F#*#ing Retirement
an early morning--that's all22 total reviews
Comment from gypsycaravan
I stumbled upon this writing when I decided to look at the works of the top ranked in short works (my preferred method of writing). What a pleasant surprise. Although, I may not agree with the content, the writing is superb, humorous and worth my time. When I say I may not agree with the content, it is because I LOVE retirement. I've never had so much time for my writing, painting, photograph, travel, writing group, shopping, musical shows, cooking new dishes, hugging my hubby, etc., etc., etc. I am no longer stressed with deadlines, rushing or just the plain old excuse of "not enough time." Thanks for the fun read.
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014
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I stumbled upon this writing when I decided to look at the works of the top ranked in short works (my preferred method of writing). What a pleasant surprise. Although, I may not agree with the content, the writing is superb, humorous and worth my time. When I say I may not agree with the content, it is because I LOVE retirement. I've never had so much time for my writing, painting, photograph, travel, writing group, shopping, musical shows, cooking new dishes, hugging my hubby, etc., etc., etc. I am no longer stressed with deadlines, rushing or just the plain old excuse of "not enough time." Thanks for the fun read.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014
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I always enjoy people who will enter into debate or add new perspective to a subject I tinker with.
there's no way I'd want to go back to the corporate BS, but in my case, I moved 7 years ago (to be near the grandkids,) and as a result, my old social network and casual acquaintance are 100 miles away, now an occasional phone call or visit. When I retired, my business associates disappeared. I am widowed with no partner and my strongest tie is to the kids. I love them dearly, when they're not pissing me off, and without my efforts they wouldn't be in swimming, gymnastics, soccer or get tutoring. Still, I'm not ready for polyester, aprons nor to they absorb my entire existence. However, right now, that's about the only thing that is as intimate or as connected as my life once was.
Being on the road and in charge of my own time during working years, I always had time for what I wanted to do; in that way, nothing has changed.
Thanks for fanning me, but not all my writing is the same. I write fiction, essays and my first novel is being serialized on an E-Zine. Measuring Time, by Ingrid Thomson is published each week at Page and Spine.com Old chapters are archived on site.
Thanks for sharing your take on this essay.
Comment from scarhands
So I read this a couple days ago, and I've thought about it several times since... That's probably the best compliment I can give to any form of art/entertainment... That it stuck with me, entertained, challenged, intrigued, or haunted. Like you, I'm an acheiver, from the Ivy League to a quick career ascent. Every day I wonder abt the meaning of it all, and I struggle to keep my creativity from dying. You spoke so much truth, and you captured the frustration of the journey. Complex minds are doomed to a life of frustration, but you can reinvent yourself, you have the ability, and if you keep writing you'll surely succeed.
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2014
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So I read this a couple days ago, and I've thought about it several times since... That's probably the best compliment I can give to any form of art/entertainment... That it stuck with me, entertained, challenged, intrigued, or haunted. Like you, I'm an acheiver, from the Ivy League to a quick career ascent. Every day I wonder abt the meaning of it all, and I struggle to keep my creativity from dying. You spoke so much truth, and you captured the frustration of the journey. Complex minds are doomed to a life of frustration, but you can reinvent yourself, you have the ability, and if you keep writing you'll surely succeed.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2014
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You are right. If words remain stuck in some network inside the brain, it surely is the highest complement to a writer. For that and the galaxy of stars, thank you.
Comment from Donald O. Cassidy
Just bluntly frank; humbly facing a radical change, and taking it in stride.
I think your realistic attitude of no more commdnding attention and ordering people around, now turn to philosophy: considering that ar not cast to fate, but are still responsible for some good purpose.
Don
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2014
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Just bluntly frank; humbly facing a radical change, and taking it in stride.
I think your realistic attitude of no more commdnding attention and ordering people around, now turn to philosophy: considering that ar not cast to fate, but are still responsible for some good purpose.
Don
Comment Written 07-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2014
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I think we should all heed the lessons we may have learned. Thanks for participating in mine.
Comment from maggieadams
We all need to know we matter, and your provocative piece hits all of us between the eyes. Making our "golden" years purposeful is a daily challenge. I love some of your lines:even cosmetics can't disguise the reality of 'me'....the unfulfilled dreams stored for a lifetime...a blank canvas (poignant.)....I am like you, Ingrid, excavating the truth and sometimes, I don't want to face it. Your writing connects us to each other on this site and I think that is quite an accomplishment.
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2014
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We all need to know we matter, and your provocative piece hits all of us between the eyes. Making our "golden" years purposeful is a daily challenge. I love some of your lines:even cosmetics can't disguise the reality of 'me'....the unfulfilled dreams stored for a lifetime...a blank canvas (poignant.)....I am like you, Ingrid, excavating the truth and sometimes, I don't want to face it. Your writing connects us to each other on this site and I think that is quite an accomplishment.
Comment Written 07-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2014
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You have given me the greatest compliment I've ever received...someone is listening...to me.
