The Times, They Are A Changing (Thanks, PP&M)

The divorce was final on 8/15. Did not know if I should be sad that it had occurred, or happy that it went very smoothly with my (ex)wife and I maintaining a sense of civility and respect for each other.

Sept 28, had to get rid of 13 yr old pet dog in declining health. Fortunately, there was some loving person out there that has the time and space to take care of her needs. It was a warm and loving 13 years,

Now, what's next to change?

A Boomer Re-do

If money and parental responsibility were no concern, I would travel full time, getting odd jobs, or at least until I found myself sick of it. I've always enjoyed waking up in a different environment and experiencing different lifestyles and cultures. This all from a guy who never left a very small home town until college. I think the seed for travel was sewn with military service in Germany. My real time hero is Rick Steves (never met him) who has a well known travel guide service. He  has built a love of traveling into what appears to be an empire of guide books, tv, radio, and merchandise. Those of you that have traveled in Europe carrying one of his guide books or logo'd travel bags appreciate the almost cult like status of the brand.

A Boomer Re-do

I've had 6 jobs/careers in 40 years..military officer, corporate manager, restaurant owner, hotel food and beverage director, resort general manager, and sales. I'm thankful to have a job in this economy. BUT, at the same time, this is an opportunity to do something with my new found "freedom". All the self-improvement and lifestyle gurus tell you to reinvent yourself every 5 years or so, or to find the true work you love so that you  never have to "work" again.

Now, I get to weigh the above with location, lifestyle, economic reality, family responsibility, and satisfying the new itch to do and be something during the next third of my life.

More to come

63 And A New Journey

63 years old and divorced after 25 years. Two years ago, my ex-wife and I sat at a Paris cafe and talked about when and how we could retire and live in Paris several months a year. We kept our ideals and goals, but lost the way to get there. Our divorce is amicable, probably because we want to protect our 17 year old college freshman daughter.

Now, more expense, lousy economy, college tuition. There goes the 5 and 10 year plan.

Let the journey begin