One year ago today was the first day since I was a teenager that I found myself unemployed. There were brief periods when I was very young, if I’m being totally honest, that I didn’t have a job, but I was always in search of one. Earning a paycheck was paramount, independence and freedom the motivation.

All of that stopped abruptly on July 1 of 2023. Permanent unemployment became the norm. Some folks call it retirement.

I have experienced a lot of changes in the past year. The newness of the laid-back-life has worn off. I figure that now would be a good time for personal evaluation and reflection.

On the first day of retirement, I made a short list of five things that needed to be done around the house. Little jobs that had been neglected. Throughout most of my working career, making lists was one of the ways I got things done. If I could get it out of my head and onto a piece of paper where I could see it, that list kept me focused and productive.

Item one. Fix the front door. Twenty-something years of weather and use have taken a toll on that wooden door. A crack needs to be glued up. It needs to be stripped and refinished. The latch needs to be tightened.

Item two. Replace kitchen receptacle. One of the outlets over the counter got so hot and it nearly melted the socket. I haven’t used it in several years. I have plenty of other outlets that work fine, so I just quit using that one.

I won’t bore you with the rest of the list, but I am proud to say that four out of the five items on my retirement list have been ignored and still need attention. I’ve forgotten that there even was a list and had to go back through my stories to remember that a list even existed. I’m guessing that my list was thrown in the trash. The truth is, by now, I’ve completely abandoned the concept of making lists altogether.

On that basis alone, I’d say that the first year of retirement has been a huge success.

I don’t want to imply that I have become a sloth. I still take showers and put on clean underwear. I shave my whiskers a couple times a week. I still get up early and make the bed. I cut grass and wash my truck. A lot of jobs around the house that never made it to a list have been done.

I’ve actually made it to the point that a lot of retired friends told me to expect. Most of the time I’m so busy, I don’t know how I ever had time for a job.

The number one question I got before I retired was, “What are you going to do with yourself?” And that’s still the question I’m asked now, “How’s retirement? What are you doing to fill the time?”

So, let me just explain retirement from my perspective. I have nothing new to say but maybe it bears repeating.

There are no clocks in retirement. Time loses its significance. Monday is Saturday, and so are the other five days in the middle of the week. The coffee pot timer goes off at 6am and there’s no hurry to grab a cup and go. Back porch sitting in the morning with a good book is a perfect way to start the day.

Doctor’s appointments are easy.

“Mr. Chappell, when would be a good time for you?”

The receptionist is aware that most people are on a tight schedule with jobs and major responsibilities.

“I like mornings,” I respond.

“I’ve got a nine o’clock on the 14th, or an eleven thirty on the 17th,” she says.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I can be here by 7am tomorrow if you want.”

“That’s a little early. How about the nine o’clock one?”

“Perfect. That’ll give me time to go by Lowes after I get done. I’m sure they have something I need.”

She has no idea what I’m talking about.

Here’s another. Lunch breaks are as long as you want. After a hard morning of washing clothes, changing bed sheets, and vacuuming carpets, I’m ready for a bite to eat. I can’t tell you how many times I ate lunch on the run in my truck when I was working. There were days when work pushed lunch to 2pm.

Now that I’m retired, I start getting ready for lunch around 11:30. I’m actually hungry by 10 but I have principles. If I’m home, I might watch a little TV while I eat. If I go to the Whistling Pig, I can hang out with the other retired guys and not look at my watch every ten minutes. My gastric issues have subsided since I’m not pressured to swallow my lunch whole and get back to work.

Retirement has allowed me to enjoy some freedom on the road. I’ve made trips to Ohio and Tennessee to see good friends. I’ve got others I still need to see. Santa Bill, you know who you are. I’ve been to Florida on a fishing trip. I’ve spent a little more time being involved with my grandkids.

When people ask, my favorite answer is to tell them, “I do whatever I want whenever I want.” Tomorrow really is as good as today.

A few unexpected things have happened in the last year.

I lost Max. He had a brain tumor which the vet says was probably present for a long time. He was grey in the face, and I knew he wouldn’t be around forever, but this cancer began to affect his balance and his ability to eat or drink. I had to give up my buddy to a fate that broke my heart. He got me through my early season of grief and gave me a joy that I needed. I still miss him.

Most unexpectedly, I met Marion. My first day of retirement was July 1st. I met her on July 7th. Though we didn’t really start seeing each other until mid-August last year, I have given her a hard time for messing up my retirement plans.

One of my retirement dreams was to buy a camper trailer and do some traveling. Seeing the country by the back roads. Finding new adventures in places I’ve always wanted to see. It turns out that Marion already owns a 28ft camper. We just took one trip, and we have two more planned later this year. She says that she’s part of my retirement package. I say that I got the best end of the deal.

Retirement is certainly an adventure. When I can, I go digging through junk stores and estate sales in search of things that I don’t know I need. Cool treasures are everywhere. I have learned how to use Amazon. They know where I live. My shop is my haven. My truck is my chariot. My days are my own.

Most of all, I thank God for the road ahead. Maybe I’ve earned it. Hopefully, the years will be kind.

Life is good.