day off followed by another one and so on. Life is great again.
Coming up with my own 2024 goals list. It’s already pretty flushed out with ideas to review with my partner in travel and adventure. Tonight we are going to travel and see local light displays. Was too tired last night but we are out and about for a bit this evening.
Photos by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
Love is in the air to start the new year.
Retirement is a happiness pill you don’t even have to swallow, it’s just absorbed.
I’ve been a big supporter of the companies I’ve worked for throughout my career. I worked my ass off for these companies. I’ve sacrificed for these companies. I believed in these companies. I believed in the people working their asses off side by side with me. I’ve defended and sometimes even been a public face for them.
I believed in the mission these companies stood for and provided to the communities I lived in. I was proud and honored to work at each of them. I gave it my all, well most days, nobody’s perfect. I worked with the most inspiring people. I worked with the most talented people. I worked with the most respected people. I worked for some great leaders, publishers, editors, writers, photographers, technicians, and every other person who supports and makes a news organization run.
I have great respect for those behind the scenes and in the production and support areas that keep those news machines moving 24/7/365. Without fail, without pause, regardless of conditions, with ingenuity, with guile, with dedication.
Select your companies carefully. Photo by Mike Hartley
I never believed when I started in the mid-70s that the profession of local and national journalism would be mistrusted, despised, and hated. But coming out of that 2000-2008 timeframe and depression the dynamic changed. And continued to this day.
I feel like I was kind of blessed to work in the era I did, with the people I did, with the companies I did. Today is my last day with The Washington Post. And formerly of Zip Publishing, Patuxent Publishing, and Stromberg Publishing. Almost 5 decades flew by in the blink of an eye. And yes I did enjoy the journey. And a special thanks to all those I encountered along the way for all the laughs and successes at the same time.
So tomorrow I’ll be working for the company of my better half, my children and grandchildren, my friends, and of course here at TME. I might be retiring from Newspaper Publishing but I hope to be publishing for a long time to come both here and in other spots. Professionally who knows what’s ahead?
Down to my final few weeks of working for the job that pays the bills. I guess this is where the term “FULL STOP” comes from. I was going to argue that analogy but really I do have to exit one boat and get on another. I’ve been riding a ship called the Miracle on 15th Street for almost 26 years now.
As with any voyage it’s had its rough seas. But also some beautiful sailing ones that I will reflect on the rest of my life. I’ve had a couple of my past managers reach out and say some very appreciative and touching things to me which are very personal. Also thanks from co-workers and current managers.
Ride the Dragon. Photo by Mike Hartley
I spent last night talking to my friend Jake who’s been there almost 50 years which is about the time also have in the industry. We have seen and experienced so much. We both smile and chuckle throughout the conversation. We sometimes pause and reflect on co-workers that have passed that we were close with.
We talk of difficult times, situations, people, environments and on the flip side the many positive ones that both brought laughter and sadness for days we missed. For instance even though those old buildings on 15th Street were a mess and had roaches and rats, it was so much more of a feeling of home than that sterile office now on 13th that is leased. It had character, history and feeling. Even though the presses were taken out of downtown and printing plants in College Park and Springfield were doing the production it still had that Newspaper Office substance. I mean decades of cigarette stained walls, the many years of experience manning the desks, banging out stories and running out to catch the next scoop. Despite the cleaning I don’t think they ever got rid of all the paper lint or ink stains around the place till it was torn down.
We talked of the printing plants, the data center moves, the disaster systems. We remembered the significant events in history that happened and challenged us like 9/11. We remembered successes and some screwed up situations. We ran through the many systems we have installed, supported and replaced over time and the trials and tribulations with them.
We have memories, many of them. We have senses of accomplishment and also sadness that it’s coming to an end. That sense of loss and a end of one thing I’ve been doing all my life is what I will cycle through the next two weeks and a night.
