Waiting, waiting, waiting. So many days to go, so many plans to make. I know well the old saying, "Do you know how to make God laugh? Tell him your plans." So I try to make careful plans but know that anything could change, and probably will. We'll just have to wait and see.
Doing a little catching up on my NCIS episodes. I don't watch much regular television anymore, it has just gotten too silly for the most part. I refuse to rush home to catch some episode or another of shows guaranteed to increase my slide into selinity as I age, lol.
So, for the shows I do like, I get the DVD's when they come out and catch up with each season. Between NCIS and Big Bank Theory, there will be plenty of episodes to catch up on. I do love these shows. The characters are just more than a flat boring representation of everyday people that do the same old thing, the same old way. You get used to seeing them, watching their interaction, and then, eventually, the series gets cancelled. Sometimes it's like losing family, almost.
I hate it when that happens.
Mac
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Alright, 31 days from today I'll be retired. It's still not real yet. I'm sure it will be at some point, but it may be after it's already here, lol.
Went to a retirement seminar today to get info about what to expect, and so far, it's all as planned. I don't see anything so far that can put things in jeopardy. So far.
Saw some old friends today that I hadn't seen in a long time. With a department of nearly 5,000 people, spread across a very large county, it is sometimes hard to keep up with each other over the years. Many of us came on board about the same time, or close, and now are all reaching that point in our careers when it's time to either retire, or seriously start contemplating it. All seemed in agreement about one point, it's really time to go.
Yup, it's really time to go......
Mac
Went to a retirement seminar today to get info about what to expect, and so far, it's all as planned. I don't see anything so far that can put things in jeopardy. So far.
Saw some old friends today that I hadn't seen in a long time. With a department of nearly 5,000 people, spread across a very large county, it is sometimes hard to keep up with each other over the years. Many of us came on board about the same time, or close, and now are all reaching that point in our careers when it's time to either retire, or seriously start contemplating it. All seemed in agreement about one point, it's really time to go.
Yup, it's really time to go......
Mac
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
I don't know, is it even worth it anymore to even think about the political situation in this country? Will it make one whit of difference? I just don't know.
Our government spends money like it's going out of style, wants to tax us to get even more, and has NO plan to do anything about the deficits or the debt. None. Nada. Zip, zero, zilch.
No plan to reduce the entitlements people in this country have come to feel they are "owed". No plan to reduce giving our money away in grants to study fruit flies, or to keep Pakistan in our pocket for a little bit longer. No plan to reduce anything except the amount of money you are allowed to keep, IF you are allowed to work at all in the first place.
Those of us who have worked our entire adult lives without asking the government for anything except to keep the roads and bridges fixed and maintain a military that can defend the country are getting really tired of being asked for more and more money in order to "take care of" the vast and growing numbers of individuals in this country who could work and take care of themselves, but won't.
So, they say, "Tax The Rich" like that is some kind of answer, sheesh. The so called "rich" don't have enough money, even if you took every cent they own, to fix the problem, so it's a straw man argument, meant to distract us from the fact they've spent us into the poor house and the debtors are breathing down our necks.
We spend billions and trillions of dollars on things that have nothing to do with this country or it's interests. I say, "we" but it is the permanent political class that has taken over our government and insist they are doing all these things for "the common good". What a farce. They are doing it to guarantee their power base and that is the ONLY thing they are doing it for. They are a joke and a pox on this nation, regardless of party.
You think we'd have taken a clue when we realized they can't see their own reflection in a mirror.....
Mac
Our government spends money like it's going out of style, wants to tax us to get even more, and has NO plan to do anything about the deficits or the debt. None. Nada. Zip, zero, zilch.
No plan to reduce the entitlements people in this country have come to feel they are "owed". No plan to reduce giving our money away in grants to study fruit flies, or to keep Pakistan in our pocket for a little bit longer. No plan to reduce anything except the amount of money you are allowed to keep, IF you are allowed to work at all in the first place.
Those of us who have worked our entire adult lives without asking the government for anything except to keep the roads and bridges fixed and maintain a military that can defend the country are getting really tired of being asked for more and more money in order to "take care of" the vast and growing numbers of individuals in this country who could work and take care of themselves, but won't.
So, they say, "Tax The Rich" like that is some kind of answer, sheesh. The so called "rich" don't have enough money, even if you took every cent they own, to fix the problem, so it's a straw man argument, meant to distract us from the fact they've spent us into the poor house and the debtors are breathing down our necks.
We spend billions and trillions of dollars on things that have nothing to do with this country or it's interests. I say, "we" but it is the permanent political class that has taken over our government and insist they are doing all these things for "the common good". What a farce. They are doing it to guarantee their power base and that is the ONLY thing they are doing it for. They are a joke and a pox on this nation, regardless of party.
You think we'd have taken a clue when we realized they can't see their own reflection in a mirror.....
Mac
Monday, October 28, 2013
I'm not sure which I'm more upset by, the people who think their religion can act any way it wants, no matter what, or the people who think the U. S. military is going to take over and suppress the population!
First, the religious folks. Okay, I'm a Christian. Baptized and everything. But to me my religion is between me and God, no one else. I know what's expected of ME. I do not expect everyone else in the world to try and meet the expectations God has for ME. I do not advocate passing law, rules, and regulations to make everyone adhere to God's expectations of ME. I choose to follow what God wants because that's what I think is right for ME. So when I hear people who want to base laws on their religious beliefs, so that everyone is forced to live up to their beliefs, then I want to just get them a t-shirt that says, "I AM THE TALIBAN!"
Because you know what? That's how the Taliban is. They think everyone should live by THEIR religious beliefs. And they are willing to force you to do so if you come under their control. They believe that every single person on earth should adhere to the standards their God has for them. And they are willing to kill you in order to enforce their beliefs.
So, are we the Taliban, or aren't we? Lets take an example: Homosexuality. Christians say it is a sin against God, an abomination, if you will. Hmmmmm, so do the Muslims. Here's where we all part ways. If you think God doesn't want you to be a homosexual, then DON'T BE ONE! But leave the rest of the world alone! Keep it between you and God. No one else is interested. If you think women should not dress however they want, and expose certain parts of their body, then you're in excellent company! The Taliban think so, too!! To be sure, they take it to a bit of an extreme, no doubt, since they don't even want a woman to show her face, eh? But the principle is the exact same, it just varies in degree. What's scary is that there are varying levels of degree right here in the good old U S of A.
No religion should be in charge of government. No religion. No religion should pass any rules except for those agreed upon for their own congregation and even then it's only voluntary and between you and your God. No one has the right to punish you for disappointing God, he is fully capable of taking care of the situation himself (yes ladies, I'm a sexist for saying God is male, get over it).
