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This is becoming a great thread. I'm always touched by what retirees do re volunteering, and this thread will give me -- and most likely others also -- new ideas.
I'm also discovering a new appreciation for the Internet. (I've been on it since 1994. I tend to take it for granted.) For instance, Ameriscot is from Scotland. Not ALL that many years ago we would never have heard from her and about her 2 years in Uganda. Of course, the vast majority of us wouldn't have heard from each other either. :-)
I've read recent articles about the 'superficiality' of connections/relationships made via 'technology', but we've had some pretty meaningful discussions on C-D. The Internet certainly has its place and I would like to think of it as a vehicle more often for good than for bad.
I've met many people online that are now friends, whether we have met or not. In fact, met husband online. I live in Scotland, but am American.
I've been enjoying the internet since about 1993ish.
It was really scary at first! First time I was ever in the minority, a very tiny minority. And everything was different. Accents hard to understand. But I soon fell in love with the country. Lots of inconveniences....lack of electricity often, no hot water ever, no washing machine etc etc. But you just get used to it and realize how spoiled we in the west are. Weather was awesome!
I've met many people online that are now friends, whether we have met or not. In fact, met husband online. I live in Scotland, but am American.
I've been enjoying the internet since about 1993ish.
I have been privileged to meet a number of people from C-D and some other sites over the years and in all cases it's been a real pleasure. One of them, most recently, was Escort Rider.
As for volunteer work, unfortunately, at abut the time I was getting sincerely interested in pursuits to help and support fellow veterans, health issues precluded it. Once I'm "cured," a process that could take a couple of years, it's something my wife and I are both interested in doing. I'm especially keen on the idea of assisting imprisoned veterans with their eventual reintegration into society upon their release and throughout their parole periods. Man of them have mental health issues. Having been a state parole agent at one time and finishing my government career working on forensic mental health issues it seems right up my alley. Three years of experience serving on a multi-agency, law enforcement narcotics task force won't hurt when dealing with veterans who are substance abusers either.
Last edited by Curmudgeon; 05-10-2013 at 09:17 AM..
I have been privileged to meet a number of people from C-D and some other sites over the years and in all cases it's been a real pleasure. One of them, most recently, was Escort Rider.
As for volunteer work, unfortunately, at abut the time I was getting sincerely interested in pursuits to help and support fellow veterans, health issues precluded it. Once I'm "cured," a process that could take a couple of years, it's something my wife and I are both interested in doing. I'm especially keen on the idea of assisting imprisoned veterans with their eventual reintegration into society upon their release and throughout their parole periods. Man of them have mental health issues. Having been a state parole agent at one time and finishing my government career working on forensic mental health issues it seems right up my alley.
Your volunteering idea sounds great!
I've met many people in person that I met online. Mostly from expat forums, some from the now-defunct Eons forums.
Shame on you, Curmudgeon! LLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL I can't get him to talk to me as it is! I'll NEVER get him to talk to me NOW. LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLL
If I lived in an urban area, I would enjoy volunteering like Escort Rider--getting matched to a school and visiting a few times a week to read to students and participate in a school activity or project. Not sure if the small schools in my area need this help in the way that city schools do.
It couldn't hurt to check with your local schools to see if they need volunteers...they just might!
Improving the current/future lives of children, through reading, is an awesome accomplishment. You'll never know the extent of your gift to them, Escort Rider (or should we call you Escort Reader) -- but that's ok. Often the best things we do are those that have such far-reaching consequences that we cant begin to realize them.
My retirement project is for those at the other end of the age scale. When I was recovering from a stroke seven years ago, I became very aware of the need for someone to run errands for the elderly/shut-ins and take them to appointments. I was able to take a taxi to my daily physical/occupational therapy sessions for many months, but a lot of shut-ins cant afford that. There are groups that will taxi them where they need to go but, again, those services cost $$$.
So, when I retired two years ago, I started doing things for the elderly/shut-ins: running errands, picking up prescriptions, buying their groceries, taking their pets to the vet and checking on them regularly. I got additional liability insurance so I could also drive them to medical appointments as well.
I had business cards printed and put them in doctor's offices and the local physical therapy clinic. I dont charge anything for these services -- it's totally a labor of love and is very fulfilling.
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I think I want to marry you. 