I’ll have more conversations, more laughs, more goodbyes. I’ll stay in touch with some and others will fade. I will probably ramble on in the future about the experience but in these last days I’m soaking it in, feeling proud of the effort, knowing I made a difference many times along the way and that a lot of it went unseen. And that is okay also because many of us who work behind the scenes in producing that daily paper do it every day with pride. If I’m lucky in the next two weeks I’ll have a spotless record of never failing to publish under my watch.
I’ve enjoyed working with so many professionals along the way. Many who shared valuable knowledge, skills and information both in work and personally along the way that made me much better. I hope I’ve done the same along the way and shared my knowledge and experience in both work and life with others. I feel I have and that is a good feeling also.
One final thought today. With the demise of the local and daily papers and the mistrust in any publications nowadays I hope people reflect on what we once had. A society of trust based on peoples best efforts to bring truth and facts to our everyday lives as well as the positive things from little Jimmy hitting his first little league home run to the local teachers doing wonderful things, to the local governments and the community of volunteers that help so many with so little so much.
Lots of important things are lost without news that is trusted. They raised issues that people need to address but in a context of communication and understanding from both parties to work towards something better.
Maybe that pile of wood pulp fashioned into fact checked words and images that landed on your doorstep or driveway or paperbox had more significance in our society than we thought.
I did a quick Google – How many local newspapers have closed in the US?
“Co-authored by Northwestern visiting professor Penny Abernathy and project director Sarah Stonbely, this year’s report marks the sixth edition of the “State of Local News” project. The researchers found that since 2005, the U.S. has lost nearly 2,900 newspapers and 43,000 journalists.Nov 16, 2023″
Random Thoughts of the Day
If you can get around all the negative stuff, there is a lot to enjoy in life.
A good way to avoid the negative stuff is to leave the TV off.
Get up, Get out, Get healthy.
I have neglected to factor illnesses like covid, flu, colds, rsv, and into my holiday schedule. So I don’t have time for you now so see me next year.
Our realities are very interlinked. It’s our minds that are far apart.
I will miss my doctor asking me “if I’m still bleeding ink” at my visits. That is his way of asking if I’m still working in newspapers. I told him that was a phrase we lifers used a long while back.
There is a coming change to all my meetings. I’ll be collaborating with a whole new team of people next year for my professional and personal pursuits. The teams of my professional life of the last two and half decades will be replaced with many new ones.
Meet this. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ll be joining photo groups and interacting with other artists in hopes of learning and expanding my view of what I can do. I’ll be using old publishing friends who have also retired to critique work, share ideas with, and get feedback.
A few months back an old coworker and special friend talked about working on a project from our past together. We both had setbacks since that meeting but I hope to rekindle that energy and work together.
I’ll be meeting with my better half and children more. I’ll be meeting with friends more often and hosting more events here for them.
A financial team to guide us through our senior years. And of course medical teams. I’m not sure I want to meet often or more new ones of them anytime soon.
I might reach out and expand my team of neighbors. Some old ones we know are moving soon and some new ones we haven’t met with much. I’ll be trying to do some charity work so that will be another team.
Of course, I’d love to expand my online team of new friends and share with more people.
I was never a big fan of meetings but the kind that I can have now leave me looking forward to them.
It looks like I’ll have no trouble filling the void of time the work-life is leaving me to use.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Friendships are wonderful. Long-term meaningful ones are a gift to the soul.
Buckle up East Coast, time for a weather ride.
I love working on my father’s old desk. It’s a bit small and not made for computers but those things don’t matter at all. One of these days I’ll get it sanded and refinished again and hope that one of my children will take it in the future.
It’s now official, I got my signed separation papers late yesterday from The Washington Post, and that long-term ride will come to an end soon. It’s been a very interesting experience. One I’ll probably spend some time on in future posts but it’s time to savor the last few weeks in Newspaper Publishing.
