I really don't think I'll have any problems transitioning into retirement.
I know that taking a few days off is nothing compared to being retired, but still -- I think I'll manage the change quite nicely.
I took last Friday off and had a nice long walk at the Springfield Nature Center with Chris.
Saturday was an easy day with Chris working and me doing very little.
Sunday night I had the opportunity to preach for a group at the Laclede Baptist Camp.
I also took a couple of days off (Mon/Tue) to hang out at the Fellowship of Missouri Baptist Evangelists' booth at the Missouri Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. I was excited to be able to share about my winter retirement plans and how that meant an open schedule for 2015. I was able to talk to several pastors about possible dates and events for the spring!
I have a magic show to prepare, lesson plans to write (apologetics), a book to work on (writing, not reading) and plenty of household projects. I seriously doubt that I'll ever be pacing in my living room and saying I'm bored as I often do in the tracon.
I'm sure that there will be plenty of adjustments to make, but I'm looking forward to them.
I expect that I'll be cooking more and we'll be eating out a little less often. I'm not sure how Chris feels about that but we'll be eating better (than eating out). I'm not too big on salad prep. I love eating them, but Chris is the salad chef in the house, not me.
In any case, the days off have really helped me to feel like it is time!
They very first week of retirement is the Missouri Baptist State Evangelism Conference, here in Springfield. They end of February is the Pulaski Association Evangelism Conference. I need to work on a March trip to Florida for a little spring baseball. April is Easter and my first tentative spring revival.
I don't think I would have time to go to work...or to be bored!
I am a happy boy!
John <><
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Random thoughts on my pending retirement
It's not often that I post from my phone, but this morning finds my with time on my hands, thoughts in my head and my phone as my only handy media device.
With just fifteen work weeks left in my incredibly average ATC career, "What's next?" is a question I hear (and think about) often.
I really doubt that I'll have to get used to not going to work everyday. I'm pretty sure that I'll fall into that habit quite easily. I do expect that it will take some time to adjust to a new normal and allocating my time to a new schedule.
I do not expect to be bored!
I have been unable to devote the proper time to working on and marketing the magic show that I bought last year. That will be a priority. I've never really considered myself as a professional magician; perhaps the new show and new market will change my personal perspective.
Another thing that I haven't done in the past (haven't had to) is to be proactive about booking revivals, camps or other ministry events. With no work schedule to get in the way, I'm looking forward to a more active ministry calendar.
I've considered going back to school. A degree in Biblical studies would be nice for the pedigree, but I'm not sure how necessary it is at this point. Chris has pointed out that I read and learn plenty on my own and sees little practical benefit from the official piece of paper.
If I were to consider a different area for continued education, it would be something along the lines of herbal medicine or some kind of natural wellness or natural health studies. Once again, I'm not sure that I'd need the degree since I doubt that a professional practice is in my future. It would just be for my own interests and those that might share them.
And there is writing...
I do want to have a daily writing time. I don't know if I'll ever write a book or a magazine article; I just know I need to write.
And travel!
Yes, definitely need to plan a few trips.
Spring training in Florida.
Spring in Australia (our Fall).
Beaches in Mexico any time the sun is shining.
Philippines.
And there is weekend camp in Canada that we need crash in the summer.
No, I don't believe that I'll be bored.
When the fun stuff runs out, there are plenty of household projects to keep me busy.
Life is good!
John <><
With just fifteen work weeks left in my incredibly average ATC career, "What's next?" is a question I hear (and think about) often.
I really doubt that I'll have to get used to not going to work everyday. I'm pretty sure that I'll fall into that habit quite easily. I do expect that it will take some time to adjust to a new normal and allocating my time to a new schedule.
I do not expect to be bored!
I have been unable to devote the proper time to working on and marketing the magic show that I bought last year. That will be a priority. I've never really considered myself as a professional magician; perhaps the new show and new market will change my personal perspective.
Another thing that I haven't done in the past (haven't had to) is to be proactive about booking revivals, camps or other ministry events. With no work schedule to get in the way, I'm looking forward to a more active ministry calendar.
I've considered going back to school. A degree in Biblical studies would be nice for the pedigree, but I'm not sure how necessary it is at this point. Chris has pointed out that I read and learn plenty on my own and sees little practical benefit from the official piece of paper.
If I were to consider a different area for continued education, it would be something along the lines of herbal medicine or some kind of natural wellness or natural health studies. Once again, I'm not sure that I'd need the degree since I doubt that a professional practice is in my future. It would just be for my own interests and those that might share them.
And there is writing...
I do want to have a daily writing time. I don't know if I'll ever write a book or a magazine article; I just know I need to write.
And travel!
Yes, definitely need to plan a few trips.
Spring training in Florida.
Spring in Australia (our Fall).
Beaches in Mexico any time the sun is shining.
Philippines.
And there is weekend camp in Canada that we need crash in the summer.
No, I don't believe that I'll be bored.
When the fun stuff runs out, there are plenty of household projects to keep me busy.
Life is good!
John <><
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
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