Oh, and if you Atheists and others who are all enamored of Government as your religion, you're just as bad. Passing laws that enforce what YOU believe we should be doing, regardless of the outcome, simply because doing so makes you "feel" good. You're a bunch of clueless, pathetic idiots who don't know the first thing about human nature. Laws, regulations, policies and procedures, etc, etc, etc, do not produce freedom and prosperity. All they do is slowly choke the life out of liberty and freedom, all in the name of "helping".
Stop it already! Before you "help" us onto the trash heap of history.
We'll cover the other topic another night.
Mac
First, the religious folks. Okay, I'm a Christian. Baptized and everything. But to me my religion is between me and God, no one else. I know what's expected of ME. I do not expect everyone else in the world to try and meet the expectations God has for ME. I do not advocate passing law, rules, and regulations to make everyone adhere to God's expectations of ME. I choose to follow what God wants because that's what I think is right for ME. So when I hear people who want to base laws on their religious beliefs, so that everyone is forced to live up to their beliefs, then I want to just get them a t-shirt that says, "I AM THE TALIBAN!"
Because you know what? That's how the Taliban is. They think everyone should live by THEIR religious beliefs. And they are willing to force you to do so if you come under their control. They believe that every single person on earth should adhere to the standards their God has for them. And they are willing to kill you in order to enforce their beliefs.
So, are we the Taliban, or aren't we? Lets take an example: Homosexuality. Christians say it is a sin against God, an abomination, if you will. Hmmmmm, so do the Muslims. Here's where we all part ways. If you think God doesn't want you to be a homosexual, then DON'T BE ONE! But leave the rest of the world alone! Keep it between you and God. No one else is interested. If you think women should not dress however they want, and expose certain parts of their body, then you're in excellent company! The Taliban think so, too!! To be sure, they take it to a bit of an extreme, no doubt, since they don't even want a woman to show her face, eh? But the principle is the exact same, it just varies in degree. What's scary is that there are varying levels of degree right here in the good old U S of A.
No religion should be in charge of government. No religion. No religion should pass any rules except for those agreed upon for their own congregation and even then it's only voluntary and between you and your God. No one has the right to punish you for disappointing God, he is fully capable of taking care of the situation himself (yes ladies, I'm a sexist for saying God is male, get over it).
Oh, and if you Atheists and others who are all enamored of Government as your religion, you're just as bad. Passing laws that enforce what YOU believe we should be doing, regardless of the outcome, simply because doing so makes you "feel" good. You're a bunch of clueless, pathetic idiots who don't know the first thing about human nature. Laws, regulations, policies and procedures, etc, etc, etc, do not produce freedom and prosperity. All they do is slowly choke the life out of liberty and freedom, all in the name of "helping".
Stop it already! Before you "help" us onto the trash heap of history.
We'll cover the other topic another night.
Mac
Sunday, October 27, 2013
An interesting conversation took place today between me and a few of the detention officers today on the floor I was in charge of. We'd had an incident with a floor worker who just went bat shit crazy and took great offense to a minor order she was given and decided to make a complete fool of herself. I was nearby and went to the detention officer who was dealing with it to see what was up. She stated she was writing the inmate up for disobeying a direct order and wanted the inmate to have to give up her job and go back into general population. I agreed and that was that.
The rovers came to escort the inmate to a new cell block and she decided she just had to try and explain her position and was being quite insistent. I guess I forgot to say that this was the female floor and ninety nine percent of the detention officers were also female. There were three rovers talking to the inmate. I've had this floor several times since I transferred over and the detention officers know me pretty good, but not good enough I guess, lol. I got tired of hearing them let the inmate go on and on and finally went over myself. I lit her up and told her what for and told her that her job was gone and there was no use arguing about it. She attempted to interrupt me and I immediately shut her down. I then had the officers escort her away to her new cell block.
Later, as we were just standing around goofing off for a moment, I was told they had not expected that of me as I seemed too laid back. I explained that I had simply displayed the "police" side of my persona. It is something I don't do all the time, like some officers, but only when it is needed. Some people live like that as if there is no way to do otherwise. The eat it, sleep it, live it, take it home with them, expose their families and friends to it. They are police all the time, everywhere they go, everything they do. I just can't live like that. It may be the reason most of my friends are not police officers. Many are, no doubt, but many are not. Some are very, very far from being police, lol.
Not that I learned that lesson early on, it took a while. A long while. Three divorces long. But I did learn it. I eased off being the police, on or off duty, and tried to just be more of the person that was needed at that time, and that place, under those circumstances, whatever they were. I left a lot of carnage in my wake early on, but I hope much, much less since. Only time will tell I guess.
Hopefully, within the next 35 days, I can find a way to leave most of it behind me and only keep what I need to get through the rest of my life. I truly feel bad for those who've had to deal with me back when I was not so easy to deal with. It wasn't their fault.
Mac
The rovers came to escort the inmate to a new cell block and she decided she just had to try and explain her position and was being quite insistent. I guess I forgot to say that this was the female floor and ninety nine percent of the detention officers were also female. There were three rovers talking to the inmate. I've had this floor several times since I transferred over and the detention officers know me pretty good, but not good enough I guess, lol. I got tired of hearing them let the inmate go on and on and finally went over myself. I lit her up and told her what for and told her that her job was gone and there was no use arguing about it. She attempted to interrupt me and I immediately shut her down. I then had the officers escort her away to her new cell block.
Later, as we were just standing around goofing off for a moment, I was told they had not expected that of me as I seemed too laid back. I explained that I had simply displayed the "police" side of my persona. It is something I don't do all the time, like some officers, but only when it is needed. Some people live like that as if there is no way to do otherwise. The eat it, sleep it, live it, take it home with them, expose their families and friends to it. They are police all the time, everywhere they go, everything they do. I just can't live like that. It may be the reason most of my friends are not police officers. Many are, no doubt, but many are not. Some are very, very far from being police, lol.
Not that I learned that lesson early on, it took a while. A long while. Three divorces long. But I did learn it. I eased off being the police, on or off duty, and tried to just be more of the person that was needed at that time, and that place, under those circumstances, whatever they were. I left a lot of carnage in my wake early on, but I hope much, much less since. Only time will tell I guess.
Hopefully, within the next 35 days, I can find a way to leave most of it behind me and only keep what I need to get through the rest of my life. I truly feel bad for those who've had to deal with me back when I was not so easy to deal with. It wasn't their fault.
Mac
Friday, October 25, 2013
Butterflies in my stomach every time I realize just how little time there is left before I retire! Didn't expect to be so anxious, lol. It's a good anxious, not bad or worried. It's more like I've had a job ever since I was about 16, with some short term jobs even before that, but at 16 started working a real job at what was then called the "Picnic Pantry", which was a kind of a convenience store on base at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. My dad was stationed there and I was in the 10th grade at the time. Worked in the afternoons after school and on weekends. Can't even remember what the pay was, but it wasn't really much. Great for a 10th grader though, lol. Later on, as a senior, I got work at the Shakey's Pizza Parlor down on Riverside Drive in Clarksville, Tennessee. Talk about a great job for a senior in high school! With Austin Peay State University just up the street, oh yeah. College girls, nuff said.
