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How Many Times A day?
How many times a day do you pack a bowl and enjoy? I've only been smoking a pipe for 2 days. I light up once a day just after sunset. Great way to relax and end the day. Think I'll do that tomorrow too!
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2-3 bowls a day, but not everyday if something comes up and I don't have time for a pipe. but I plan for at least 2 a day.
@Jdalen Congrats on your retirement. I worked for 35 years in the Steel Mill and always assumed I was going to get killed in the place and never be able to enjoy my retirement. But here it is 15 years later, and I'm enjoying every day.
Whenever I bump into an old colleague from my days as a steelworker at U.S. Steel it never fails that the first question out of their mouth is some variation of "what are you doing now that you've retired?". And my reply is always the same ... "Whatever I want - whenever I want." They are shocked to discovered I didn't get another job after leaving the Mill.
Since we all spend the bulk of our adult lives working, the notion of being physically "retired" seems so foreign to most hard-working Americans, that it can be a difficult concept to grasp once it happens. The time honored notion of "you are what you do" completely knocks us off kilter when that career comes to an end. So many people retire from good paying jobs where they accumulated decades of seniority, respect from their peers, and a pension plan that enticed them to accept the position in the first place ... then turn around after a few months of freedom and re-enter the workforce out of sheer boredom at an entry level position for low pay or minimum wage, and no real benefits other than a paltry paycheck. (Note: I understand some people have financial burdens and are forced back into the workforce ... this is not meant for you).
The simple notion of restructuring their lifestyle to compensate for living on a fixed income, making budget conscious entertainment and vacation choices, and reconnecting as a married couple is a frightening proposition many haven't mentally prepared for. So they get antsy and re-enter the workforce, seemingly as an escape from themselves, missing out on what quality time is available to them before years and the natural aging process limits our choices in life.
So once I've expressed my definition of retirement I'm often met with skepticism and a blank stare. And you wouldn't believe how many times I've heard comments like; '"My wife and I would kill each other if we were trapped in the same house for 24 hours.", or "I'd be bored to death." Pretty sad. I guess until a person can get comfortable in their own skin time will never be theirs to do as they please. Even if all you have planned in the next hour is smoking a bowl of your favorite blend and staring at the stars.
Truth is I too was reluctant to pull the trigger and in fact could have started collecting my pension two years ago but told myself at the time, "not until I find another job". I kept telling my co-workers and train buddies that I wouldn't know what to do with myself.
After many rounds of interviews (accounting/auditing) over the last 2 yrs and still no new job, I just decided to take the jump anyway and have so far surprisingly found that there aren't enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do including sometimes spending that hour on my front porch smoking my pipe and watching the sunset.
Granted it's only been two months and it's summer, which helps, since I spend lots of my time in my veg garden and getting out and about with my daughters. But, as you mentioned, I hope to keep taking advantage of the quality time available before the years start to limit my choices.
Congrats on your 15 years so far and God willing many many more to come.
Thanks for the encouragement.