Sunset of the First Day

Well today started with the alarm going off and getting me out of bed. A boo-boo on my part made yesterday since I had to go to the office and forgot to turn off the alarm. A boo-boo I'll not make tomorrow!

I made coffee using my Christmas presents from Wally and Carol- a Press coffee pot - I checked my e-mail and IM folks as I took my 1st sips... Gees that sounds just like what I did when I was working! Just the coffee was way better! Gale my sister called to wish me a Happy New Year.

Maryann IM me and shared Ground Control to Major Mom blog which motivated me to create this blog. I had actually thought about creating a blog already, so Maryann's message prompted me to take action. Hopefully I'll use this as a form of personal accountability to keep busy and share the things I do. As I IM to Mark a buddy of mine in New Zealand a few minutes ago, if nothing else the blog can be used by others as a sleep aid, or for a quick break from the work place grind .


I did my run and finished about sunset. I had intended to take a picture of today's sunset, but it was a cloudless sky and very bright so today's sunset wasn't special. Which is actually good because it gives me a chance to share my favorite sunset picture. It was taken in Willow Springs early last month by Maryann. She really got the composition dead on. The tree and branches in the foreground framing the beautiful colored sunset. The clouds leading the eye into the horizon.

Life after IBM offically starts today

Well yesterday I went into the office for the last time. The office was pretty much empty as you would expect for New Year's eve. I thought of it as the eve of starting my life, long delayed. My manager, Steve, took me out to lunch. We really had good meal, and a even better conversation. Steve is good at managing projects, but because he cares he's a good people guy too.

I signed the retirement papers at the restaurant, so when we returned to the office it was just a matter of turning in the badge that I proudly carried for nearly 31 years, shaking hands, and wishes each other well. Steve took this picture as I waved good bye with my retirement hat on, and a smile on my face. IBM was good to me all those years, and I'll always say with pride that I'm an IBMer.

I got home an went for a jog, and watched the DVR game of Alabama beating Colorado. I didn't get to watch it Sunday since I was up all night finishing work. New Year's Eve I was a bit down, but I got a Happy New Year IM just after midnight and when off to bed looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life.