After graduation from high school it was off to the military, got out in 1980 and went into police work while staying in the active reserves till 2002 when I retired from the Army Reserve. Continued on with the police work till now, or at least, till this November 30th, eh? LOL.
So, actually, this will be the first time I didn't have a job for any length of time in my life since I was 16. I may go ahead and find something to do part time, etc, but I don't have to if I don't want to, or if I can't find anything I really want to do, which is going to be very, very odd.
I'm sure I'll find a way to get over it, ya think?
Mac
After graduation from high school it was off to the military, got out in 1980 and went into police work while staying in the active reserves till 2002 when I retired from the Army Reserve. Continued on with the police work till now, or at least, till this November 30th, eh? LOL.
So, actually, this will be the first time I didn't have a job for any length of time in my life since I was 16. I may go ahead and find something to do part time, etc, but I don't have to if I don't want to, or if I can't find anything I really want to do, which is going to be very, very odd.
I'm sure I'll find a way to get over it, ya think?
Mac
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Really tired tonight for some reason. Not sure why. I thought I slept pretty good last night, but all day I've been one step behind it seems. Too many things going on, family stuff, personal stuff, work stuff, financial stuff, it all just seems to run together sometimes. The guys at work seem to think that retirement is some kind of answer to all your problems, and I am here to tell you, it's not. It's just another phase of life and life still throws curve balls at you regardless. So I'm trying to make sure I don't start drinking the cool-aid they're throwing around. I plan to be ready for all the regular bullshit that comes up as well as the opportunities that being retired entails.
Still trying to figure out what to do with my cats......
Mac
Still trying to figure out what to do with my cats......
Mac
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Guess what I forgot! No, really, guess. You'll never guess, lol. Okay, I'll tell you.
I forgot that I've already retired from the U. S. Army! Yeah, yeah, it was the Army Reserve, but still, I retired from the Army Reserves in July of 2002! Do you know what this means??? Well I'll tell ya.
When you retire from the Army Reserves before you turn 60 years old you become what they call a "Grey Area" retiree. This means that although you are not collecting any retirement pay, which starts when you turn 60, you do have all the other benefits of being a military retiree. Now, it's not like I forgot altogether that I'm a military retiree, I just forgot certain aspects of it and today, while I was working my second job, it suddenly occurred to me that I will soon have the time to take advantage of certain aspects of being that retiree!
As a military retiree I get to take flights on military aircraft if they have extra seats available! For free! Anytime there is a seat available! Until I turn 60 I can only fly within the 50 states and the U. S. Territories, but that means I can fly to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, you name it! For free!
Now the planning for my upcoming retirement from the Sheriff's Office takes on a whole new light. The plans must now include heading over to Travis Air Force Base near San Francisco to hop a flight to Hawaii and see Pearl Harbor, and the U.S.S. Missouri! Head to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and hop a flight to Puerto Rico! Once I turn 60 I can head to Dover Air Force Base for a nice leisurely flight over to Europe! Oh man, how can I have even for a moment forgotten about this???
Oh man, if you thought I was looking forward to this before, you should see me now!!
I'm thinking the Hawaii trip first, just to get things going, eh?
Mac
I forgot that I've already retired from the U. S. Army! Yeah, yeah, it was the Army Reserve, but still, I retired from the Army Reserves in July of 2002! Do you know what this means??? Well I'll tell ya.
When you retire from the Army Reserves before you turn 60 years old you become what they call a "Grey Area" retiree. This means that although you are not collecting any retirement pay, which starts when you turn 60, you do have all the other benefits of being a military retiree. Now, it's not like I forgot altogether that I'm a military retiree, I just forgot certain aspects of it and today, while I was working my second job, it suddenly occurred to me that I will soon have the time to take advantage of certain aspects of being that retiree!
As a military retiree I get to take flights on military aircraft if they have extra seats available! For free! Anytime there is a seat available! Until I turn 60 I can only fly within the 50 states and the U. S. Territories, but that means I can fly to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, you name it! For free!
Now the planning for my upcoming retirement from the Sheriff's Office takes on a whole new light. The plans must now include heading over to Travis Air Force Base near San Francisco to hop a flight to Hawaii and see Pearl Harbor, and the U.S.S. Missouri! Head to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and hop a flight to Puerto Rico! Once I turn 60 I can head to Dover Air Force Base for a nice leisurely flight over to Europe! Oh man, how can I have even for a moment forgotten about this???
Oh man, if you thought I was looking forward to this before, you should see me now!!
I'm thinking the Hawaii trip first, just to get things going, eh?
Mac
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
It's actually harder than I thought to make a post every day, lol. It's difficult just to remember to do it, much less then have anything to say. It appears I'm not up to such a regular task, at least not regularly, hehehehe.
Talked to my best friend Jim Minniehan this evening. It is always good to hear his voice again. He is one of only two people I still know from high school days. Jim and I met in English class the very first day of the 11th grade, and we've been fast friends ever since. Even though we don't talk all the time, and I've rarely gotten to see him since I left Clarksville back in 1976, it's as if a day hasn't passed whenever we get together or even just talk on the phone. Here its been 38 years since we graduated from high school yet we still have a connection that can't be done away with. When I hit the road after my retirement I plan to go up to Tennessee and spend some time with Jim, I owe him that after being gone for so long. I'd love to hop a plane to France so he and I could cat around over there for a bit. He's lived there off and on and could be a load of fun on a trip like that, lol. Ah, the things we should have done and could have done, if life hadn't gotten in the way, eh?
So many things to consider and plan for. The only problem is the old joke, "How do you make God laugh?" The answer, "Tell him your plans". So I don't want to put my cart before the chicken crossing the road, but I do want to make some plans so if things work out the way I wish them to, I'll be ready.
Mac
Talked to my best friend Jim Minniehan this evening. It is always good to hear his voice again. He is one of only two people I still know from high school days. Jim and I met in English class the very first day of the 11th grade, and we've been fast friends ever since. Even though we don't talk all the time, and I've rarely gotten to see him since I left Clarksville back in 1976, it's as if a day hasn't passed whenever we get together or even just talk on the phone. Here its been 38 years since we graduated from high school yet we still have a connection that can't be done away with. When I hit the road after my retirement I plan to go up to Tennessee and spend some time with Jim, I owe him that after being gone for so long. I'd love to hop a plane to France so he and I could cat around over there for a bit. He's lived there off and on and could be a load of fun on a trip like that, lol. Ah, the things we should have done and could have done, if life hadn't gotten in the way, eh?
