Some people are so enamored with their job that they say they will never retire. Wow, unbelievable! Over the years, none of my jobs appealed to me to that extent. In fact, I could hardly wait to retire from my legal assistant and library assistant jobs. The worst aspect was dealing with unpleasant people. The task, itself, was not hard, but having to get along with all types of people made it difficult.
So here I am, retired and loving it. Since calling it quits, I have published a blog, numerous newspaper columns, and 4 books (3 memoirs and an anthology). The great thing about publishing books is that they keep selling way into the future. If you run out of copies, all you have to do is reprint them. There is no need to keep making new things in time for a craft fair every year. I would find that stressful. I also was a monthly commentator on Hawaii Public Radio for 15 months. That was a lot of fun while it lasted.
Pat is semi-retired and expects even more diminished hours as a pharmacist next year. She told me she would like to try her hand at writing a newspaper column about pharmaceutical drugs and what people should know about them. The Star-Bulletin, MidWeek, or the Advertiser might be interested. After all, they already have a health column written by dieticians and one by a physician. Why not one by a pharmacist? I think the going rate for a columnist is $150 per column. Not bad pocket change.
David plans to retire in 10 years. What are his plans for the future? Answer: Long hours at 24 Hr Fitness. He loves the new branch in Pearl City, which boasts an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, and a wide range of equipment. I hope his knee heals; it was sore after his recent session with the physical therapist.
We also like to stimulate our minds. One way is by attending lectures at the Institute for Astronomy. This is a subject that is completely foreign to us. Oh, we love these lectures and chatting with astronomers at the pre-lecture receptions! I have managed to recruit new members: David, Pat, and her friend Brian. Maybe, we will be able to visit the observatories on Mauna Kea some day. That’s our goal, but, first, we must become physically fit for the high altitude and acquire winter clothing and footwear. Something to shoot for, eh? As IFA members, we are eligible.




























