The transition from active work to retirement is a blessing in more ways than one. When I was working, I was not me. I was a puppet activated by my employer. They determined the clothes I was going to wear, the kind of food I would eat at the company’s cafeteria, the way I should speak to my customers, at what time I got to work and at what time I was allowed to return home. Every single detail of my life was scheduled by my boss. I was a puppet dancing at the rhythm of my company’s tune.
My family was always placed on the back burner. It played second place behind the requirements of my company. My wife’s anniversary had to wait if there was a strategic planning project to be sent early next morning to company’s headquarters.
Yep, they were the ones pulling the strings, and I moved as the strings were pulled. It was not my own personal life. I was a zombie always following company’s work regulations. All my job description was legally spelled out in black and white including the most insignificant detail. They made sure every i was dotted and every t was crossed, if you know what I mean. I couldn’t even plan my vacations; it was carefully arranged by the Human Resources Department several years in advance. Couldn’t get the whole 30 days, no way—only 15 days due to work projects in the pipeline.
After working for over a year at a call center assisting U.S. customers using sophisticated satellite radios—XM Radio—, I finally retired two years ago. It was like traveling to Shangri-la. Now I can do whatever I want whenever I feel like it. I finally regained full control of my life. My wife is also retired, so both of us are free at last. Our chains have been removed and for the first time, I have no bosses.
It’s difficult to put in nickels and dimes words the bliss of being retired; to belong to the fortunate community of retired people. No wonder they call it the Golden Years. I’m now enjoying the pleasures of reading my news on the Internet, blogging at Lingua Franca, ordering my favorites books through Amazon.com and leisurely driving through the city with my wife.
Recently we decided to go to El Dorado Mall with my wife’s walking partner Julia, and enjoy a warm empanada de pollo and a steaming cup of cappuccino coffee. It was ten o’clock in the morning. When I was working, this was the middle of my work shift. Look at me now, enjoying a cappuccino coffee at El Dorado with my Honey and her friend. Yep, that’s taking advantage of our Golden Years.
Below are a couple of pictures of my wife Aura and her walking partner Julia. Here we go.
Photograph of Julia and my wife Aura enjoying a cappuccino coffee and a chicken "empanada" at El Dorado Mall. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Julia and Aura posing for the camera at Duran's Coffee Shop at El Dorado Mall. Julia has been walking as a morning exercise since 1988. Look at her, she's in a better physical condition than Johnny Walker. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Behind Julia and Aura is a beautiful Bonsai tree. That will be tomorrow’s story. Oh, before I forget, I no longer wear a watch. I don’t need it any more. My wrist watch was part of the links of my heavy chain which kept me incarcerated to my job. It’s so nice to be retired! Good Day.