As one ride stops, look for another one to get on. Photo by Mike Hartley
In some ways, I’m so excited I could run through a wall. In others, a relaxing wave comes over me, I might just sleep the first few days. Or I could be a nervous wreck with so much unused energy that I’ll drive those around me crazy.
Between now and then I have lots to do and finalize. Many people to thank and wish well. I guess our house is in order as well as it’s ever going to be. And next year begins what I hope is a great chapter in our lives.
Control
This is an interesting feeling. I’ll again have more control over my life and time for the first time since I was a young teenager. Flexibility on when to rise and crash. Time to play sports or someone to yell “Road Trip” or relax with friends at someone’s home and enjoy a meal.
The ability to look at my better half and suggest a long or short trip and not worry about the work awaiting me when I get back or the interruptions while on vacation from work. Or to just lay in a hammock side by side knowing that we don’t have to move to have a meal at a specific time to allow me to get to work on time.
Returning to my first career love (Arts) and the opportunity to practice those crafts and not starve myself or my family at the same time.
Resuming my physical fitness. The last time I was in really good shape was in my teens and maybe early 20s. But I’m closer to that now than I’ve ever been in decades and while I have some work to do I’m on that path to good fitness and hopefully health.
It’s almost like starting over again. Like being fresh out of high school and having all the options in front of you, and I have a large family and a network of great friends to enjoy it with.
One of the lines in an old song from Rush album 2112 that I like is “We have assumed Control.” That “we”, is my better half and I. Then again I hear control is an illusion.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I didn’t make much progress overnight, but I did have some fun.
Space heater, my winter survival tool.
I guess it is kind of ironic that the first call I got to schedule something after my retirement date was from the doctor’s scheduling person for my colonoscopy appointment.
It felt good to pick up the cameras again yesterday.
Only when you’re short on time do you realize you haven’t made the best use of time along the way.
I’m about to see if I have both passion and perseverance for the things I’d like to do in retirement. I believe I’ve had those assets in my professional life and I’m looking forward to seeing if I can cut it in my own work. I know I get along with the new boss and I’m partially in control of the budget. So we are off to a good start.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’d like to leave something special for all my family. Be it images, words, carvings, videos, or just my time and energies or all of them.
I’d love to create a beautiful picture of the place I live because I see a lot of beauty in it. I’d love to do a few books even though I don’t consider myself a writer. I’d like to see others enjoy the meals I prepare. I’d like to teach my grandkids anything they want to learn and maybe some things they haven’t thought of.
I want to make something and be something special for my friends. Be it lending an ear, a shared experience, laughs by the firepits, or a phone call to a vacation or a special image or video. I want to be the best friend I can be.
I want to do something for others. For instance, I had thought about taking the work I’ve created at Arlington National Cemetery and offering prints or images to anyone who has family or friends interned there for nothing. Or maybe do a photo book and donate any profits to family members of the lost military in need. Maybe volunteer to do gravesite photos for families that live far away at various seasons.
I’m sure I’ll be out and about doing some volunteer work of some sort. There is a local place called Small Miracles Rescue that a friend told me about and I might inquire about putting some time in there. I could kill two birds with one stone if I spent some of the time walking the dogs. I like cats also and I’ve missed having a pet of my own for years now. So I think I’d get as much enjoyment from the contact with pets as they would with me.
I’m trying to get a jump on things and I’m getting a lot more done in my personal life and hobbies than I have in a while. Trouble is I’m burning the candle at both ends. Soon I can extinguish one side.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Nothing like going into retirement with a new hammock.
One thing I’m trying to resist the urge for in retirement is tinkering with my car. It’s a lot of fun but also can be a pricey hobby.
It would be nice if hostilities near and far could be paused for the season. It would be better if they were paused forever.
As I reach for the bottle of water in the fridge I can’t help but stare at the Cherry Coke and hear it whisper “Drink me”.