So many things to consider and plan for. The only problem is the old joke, "How do you make God laugh?" The answer, "Tell him your plans". So I don't want to put my cart before the chicken crossing the road, but I do want to make some plans so if things work out the way I wish them to, I'll be ready.
Mac
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Back to work today, felt better to the extent I didn't want to use another sick day. Besides, the cats were getting too damned spoiled with me being around all the time, lol. Still wasn't any fun though, being back at work that is. It used to be fun. It used to be challenging. It used to be rewarding.
Used to be. Of course, it's also that I was younger and more enthusiastic, less cynical, and a true believer. Now, it's just a job. That's a shame really, because I really wanted to make a difference. We all see "making a difference" as something large and really standing out, but that's not really what happens. What we can actually do is to make a difference in small ways, over a long period of time, and hope it adds up to something substantial. I hope that's what I've done over the years, make enough of a small difference each day to add up to some larger effect overall. I guess that will be up to others to judge. As for me, I think I'll just be satisfied with what I feel I've accomplished and move on. There's more stuff to do, I just don't want to do it here is all.
Mac
Used to be. Of course, it's also that I was younger and more enthusiastic, less cynical, and a true believer. Now, it's just a job. That's a shame really, because I really wanted to make a difference. We all see "making a difference" as something large and really standing out, but that's not really what happens. What we can actually do is to make a difference in small ways, over a long period of time, and hope it adds up to something substantial. I hope that's what I've done over the years, make enough of a small difference each day to add up to some larger effect overall. I guess that will be up to others to judge. As for me, I think I'll just be satisfied with what I feel I've accomplished and move on. There's more stuff to do, I just don't want to do it here is all.
Mac
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Been home sick the past two days. Not fun at all. Finally got to feeling better so I'll be back at work tomorrow. Was able to get to the grocery store this afternoon and spent too much money on too little food, sigh. Oh well, gotta eat.
Let's see, how many days is it now? 42 I do believe. How many working days? Should be 26. I know!! Only 26 more days to work!! I still don't believe it. Maybe when I wake up on the 43rd day and find I don't have to go to work I will finally believe it is happening. We will see.
I am going to miss it I am sure. I've been doing it too long to think it's going to be easy to just NOT go to work up there every day. But I think it is something I can get used to, hehehehe. I've been looking at sites on the web concerning camping and traveling. I can't wait to get out west and start seeing the parks and areas I've wanted to for so many years, but couldn't because I had to be at work. Have to save my pennies now in order to do what I want, but I think I'm going to be ready for that as well.
Man, retirement. It's a scary word and a wonderful word at the same time.
Mac
Let's see, how many days is it now? 42 I do believe. How many working days? Should be 26. I know!! Only 26 more days to work!! I still don't believe it. Maybe when I wake up on the 43rd day and find I don't have to go to work I will finally believe it is happening. We will see.
I am going to miss it I am sure. I've been doing it too long to think it's going to be easy to just NOT go to work up there every day. But I think it is something I can get used to, hehehehe. I've been looking at sites on the web concerning camping and traveling. I can't wait to get out west and start seeing the parks and areas I've wanted to for so many years, but couldn't because I had to be at work. Have to save my pennies now in order to do what I want, but I think I'm going to be ready for that as well.
Man, retirement. It's a scary word and a wonderful word at the same time.
Mac
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Argggh. Wouldn't you know, my head cold is getting worse. Thought I had it beat down but it is looking like it wants to stick around. I hate being sick. I really hate being sick. Especially if it keeps me home from work when I need to be there.....
The way I feel tonight I am sure I won't be going in tomorrow. If I stay home and medicate and vegetate, maybe I'll be good to go by the next day to go on in. I know, I know, I'm retiring soon so who cares. What can I say, I care. I am not out to take advantage as I'm going out the door, I just can't do that. So, I will try and get better tomorrow and maybe be able to get back to work the next day, or, at the very far outside, two days out and then back. I'll do my best to take care of myself and get better. Probably have to head to Walgreens tomorrow sometime though, I'm pretty much out of most of the stuff I usually take. I absolutely hate, hate, hate, NyQuil. The problem is, it works wonders for me and at least allows me to get some sleep instead of coughing, sneezing and wheezing myself awake all night. Sleep is actually the main problem. If I can sleep, I can get over just about anything. So, NyQuil it is. At least they have the liquid gels now, so I don't have to drink the damn stuff anymore, yech!
So, I'll not go on and on about it, I'll just say goodnight and head to bed.
Mac
The way I feel tonight I am sure I won't be going in tomorrow. If I stay home and medicate and vegetate, maybe I'll be good to go by the next day to go on in. I know, I know, I'm retiring soon so who cares. What can I say, I care. I am not out to take advantage as I'm going out the door, I just can't do that. So, I will try and get better tomorrow and maybe be able to get back to work the next day, or, at the very far outside, two days out and then back. I'll do my best to take care of myself and get better. Probably have to head to Walgreens tomorrow sometime though, I'm pretty much out of most of the stuff I usually take. I absolutely hate, hate, hate, NyQuil. The problem is, it works wonders for me and at least allows me to get some sleep instead of coughing, sneezing and wheezing myself awake all night. Sleep is actually the main problem. If I can sleep, I can get over just about anything. So, NyQuil it is. At least they have the liquid gels now, so I don't have to drink the damn stuff anymore, yech!
So, I'll not go on and on about it, I'll just say goodnight and head to bed.
Mac
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
(This was one I thought I had managed to accidently delete the other day, turned out there was a saved draft, LOL. Man, was I pissed when I thought I'd deleted it. Glad I decided to look to make sure it wasn't gone).
Was talking to some folks up at work today, who were all pretty much younger than my handcuffs, about my career and where I'd come from. My having grown up an Army Brat came up and caused me to reflect on my upbringing a little bit. So once I got home I started looking at Google Earth for the locations we'd lived while I was growing up.
It is amazing how many of them are gone, just gone. Bases closed, old housing areas razed to the ground, schools, commissaries, libraries, movie theaters, all just gone. For some reason one of those that kind of got to me the most was the fact the apartment buildings where we lived in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, had all been completely demolished in a four block area. These were long blocky kind of buildings, with three stories, with three stairwells with six apartments off each stairwell. A basement and an attic type area rounded it out. You could go in one of the stairwells at one end of the building, and walk all the way to the other end of the building through the basement. There were small storage spaces for each apartment down there and plenty of room to keep kids interested if the weather outside prevented play.
