Well, now, where the heck did summer go? Here we are into the first few fall days, and some leaves outside the window are already turning a pale orange. Next, it will be Halloween. No costume for me. I refuse to buy candy for the neighbourhood kids until the last possible second. The sugar will surely go to my waist. That’s enough from a frustrated wannabe, one-night pirate.
Outside, it’s a picture-perfect fall day, a real treat considering the trials our east coast and southern neighbours have suffered. It is downright salubrious at the risk of being accused of stealing a friend’s favourite word (Thanks, Andy Oudman, for introducing me to the term)! On that cheerful note, why not share the real reason for today’s post?
Have you ever envied something another person has done, an accomplishment or something they have, and then taken a deep look into your soul and said, not a chance? It would be easy to be jealous of someone for their material possessions or achievements. After being hit with a minor twinge this week, it was time to take stock of what I have to be thankful for, and I’m happy with the results.
The family is talking about travel now that the world is opening up. Marking my interest in seeing the pyramids that mom described decades ago from her expeditions east, it didn’t take too long to rein in my wanderlust and decide that maybe I’ll wait a little longer before I venture out. As much as travelling filled a desire just before retirement, the cautious side surfaced, brought on by the political action overseas and a keen interest in staying healthy. The catastrophist in me was more concerned with being stuck in a hotel, unable to return to the land of the true North strong and free.
Oh yes, the “r” word. Retirement. Several close friends enjoy working part-time in a post-retirement job. I have briefly checked out their assignments with curiosity and interest. Really, a few extra shekels to help with golfing seems like a good idea. Actually, the activity itself might fill a gap. What? Is there a gap? Helping out at our Fanshawe College, volunteering at a few events, some guest speaking, the book project, and the blog you’re reading. Maybe I should do some research here before I sign up. Sigh. Something will catch my interest before it’s too late.
The ”bucket list.” We have all watched friends enjoy adventures and experiences that, at the outset, look appealing. NO, I don’t want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I purchased a recovery parachute nearly forty years ago after building an ultralight airplane. Reserved for emergencies only, it was there to save me in the unlikely event a wing gave way to the laws of physics. Fortunately, that predicament never arose. With no interest in climbing a mountain, I will continue to satisfy the personal craving for time with family, friends and the camaraderie from a lifetime as a first responder.
As for those dreams we all have from time to time, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that I do imagine outside the box. That is where the lottery comes in. There is the long game for a group from work that continues to buy tickets: what would we do with a million or two? Thanks, Tracey, for managing our band of tentative millionaires. Yes, we all have dreams. Two acquaintances from Lambeth have won in the past few years, so I know it is not an impossible dream. That is unless they have drained the well.
Would you trade your happiness and comforts around you for some cash or toys? Me? NOT A CHANCE!