Reflections on Retirement

Retirment continues... The staples of my day are piano, a causal bike ride, and gardening. These can easily last an hour a day. Then, I round out other activies like Odd Fellows, Mahjong, Quacera, Kings Games, Soccer, Social Coffee or Lunches. In the past, vacations and weekend journeys (often soccer) were a relaxing change of pace from work. Now, I'm not sure what to make of them, as every day is relaxing. Home projects (windows, doors, shutters, sunroom) continue, but are almost done. The next step for me may be hosting: Family Game Nights, Poker, Dong side, Neighbors Coffee.

More Iceland Photos

Iceland is diverse: waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, giant surf, volcanoes, geysers, lava fields, and hot springs.

Iceland and random ideas...

Our first few days in Iceland has been memorable. The capital city of Reykjavík is beautiful and quaint. At the center of the city is a church tower will bells and views. A main tourist street is rainbow colors with many places to dine and shop. The harbor has beautiful views of the mountains and sea. Iceland geography and history is unique. Its cold here, which makes this trips all the more rememberable. Two unrelated insights: Enjoyment is a state of mind and Don't Let the Perfect Delay the Good. I'm glad Pearl and I joined this Coast Guard tour. While it's easy to complain about the cold and overcast skies, this is a good vacation, filled with memberable events and life experiences. It's been great to meet new folks and share Coast Guard connections.

Iceland

We made it to Iceland. Its cold and windy. We walked around the hotel. The city is quaint.

American Mahjong

I took a class today on how to play American Mahjong. It was fun, but also mentally challenging. There is a group that plays weekly at the Senior Center. I thought the American version would be easier than the Chinese one, but that is not the case. I could imagine playing regularly. Mahjong is a good social game, but also good mental exercise.

Caleb and Rachel are engaged!

Caleb proposed to Rachel this weekend. She said yes. On Sunday evening, we had a game night at Caleb's house with cousins and friends to celebrate; then visited grandparents on Monday, President's Day holiday. Coincidentially, Eli came home and caught a ride with his friend. It was a full weekend. It was nice to have him home to join the celebration. I am happy for Caleb and Rachel. But a strange question lingers as I process these momentous changes... am I gaining a daughter or losing a son? I know it's not one our the other. Caleb is his own man now and needs to focus on his soon to be wife and family.

Birthday, Rebekah Installation, and Playing Piano at the Chocolate Festival

My 60th birthday.... I had a good time celebrating with friends and family. I also had the opportunity to play piano for nearly 3 hours at the Chocolate Festival. It was a challenge. I haven't been as motivated to learn new songs recently. Perhaps, my focus instead has been on learning to perform better. Playing at my retirement party, in front of all of my friends, was a major step in my musical journey. Similarly, playing at the Chocolate Festival, a new challenge. Retirement is going fine, yet it still is an adjustment. We also had our Odd Fellows and Rebekah Installations. We also celebrated Chinese New Year, closing year on Louie side, and new year with my siblings.

Retirement Party

My retirement party has come and gone. It's still a blur. Now comes the new part.... retirement. I am keeping a similar sleep schedule, early to bed and early to rise. I'm working on several house projects: sunroom, replace window, replace garage side door, roomba vacuum, clean rooms, etc. Bike rides, soccer, visiting UCD, volunteer piano, Odd Fellows....