I'd seen over the years, whenever Google Earth updated their pictures, that steady progress was being made in the area where our old buildings were, toward some kind of urban renewal project of some kind, but only tonight did I see where all the buildings were gone. I can see where the old officer family quarters are still there. They were really nice buildings that, although pretty much the same layout, were larger and more luxurious than the enlisted buildings in which we lived. One advantage that first year was the school was right there at the end of the block, lol. The next year we had to be bused across town to the high school which was the old Army Hospital they had converted once they built the new hospital.
Anyway, it's just another example of places where I grew up being done away with. Rose Barracks, the base there in Bad Kreuznach, was closed a few years ago and they sold off all the old housing, thus the changes. The base we lived at in Highlands, New Jersey went the same way, and the old housing area is completely bare now, no homes at all, and the base is now a park. Sweetwater, Texas was much the same way. The old Army base there that supported the Nike missile systems meant to defend the ballistic missile fields all around Abilene, is gone, and the old housing area, called "Avenger Village", was still there the last time I went by a couple of years ago, but was closed down and fenced off, all the buildings inside the fence looking decidedly barren, and so tiny. Funny how that works.
Ah, well, such is life. They say you can never go home again, which would be tough for me anyway since I never really had a "home town" to go back to. I guess that's why I adopted Eminence, Missouri the way I have, so I can at least pretend I have somewhere.
Mac
Was talking to some folks up at work today, who were all pretty much younger than my handcuffs, about my career and where I'd come from. My having grown up an Army Brat came up and caused me to reflect on my upbringing a little bit. So once I got home I started looking at Google Earth for the locations we'd lived while I was growing up.
It is amazing how many of them are gone, just gone. Bases closed, old housing areas razed to the ground, schools, commissaries, libraries, movie theaters, all just gone. For some reason one of those that kind of got to me the most was the fact the apartment buildings where we lived in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, had all been completely demolished in a four block area. These were long blocky kind of buildings, with three stories, with three stairwells with six apartments off each stairwell. A basement and an attic type area rounded it out. You could go in one of the stairwells at one end of the building, and walk all the way to the other end of the building through the basement. There were small storage spaces for each apartment down there and plenty of room to keep kids interested if the weather outside prevented play.
I'd seen over the years, whenever Google Earth updated their pictures, that steady progress was being made in the area where our old buildings were, toward some kind of urban renewal project of some kind, but only tonight did I see where all the buildings were gone. I can see where the old officer family quarters are still there. They were really nice buildings that, although pretty much the same layout, were larger and more luxurious than the enlisted buildings in which we lived. One advantage that first year was the school was right there at the end of the block, lol. The next year we had to be bused across town to the high school which was the old Army Hospital they had converted once they built the new hospital.
Anyway, it's just another example of places where I grew up being done away with. Rose Barracks, the base there in Bad Kreuznach, was closed a few years ago and they sold off all the old housing, thus the changes. The base we lived at in Highlands, New Jersey went the same way, and the old housing area is completely bare now, no homes at all, and the base is now a park. Sweetwater, Texas was much the same way. The old Army base there that supported the Nike missile systems meant to defend the ballistic missile fields all around Abilene, is gone, and the old housing area, called "Avenger Village", was still there the last time I went by a couple of years ago, but was closed down and fenced off, all the buildings inside the fence looking decidedly barren, and so tiny. Funny how that works.
Ah, well, such is life. They say you can never go home again, which would be tough for me anyway since I never really had a "home town" to go back to. I guess that's why I adopted Eminence, Missouri the way I have, so I can at least pretend I have somewhere.
Mac
So, I made it to 57 years old. You never know so I feel pretty good about it. Got lots of happy birthday wishes and tried to reply to all of them. Nice quiet day. No drama except when the cats hopped up on my TV tray and tried to eat my watermelon, lol. I didn't even know cats liked watermelon. Who knew?
45 more days till retirement. Now, don't worry, I don't plan to be like, fully retired. I still plan to find something to do, just part time and nothing having to do with police work, lol. I still plan to either work at a job or as a volunteer doing something useful. Just have to wait and see what presents itself. I do plan to travel for a little while, so see some old friends I've neglected over the years, and hang out with them. Go see family and other friends as well, before winding up out west for a couple three years. So I'll stay busy either way.
It's going to get interesting real soon, that's for sure, LOL, LOL.
Mac
45 more days till retirement. Now, don't worry, I don't plan to be like, fully retired. I still plan to find something to do, just part time and nothing having to do with police work, lol. I still plan to either work at a job or as a volunteer doing something useful. Just have to wait and see what presents itself. I do plan to travel for a little while, so see some old friends I've neglected over the years, and hang out with them. Go see family and other friends as well, before winding up out west for a couple three years. So I'll stay busy either way.
It's going to get interesting real soon, that's for sure, LOL, LOL.
Mac
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tomorrow is my birthday. I'll turn 57 years old. I decided to look back and see what I was doing on the anniversary of the "7's" over my lifetime so far.
At 7 years old I was in the second grade in Eminence, Missouri. Dad was stationed in Greenland that year with the Army and we could not go with him. We'd stayed with my mom's folks before, or at least in the same town as them, on previous military excursions dad was sent on, so this time, we were where my dad's folks lived.
At 17 we were stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Dad had just come back from a tour in Viet Nam as a chopper pilot and we were lucky to have him back. I got my Eagle Scout award that year and we had the commanding general, General Cherry, at the awards ceremony.
At 27 I was a police officer at the McKinney Police Department, in McKinney, Texas. I'd already been married and divorced twice at this point, and had three sons so far. Wasn't doing so hot on the personal life you might say, but was doing great police work.
At 37 I was a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston, Texas. At that time I was in the training division as an instructor and it was one of the best jobs I've ever had in any of my careers. I was remarried and had another son and a daughter.
At 47 I was a Sergeant at the Harris County Sheriff's Office and was running the Inmate Trust Fund or Inmate Bank. I was divorced again and had at last figured out a way to stay single. I was a single dad of my two youngest children at that time.
Now here I am at 57. I am still a Sergeant at Harris County, but my kids are grown and gone out on their own, with their own problems to deal with. Now I'm just a few days away from retiring from my chosen profession and will enter another chapter of my life.
If I am fortunate enough to make it to 67 I hope to have something exciting to offer with regard to what I'm doing then. I don't plan to have to say, "Here I am in my rocking chair", but you never know, eh? Maybe by 77 I will have to say that!
Mac
At 7 years old I was in the second grade in Eminence, Missouri. Dad was stationed in Greenland that year with the Army and we could not go with him. We'd stayed with my mom's folks before, or at least in the same town as them, on previous military excursions dad was sent on, so this time, we were where my dad's folks lived.
At 17 we were stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Dad had just come back from a tour in Viet Nam as a chopper pilot and we were lucky to have him back. I got my Eagle Scout award that year and we had the commanding general, General Cherry, at the awards ceremony.
