four days into "retirement"

There is a distinctly blissful feeling of not having to meet anyone's expectations. Oh sure, there's stuff that must get done, but the freedom of choosing when and how is amazing. And yet, even as I roll over one more time in the morning and catch that extra ten minutes of not-quite-asleep-but-not-quite-awake time, I know myself well enough to know I'll need to impose some order and routine.


So, until the job search begins in earnest (right after the conventions, I'm figuring); I am considering making a resolution to read at least one hour a day (not counting while falling asleep with the light on), and to write at least one hour a day (commitment was never my strong suit). The reading will not be difficult - there are currently 12 books in my "to read" stack and that doesn't include the library holds. The writing will be more challenging... mainly thinking of topics. My friend, Lisa, is seriously encouraging me to write a novel. hmmmm. I'm still more focused on coming up with blog topics (send suggestions). Perhaps I'll profile people on the Dot Team... those key individuals without whom I wouldn't be able to maintain. Then, there's the potential fam/friends profiles, but I risk getting kicked out of the fam... without friends. oopsie.

Radio news was interesting today... lots of discussion about Bruce Ivins, the scientist who allegedly committed suicide in the face of the FBI getting ready to prosecute him for the anthrax letters to senators and newsrooms shortly after 911. There does appear to be a bit of a credibility gap with the story. The feds have only circumstantial evidence that seems relatively easy to explain; but now that Ivins is conveniently dead, that won't be happening. More troubling are the far-fetched theories for Ivans' motive, the latest being that Senators Daschle and Leahy voted pro-choice and Ivin's wife was a leader in the anti-abortion movement? Really? Quoth Marge from Fargo, "I'm not sure I agree with you a hunnert percent on your policework, there, Lou."


Another interesting story was an interview with Ron Suskind, author of The Way of the World in which he lays out more evidence of the Bushies' manipulation and lying about the buildup to the Iraq war.


It was difficult to suppress the gagging when I heard our commander-in-chief scolding the Chinese for their treatment of dissidents. This from the fool who had to have his own political rallies carefully vetted and wearing a suspect t-shirt was all that was needed to be ousted. Also great to hear that the Iraqi government is enjoying huge surpluses thanks to the recent run-up in oil prices -- however, we the US peeps are still funding the so-called successful surge. I still don't get how we get to hear about this success juxtaposed with continued daily reports of suicide bombers or roadside IED explosions. The only thing I have come to admire about Bush & Co. is their uncanny ability to simply state something is fact, regardless of any connection to truth or reality. Amazing.


Tomorrow I head to Michigan to spend a week with kids, grandkids, sibs and friends. Life is good.