Funk explanation.

[larry kremis]

Sorry friends, I was going to wait a little while before I told. I've reached the end of a huge era in my life and am beginning another. On Thur. Sep. 3rd I had a disagreement with my employer (to put it mildly) and I no longer have a job. My driver buddies and I have been distraught about certain policy changes all year. It's a very long story. I decided to put my foot down. The timing was right since Kittycat and I are both receiving our pensions. My problem is: I wasn't ready to give up driving, I've spoiled myself over the years and this isn't what I wanted. God forbid, I shouldn't get what I want. Things were going great just working part time. Nobody needs to worry about us financially, we have zero debt, everything's paid for, and our combined retirement income is above the national average (which is nothing to really brag about). We have our savings but it was my intentions to add to that over the next 2 to 3 years.

I won't be sitting around on my ass, I can assure you. I told TeeBubbaDee and his wife Dee when we met them on Labor Day. Thanks Bubba for keeping my little secret. Dee is an RN and I told her how I would like to volunteer at a hospital nursery holding and feeding sick babies. She said, with all the laws and regulations these days, I might have a tough time finding a local hospital that would allow this, plus, I'm sure they wouldn't let me smoke and drink beer while I'm holding a baby.

I'm slowly getting through this friends, I just need a little more time, I'll try not to put the rest of you through any misery. lol

I'm sure glad I have you guys. Thanks, love ya

[Ubu]

I'm with Trr. I can see you snapping back soon. A little quote I found buried in a song. I find it humorous. "Self-pity. It's a terrible thing to waste. You want to spread it around so everyone can wallow in your self pity. It's like taking a bath. It feels good".

[J Lee S]

Larry, you are so cool !! You have a great heart and a pretty stable mind (hehe). I hope you get to do something you really enjoy.

[Chez moi]

"Comment by 1GreatLady53 37 minutes ago OMG FREUDIAN SLIP ON MY PART????......."Enjoy yourselves and please please please..........don't bug Kitty too much! Let her do your HER thing....you do yours ;-) "

Hee hee hee hee hee!

[Chez moi]

Larry, thanks for sharing this with us... you know we are all here with you. (Well, I'm way off to the left, several thousand miles, because of what Maria said, but still here...)

The other things MM said about volunteer driving were taken right out of my mouth. Great minds... but my volunteer work has always been the thing that makes me feel 'right' with the world. Your new found freedom means that you have a great opportunity ahead of you.

Now make the most of it and don't hang around bugging Kitty! A woman needs time to adjust to her husband's retirement!

[Stir Young]

Your story is a familiar one....there's a shakeout going on in the workforce, and I really do think its the older workers being shown the door. (remember, Lar, you ARE two weeks younger than me, after all). Benefits and full time work are not being offered now, especially to older folks. My place of employment closed the doors last December, and I haven't had any luck whatsoever finding work in my field. I've come to grips with being mothballed, and frankly, the most fun job I've ever had was working a few hours a week at the rib joint this summer. I've about decided that turning my back on the old career is the thing to do, and just move on.

What bothers me, though, is that I didn't get to decide when to retire....circumstances dictated it instead.

Anyway, all the best......I know you'll come to grips with it and who knows, maybe you'll find another part time truck driving job that will both fit your needs and your employer's.

[Bull]

Larry
You the man.
Knowing your heart from this site someone will snatch you up.
Enjoy your free time.
Be well my friend.

[CraigD]

Keep on keepin on Larry, I know you will Brother!

[stillgoing]

Change is normal Larry. You'll find something interesting to do, be it paid or not, its out there. Good luck.

[P.A.]

I have gone through tougher times and believe me you will get through it.

[Red One]

Hey Larry, Congrats on the retirement to you and Kittycat.