Artificial Intelligence and Pearl's Birthday

The stock market continues upward. I recall the dot-com bubble. For a moment, I imagined I would never have to work as the stock market climbed to new highs almost everyday in the late 1990s. Now, Artificial Intelligence is fueling the rally. I am getting pulled into the euphoria. Some call AI the fourth industrial revolution, lol. Today is Pearl's birthday. We went for a walk in the morning and the farmer's market in the evening.

Andy's Retirement & SF

Andy's retirement. Now, only one 89er remains on active duty. San Francisco was a blast...

Pearl and I travelled to Truckee for one day with Sandra and Rich and spent the night at their cabin in Truckee.

I had a wonderful visit with Wendy, Roe, and Andrea in Napa, as they travelled to SF for the Eagle change of command. Next week in Andy's retirement. Our collective journey as a class will soon reach a major milestone. Now, there is only one of us, still serving on Active Duty.

I had a strange dream last night that I was still working at the Senate and wanted to continue as an RA. I woke this morning a little nostagic of work, but also realized the joys of retirement. Philip has an interview with the Senate on Wednesday. Retirement has been great so far, but it's always easier when I see NVDA continually reaching new highs, lol.

Soccer, Dominion, Mahjong, Cakewalk, Father's Day, Music Lesson & Duet

The weekend was full. Caleb, Eli, and I played soccer. Then, afterwards played Dominion. I am learning cakewalk to record tracks on my digital piano. I enjoy Majhong and tried to invite a few friends to learn, but it's been difficult to schedule. We celebrated Father's Day at the Louie's. It was loud, lol. I recently took one piano lesson which was surprisingly refreshing. Brian Rivers is more a profession musician (guitarist) and mentor, not necessarily a formal piano teacher. He welcomed my improvision style and shared how many classical trained artists can't play without sheet music. Philip and I will work on a musician duet.

Major League Baseball

I am grateful that our soccer group, including Caleb and Philip, gets together for social activities. Pizza and Pints, ice cream, trivia nights, occassional music events. Now, an A's game in West Sacramento. Caleb got the tickets. Baseball is a slow sport. The fun part is hanging out together.

More Retirement Reflections

Overall, retirement is going well. But, I do experience ocassional feelings of "disconnection" or "lack of purpose". My entire life has been building a family, or career, or portfolio -- saving for retirement. Now, I am there, but there is nothing further to build. I have found many wonderful social outlets. Our soccer group had a fun time at Pizza and Pints welcoming Elaine, who was visiting for a few days. Tonight, we host Rachel's parents for dinner. Last week, we had a wonderful 155th Anniversay celebration for the Odd Fellows. I have found an entire new community with American Mahjong with whom I play for 4 hours each week. I have tranformed our raised planter boxes into a vegetable and succulent garden. I love the new sunroom. Life is good, but retirement is an adjustment.

Reflections on Retirement

Retirment continues... The staples of my day are piano, a causal bike ride, and gardening. I can easily spend an hour at day on each of these activities. 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 away soccer games or tournaments) 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....

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.