I Feel Good Today, Silent Reader

Published on November 22, 2004 By chiprj In Blogging

I Feel Good Today

I slept poorly last night, so this is completely unexpected. One of the dogs got sick and threw up on the bed around 0200. My wife and I both got up and between the two of us, we changed the sheets (we kept the plastic on the matress when we bought it for just this type of thing), let both the dogs down, cleaned up Umji after she threw up again, and went back to bed. Well, by the time that was all over, I was wide awake. I didn't fall back asleep until nearly 0330 and then I had to get up at 0430 for PT.

Despite the lack of sleep, I have felt great all day. More so than usual. I've been in a great mood all day. I don't know what has made me feel this way today, but I hope it doesn't require the dog to get sick every night.

There was a lot of traffic on the drive in, but instead of getting upset about it, I drove with Aloha. I let everyone in ahead of me (even the asshats that like to switch lanes every car or two, just to save 30 seconds on their commute). I just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery, which is fantastic between Seaside and Monterey on a clear day.

At work, the internet connection has been down all day. I've writing this in word and will save it to my thumb drive if I can't post it before I leave. I didn't have class first hour, so I sipped coffee and talked with a few of the other MLIs, all of whom were upset about the network being down. There really isn't much to do other than surf the net between classes if you don't have anything to review or prep. I had class scheduled for second and third hours, but since the students have a test tomorrow, both hours were set aside for self study. I was just available for questions and speaking practice.

I got a haircut at lunch today. While waiting my turn, I was approached by a retired Air Force officer. He just wanted to talk and I've always enjoyed listening to older service members and retirees. They have a lot to say and I have a lot to learn. He told me that his last duty station had been the Presidio and that he spent his last six years on active duty here. He retired in 87 and was proud to be turning 70 this year. He talked a little bit about having to shift gears after retirement. A sad fact that many don't know is that a lot of retirees pass away within 5 years of their retirement. It has been speculated that many don't transition well into civilian life and very often don't have a plan on how to stay busy after 20+ years of going at the military's often hectic pace. I really don't know the truth of that, but I have heard it over the years enough to know that I think I will make an effort to keep myself busy with something when my time in the Army is done. I'd like to teach when I get out. Maybe history at the high school level. Or maybe Korean/English if there are oppurtunities in a business or government setting. It would seem silly not to continue using the language skills and Korea specific knowledge I've gained during my Army career. But, I'm not closed to the idea of going in a new direction. Ah, that's all at least 8 years off, but it's never too early to at least give it some thought.

Now, I'm just waiting to go to the gym. I have nothing else scheduled for the school day, so I may cut out and hit the gym for a little bit. I am trying to lose some weight and whenever I get the chance, I go to the gym in the afternoon and hit the treadmill for some brisk walking or jogging. Every little bit helps.

Well, this has turned into a ramble about nothing really. But, like I said above, I feel good today. Hope you do, too!

Comments

Ravenblack

on Nov 23, 2004

Good to hear it, Chip.
I feel better than yesterday at least.

About the retirees - in the Singapore Armed Forces, they actually encourage the officers to take up management courses so they can get a job once they turn civilian, and I believe they also get counsellors who are available to give them some advice.

chiprj

on Nov 23, 2004

I feel better than yesterday at least.

That, too, is good to hear.

I think that the US military has something similar set up, but I don't know that many retirees use it.

Texas Wahine

on Nov 23, 2004

Glad to hear you feel good, chip. Don't know how late night throw up plays into the equation, but all that matters is that you're happy and feeling well.

oleteach

on Nov 24, 2004

Somehow or other you were dropped off my blogroll (Chip off the blog) and I didn't notice it until today. It is my firm belief that when we choose to have a great attitude no matter what happens each day, we will experience that deep down peace. Have a great Thanksgiving!

chiprj

on May 01, 2006

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