No More Rat Race, but Less Cheese
I’m not a financial advisor, and I have no line of products to sell. What I am is an aspiring writer of articles, short stories, and website copy- who is also on a retirement journey.
Retirement came upon me much sooner than expected, thanks to the pandemic shutdowns. Writing about my new experiences then helped to center me, and it still does. My musings are varied- topics that interest me, travels that I take, responses to the world’s happenings. But everything is written in the hope that readers find something that resonates, gives insight, or even provides a laugh.
Please feel free to send comments, suggestions, or tips about your own retirement discoveries to the above email contact. Or use the comment box at the end of each blog. Retirement time can be a large portion of a person’s life. It is much too important to waste, and is much better when shared.
- Good-For-Nothing Stoner
I have had many generally uneventful healthy years on this earth- with only several “slight cases” of pregnancy (resulting in a beautiful boy and girl), and a side detour for cancer. But now I can truly be revealed as the good-for-nothing stoner that I really am- or at least what certain portions of my anatomy … Continue reading “Good-For-Nothing Stoner” - Think Disinformation is a New Issue?Think Again
There’s a presidential election coming up this November, and disinformation campaigns are in full swing. AI has been used to clone the voice of President Joe Biden– recently heard in robocalls urging New Hampshire voters to stay home and not vote. Deepfake images are presenting manipulated fake videos. A sample deepfake of Republican AZ Senate … Continue reading “Think Disinformation is a New Issue?Think Again” - It Took Just One Day…
It took just one day, a year ago. On one day-August 7- there was a bustling Maui seaside town of 12,000 residents- beloved by tourists for its charm, and revered by residents for its Hawaiian legacy. By the next day- August 8, 2023- more than 100 people were dead and at least 80% of the … Continue reading “It Took Just One Day…” - With Age Comes Wisdom-So Don’t Be A Cyber Target
Hackers and thieves are ecstatic. This past July 2024, nearly 10 BILLION PASSWORDS- the largest compilation of unique passwords ever leaked- was posted on a popular hacking forum. Known as RockYou2024, this cyber leak has huge implications. Authorities expect that this leaked list will lead to stolen identities, financial losses, and account takeovers for people … Continue reading “With Age Comes Wisdom-So Don’t Be A Cyber Target” - The Tale of the Purse That Got Away (or 10 Ways to Protect Your Purse and Thwart a Thief)
Purse snatching can happen anytime, anywhere- when you least expect it. Recently my friend and I stopped at a local fast food place while doing some errands. We got our food and sat at a table. My friend hung her purse on her chair, but fortunately had part of the purse strap underneath her. A … Continue reading “The Tale of the Purse That Got Away (or 10 Ways to Protect Your Purse and Thwart a Thief)” - Pandora’s Box Opens In the AmazonPhoto by David Bartus In Greek mythology, Pandora’s box was a “gift” from the gods to mankind that secretly contained misfortunes and woe- symbolic of humanity’s desire for knowledge. Pandora curiously opened the box, and unloosed great consequences upon the world. Another Pandora’s box- disguised as Elon Musk’s Starlink internet technology- came to the Marubo … Continue reading “Pandora’s Box Opens In the Amazon”
- In The Digital Age, Is Vinyl Back?I didn’t even think that vinyl record albums were still a thing. I’ve had some recent vague awareness of albums being sold in Target or Barnes & Noble. But the ubiquitous little record stores of my youth seemed to have trickled away. Later on there was still a remaining Amoeba Music in LA, but no … Continue reading “In The Digital Age, Is Vinyl Back?”
- The Impossible Dream
As I am getting older, it is usual to hear about people in my age group facing serious medical issues. Heart disease, cancer, or sometimes the dreaded “old-timers” disease, dementia…such serious conditions just seem to be an unfortunate part of senior life. As time goes on, the odds increase for an older person to face … Continue reading “The Impossible Dream” - HOW TO MANAGE THOSE AWKWARD FAMILY GIFTS
Everyone has probably seen those awkward family photo cards. You know, the amusing pictures with strange poses, odd haircuts, and unusual props. There’s even “romantic” awkward family photos for weddings taken with inadvertent backgrounds. (Who wouldn’t want lovely wedding photos with a bright blue porta potty backdrop-or a gardener bending over beyond the window, “cracks” … Continue reading “HOW TO MANAGE THOSE AWKWARD FAMILY GIFTS” - Are Yakkity Yak Teeth the Real Key to Long Life?
We are surrounded by so many calls to stay healthy and young. Ads from every source bombard us constantly- the latest age-defying skin regimen, the can’t-fail joint care supplement, the best vitamin boost for brain health. In this world, according to advertising anyway, health issues, old age- and eventual death- are not options. People have … Continue reading “Are Yakkity Yak Teeth the Real Key to Long Life?”