After I retired last spring it seems the “work mode” was still switched on. A lot of stuff between then and going off to Ecuador got done. Including getting this blog up and running.
But Ecuador shifted my gears to “susuguar.” This wonderful word I picked up years ago. That’s likely not the correct spelling but it is how you’d pronounce it. Might be Swahili, or maybe Konkoni. Maybe one of my worldly readers will know.
It means something like: Kick back, relax, chill, take it easy….
And so I have been. Seems this not working business agrees with me.
But I have been making time to read the interesting posts of more diligent bloggers, like Jacob over at ERE. This one struck a cord:
http://earlyretirementextreme.com/living-like-a-student.html
Since hanging up my working spurs, we’ve been on a campaign of de-cluttering and downsizing around here. Our daughter is off to college and the house is for sale. In this market it might be for sale forever.
Reading Jacob’s post it occurred to me that in a fundamental, psychological way I’m really trying to return to the simple, carefree days of university life.
I l-o-v-e-d my undergraduate years. It was the perfect blend of:
- a little and interesting work
- bright people
- free time
It was a simple life and all the richer for it. I could make enough during the summers to pay for the rest of the year, even if some of the meals were sparse; white rice and ketchup was a staple. (I said sparse, not healthy)
I lived in a single room with a fridge, sink and stove against one wall. It came with a desk and chair and a mattress on the floor. The bathrooms were down the hall and shared.
I owned two pair of jeans, three shirts, sneakers and a winter jacket. Plus my own towel, sheets and a thin US Air Force blanket the enlisted girl I was dating at the time “liberated” for me.
None of these were my actual Air Force girlfriend
Fortunately I was aware enough to appreciate what a magical time it was.
Recently, my daughter and I were discussing some of the cool options she is considering for her Junior year next year. “It’s hard to choose, dad. College is such a unique and short time.” It is indeed my girl. Choose wisely.
