Retirement - is it the end or the beginning?

Today's my first day of retirement. I used to think what it's like to retire. Last week, I've sent that last Thank You letter to my colleagues past & present, to my boss, my peers, saying I had a wonderful experiences during my stay, telling everyone it's been a pleasure working with them. At 5pm, I logged off for the last time, close the company-issued laptop, and breathe a sigh of relief! At last, I thought, I made it to the end of the day. 

The past couple of weeks had been a mixed of emotions. Questions nagging me like, have I made the right decision to retire early. You feel like there were still lots of work to be done. Am I abandoning my team? I was asked questions like - "Why are you retiring?" or "You're still young." or "You're leaving us?" And then there were the encouragements that I was making the right decision. In the end, it was still made the right decision. A decision that was based on finding the right time and leaving on my own terms. The pandemic made me realized that health is much more important, and with thoughtful planning over the years to be able to retire healthy and with enough savings to live comfortably, to have an active lifestyle that will keep us occupied and not get bored.

How's retirement? I have no clue yet. But if we continue to stick to our plans, then we can achieve our new goals for retirement. Retirement is not the end, it's another phase of life, and another journey. 

Whether one believes in a religion or not,
 and whether one believes in rebirth or not,
 there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate
kindness and compassion.

"Don't hurry, don't worry.
You're only here for a short visit.
So be sure to stop and smell the flowers."
- Walter Hagen

Is friendship fragile?

Is friendship fragile? Is it like the box of chocolates where you'll never know what you're gonna get? Is it like stocks and bonds where you invest in, but instead of relying on statistics and historical data, you rely mostly on your own emotions and experiences, both the good and the bad?

Friday the 13th

friday the 13th. i'm not superstitious, i never mind when this day comes. but its different this time. it started quite differently yesterday, but as the night ended, it definitely ended up a misfortune. today, friday the 13th will determine if the day lives up to its reputation. it's make or break, go/no go, do or die. a pivotal moment whether pride will rear its ugly head or humility sets in.

Optimism

It's the middle of the week. May you have a glass-half-full kind of day !!!!!!!

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.  She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.  Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.  She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:10-30

For Tess, who's always there for me, with me. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !!!