May02
Protected: Namaste…
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Apr29
Got Wine?
OK, loosen up – I’m not putting down women (since I belong in that category), nor am I attempting to make a generalization of how men view women. C’mon now – it’s FUNNY…
As I grew older and my palate became more pronounced I found that I rather like wine. I’ve never been a “wild child” and “partied” with heavy drinking and smoking. In fact, I’ve never smoked – anything. I lost my father at twelve to the big lung “C,” so it never was an attraction.
It may be due to my “obsessive-compulsive” personality, but I like to be in control at all times. OK, sometimes too much in control. However, that’s another topic for another time…
I’m not a big beef eater, but once in a blue moon will let myself savor an occasional steak. After an RV-ing trip to Santa Fe with an ex-boyfriend to an Elk’s Lodge I was introduced to “chile-rubbed” steak. Paired with a delicious red, the experience was a celebration to the palate…
After visiting the Willamette Valley in Oregon, I’ve developed a penchant for Pinot Noir. The valley has the optimum conditions for growing grapes for this varietal, and the results are outstanding. I’ve also fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest as a summer destination – the rugged ocean coasts seem to call my name…
Don’t get me wrong – I’m nothing of a true wine connoisseur. I know what I like and like what I drink. 
It’s probably my only true “vice.”
Apr27
Retirement Ruminations…
I tend to be pensive, a worrier, obsessive-compulsive about many things. Lately, I’ve been spending time thinking (and losing sleep) about my upcoming retirement. (The last day of school is May 23rd and the official date of retirement is July 1st.) Al, from the Bayfield Bunch mentioned recently that he isn’t very fond of the word “retirement.” I tend to agree with him…
Gee, if I let go of my job and receive a “pension,” will it be enough to live on? I sort of made a “bad career move” when I left Indiana in 1996 to move to the “Land of Enchantment.” (However, I was ready to leave the midwest for a new adventure.) I’m vested for Indiana teacher retirement, but it didn’t roll over to New Mexico. I had to start fresh and am now retiring under “the rule of 75″ (age plus years of service equal 75).
I’ve toyed with the idea of taking out the Indiana retirement money in a lump sum and pay off my house. (If I do so, I’ll be totally debt free.) I’ll still get an additional pension from Indiana since I’m “vested” in the system (at 63), but it will be reduced by about one half. To me, it still seems logical – even though the account earns approximately ten percent interest. At 62, I’m going to take early Social Security, so that will be a big bump in my income at that time. Until then, I have some savings and TSA’s that I can rely upon.
I HATE the fact that retirement income is still taxable AND that my health insurance premium will take a big “chunk of change.” If push comes to shove, I can always work – substitute teachers are always in demand…
However, in the future, I probably will sell my townhome and relocate to a different area and/or become a full-time RV traveler. I hate making these decisions alone – it’s so taxing…
I hope that I didn’t offend anyone by “thinking out-loud” about my retirement finances – it’s just that sometimes it’s difficult to come to a decision when you’re “on your own.”
