August 23, 2012
Yes, this piece is entitled by a date – the date I officially retired from 33-years of full-time teaching (though I am only semi-retired; as I carry on teaching part-time at Cal State University Northridge)…
Today, Thursday, August 30, 2012 is the first day that I was able to experience the sensation of everyday being a Saturday – as Niece Gaby had her wedding on Saturday the 25th and Giti and I have had my family in for the festivities.
Don’t get me wrong, I have not awakened to an alarm since Thursday the 23rd: but with the family in town and me trying to get 3 syllabi in order (and I completely screwed up ‘reading dates’ for one of my classes) – I haven’t been able to read the newspaper from cover-to-cover and enjoy my coffee until today, which is August 30th.
Everyone tells me that I am going to be bored – with so much spare time on my hands…well, as soon as the papers start-to-roll-in from my 3, packed college classes – I’m betting I’ll be doing plenty of “responding” to my students.
In the meantime – I listened to SOLTERRE (that’s me, Carter, HG & Akah) “Where the Earth Kisses the Sun” this morning and found it very satisfying and inspiring. Though I hesitate juxtaposing an unhurried Morning Constitution next to my music – this too is an immensely satisfying way to begin the day and finish the morning paper.
This weekend I’ll be visiting the Batman to see if he will succeed in getting the ANACHRONISM music website functioning properly so I can start to selling some of my music. I also had time today to talk to my Jacuzzi guy, Jose. We talked about what his social security might look like in 31 or 36 years (depending on when that eligibility age gets changed): He’s still hopeful…I said I would pray for him.
I also have this here Dr.’s Inn – from where I reach out to-the-world-at-large from my oasis. I also started to work on Tami A’s recommendation (along with a few others) to the Masters’ Writing Program at Antioch. Hell! She’s a better writer than I am!! I should have her write her own recommendation and I’ll just sign the thang!!! Unfortunately, she knows better than anyone that I now have time on my hands…and this too, is a wonderful sensation: time has stopped for me…the last week has felt like a lifetime…
And once again, without having to maintain hyper vigilance for 300-or-so-minutes-per-day, I’ve found myself dwelling in my unconscious…I find myself in rooms of my home not knowing why I am standing in that particular room and having to retrace my steps to a point where the particular mission again becomes manifest. I can also flop down at any time for a nap – and just stare out into inner and outer space. Yep. It’s like being back in Kindergarten…
And tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll start my morning surfs again (which will keep me from afternoon wine tasting). I figure that this added therapy should keep me from getting fat – though I shed 5 lbs. just from retiring?!
But never fear, Readers, I intend to get political again in my next installment: This Republican primary shit just is too easy a target and every other pundit with-half-a-brain is already having a field day with it; and, if Mitt and his buddy Cryin’ Ryan make it to the Oval Office – I’ll be writing plenty about Mormon underwear (if the new regime allows it), and, perhaps – I’ll be able to nab another wife or two – which should really fuel my prose (or bring it to a screeching halt).
Next Installment: The Origin of Greed