At 27 I was a police officer at the McKinney Police Department, in McKinney, Texas. I'd already been married and divorced twice at this point, and had three sons so far. Wasn't doing so hot on the personal life you might say, but was doing great police work.
At 37 I was a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston, Texas. At that time I was in the training division as an instructor and it was one of the best jobs I've ever had in any of my careers. I was remarried and had another son and a daughter.
At 47 I was a Sergeant at the Harris County Sheriff's Office and was running the Inmate Trust Fund or Inmate Bank. I was divorced again and had at last figured out a way to stay single. I was a single dad of my two youngest children at that time.
Now here I am at 57. I am still a Sergeant at Harris County, but my kids are grown and gone out on their own, with their own problems to deal with. Now I'm just a few days away from retiring from my chosen profession and will enter another chapter of my life.
If I am fortunate enough to make it to 67 I hope to have something exciting to offer with regard to what I'm doing then. I don't plan to have to say, "Here I am in my rocking chair", but you never know, eh? Maybe by 77 I will have to say that!
Mac
Monday, October 14, 2013
Sigh.
Alrighty then, just breezing through day by day. Trying to still make some kind of difference as I go out the door. Also trying to stay free of any unnecessary drama, lol.
Researching places to go drive off road once I get to Nevada and the area around there. What do I find? More than I can even process mentally, lol. I am going to be an off roading fool!! Camping, and fishing, and camping, lol. There are so many national parks out that way that offer panoramas of exquisite grandeur that I will have a hard time just trying to put them in some kind of list in some kind of order in which to just start going to them all!! Man, I am going to be happier than a puppy with two peters.
I'm glad I'm planning to go out there for a while, not just for a "visit". If everything works out the say I have planned so far (and we all know how to make God laugh, right? Tell him our "plans") then I'll have a lot of time to just go explore to my hearts content. Talk about a great future to look forward to. Wow.
Still trying to figure what my expenses are going to be, what I'll have coming out of my paycheck, etc. I'm scheduled for a class on the 30th of October that is all about our retirement and the benefits and such. I've got a few questions, that's for sure. It should be very helpful. Or, at least, give me less to worry about since I'll be better informed.
Wow, the anticipation is already starting to build. I've got one of those funny butterfly kinds of feelings in the pit of my stomach. I've never done anything but have a job. Usually more than one! I'm sure it will be okay for a couple three weeks once I've retired, but then I feel like I'll start to feel like I need to get back, since that's about as long as I've ever been able to take off at one time for vacation or comp time. Once I hit that outer limit, I will have to resist the urge to head back, lol. I suspect actually, that I won't have to resist very hard, hehehehehe.
Now, should I sell my stuff, or put it in storage? Ponder that one for a while.....
Mac
Researching places to go drive off road once I get to Nevada and the area around there. What do I find? More than I can even process mentally, lol. I am going to be an off roading fool!! Camping, and fishing, and camping, lol. There are so many national parks out that way that offer panoramas of exquisite grandeur that I will have a hard time just trying to put them in some kind of list in some kind of order in which to just start going to them all!! Man, I am going to be happier than a puppy with two peters.
I'm glad I'm planning to go out there for a while, not just for a "visit". If everything works out the say I have planned so far (and we all know how to make God laugh, right? Tell him our "plans") then I'll have a lot of time to just go explore to my hearts content. Talk about a great future to look forward to. Wow.
Still trying to figure what my expenses are going to be, what I'll have coming out of my paycheck, etc. I'm scheduled for a class on the 30th of October that is all about our retirement and the benefits and such. I've got a few questions, that's for sure. It should be very helpful. Or, at least, give me less to worry about since I'll be better informed.
Wow, the anticipation is already starting to build. I've got one of those funny butterfly kinds of feelings in the pit of my stomach. I've never done anything but have a job. Usually more than one! I'm sure it will be okay for a couple three weeks once I've retired, but then I feel like I'll start to feel like I need to get back, since that's about as long as I've ever been able to take off at one time for vacation or comp time. Once I hit that outer limit, I will have to resist the urge to head back, lol. I suspect actually, that I won't have to resist very hard, hehehehehe.
Now, should I sell my stuff, or put it in storage? Ponder that one for a while.....
Mac
Friday, October 11, 2013
So, what to do first? Once I'm all packed up, stuff put into storage, and ready to move out, what to do first?
I need to go up to Tennessee and spend some time with Jim Minniehan and George Beaver, naturally. Old friends from way back, in fact, my oldest friends. I've been too wrapped up in whatever was going on at the moment to break away and spend time with them. I owe them much.
But first, I think I'll head to the little town of Eminence, Missouri. About a two week / 15 day stay in the little town of about 600 folks is pretty much a mandatory decompression period I think. It's a small town in the Ozarks my dad's family is from. They had moved to Tucson, Arizona where my dad was born, but moved back after my dad had joined the Navy and moved away. He used to tell stories of the times they visited there and the things they did as kids. So, of course, we visited there throughout my childhood and teen years, that's where dad's mom and dad still lived.
It was a thoroughly delightful place for a kid back then. Crawdads in the crystal clear creeks, fireflies in the evenings, a real drug store with a real soda fountain that made REAL lemonade the old fashioned way, and a slow, slow pace of life. We lived there one year when dad was shipped off to Greenland by the Army. Best memories of my life, except for one, but that was the exception. We'd always make a point of going to see Alley Spring, and the old mill there. It is an icon of my childhood. It used to be so, so beautiful there, when it was a state park, but when the national park service took it over, they really didn't do it nearly as well. Mind you, it's still a great place to go, and it's still beautiful, but I have memories of it looking much, much better back in the day. Oh well, the national government does things much better, right? Right? Never mind.
So to return there for a little while, with no pressure to leave and go elsewhere until I want to, is too good to pass up. There's a little motel / cabins rental place there called Shady Lane where I usually stay, and they are great folks. Cabin #1 is pretty much known as my cabin. Jim, the owner, is a good friend and takes good care of me when I'm there. Maybe I'll even make a fire outside beside the cabin in the little open area there and just sit and sip some adult beverages and just sit. Just sit.
Mac
I need to go up to Tennessee and spend some time with Jim Minniehan and George Beaver, naturally. Old friends from way back, in fact, my oldest friends. I've been too wrapped up in whatever was going on at the moment to break away and spend time with them. I owe them much.
But first, I think I'll head to the little town of Eminence, Missouri. About a two week / 15 day stay in the little town of about 600 folks is pretty much a mandatory decompression period I think. It's a small town in the Ozarks my dad's family is from. They had moved to Tucson, Arizona where my dad was born, but moved back after my dad had joined the Navy and moved away. He used to tell stories of the times they visited there and the things they did as kids. So, of course, we visited there throughout my childhood and teen years, that's where dad's mom and dad still lived.
