And I’m not even sure if option 3 is a thing.

So, I retired once.  It was more than ten years ago, and I’m still working my butt off. Figuratively, of course, as I’m fairly certain it’s a real challenge to work without a butt. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.  Not that I don’t think about my second retirement all the time. I retired from active duty service in the Navy in 2005, but have continued to work as a Navy communicator on the Washington Navy Yard.  It’s a good, meaningful job with some really smart people.  But as always, I have plans to retire again. So, what are they? I have a standard, smartasstic three-option answer:  1) Move to Italy and day trade.  2) Move aboard a boat and write books. Or 3) Test margaritas in a hammock factory.

I’ve used this line for years.  If you know me, I’ve probably related it to you. At least once. It usually starts as a serious conversation and ends with a smile.

So last year, as I’m cruising online and dreaming about sailing and writing, I check out Hugh Howey’s site. And of course, you know what I see, a guy who is buying a boat and moving aboard to write books. I guess more accurately he was having one made. Hey, wait a minute.  You can’t do that.  That was my idea!

Hugh has taken option #2.

So, I’m happy for him. Kind of. If for no other reason than to demonstrate proof of concept.

He found gold, and he’s trying it out on a big cat. 

Good work, Hugh. Congrats. I’ll be there shortly.

I’m just not there yet.  I’ve got some writing to do.  And some selling. And maybe even a bout with this thing called reality. 

So maybe I’ll reconsider.  Take a more grounded, realistic approach.  Reexamine what I really want to do when I retire.

So, about that hammock factory…