Well, the weekend flew by and I’m figuring today will be no exception to that rule so I’m starting this early in the hope of having time to do something of substance between the chores and working for the man tonight. I’ve written some of my feelings about sports and me. And below that the countdown to retirement. And of course some Random Thoughts.
Now there is a creative way to get a child to use a toothbrush. Photo by Mike Hartley
Sports and Me
Sports is losing its appeal to me. Greedy owners, gambling, and some athletes’ attitudes and choices/examples all conspire to make it a less enjoyable experience. Not to mention the very wild interpretation of officiating from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of quality people in sports for the right reasons. Most athletes do some wonderful things for those less fortunate and some set a great example of human beings.
But what had been standards for decades have fallen apart. My example is college sports and conferences. What once were great rivalries and regional sources of pride are all gone. Add that to college athletes moving from school to school year to year is like watching pro teams that change the pieces more than they stay the same.
Gone are the days when college kids committed to a University, developed as players and people, and stayed the 4 years. I think back to the National Championship team of Maryland in 2001-2002. 3 of the starters were seniors, 1 junior and one sophomore rounded out the starting lineup. The first 4 guys off the bench were all seniors or juniors. In other words, EXPERIENCE – 4 players from that team went to the Pro’s.
Now if you see talent they are going pro in the first year or two. A lot of them are busts in that move. And then if you stick in college for a year or two you go to a better opportunity or more visible one at another school.
But let’s move on to something that my perception of has changed greatly. Pro and College Football are modern-day gladiators, leaving pieces of themselves in arenas around the country. Strength Speed and Techniques have changed the dynamic. The game hasn’t changed, the bodies within the field have. The 6-foot 180 lb lineman has been replaced by the 6’5″ 310+ lb behemoth of a man. Most kickers are bigger than most past position players. And fast, so fast that many still stare in awe each week at bursts of speeds by various players.
I hate to say this, but it’s only a matter of time before someone isn’t revived on a nationally televised broadcast. Then there is the brain. As someone who has had several concussions, I worry greatly about my future and the mental effects of them. I understand the love of a game no matter what it is. I also know that they are smart enough to be worried about those effects and some are probably thinking about playing fewer years.
It’s not just greedy owners or players. Fans have also changed. Passion has been replaced by fanaticism. Mix in some booze and gambling and loss of a normal perspective and you have some dangerous situations when you mix two opposing teams.
Worrying about point spreads or the over/under or parlays or whatever gambling terms I’m not familiar with, change the way fans view, act, and react at games. We have already seen several examples of fans being upset at a player who didn’t score enough for their bet. This was true for the local Washington basketball team in this article earlier this year.
Sports also changed from the common man to the elitist perk. Going to any major college or pro sporting event is something the common man has to think about the money involved. But corporations and the well-to-do buy-up seats like I pour gravy over stuffing later this week. And if you find seats in the upper areas they still want the arm, leg, and firstborn to attend.
The NCAA has been a failure. I love the change Major League Baseball made to speed up the game this past year and it has increased my viewing and interest. To me, baseball hasn’t forgotten the fans as much as other sports.
Sports is big business, just like gambling is big business. Now that they have merged it’s all money.
I will always enjoy playing any sport. I will always enjoy watching a sport be it the kids in the local little league, my Maryland Terps basketball team, the Yankees and Orioles going head to head, or maybe a Green Bay Packers game with my son someday.
I just feel bad for the youth because they don’t have my perspective on what I feel is being lost in modern sports. The true meaning of the joy of competition. I bet if people put in more time on their jumper, they would have a lot more fun instead of their faces in a smartphone making bets.
Countdown
About 3-4 years ago I started a little countdown. I had grown frustrated with the direction in our area and to keep my focus and still have a goal I could look forward to I started counting down the weeks till retirement. Little post-it notes that I would keep a countdown till what I thought would be my retirement date. Week by week I’d tick off a number. It was my little reward at the end of each week for working hard regardless of the circumstances around me.