It was a thoroughly delightful place for a kid back then. Crawdads in the crystal clear creeks, fireflies in the evenings, a real drug store with a real soda fountain that made REAL lemonade the old fashioned way, and a slow, slow pace of life. We lived there one year when dad was shipped off to Greenland by the Army. Best memories of my life, except for one, but that was the exception. We'd always make a point of going to see Alley Spring, and the old mill there. It is an icon of my childhood. It used to be so, so beautiful there, when it was a state park, but when the national park service took it over, they really didn't do it nearly as well. Mind you, it's still a great place to go, and it's still beautiful, but I have memories of it looking much, much better back in the day. Oh well, the national government does things much better, right? Right? Never mind.
So to return there for a little while, with no pressure to leave and go elsewhere until I want to, is too good to pass up. There's a little motel / cabins rental place there called Shady Lane where I usually stay, and they are great folks. Cabin #1 is pretty much known as my cabin. Jim, the owner, is a good friend and takes good care of me when I'm there. Maybe I'll even make a fire outside beside the cabin in the little open area there and just sit and sip some adult beverages and just sit. Just sit.
Mac
Thursday, October 10, 2013
I feel like time is going by so slowly now that I've decided to retire, at least it seems so. Three months ago I hadn't even had the thought, but now that it's a decision made, I want it to be now, lol. But, it can't be now, it has to be later, but not too much later at least. About 51 days now till my last day in the profession. My profession of the past 33 years if you don't count the two years of security police work in the Navy at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico. I'll just count that as the warm up before getting to the main event.
I graduated from the police academy here in Texas back in 1980. My two oldest boys were just babies back then, and the other three kids were not even thought of yet. To say I've been on a roller coaster ride through life would be an understatement, but suffice it to say, I'm about ready for some time with little to no drama involved, lol. Not to say I didn't bring most of it on myself, I contributed big time to the disasters that cropped up now and again, no doubt. But, I don't want to do that anymore. The old saying the British had during the war, "Keep Calm and Carry On" would seem to fit how I've been doing it all these years, but now I just want the calm part. I just want to move on in peace. I'd really like to have everyone forgive and forget, and move on to a better life where I've not dropped the ball too many times.
Hey, I can wish, can't I?
Mac
I graduated from the police academy here in Texas back in 1980. My two oldest boys were just babies back then, and the other three kids were not even thought of yet. To say I've been on a roller coaster ride through life would be an understatement, but suffice it to say, I'm about ready for some time with little to no drama involved, lol. Not to say I didn't bring most of it on myself, I contributed big time to the disasters that cropped up now and again, no doubt. But, I don't want to do that anymore. The old saying the British had during the war, "Keep Calm and Carry On" would seem to fit how I've been doing it all these years, but now I just want the calm part. I just want to move on in peace. I'd really like to have everyone forgive and forget, and move on to a better life where I've not dropped the ball too many times.
Hey, I can wish, can't I?
Mac
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Watching the "Battlestar Galactica" series again on Netflix, quite a show. Talk about being so much darker that the original television series, wow! But I find myself watching the entire newer series about once every year or so since it came out. Just like to try and pick up more details each time, see if there's anything I missed the previous times I watched it. In order to cheer up after this I'll probably have to re-watch Stargate SG-1, LOL.
So the Democrats have shut down the government, but are using their pet lackeys in the media to blame it on the Republicans? Wow, haven't I seen this movie already? I am at a complete loss as to how this regime expects to accomplish anything other than by dictate and executive order, because they refuse to negotiate and compromise like they are always claiming the "other side" is supposed to do. The U. S. Constitution is being ignored and stepped on at nearly every turn. We are in serious trouble here.
Mac
So the Democrats have shut down the government, but are using their pet lackeys in the media to blame it on the Republicans? Wow, haven't I seen this movie already? I am at a complete loss as to how this regime expects to accomplish anything other than by dictate and executive order, because they refuse to negotiate and compromise like they are always claiming the "other side" is supposed to do. The U. S. Constitution is being ignored and stepped on at nearly every turn. We are in serious trouble here.
Mac
Saturday, October 5, 2013
55 days to go. Have spoken to so many other individuals who wish they could retire, but just aren't there yet. I wasn't "there yet" just three months ago, but my how things do change. Once the change happened though, it was complete. I now wish to move on and not look back. All things change, that's the one thing that never changes. So we either change with it, or we get left behind. Funny how much less stressed I feel now that a decision has been made!
Don't get me wrong, the remainder of life is still just as it was. Worrying about my kids and grand kids, making sure my bills are paid, responsibilities taken care of, wondering if Tony and Ziva will actually get together, you know, the usual things in life. The only thing that has changed really, is my outlook for the future. Thinking about the fellas that didn't even make it to retirement, one of our sergeants here dropped dead just the other day. He hired on at the S. O. about the same time I did. A good friend died a couple of years ago, at the same age I will be in a few days. Life is too short as it is, so it's time to go and do something else now, something that will perhaps make me happier, and if not, then something else again, till I find the something else that I want to do with the next part of my life.
I'm done with this part, yes indeed.
Mac
Don't get me wrong, the remainder of life is still just as it was. Worrying about my kids and grand kids, making sure my bills are paid, responsibilities taken care of, wondering if Tony and Ziva will actually get together, you know, the usual things in life. The only thing that has changed really, is my outlook for the future. Thinking about the fellas that didn't even make it to retirement, one of our sergeants here dropped dead just the other day. He hired on at the S. O. about the same time I did. A good friend died a couple of years ago, at the same age I will be in a few days. Life is too short as it is, so it's time to go and do something else now, something that will perhaps make me happier, and if not, then something else again, till I find the something else that I want to do with the next part of my life.
I'm done with this part, yes indeed.
Mac
Friday, October 4, 2013
56 days to go. Sushi and then watermelon for supper, it just doesn't get any better. Just getting through each day at this point. Wanting to hit the road and travel. Thinking about the places I want to go, things I want to see. The dream of having the time to just go where I want, when I want. it is going to be a funny kind of life after all these years of being pretty buttoned down and straight laced.
I can hardly wait.
Mac
I can hardly wait.
Mac
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Another long day with not a lot to show for it. Hunting for a part I need to finish an AR-15 I'm building, didn't find it. Not a problem, it will be found eventually, perhaps Monday. Trying to get through each day with no drama and no hassle of any kind. I find myself seeing things in front of me that I used to get out and do something about, or say something, etc. But now, unless it is something truly needing it, I make myself hold back and just kind of say under my breath, "I don't care, I don't care, I don't care."
Of course, I actually do care, but I'm trying to make myself get used to not being in the position of needing to police people. It's just a mental exercise to get me out of the mindset that I need to "do something" about all the ills of the world, because I most certainly don't. In other words, I shall now have to learn to pick my battles much more judiciously and make sure whatever I am going to go ahead and get involved in is damned worth it.
