Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: lucydad on August 13, 2015, 09:13:07 PM
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Guzzista,
I had a huge day on Wednesday. Flub dub energy CEO made one of those "the sun shall not set" edicts. Mr. Boss slinked into my office and informed me. I started asking reasonable questions as is my tendency as a seasoned professional. Mr. Boss went into snark mode, and criticized some of my work revealed by Mr. donut (my so called geologist team mate) shown without my ok or knowledge or approval.
Went home last night. Thought about it. And church sermon last Sunday, and prayed a bit. Today I put together my firm exit retirement plan.
Checked on previously earned medical: yep, not a problem.
Big day is October 5th. End of nearly 40 years continuous employment.
Guzzi content: time to do that long dreamed motorcycle camping trip on the V7R. But dang it someone bought the Audace at MPH first day before I could ride it Friday. But Mike says he has more coming.
Old Colorado School of Mines story: "we need a geophysicist to find it, a mining engineer to get it out, a metallurgist to refine it and a geologist to get the coffee and donuts".
Actual work days will be limited as we have a ten day family Hawaii trip mid-late September. And I have six other vacation days I will burn between now and October 5.
Ms. LD is fully on board, and for that I am grateful. I had planned to hang on until late May, 2016. Not happening. The company is clearly imploding with low oil prices, hedges unwinding: no spending allowed, and major projects halted (including one I have worked on 3 years).
My time is finally coming. A new life beckons.
I am grateful.
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You'll be done with work just in time to strap a duffel on the V7R's luggage rack, and head to the Okie campout.
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You'll be done with work just in time to strap a duffel on the V7R's luggage rack, and head to the Okie campout.
YES! That'll get 'cha broke in! :thumb:
I double dog dare 'ya!
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Rocker,
Yep a new world. I will check it out. That would be a cool way to celebrate my freedom. V7R can be a fab long distance runner, and I have all the equipment, just sitting unused. That will change.
Will Dusty be there?
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Rocker,
Yep a new world. I will check it out. That would be a cool way to celebrate my freedom. V7R can be a fab long distance runner, and I have all the equipment, just sitting unused. That will change.
Will Dusty be there?
SHa, be there? he's the official rally dog!
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Dusty,
No shit, no kidding, no wingeing...swear on a poodle tail or two. Done deal. Mr. Boss will have his jaw drop as I plan to submit my "retirement" notice with no notice to the Sr. VP, and not inform anyone else. Mr. donut will implode without me to carry him.
Man, I am jazzed. Heck I can easily do 200 miles/day on the V7R. How far is OK? Will temps cool off a bit?
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Dusty,
Where, when...looked at stickies. I need a plan. Never put tent together. Never loaded the large top and side bags on the V7R. Might try and get a Houston group together.
My time will be in demand post-retirement. But YES...I can think of no better way to celebrate.
Little Goose is itching for a long ride, and over night and camping trip.
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CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Life is too short to suffer idiots at our age.
LowRyter has been telling me for the last year I need to do the same thing. Keep hoping I'll make the next Resource Action list and walk with some extra money in my pocket. Guess I'm doing just a little too good of a job.
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Sugarland to Talahina-------432 miles, hop, skip and a jump.
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Really happy you have an option out. Many people just get flung out the window.
Sorry that it wasn't an exit plan you initiated.
200 miles on a V7 is barely a tank of fuel. If you have the cojones and smarts to parachute at will; you are definitely good for at least a second tank of gas a day.
Namaste.
Once you are on the road; post some pictures for we who are still mired in the labour market.
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Might try and get a Houston group together.
davedel44 will likely be riding up from Galveston.
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davedel44 will likely be riding up from Galveston.
smithswede on the way north :bike-037:
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Oooh, Dusty, you mean the Ouachita Mountains. Remember I am a geoscientist. I know these hills and rocks.
Suggested route up from Houston please? Planning makes it real. Real turns into actual.
Figure it is a two day trip for me. But, hell time will no longer be my enemy. Best place to stop mid-way?
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Congrats- 40 years of continuous employment is very rare. Sounds like retirement is due. There comes a time when leaving is right, so smile wide when you leave.
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LD, you've been hinting at retirement since the price of crude fell last year. Looks like you've thought it out and hit your marks. I have no regrets retiring.
Good luck. Enjoy it. You've earned it. Don't think twice about the donut man.