Well, about 2 1/2 years ago I was fortunate enough to be able to work from home for the remainder of my career. I can’t tell you how that has made the last of my work time much more pleasant. Having to commute to the middle of Washington DC isn’t a good experience. And after doing that drive for over two decades of almost a hundred-mile round trip it was such a load off my personal life that the job was OK again.
I lost track of the number of weeks. That was till a few weeks ago when the company decided that date for me. A bit earlier than I thought but I’m fine with it now. Things are working out and I will be off for the New Year holiday instead of working. And I’ll be off all future holidays if all goes well and every other day for that matter.
But the weeks are down now to a single-digit number. And that is a good feeling indeed.
There are a few people I will miss. Ones I’ve shared many years, trials, and experiences with. Many have retired before me that I have missed a long time. Of course, I will miss the action. If I didn’t enjoy the chaos and pressures of working in the daily publishing business I would have left it decades ago.
I will miss the news cycle and seeing information and images come in before they are published. I will miss keeping up with technology. I will miss the smell of ink and paper when I go to the plant. I will miss the activity and electricity on election nights. I will miss being part of The Miracle on 15th Street.
Which leads me to a sudden realization. I didn’t start out with this plan. I worked hard for many opportunities and had others come along. I’ve worked in many capacities within my industry and learned many wonderful things. I’ve been blessed working with a lot of very good people along the way. Yeah, some assholes also, but luckily they were far outnumbered by good people. I like to laugh and found a great number of people who also liked humor. You had to have humor in high-stress environments.
And as I enter the final weeks I’m glad I made the decisions along the way I did. Were they always the right ones? I did pass a few management opportunities. Also some other technical ones. Only the ones I did make count and I’m very happy with the work I’ve done along the way.
I’m so glad that the relationships along the way have remained so strong and active. And that is a blessing. I hope others can feel fulfilled in their jobs when they reach the end of them. Especially my own children.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I admire a child’s creativity and freedom of expression.
A snowball still tastes great in 50-degree weather. Only 3-4 more weeks before they close for the season. Then I get to Jones for 3 months till they open again and signs of spring arrive to rescue me from the cold.
Be something special to your children and grandchildren.
Too many of us are just out for ourselves. That is a sad thing to say.
Being around children gives me hope. Most young people give me hope. It’s the adults that panic the crap out of me.
I wonder if days will lose their significance when I retire. Every once in a while when on vacation I might forget what day it is for a few moments. I wonder if that will be the case when I’m not on someone else’s schedule any longer.
No more punching a clock. Photo by Mike Hartley
In some ways, I hope that isn’t the case. I want to know what day it is for my workout routine (not that I have one now). I’d also like to get out and do a daily shooting around the county. And if I’m posting daily that will be another reminder.
Two of my best friends will be working so that will be a reminder for a little bit till they join me. Speaking of that, we have had a standing meeting, (The Vigil) on Thursdays since I went on the night shift 9 years ago. Now that I’m going to be flexible I can make the occasional Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football or the many basketball games of the Maryland Terpians I used to miss. Or just those spur-of-the-moment happy hours.
Then I remembered, that I’ll always have the doctor’s appointments that fill the calendar of seniors to remind me what day of the week it is.
Significance of Timing
My better half and I are a bit crispy. She said to me this week “We need a vacation” and I can’t argue with her. As I was thumbing through some old photos I hadn’t used I ran across this one at the entrance to Ocean City Maryland.
It got me thinking about going to the shore in the off-season. It’s really quiet then. But it’s her turn to choose and maybe we will head west to Rocky Gap or south to southern Maryland. Wherever it is, it will be good for both of us.
I don’t want to fish, I just want to relax. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
I had a pleasure cruise of about 45 minutes today. It was enough to leave me feeling good again.
A good start always is best followed by a good second gear.
Scratch my back and I’ll stay thank you. No, just kidding, I’ll scratch yours.
