Over the last three years, I have had the pleasure of not doing regular work. In my first year of semi-retirement, I travelled all over Europe. Then in 2009, I went for an extended stay in my country of birth, the Philippines. In 2010, I travelled all over U.S., to places I've gone to before, but still, I totally enjoyed the experience, seeing these places with a new perspective.
In Manila, I am a true blue Pinoy - pampered with food and service and nothing domestic to do; I try dish washing from time to time, and cooking, the chore I miss most to do.
I try to do little home projects, but once these are done, I'm back to doing nothing - and back to regular "things," which a paid employee normally does - sitting in front of the computer and surfing for hours, reading, snacking, telephoning, and planning on activities for the coming days.
I've come to enjoy watching old Tagalog flicks over Cinema One, and over at Cinemax and HBO and at other 24-hour movie channels. At the mall, I've re-learned browsing at National Bookstore. I've re-focused on photography.
And again, I've donned my dancing shoes for regular nights of dancing.
I've totally forgotten about those "headaches," at the office where I worked last in Toronto. I've lost track of the people I've used to work with. I've embraced bliss and joy, and what a life it is!
I've totally enjoyed our long drives North and South, trips to the rural - kissing the sun and the greenery, the humming of the birds front and back of the house, my dog Shadee's power bark and naps, the mystery of early mornings, the idyllic quiet of afternoons, and the romantic jazziness of evenings.
Life is what you make it; work is only incidental. At the end of the day- you are who is standing TALL. The one who laughs, the one who cherishes it all, the one who shares the joy with your loved ones.
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