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Lucydad, you will feel this huge weight lift off your shoulders as you walk out the door for the last time. At least you sound prepared, unlike me. Wish I could join you on that ride.
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LD
I was one of those 'tossed out the window'. Happened eight years ago.
It was the best decision ever that I didnt have to make.
Sounds like you have an exit strategy - and the missus on board.
Just remember 'Ya gotta have a Plan B, Dave'.
And get a hobby that takes you out of the house.
Cheers!
G
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As a very recently retired person I can confirm that it beats the hell out of work. Enjoy!
GliderJohn
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I like the idea of getting a Hobby! Might keep it quiet if you try flying quads (drones) they are getting a lot of negative attention. :copcar:
Maybe golf is a better choice.
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But, hell time will no longer be my enemy.
Oh, yeah.. it will. :evil: :smiley: Congrats anyway. It'll be the best gig you ever had.
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Take Thur Oct 1st and Fri 2nd off. Come to Lindale. I have an extra duffle and straps. Couple of changes of clothes, tooth brush, tent and sleeping bag and some baby wipes. Beaver usually takes care of some meals and I always travel well provisioned. Do it! I'll even detour to Sugarland(?) And we can ride up together.
Dave
Galveston
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congrats LD! enjoy your new adventures!
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John , I am gonna win the lottery and fly you over . At least that's the plan .
Dusty
Sounds like a plan Dusty. Just make sure will you that I have a few weeks lee-way to get a new passport.
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Welcome to the world of time-flexible riding! Not long after I stopped work, I stopped to chat with a ridery at a Maccas a week before a rally - he impressed me mightily.
"Where are you headed?", I asked.
"To the Ruptured Budgie". he replied.
"But that's not for a week".
"I like to take a week to get there, and a week to get back".
We can do that now too. Enjoy.
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Might try and get a Houston group together.
Most likely will do the trip in 1 shot..400 is an easy day, barely 2 tanks of gas, start relatively early, stop to stretch every 100 if needed, and voila...here we come!
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Congrats and all the best. :bike-037:
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........ somewhere scenic with good roads :laugh: New Zealand maybe ...
Dusty
That's NZud exactly. Motorcycle heaven. And good food, decent beers, great people, usually great weather, and for those that like it, good fishing, lots of (bike) museums, classic bikes & cars still on the roads, road racing (they close down towns for the day), and John won't need a new passport.
Mal (picking up a lottery ticket tomorrow)
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That's NZud exactly. Motorcycle heaven. And good food, decent beers, great people, usually great weather, and for those that like it, good fishing, lots of (bike) museums, classic bikes & cars still on the roads, road racing (they close down towns for the day), and John won't need a new passport.
Mal (picking up a lottery ticket tomorrow)
Good point. God knows how long the bureaucracy takes to issue one. Praps I had better get a lottery ticket tomorrow too. Seems to be the going thing.
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Guzzista,
Ms. LD is fully on board, and for that I am grateful. I had planned to hang on until late May, 2016. Not happening. The company is clearly imploding with low oil prices, hedges unwinding: no spending allowed, and major projects halted (including one I have worked on 3 years).
My time is finally coming. A new life beckons.
I am grateful.
Good deal!
1. Like Chuck said, time is still your enemy (if you look at things that way; can be your friend). But don't just "burn" vacation between now and then - get paid for it. You'll find plenty of uses for the money. We're doing OK on 1/4 of the income we used to have, but it's a different lifestyle.
2. You WILL be busy in retirement; I swore I would not let people Shanghai and buffalo and guilt me into getting involved with stuff, and I haven't let them - I'M the one making the commitments, and I'm over-committing in some cases. It will probably happen with you. Family, church, community, helping out - make sure you don't double or triple-book yourself.
3. One of the things that prevents me from just taking off and riding from one rally to another for a couple or three weeks is ... I really like being with my wife, and being a saddle tramp with a tent and a bedroll isn't in her bucket list of things to do, although she loves day rides and long rides with hotels or B&Bs at the end of the day. Choices to make I didn't think I would have to make. You'll do different things than you though you would ...
Hang with it!
Lannis
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LD,
Wow youve really never pitched a tent? my friend you have some serious catching up to do!
I say sort your proposed rally kit, and in the next month, pitch your spot in the backyard and give it a dry run :thumb:
Do you have grandkids? might be a fun activity when they visit.