I never thought about it before but I’ll have that Miata for the rest of my life no matter how old I live to be. It’s just that fun.
As you get older you discover traditions change. I don’t like it. Jeez, that sounded old.
Music Thoughts
I ran across an old song I used to like in the 70s and as soon as I heard it I remembered the lyrics meant something to me so I looked them up as the song played. Yep, I liked them then and I like’m now. I believe this was released in 1976 – the same year I began my career in newspapers. Time to continue to make my own story.
Something for Nothing – by the band Rush
Waiting for the winds of change To sweep the clouds away Waiting for the rainbow’s end To cast its gold your way Countless ways You pass the days
Waiting for someone to call And turn your world around Looking for an answer to The questions you have found Looking for An open door
Oh, you don’t get something for nothing You don’t get freedom for free You won’t get wise With the sleep still in your eyes No matter what your dreams might be
No, you don’t get something for nothing You can’t have freedom for free You won’t get wise With the sleep still in your eyes No matter what your dream might be
What you own is your own kingdom What you do is your own glory What you love is your own power What you live is your own story
In your head is the answer Let it guide you along Let your heart be the anchor And the beat of your song
Oh you don’t get something for nothing You can’t have freedom for free, no
Whoa, you don’t get something for nothing You can’t have freedom for free
I hate stubbing my toes before I sit down to write. It makes it very hard to concentrate while my toes are throbbing. About 10 minutes before that I twisted my left knee. This is not a good start for the lower left side of the body for an early Wednesday morning well before sunrise.
I guess that the old adage is probably true – No Pain-No Gain. So off to bed, I went after a hard night of work and injuries.
Out the Door Today
I didn’t get far out my door today. To the side patio in fact for this shot and to the mailbox and trash out. Other than that just busy inside the house. I still ache from this morning, the toes recovered, but the knee is worse. Another reason I didn’t venture out. I figured the clutch activity needed to drive wouldn’t do the left knee any good.
Tomorrow out the door will certainly be further away than 20 feet from my back door. Photo by Mike Hartley
The last worknight of the week is ahead of me. That will leave just over a handful of weeks of work left. A very strange feeling. I can’t remember being out of work much over the last five decades. Maybe a day or two in between jobs at the most. And over that span, I’ve only had 4 jobs, 2 of which spanned 47 years.
I wonder if I’ll be wearing a path around the house and yard. With it being winter at that time I’ll be held back from putting a lot of miles on the Miata. I feel a bit nervous about it already at times. The first task will be changing my sleep cycle. No small task after years of flip-flopping from nocturnal to daywalker each week.
I’m going to incorporate a workout from day one and do it daily from then on. That should help with some of the nervous energy.
It’s going to be strange. I had a life-altering event when I got to work from home full-time for the last few years. That was 12 hours a week I wasn’t spending sitting in the seat of a car in traffic. It was a win-win for both the company and me. I was able to give them some time on the front and back side of my shift and be more flexible. They got a fresher and sharper me each day.
But getting 45-50 hours back a week, I can’t imagine the feeling. Even vacations never came close to the feeling of being retired I expect. Most of the time work came with me on vacation. Just the options on what to do with all that time is an overwhelming thought at times even with all the plans I have.
I hope to relax and be a little less hyper. A better diet is also in the plans. But till then it’s life as normal. I have to get some grub and sit down at mission control.
Random Thoughts of the Day
A photo you think would look better in a frame won’t. A photo you know looks good will look better in a frame.
When the weather gets cold it takes me twice as long to stretch out in the mornings.
I’ve driven over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge many times, in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and convertibles. It never used to bother me much at all but as I’ve gotten older I feel my grip on the wheel tightening. Didn’t notice it till the last few trips home this year.
I feel the need to watch some comedy, I need a few laughs.
If nobody is seated for the sunrise did it really rise?
