c-series don 8,687 #51 Posted February 10 Hey guys, here’s my take on life so far. First off I wish I would have taken a job with retirement, medical insurance, pension etc. I didn’t. At age 12 I started a neighborhood lawn mowing business with my dad’s B-115, which I ran for about 10 years. Also at 12 years old I joined my local volunteer fire departments juniors program. In high school I went into a work/study program, where I would go to school for a half day and then work the rest of the day. My father would faithfully pick me up at school and bring me to work. I worked as a welders apprentice and then a carpenters apprentice. Both of them great experiences because the guys teaching me were no bullshit, knew the trade, old school guys. At age 18 graduated from high school and went straight to work. My father was very upset I wasn’t going to college. He was very academic and had more degrees than a thermometer. There was nothing I wanted to learn in college and didn’t want to waste his money. I wanted to operate heavy equipment, I was brought up around that stuff. My dad was half owner of an excavating company. And so that’s what I did, got a job running equipment and continue to do so. I also joined my volunteer fire department at 18 years old, which I am still an active member of today, 36 years later. It’s like my second family. I can’t believe that I’m one of the senior members and the younger guys sometimes come to me for advice!! Also for the last ten or so years I’ve been the president of my community association that owns our old one room schoolhouse. We host many community events throughout the year which I am in charge of. It’s nice bringing the locals together and having fun, making a few bucks to help maintain our building and grounds. When the pandemic hit and I didn’t have to go to fire drills, fire school, department meetings and community association meetings I realized that this is how most people live. They don’t have all these additional responsibilities, suddenly I had time for me! Don’t get me wrong I volunteer because I want to, I can stop whenever I want. I do however feel some obligation to the fire department to stay and teach the next generation of firefighters. I have two homes, one I live in and one that I rent. My goal is to have both paid for when I’m 62. I’m pretty much on track for that so the rental income will be part of my retirement. There’s also the LOSAP ( Length Of Service Award Program ) in the fire department which will provide a little money at age 65. If there’s any social security left by then I’ll get that too. I started paying into that at 14. A little over a year ago on New Year’s Eve I overserved myself and the next day decided I should take a few days off from drinking. Well that few days turned into a few weeks, then months and now over a year. I honestly had no plans for this, maybe just god’s way of saying that’s enough? I don’t know? Basically now I’m going to slow my role volunteering and concentrate on me and my wife. My kids have grown up and moved out and are successfully living their lives. I feel as if I’ve done my time helping others and making my community a great place to live, so now it’s me time! Now I want to spend time with my beautiful little granddaughter, family and of course my Wheel Horses. Thank you for taking time to read what has essentially been my biography! God Bless ❤️ 5 1 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,401 #52 Posted February 10 48 minutes ago, c-series don said: .... way of saying that’s enough? I don’t know? Over the last few years I've learned some very interesting and impressive things about how our own subconscious controls what we do...whether we have a conscious notion or not. If your own will is not supported deep enough then your own subconscious will prevent the passage of chemicals that provide the conscious existence with reward. It's legitimately possible that a deep rooted piece of your mind shut off all desire for the former "reward" the adult beverages offered. 48 minutes ago, c-series don said: Basically now I’m going to slow my role volunteering and concentrate on me and my wife. This is the way. Be you. Be happy. Over the millennia we humans have long sought the fabled Secret of Life. I now believe there is no secret. The answer is Your Life. Do what you can to make YOU happy and healthy as long as your happiness isn't impeding on the happiness of others that are reasonable normal folk. Live your life. Collect your items. Be not concerned about what happens to that collection after you pass. Make a Will if that's an issue you'd like solved ahead of time. Enjoy!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,114 #53 Posted February 10 5 hours ago, c-series don said: Thank you for taking time to read what has essentially been my biography! No, thank you for taking the time to share your bio. with us. I am so thankful that I got to meet you this spring. I knew from the gitgo, you were one of the "Good Guys". 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,401 #54 Posted February 10 1 minute ago, Ed Kennell said: No, thank you for taking the time to share your bio. with us. I am so thankful that I got to meet you this spring. I knew from the gitgo, you were one of the "Good Guys". Having met Don as well I'll second this. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,687 #55 Posted February 11 Thank you guys @Ed Kennell @ebinmaine for the kind words, I’m happy to say the feeling is mutual. 👍🏻 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,206 #56 Posted February 12 (edited) On 2/8/2024 at 2:57 AM, Mickwhitt said: he's had to live these last few years without the rudder she provided, Wise observation. I’ve seen this numerous times, even with my Dad when Mom died. Some, but surely not all, figure out a path forward. I remember my Mom, knowing her end was near, reminding my Dad that their terrific 45-year marriage was “until death” and that she was counting on him to stay engaged in life and remarry if the opportunity came along. My sister introduced him to the widowed mother of a college friend. Result was a happy 20-year marriage. Edited February 12 by Handy Don 2 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,679 #57 Posted February 12 you guys are all way too old 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beap52 809 #58 Posted February 13 I've learned that when I drop something and bend down to pick it up (such as the aforementioned wayward 10mm socket), to always look around for anything else that needs to be gathered before standing back up. That, my friends, is a practice that took years to fully develop! 2 1 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,606 #59 Posted February 13 16 hours ago, buckrancher said: you guys are all way too old Hey! I'm only a lad still, 58 is only just getting started lol. Wife says one day I will grow up, but there's no sign of it happening yet. 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,401 #60 Posted February 13 Just now, Mickwhitt said: one day I will grow up, but there's no sign of it happening yet. Oh...don't bother. I tried being a grown up for a couple decades. Wasn't any fun so I reverted back. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,687 #61 Posted February 13 The older you get, the more important it is to not act your age!! 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,165 #62 Posted February 14 On 2/12/2024 at 12:20 PM, buckrancher said: you guys are all way too old I'm just a 29 year old with fifty years of experience. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,401 #63 Posted February 14 2 minutes ago, 953 nut said: I'm just a 29 year old with fifty years of experience. I've told a good many people I am 7, 17, or 27 depending on present company and current situation. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