Also, it will be a good time to test the "did I forget anything?" question with the house a few dozen steps away :boozing:
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Congratulations on your retirement, sounds like you more than earned it, I hope you enjoy every precious minute.
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LD, give some serious thought to the Swampscooters Rally in November. Dave from Galveston, Leafman60, Nick from NJ, Chuck, BRLawson, and a bunch of other Guzzi folks will be there. We'll be busy eating gumbo and telling tall tales...having a great time. You will fit right in.
Peter Y.
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HEY LD, You won't regret it. I left full time work 3 years ago and life is great. Jump on for a ride when it suits, get things done at home, travel some. You don't need the big dollars to be happy. Go for it!
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LD
Glad to hear you're ready and landing on your feet! Or Guzzi as it were. It is odd how fluid that sort of thing can become. We just need to realize when to jump!
Hunter
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LD congratulations! I'm about 20 years behind you. Don't worry. I'll keep the economy going for you. Enjoy your retirement .
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make sure you don't double or triple-book yourself.
This. It's *really* easy to do that. You think, "Oh, I don't have to go in to work, I can do that.."
Don't even think about it. Trust me..BTDT.
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Geology is one of the major holes in my education. I do, however, have a short list of good places to trout fish.
Ain't goin' be motorcycling for a while yet, but get in touch if your plans lead you up this way. We have space, tools, washer and dryer, pizza oven...
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LD congratulations! I'm about 20 years behind you. Don't worry. I'll keep the economy going for you. Enjoy your retirement .
LD is going to be one, I'm already another, and I think you have one more to support but don't know who it might be.
Keep those cards and letters coming!! :grin:
Lannis
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All,
Wow I appreciate all the good wishes. Truly its a big life change for the positive.
MayorBBQ: oh I have pitched many a tent, but not this new tent (MSR Hubba Hubba).
Over booking could be a real problem for a few months. Can I really ride to OK for the meet? Pretty long for me, but I think I can do it in two days, especially if I do a motel half way. Realized I have some very, very good friends that live in extreme SE OK...would love to see them. So more motivation.
Ain't promising or committing to the OK campout yet. Give me a bit of preparation time: i.e. a practice trip. But, I really, really would like to do it.
We had a crazy day here with packing crew upstairs. Next is start sheet rock repairs, painting, re-carpet entire house. Trying to get new house builder to finalize contract. Lots of talks with friends about my decision: all supportive. Also fielding lots of talk with friends recently cut from the oil patch. Ugly stuff.
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The problem with riding from Houston to OK is that there is a whole lot of nuthin' followed by OK. :evil:
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LD I have to tell you that I think you are making a huge mistake.
I made the terrible decision to retire at 55. I thought it would be great....well it wasn't.
I really did not think through all of the things I was giving up, like holidays. No more holidays. All my friends would get excited about the next holiday coming up and to me it was/is just another day. And don't talk to me about vacations. I qualified for 6 weeks vacation when I retired. That is all gone. No more vacations. Sick days are gone also. If I get sick now, I don't get a day off.
I did find one plus about being retired. If I happened to be in a bar having a beer and someone asked what I did, I would tell them that I was unemployed. That was usually good for a beer or two.
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I PM'd you .....Alan
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Greg...it's an easy ride and a fun one especially if we meander thru the piney forest along the way, and you'll have company to make it entertaining! Get those practice runs in...for example tomorrow! I'm likely to get a ride in early morning, but I think your Sundays are usually taken up with more spiritual pursuits, and I'm in search of a piece of pie!
On the off chance you feel like riding, also checking with Tom to see if he wants to get a ride in.
400 miles is un piece de gateau...as long as the seat you have is worthy of a long day in the saddle. What's the longest you have done now on the V7?
Paul
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Sugar Land to Talimena State Park is 430 miles.
Two tanks of gas on a V7.
Leave early to knock out the I-45 section from Houston to Fairfield.
Then through Athens, Sulphur Springs, adn Paris, to avoid the DFW metro.
When you make the turn at Antlers, you're practically there.
Ride 100 miles and stop for a break. Ride another 100 miles and stop for lunch and gas.
Ride another 100 miles and stop for a break. Ride the last 100 miles and you're there well before dinner time.
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Think there's enough time in that schedule to squeeze in a Guzzi afternoon gathering on Sept12 ?
