We have all heard it.
The Question.
"What are you going to do in Mexico?"
In my case, it was tied to the question: "How are you going to survive retirement?" Of course, the subtext of both questions is: "Why are you throwing away your life?"
The worst were my friends at work. I worked for an excellent company that was the embodiment of a problem-solving machine. My work was challenging. I had every tool I could have wished.
In that type of environment, if Work is not Life, it is certainly Purpose. To abandon all of it while still at the top of one's form seemed reckless to some. Simply wasteful to others.
My answer was always the same. I will do what I do on every weekend, every evening, every vacation day. I will read. I will write. I will correspond. I will listen to music.
This week has tested my plan. I have minimized trips away from the house to attend to Jiggs's needs.
As a result, I have been able to do several things I have been unable to do during the last month.
I tore through one of Harry Turtledove's alternate history novels: Blood and Iron. Because it is simply one in a series of ten novels, there was little interesting in it. By now, I can always predict how each conflict will be resolved, how each new character will play out. But I enjoyed just sitting and reading without interruption -- other than Jiggs's occasional bark for attention.
I caught up on several of the Mexico blogs I have followed for the past year -- leaving scattered comments along the way. I also made some notes on places I will soon get out to see.
And I wrote several draft future posts. Most will need to wait for additional research. But this is the first time I have had the luxury to get ahead on what I will post.
I also used MagicJack to call several people back in the States. My brother directed me to MagicJack during his recent visit to Japan. He convinced me that I wanted some form of telephone connection from Mexico. I doubted it. I hate the telephone. But it has been a great device to stay in contact -- when I need a conversation fix.
I know. I know. I cannot keep up this routine of simply staying around the house. I would go stir crazy -- in a few months or so. But I am surprised at how satisfying the routine is.
So, what do I do?
Anything I want to do.
The Question.
"What are you going to do in Mexico?"
In my case, it was tied to the question: "How are you going to survive retirement?" Of course, the subtext of both questions is: "Why are you throwing away your life?"
The worst were my friends at work. I worked for an excellent company that was the embodiment of a problem-solving machine. My work was challenging. I had every tool I could have wished.
In that type of environment, if Work is not Life, it is certainly Purpose. To abandon all of it while still at the top of one's form seemed reckless to some. Simply wasteful to others.
My answer was always the same. I will do what I do on every weekend, every evening, every vacation day. I will read. I will write. I will correspond. I will listen to music.
This week has tested my plan. I have minimized trips away from the house to attend to Jiggs's needs.
As a result, I have been able to do several things I have been unable to do during the last month.
I tore through one of Harry Turtledove's alternate history novels: Blood and Iron. Because it is simply one in a series of ten novels, there was little interesting in it. By now, I can always predict how each conflict will be resolved, how each new character will play out. But I enjoyed just sitting and reading without interruption -- other than Jiggs's occasional bark for attention.
I caught up on several of the Mexico blogs I have followed for the past year -- leaving scattered comments along the way. I also made some notes on places I will soon get out to see.
And I wrote several draft future posts. Most will need to wait for additional research. But this is the first time I have had the luxury to get ahead on what I will post.
I also used MagicJack to call several people back in the States. My brother directed me to MagicJack during his recent visit to Japan. He convinced me that I wanted some form of telephone connection from Mexico. I doubted it. I hate the telephone. But it has been a great device to stay in contact -- when I need a conversation fix.
I know. I know. I cannot keep up this routine of simply staying around the house. I would go stir crazy -- in a few months or so. But I am surprised at how satisfying the routine is.
So, what do I do?
Anything I want to do.
