The Holidays, Part II

I think that there is some logic to backing up the story of my first holidays with the one that I am currently experiencing.  Once again, the focus has been on family.  Sure, I am writing right now, and I have spent some time on the family genealogy, but most of this vacation time has been spent with family.  And I can say that except for in one instance, I have only spent about 10 minutes in the building.  Even more impressive is that I haven't even thought about school much.

This time, however, I find myself, whenever there is a moment free, wondering what I will do in retirement.  I have had that question posed to me often since I made the decision, and I invariably come up with an answer.  Most of the time it is centered on my grandchildren, my children and their spouses, and my wife.  I have gradually come to the realization that I will want to do more.  After all, when I retired the first time, it took me just two months to realize that I wanted to do something.

I landed with Bowen Center and spent a year working as a child and adolescent case manager.  I did love working with young people one on one.  I did well enough to be named the employee of the quarter for the whole Bowen Center corporation.  When I left, I knew that I wanted to go back.  What I learned while I was with them, I have used in the past seven years to help students and teachers.  But when I checked in at Bowen to see who was still there I found that only three people remained.

Besides, I don't want to tie myself to a job.  I want the flexibility to go on a trip when I want to, to follow my grandchildren in their activities, and I really want to write.  This blog has been great fun and cathartic, and I have plenty more to put into writing, if for no other reason than to chronicle my life for my family, something that I wish my mother and father had done.  Whatever I do, it must allow for flexibility.

So, this day before the first day of 2014, I want to wish a very Happy New Year to all of you who have stayed with me through this project.  And I want you to know that my New Year's resolution is to have a plan for the rest of my life by spring break!  If this resolution works like all the rest, I will have to ask for an extension.