In other words, World, you're on your own. Sounds cynical, eh? It was a long, long time coming, trust me.
Mac
Of course, I actually do care, but I'm trying to make myself get used to not being in the position of needing to police people. It's just a mental exercise to get me out of the mindset that I need to "do something" about all the ills of the world, because I most certainly don't. In other words, I shall now have to learn to pick my battles much more judiciously and make sure whatever I am going to go ahead and get involved in is damned worth it.
In other words, World, you're on your own. Sounds cynical, eh? It was a long, long time coming, trust me.
Mac
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
58 days to go. Still planning and scheming, trying to figure out what I'll have to put in storage, that seems to be the biggie right now. I've actually got about four months to figure it out, I'll be in Houston till probably the end of January as far as I can tell.
Too much to do, too much to think about. Naps seem to creep in there and take up an inordinate amount of time as well. Necessary though they are, and enjoyable, they are eating into my "get something done time", lol.
Watching the political theater that is Washington, D. C. What a full blown circus we have for our enjoyment every day. Too bad that circus is the most expensive one in the world, and we're going to be paying for it our entire lives, and those of our children and grand children, and even our great grand children. I am simply amazed how those 500 some odd people who are supposed to be representing out best interests have so completely forgotten what they are there for. It's all about power now, nothing else.
We need to clean house and start over from scratch, unelect every one of them and get a fresh start with people who are NOT professional politicians. But, what are the chances of that, eh?
Slim and none doesn't even seem to approach it.
Mac
Too much to do, too much to think about. Naps seem to creep in there and take up an inordinate amount of time as well. Necessary though they are, and enjoyable, they are eating into my "get something done time", lol.
Watching the political theater that is Washington, D. C. What a full blown circus we have for our enjoyment every day. Too bad that circus is the most expensive one in the world, and we're going to be paying for it our entire lives, and those of our children and grand children, and even our great grand children. I am simply amazed how those 500 some odd people who are supposed to be representing out best interests have so completely forgotten what they are there for. It's all about power now, nothing else.
We need to clean house and start over from scratch, unelect every one of them and get a fresh start with people who are NOT professional politicians. But, what are the chances of that, eh?
Slim and none doesn't even seem to approach it.
Mac
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Well alright, day two of my retirement blog, we are now at 60 days and counting!
Not much to report today, got a few things done around the house, and worked my extra job, that's about it. I started eating better a month ago and I have now gone from 265 (the most I've ever weighed in my entire life, except maybe when I was wearing the bomb suit) to 252 so far. Not a huge drop, not even enough to really notice, but my waist is a little smaller as my gun belt is now pretty loose, might have to take it up a notch soon. So there's progress anyway.
Started placing items I KNOW I will be taking with me when I hit the road in one particular place in the master bedroom. Since I'll be putting a LOT of stuff into storage for a while, I need to gather important stuff and put it all in ONE place, lol. I am making lists like I'm planning the logistics for an Armor Brigade. It seems that all of a sudden I am extremely busy getting ready to NOT be busy????? Ah, the joys of retirement so far, lol. From what I hear, it gets better.
Trying to decide what to sell, what to keep, what to give away. How in the world have I accumulated so much junk since the flood in 1994 when I lost everything. What is it about stuff? It is time for a real cleaning of the junk! For real this time! No, I mean it this time..... LOL.
I'm slowly, but surely, getting all my camping gear together. I plan to do a bit of that in the future. I used to do a LOT of camping, but over the years of my military service, the "camping" was sufficient that I didn't do a lot of it on my own time anymore, now I miss it. So it's time to take it up a bit now. Don't get me wrong, there won't be any sleeping on the ground like in my youth, oh no. I have a great cot I found that makes all the army cots I've ever slept in feel like they are made of bricks. A nice tent that allows me a lot of room, and very, very comfortable sleeping bags with a REAL pillow. If I never sleep on a "camp" pillow again, it will be too soon. I even found an air mattress that fits in the back of the Jeep with the back seats folded down. Fits right in between the wheel wells perfectly. I got it out of the box and inflated it today in the living room to see if it is any kind of comfortable, and it is! So, I have options, lol.
I'm thinking of purchasing a trailer. I'm not sure what kind to go with, whether I just need a cargo trailer, or a camping / cargo trailer, or just a camping trailer, or what I want. So I'm still in the initial research and decision making process on that one. Seems like it might come in handy to have one, just not sure yet.
So many things to decide, so many things to think about, so many things to plan. I love it, lol.
Mac
Not much to report today, got a few things done around the house, and worked my extra job, that's about it. I started eating better a month ago and I have now gone from 265 (the most I've ever weighed in my entire life, except maybe when I was wearing the bomb suit) to 252 so far. Not a huge drop, not even enough to really notice, but my waist is a little smaller as my gun belt is now pretty loose, might have to take it up a notch soon. So there's progress anyway.
Started placing items I KNOW I will be taking with me when I hit the road in one particular place in the master bedroom. Since I'll be putting a LOT of stuff into storage for a while, I need to gather important stuff and put it all in ONE place, lol. I am making lists like I'm planning the logistics for an Armor Brigade. It seems that all of a sudden I am extremely busy getting ready to NOT be busy????? Ah, the joys of retirement so far, lol. From what I hear, it gets better.
Trying to decide what to sell, what to keep, what to give away. How in the world have I accumulated so much junk since the flood in 1994 when I lost everything. What is it about stuff? It is time for a real cleaning of the junk! For real this time! No, I mean it this time..... LOL.
I'm slowly, but surely, getting all my camping gear together. I plan to do a bit of that in the future. I used to do a LOT of camping, but over the years of my military service, the "camping" was sufficient that I didn't do a lot of it on my own time anymore, now I miss it. So it's time to take it up a bit now. Don't get me wrong, there won't be any sleeping on the ground like in my youth, oh no. I have a great cot I found that makes all the army cots I've ever slept in feel like they are made of bricks. A nice tent that allows me a lot of room, and very, very comfortable sleeping bags with a REAL pillow. If I never sleep on a "camp" pillow again, it will be too soon. I even found an air mattress that fits in the back of the Jeep with the back seats folded down. Fits right in between the wheel wells perfectly. I got it out of the box and inflated it today in the living room to see if it is any kind of comfortable, and it is! So, I have options, lol.
I'm thinking of purchasing a trailer. I'm not sure what kind to go with, whether I just need a cargo trailer, or a camping / cargo trailer, or just a camping trailer, or what I want. So I'm still in the initial research and decision making process on that one. Seems like it might come in handy to have one, just not sure yet.
So many things to decide, so many things to think about, so many things to plan. I love it, lol.
Mac
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