See: World Guzzi Day Houston thread
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I could get together before Aug 30th, but then I'm headed to Colorado for a couple weeks...if you want to do a pre-celebration! :)
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Wow...overwhelmed.. .
Let's see: V7R has the low gel seat, very comfy, and longest I have done in a day is a little shy of 300 miles. Did a bit more than 300 miles today on the Triumph in a big loop out to La Grange, and such. Heat smacked me pretty good though, I am pretty tired despite three stops for rest and water.
Never loaded the bags on the V7R. Need to set up a test, and get my kit together. Need fall to come...dog days of summer here.
I need to seriously look at my schedule in September and early October. We are doing a family Hawaii trip mid-september, and back the 28th.
Should be recovered from the trip and jet lag in a few days. Need to be sure there are no snags just post-retirement on medical insurance and such.
Rocker, to make the trip enjoyable, my preference would be to break it up: two 200 mile leisurely days. Or, just head out early, and see how it goes. Lower heat could make a big difference.
A joint ride would be splendid. Like that idea.
Processing and planning here...pretty dang motivated.
My brain is still wrapping around the epic day concept. It is happening without doubt Mom (aged 94) agreed it is time and encouraged me.
I need advice on exactly how to handle the retirement with Mr. Boss. Said a few prayers over that one. Will talk it over with my good buddy Ed and others.
You guys are great...
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C'mon LD.. 50 miles to breakfast. a hundred more miles to lunch? What are you going to do with the rest of the day? Take a nap? 200 mile day?? :wink:
As has been mentioned before.. attitude has much to do with it. Even Dorcia in her pretty seriously debilitated condition wouldn't think twice about 200 miles in a day.On a sporty bike. C'mon. Suck it up. :whip2:
:grin:
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Congrats on the retirement LD.
I have about 16 weeks to go I think, retiring at the end of the year. Hope to do some touring myself.
John, I am still angling for the Tattly Rappet. Bike rego on Sept 28th. :thumb:
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Congrats on the retirement LD.
I have about 16 weeks to go I think, retiring at the end of the year. Hope to do some touring myself.
John, I am still angling for the Tattly Rappet. Bike rego on Sept 28th. :thumb:
Me too Muzz Got to find me rego money and maybe a tire. A possibilty has opened up.
The Tattley Rappet registration forms are supposed to be out. I'll have a look.
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You guys are a good influence on me! I'm needing to cut the rope but it's hard to cut a paycheck. We had a plan to bail at 55 but now at 59 it's time to make a change. :thumb:
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JU, trust me. I have 23 years of experience at being "retired." :smiley: You'll find that you don't need that paycheck as much as you think. You won't spend as much as you did when you were working. I'm assuming of course that you have been planning on retirement and have that nest egg..
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You guys are a good influence on me! I'm needing to cut the rope but it's hard to cut a paycheck. We had a plan to bail at 55 but now at 59 it's time to make a change. :thumb:
I thought that "hard to cut a paycheck" thing would be tough too, but it's not. We're living on less than we did before and not missing a thing.
The time is worth more than the money, trust us retired guys. Not many people say "I retired but geez I wish I were back at work ..... "
Lannis
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What's the big deal about retiring? I was offered an early out when I was 50. I thought about it for 10 seconds and was out of there.
See, I didn't have to live on Blowhard Blvd and wear silk drawers, etc. No, I'm fine with living on Toxic Waste Trail and wearing RoundHouse bib overalls instead of pressed Dockers. Since leaving full time work 22 years ago I've still managed to buy 4 new Guzzis without trading one in.
I get by on $1,400 a month. Some couldn't make it on 14K a month.
I've seen way too many work that extra few years and then kicking off with a heart attack. (Their widows are sho nuff good cooks.wink)
Tex
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What's the big deal about retiring? I was offered an early out when I was 50. I thought about it for 10 seconds and was out of there.
See, I didn't have to live on Blowhard Blvd and wear silk drawers, etc. No, I'm fine with living on Toxic Waste Trail and wearing RoundHouse bib overalls instead of pressed Dockers. Since leaving full time work 22 years ago I've still managed to buy 4 new Guzzis without trading one in.
I get by on $1,400 a month. Some couldn't make it on 14K a month.
I've seen way too many work that extra few years and then kicking off with a heart attack. (Their widows are sho nuff good cooks.wink)
Tex
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:thumb: