No… Don’t worry.. Its not me Not me.. I’m not retiring for another 15 years…. But suddenly lots of my friends are . It seems every day there are 1 or 2 retirement parties going on at work.. And I’m getting 2 or 3 “dear friends” email letters. I really enjoy those letters by the way.. It’s so interesting to see how people sum up their 30 or so years of work … most are upbeat.. Some are chronological lists of accomplishments, others are more philosophical. All have a phrase like ” the best thing has been the people” . I read each one of these carefully.. Looking for clues about the persons real state of mind.. Its rare is see any bitterness.. But I often see ambivalence .. Or uncertainty. Some have clear ideas of what they are doing next.. They’re moving ‘towards’ something. Some are moving ‘away’ and just are trying to avoid burnout.. I also read with a little bit of wistful envy.. No, envy is too strong a word…. Maybe vicarious longing.. I love my work right now.. Still the thought of being able to devote all of my time to my personal missions.. Whatever they may be.. Is so very tempting. How will that feel when it’s my time to take the watch and go ? Will I know what I want to do next ? Some thing tells me ‘yes’ .. But I’m sure it will be bittersweet when it happens.

Well, I Think I’ll retire right now.. To bed…
More tomorrow…

-nite all, nite Sam
-me