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
Maybe you need a part time job. We have many people quit/retire but end up coming back because they get bored. My dad always said that once you retire you start to die. It's work keeps you busy and motivated and such. Maybe you just need a hobby, writing classes or groups? If you ever have too much time you can send it my way because it's hard for me to balance everything in just 24 hours. LOL
boss,titles (boss, titles)
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2014
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Maybe you need a part time job. We have many people quit/retire but end up coming back because they get bored. My dad always said that once you retire you start to die. It's work keeps you busy and motivated and such. Maybe you just need a hobby, writing classes or groups? If you ever have too much time you can send it my way because it's hard for me to balance everything in just 24 hours. LOL
boss,titles (boss, titles)
Comment Written 06-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2014
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Right, as long a I can push people around. No one would hire me and if they did, they'd fire me. I am an arrogant employee that is definitely used to being the boss.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
yeah, I know this felling real well, only I relate to it as from a sports person's POV... and I found at a very young age that privilege comes with status... the command we feel when we're in contact with something that stirs our passion... and yeah, something we know we're damn good at doing... but it is all an illusion to prepare us for a fall... Were we only masters in our own head? No matter life has all its phases and it seems we are both in one now... embrace the experience for that is the lesson... whether it be a soccer grandma or just one of the most entertaining writers on a writing site... you are the boss of your future, but you command that position in life, you always have.
It's always a very tongue-n-cheek ride with you and I love it... say it as it is... no games, no ploy.
With our thoughts we create,
our place in the scheme of things,
James xx
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2014
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Hi Ingrid,
yeah, I know this felling real well, only I relate to it as from a sports person's POV... and I found at a very young age that privilege comes with status... the command we feel when we're in contact with something that stirs our passion... and yeah, something we know we're damn good at doing... but it is all an illusion to prepare us for a fall... Were we only masters in our own head? No matter life has all its phases and it seems we are both in one now... embrace the experience for that is the lesson... whether it be a soccer grandma or just one of the most entertaining writers on a writing site... you are the boss of your future, but you command that position in life, you always have.
It's always a very tongue-n-cheek ride with you and I love it... say it as it is... no games, no ploy.
With our thoughts we create,
our place in the scheme of things,
James xx
Comment Written 06-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2014
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I'm going to let you adopt me.
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You're so funny... I think you'd fit right in here... and hell, bring the rest of the family too... the more the merrier. xx
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Good insight. I can understand how it must sometimes seem empty. But you write! I've been reading your story on Nancy's site. Should be published, Ingrid.
Maybe we can soak up an afternoon sometime soon drinking whatever and put the world to rights.
Av
x
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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Good insight. I can understand how it must sometimes seem empty. But you write! I've been reading your story on Nancy's site. Should be published, Ingrid.
Maybe we can soak up an afternoon sometime soon drinking whatever and put the world to rights.
Av
x
Comment Written 06-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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I think that's exactly what I need, some adult company that I can enjoy without someone expecting something from me. You pick. Thanks for the stars/
Comment from mfowler
My wife retired two days ago. She has more plans than the President, but she never had the power and position you talk of. The transition is emotionally far less stressful. I know many people who have reacted just as you have, feeling naked and underprepared for the sudden loss of acknowledgement, sense of achievement, and status. You will take time, but in the end that last thought about 'being boss of the future' will materialise into something wondrous. Meanwhile, I'm still facing the decision to stop. Should be easy, but I don't want to suddenly be 'me'. I still want to be somebody else's labels.
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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My wife retired two days ago. She has more plans than the President, but she never had the power and position you talk of. The transition is emotionally far less stressful. I know many people who have reacted just as you have, feeling naked and underprepared for the sudden loss of acknowledgement, sense of achievement, and status. You will take time, but in the end that last thought about 'being boss of the future' will materialise into something wondrous. Meanwhile, I'm still facing the decision to stop. Should be easy, but I don't want to suddenly be 'me'. I still want to be somebody else's labels.
Comment Written 06-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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I my mind, your career as a teacher has farm more meaning than my peddling of jewellery. If I recall, you're doing it part time, a great compromise. I sort of did that for a year, holding onto one account, plus there's the financials. when is enough money, enough? If I only live a decade, I'm rich, but...
Comment from DALLAS01
I was trying to equate my loss of assumed power when I gave up a supervisors position and opted to become an Indian, instead of a chief. The truth is, that that is all I ever wanted to be in the first place. The position was forced on me at the collection agency and the bank. There are times when I feel a bit out of the loop, but in general, I love it. I had so much chaos in my personal life that my number one goal in life became serenity. Can't have that when you are responsible and in charge.
Guess what? Tied for first place in a prompt that called for prose instead of poetry. One of my efforts not to abandon the possibility of trying the other genre. lol.
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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I was trying to equate my loss of assumed power when I gave up a supervisors position and opted to become an Indian, instead of a chief. The truth is, that that is all I ever wanted to be in the first place. The position was forced on me at the collection agency and the bank. There are times when I feel a bit out of the loop, but in general, I love it. I had so much chaos in my personal life that my number one goal in life became serenity. Can't have that when you are responsible and in charge.
Guess what? Tied for first place in a prompt that called for prose instead of poetry. One of my efforts not to abandon the possibility of trying the other genre. lol.
Comment Written 06-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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Which story? You only need to prove a few things to yourself, you've already got the talent.
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The house plant gig. "You owe me."
Comment from Val Crisson
I really like this message of retirement, and I'm living with a newly retired "person." So I get it. I have two suggestions for this nearly perfect piece. One, your first paragraph is one long sentence. I would look at that, and possibly make shorter sentences. Secondly, way to many dashes. They are effective, but when overused they are not. Hope this helps
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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I really like this message of retirement, and I'm living with a newly retired "person." So I get it. I have two suggestions for this nearly perfect piece. One, your first paragraph is one long sentence. I would look at that, and possibly make shorter sentences. Secondly, way to many dashes. They are effective, but when overused they are not. Hope this helps
Comment Written 05-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2014
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I'll take another look. Thanks for the suggestions.