Get me this ticket please. Oh yeah, Ocean City has my standing reservation. Photo by Mike Hartley
“If” is a statement I won’t be using as much when retirement day comes. No more “if I had the time” or “if I wasn’t so tired” excuses. No more “if I could just learn that technique” or “if I didn’t have to work I could catch that game or go to dinner.”
No more “if I had time to do a regular workout” or “if I could just do the yardwork when I felt like it” or “if I just didn’t have to go to work after doctors appointments” or “if I could be off on a holiday and celebrate like most people.”
The if in retirement has been removed. A date is set.
Another day filled with possibilities. Ones I hope to take advantage of. I’ve been multitasking all night and morning and after a few hours sleep I’m plugging away again. The chores are completed, awaiting the trick or treaters in a little bit and then work again.
Random Thoughts of the Day
Leftover candy is a curse.
Trying your best always isn’t rewarded.
Be satisfied with what you feel are accomplishments.
It’s easier if you see others make mistakes and then not repeat them yourself.
Lots of old things still run well. Look at all of us seniors running around. This beast below was still running. Even a new set of headlights it appears.
I’m glad I’m still running. Well, I’m walking at least. Days of running are behind me. Unless the guys decide to play some pickup basketball. I’m tempted to try some tennis with my son but that isn’t running really.
Made to last. Photo by Mike Hartley
So another day to see what we can accomplish. I’ve reassembled the team of me, myself, and I again. I’m going to assign “I” a photo assignment each day to capture a few new images. I hope to get “me” to do the editing and then I’ll assign “myself” the task of doing two posts a day with some good content.
But being time is short today I think I’ll try to find something interesting inside the house to photograph.
Several years ago I started sort of an unofficial countdown. I kept a post-it note on my monitor and each week I would decrease the count by one. I never told anyone what it was. When I left the office for good when Covid started I was still in the hundreds and I think there was a row of 3-4 post-it notes with decreasing numbers.
But now much time has passed and I’m looking at the number of weeks left and it’s a double-digit number. Of course, any plans that far off can change. Who knows what the next few months will bring? But that is the plan and the working days full time left between now and then are few and to be appreciated.
I got to work again last night on more documentation for my teammates. The calls I make in the coming months might be the last time I talk to some people. And then there are some close people that I want to carve away some time to speak to at length and thank them.
Driving a distance to DC for over 2 decades was something I didn’t realize the toll and time it took out of my life till I didn’t have to do it. I haven’t been downtown in years now working remotely. But I find myself drawn to the office to visit some of those people face-to-face in the coming months. To shake hands, to give a hug, to wish them much success and happiness.
I’d like to walk through the Springfield printing plant another time and say goodbye to a few people there. I’d like to meet my new boss in person and thank him and wish him well and also my old boss.
They tell me my desk is still there and my things the way I left them so I’ll gather that stuff up. And then someday to HR to make things official.
As I sit here I think I may have underestimated the change that will bring. While I have numerous things planned to fill the time that I enjoy doing, I still will miss not being part of that daily cycle. To see the news as it’s happening.
To illustrate this point I’ll refer to the horrible day of 9/11/2001. I worked many many hours that day and night and into the next day if I remember correctly. I was working in the area where systems I managed included the wire services for news and photos. I also had our own internal publishing system.
I was seeing things before they even hit broadcast tv or print. And that is the way it is even today and even more intently today with things on the web being updated in real-time all the time. It’s a nice perk to the job being kind of a news junkie.
My better half pointed out today that I’m working all the time. Always have been, even when I’m off. And I can’t disagree with her. I only hope I can keep it up and transfer that energy to my own efforts and not get lazy.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I liked Frosted Flakes as a kid and I like them today.
The trick is to always give 100% even though you may feel like 50%.
Some things about the way I live bother me. Like the amount of plastic, I use and throw away each day. I’ve got to find a good use for that.
This is the least pain I’ve been in for a few weeks. Which brought a smile to my face as I typed this.
Having a lot of ideas on how to best help others when I have more free time.
