I've been fully retired about a month and a half and am finding I have more free time than I had planned on.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have enough time to work and do what I want but there is free time.

I finally decided to do volunteer work and start Saturday night as an usher at the Cultural Center in town.

It'll occupy my time, I'll meet new people and will see the concerts free of charge. Can't ask for a better deal.

Last night I had a dream that I can't get out of my head. Recently I made the decision to completely retire. Even though I can afford it, I still wasn't sure it was the right decision.

The dream I had was that I was visiting a small town in my home State that I always enjoyed. I was out for a walk and feeling happy when an older man walked by and told me everything would be alright. I didn't recognize him by his features but instintively regonized him as a deceased uncle whose opinion...

It's officially 2009 and the only problem I foresee is remembering to change the date on checks, corresapondence, etc. Other than that it's another day to get out of bed. Everyone have a great New Year.

I've decided to retire on Feb. 1. I'll stay at work 3 days a week for something to do.

After looking at my finances (incoming and outgoing), I'll be ahead of the game. My monthly income will be higher than wen I was working a lot of overtime at the last hotel.

Might as well take retirement as long as I can afford it and enjoy life.

12/30/08: I gave my notice at work today and the next month will be the longest I'll have put in.

I was listining to a CD with DooWop, music I've always enjoyed. After a song and a half I turned the CD player off. It brought back too many memories of a simpler life and made me feel somewhat on the down side. This will pass as have other unpleasent thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I wish for the simpler life but that would be boring constantly.