Thursday, March 14, 2013

Skywatch Friday & More

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Regular visitors may notice a new blog header.  You may also notice a date in that header.  No, I am not retiring the blog.  I am retiring myself from my job.  More on that later.  On to Skywatch Friday.

As I have said before, when you have clear blue skies, fill the frame with something else.  Recently a 21C hotel opened here.  One of the features of a 21C hotel is art.  I found this piece in the courtyard.  Personally, I think this might be a great addition to the NBA game.  If you can put the ball into the top baskets you get 7 points. 

Okay, now a bout that retirement thing.  I took my first job as a draftsman in an architects office in 1969.  That means that I have been in the construction industry for 44 years.  The last 25 years I have spent with the same firm.  I started as a project manager and eventually became the Director of Architecture.  Four years ago I was Director of Architecture and Marketing.  About two years ago I decided to slow down a little so I stepped down from the Architecture position and focused on Marketing.  I also cut back to three days per week with the intent of retiring no later than December of this year.  This past December my wife and I re-examined our situation and decided that I was in a position to retire in April if I wanted.  So, we have spent the past few months getting my Medicare in order, finding supplemental health insurance and getting all of our medical needs taken care of under my current health plan.  Mission accomplished.
As I write this post, I have six working days left in the office.  I am going to miss the people.  I am going to miss the daily creative process and I am going to miss the process of landing a new client.  But, I have other things to do now and I am truly looking forward to my final day of work.
Those of you who read this blog occasionally, know that I have more than a passing interest in digital photography.  That will become one of the areas that I intend to focus on in my retirement years.  I also love to fish, and I have the bass boat to prove it, and I have four grandkids that will go fishing at the drop of a hat.  With summer coming, I think the timing is perfect.  I almost forgot, there are several projects around the house that need to be done. There will be some traveling, but that will probably not start until next year.  We're going to have to adjust to our new income level and I expect that will take a few months.  All in all, I honestly believe that I can fill my days with interesting things to do.  I hope to be like my wife's uncle.  He's 84 now and has been retired since he was 55.  Not long ago he said, "Ya know, I never have gotten tired of not working."  That works for me.


15 comments:

  1. That's an interesting work of art. The safety guys at work would go nuts though. Talk about trip hazards!

    Congratulations on your pending retirement. I like how you have gradually moved toward that goal. I don't see you sitting too much in that chair. My Dad retired when he was 52 and is 85 now. He has slowed down considerably the last several years but he has had a very satisfying experience and accomplished much in his retirement.

    Next year will be my 40th year in the energy biz. My employer willing I can do another 10! I am definitely not a tea partier but I don't see how the younger people are going to be able to pay for us older people as times move on.

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  2. Good for you on your upcoming retirement. I've been retired for 10 years and I'm busier than ever. I volunteer way to much, but it's for a good cause so it's good for me. Hubby is in the same boat. We work together.

    Love the first video and I just watched the last one yesterday. What great testimony.

    Have a terrific day. ☺

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  3. Congratulations on April 1! Personally, I have been wanting to retire since about my 8th birthday... :) Enjoy!

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  4. You're so wise to retire fit and well. My husband so looked forward to his retirement but he died, suddenly, a year early. I say to everyone, do what you feel inclined to, you don't know what lies in front of you.

    Have a long and happy retirement.

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  5. The red and white of that art piece is very striking against the blue sky. Congrats on your upcoming retirement--I think your wife's uncle had the right idea and I wish you many productive and happy years doing what you enjoy doing.

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  6. Great skywatch! Love the thought that went into making this art installation a bit different.
    Congratulation on your well thought out retirement!

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  7. wow..I'm jealous..it will still be long dreadful years ahead before I can finally retire :)

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  8. Great artwork and it make a beautiful skywatch to. I hope to see a lot more of this kind of pictures with something constructed in it from you. Have a nice retirement.

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  9. that is so neat....beautiful video with phil...congrats on the retirement!

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  10. I think you will love the retirement gig. I mostly retired last summer (I still work a few days a month) and I have loved every minute of it. I sometimes wonder how I ever found the time to work. :)

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  11. Great post! You will enjoy being retired...Since I retired there is more to do than ever.And you can focus more on the things you love to do..like photography! The picture is great. God Bless!

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  12. Now that set of hoops would make the game a lot of fun!

    Congratulations on your upcoming retirement.

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  13. I really like that basketball artwork. Coincidentally, my brother-in-law retired today after 40+ years working at the same hospital. He hated his job, but stayed for 4 decades! Congratulations to you and I'm sure you are looking forward to it.

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  14. WOW- what an interesting place- love your composition on the shot too.

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