Retirement -- Only a Few Days Away

I have worked in this small LOB office since March 2003, over 21 years. My career has provided structure, meaning, and identity. It will feel strange to retire. I honestly don't know what will unfold during this next chapter of life, but I look forward to creating space to see what comes next.

Reunion Reflections

My 35th CGA reunion was filled with immense emotions of joy, wonder, and nostalgia.  As I saw cadets walk about campus, I could vividly recall, if only for a fleeting moment, those deep feelings of life at the Academy, a young adult struggling to find a path and make sense of the world. I ridiculously imagined that I might encounter a younger version of myself. If I only knew then, what I know now. My younger self buried his emotions; while today I embrace them, both the good and the bad, because they are equally an essential part of who I am.

A reunion is not only a time to relive old memories, but also a chance to build new connections. 

My greatest treasure attending the reunion is a deep sense of unconditional acceptance. There are no squabbles, career jealousy, or division – we are classmates.  We started together, we endured. Some climbed the ranks, others exited quickly, but the adversity bonded us together.

Each day I feel moments of tears and angst, but also of inspiration and awe.  At the reunion, these feelings were multiplied 100 fold. I must have given 500 hugs and silently shed a hundred tears.

Old photos on Eagle brought joy, playing spoons in the 1/c workroom. From then.... to now, sailing aboard Matt and Tori's BANTER.

Reunion

I'm waiting at the airport for my flight to the East Coast. Perhaps 40 classmates are coming. Charlie created a group photo album. Dozens of photos over decades. Those who stayed in and were stationed at large ports, there are countless gatherings and celebrations. The reunion schedule is full. I'll visit John Wolf on Thursday, followed by the athletics awards dinner. Sailing with Matt on Friday, then a cocktail party. Saturday is a fun run, tailgate party, walk on, football game, and dinner. Sunday is bagels, then a flight home. 

The academy was a special time, a unique experience. Retirement is a special time too, an opportunity to evaluate next steps and new adventures. 

As I reflect on my life decisions, I sometimes ponder if I knew then, what I know now, what would I have done differently. The emotional walls of my youth served as protection, whereas now I embrace both my tears and sense of awe. My passionate belief in love in my youth, whereas now a more tempered approach in building commitment and connection. And, the over arching view to save for the future when I was young; now a shift toward abundance, thanks to NVDA.

I drove Elias back to UCB, then walked around campus and pretended to be 40 years younger, lol! We had lunch together, then I explored the city, before heading back home. A good day...

Retirement and Succession Plans

I announced my retirement. Pearl and I attended a meeting at CalPERS and I submitted my paperwork. Wajohn is back in CA and we are preparing sucession plans. Like college, retirement is a new beginning. With all the recent drama, I am ready. I look forward to family, travel, piano, Odd Fellows, biking, soccer, pickleball, quacera, game nights, Kings games, local music, breakfast meetings, coffee dates, Opera house, responsible beverage server, sound board operator and more.

Elias Moves to Berkeley

We moved Elias to Berkeley. On move in day, the line to the elevator was crazy. Elias is ready. I am glad he is nearby and I look forward to visiting the vibrant campus.

We traveled to Mexico to visit the ancient ruins on a Caravan Tour. I'm glad everyone was available. We started in Mexico City, then drove East toward Cancun. The ancient ruins were amazing. I always ponder what caused these civilizations to collapse. My memories are taco stands, ruins, wrestling, hotel buffets, chicken soup, heat, rain, long bus rides, and quaint cities.

Piano and Soccer

I am grateful for piano and soccer.  I can easily spend a hour everyday playing the piano. Often, I bike ride to the local public pianos in town. On other occasions I play at the Odd Fellows Lodge and volunteer at local retirement homes. During COVID I learned on YouTube. Now, I subscribe to a couple of websites that teach piano songs.  Similarly, pick up soccer is a blast. It's great to play with FC Chill and the Purple AYSO adult league. I'm glad to share this time with Caleb and Philip. Both exercise and music is a true miracle drug for better sleep and mental health.  

Elias is going to Berkeley

Last week, we toured the campus.  Today was Cal Day.  Berkeley is filled with wonder. Eli is excited.  The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineer, seems like a rigorous curriculum, with small college community (only a thousand students), inside a much larger prestigious university -- a good fit for Eli.  He saw many friends from Davis High, who are also going to UCB, some from his soccer team, and some even in his same major.  Yesterday, the Davis Enterprise published an article about his leadership on the DHS tennis team.  I am excited to see him challenge himself and grow.

 

Eli's Senior Year, Artificial Intelligence, Mexico, Piano, Retirement

Eli is in his last semester waiting to hear back from colleges. Tennis season started. Eli plays #1 or #2. Soccer re-started too. Eli is learning to drive. 

One of my AI stocks is going through the roof. I wonder if this is a bubble or a fundamental shift in the economy. 

We are planning a trip to Mexico in July. 

I still enjoy piano. I'm practicing about a hour a day. 

Wajohn is coming back to California. My AI portfolio is doing well. More than ever, I seem ready to retire. Maybe next year?

Malaysia and Cambodia

What an amazing trip!