Thanks, Bill--but I have only retired from my secondary job, albeit one that has been a major part of my identity for forty years and now seems like a taxidermied bird perched on the mantle.
I've never been entirely clear. I know that you are very active as an expert witness in court cases, but don't know whether there is still a third job somewhere in the picture.
The hospital job, 32 hours straight every other weekend (plus 1.5 hours' drive each way) was my secondary job; Social Security has better hours. Primary job (about 50-55 hours per week M-F) I retain--probably for 2-3 years--is as a forensic toxicologist (drug and alcohol testing and interpretation for police, coroners and the defense bar). My private consulting practice is mostly forensic toxicology for the defense bar and civil cases.
Thanks for the explanation. I never had a clear grasp of the distinction between your primary job and your private practice. And at other times I may have conflated the two jobs as being "at work."
I retired at 55, and if I could have retired earlier I would have! I never had a job I loved, and some of them were downright damaging to my psyche, but I had a family to feed so I had no choice.
But instead of the doors closing, the microphone gets turned off. On the other hand, how about the speaker sinking through a hole in the floor? That I would pay to see!
Above nonsensical reply is to a comment I made (and Blogger ate) saying I like the idea of turning the microphone off, and suggesting something like a train door warning--as time gets close, a chime starts going off, then faster and faster as the appointed time approaches.
Didn't really watch the debate. I found it on Facebook when it was more than half over, but then FB notified me of a reply the one of my comments that I felt was more urgent.
We are home from Jillian's services. It was every bit as difficult as I'd expected, and more. Her mother, our dear niece, so utterly and understandably distraught, looked like she hasn't really slept since the accident 15 days ago. The surprising thing is that this fairly conservative Roman Catholic priest preached eloquently on resurrection and existence after death! He spoke of our very real loss and sadness, and the reality that nothing God loves can cease to exist. Therefore Jillian still exists. "Sound and orthodox." The graveside service was brief and raw. The reception afterward very loving. It was held at a fabulous restaurant which is normally closed on Mondays, but they allowed us to take over the place because one member of the family works there. Not only was the food top notch, but the staff was so gracious and truly served us, making sure we had anything we needed and clearing away dishes as soon as they were emptied, yet made themselves all but invisible. It opened space for us all to be together, hug, converse, laugh, reminisce and be supportive. Several babies were present and so sweet, making people smile on an impossibly hard day.
I'm fine with simply turning off the microphone as needed. It seems counter-productive to set rules then let the candidates run roughshod over the rules. If one thwarts the rules, the other can't just abide by them or the pundits will say s/he is the weaker candidate. When will our nation comprehend that arrogance is not the same as strength, and self control is not a weakness?!
Thanks, Bill--but I have only retired from my secondary job, albeit one that has been a major part of my identity for forty years and now seems like a taxidermied bird perched on the mantle.
ReplyDelete--Alan
Just in case of need, I have sent in my license renewal (good for two years), and am thinking of renewing it once more.
Delete--Alan
I've never been entirely clear. I know that you are very active as an expert witness in court cases, but don't know whether there is still a third job somewhere in the picture.
DeleteThe hospital job, 32 hours straight every other weekend (plus 1.5 hours' drive each way) was my secondary job; Social Security has better hours. Primary job (about 50-55 hours per week M-F) I retain--probably for 2-3 years--is as a forensic toxicologist (drug and alcohol testing and interpretation for police, coroners and the defense bar). My private consulting practice is mostly forensic toxicology for the defense bar and civil cases.
Delete--Alan
Thanks for the explanation. I never had a clear grasp of the distinction between your primary job and your private practice. And at other times I may have conflated the two jobs as being "at work."
DeleteI retired at 55, and if I could have retired earlier I would have! I never had a job I loved, and some of them were downright damaging to my psyche, but I had a family to feed so I had no choice.
ReplyDeleteAh, Susan, it sounds like rather than loving your job you loved your family so had a job. ♥
ReplyDeleteWho else is watching the debate?
ReplyDeleteBut instead of the doors closing, the microphone gets turned off. On the other hand, how about the speaker sinking through a hole in the floor? That I would pay to see!
DeleteAlan
Above nonsensical reply is to a comment I made (and Blogger ate) saying I like the idea of turning the microphone off, and suggesting something like a train door warning--as time gets close, a chime starts going off, then faster and faster as the appointed time approaches.
Delete--Alan
Didn't really watch the debate. I found it on Facebook when it was more than half over, but then FB notified me of a reply the one of my comments that I felt was more urgent.
DeleteWe are home from Jillian's services. It was every bit as difficult as I'd expected, and more. Her mother, our dear niece, so utterly and understandably distraught, looked like she hasn't really slept since the accident 15 days ago.
ReplyDeleteThe surprising thing is that this fairly conservative Roman Catholic priest preached eloquently on resurrection and existence after death! He spoke of our very real loss and sadness, and the reality that nothing God loves can cease to exist. Therefore Jillian still exists. "Sound and orthodox."
The graveside service was brief and raw. The reception afterward very loving. It was held at a fabulous restaurant which is normally closed on Mondays, but they allowed us to take over the place because one member of the family works there. Not only was the food top notch, but the staff was so gracious and truly served us, making sure we had anything we needed and clearing away dishes as soon as they were emptied, yet made themselves all but invisible. It opened space for us all to be together, hug, converse, laugh, reminisce and be supportive. Several babies were present and so sweet, making people smile on an impossibly hard day.
Glad that the reception provided that opportunity and perhaps helped along the process of healing from your loss.
DeleteLast word: Love everyone and don't sweat the small stuff. Be a light, laugh a lot, and smile every day somehow, even if through tears. ♡
ReplyDeleteWow. The Debate. Why don't they simply turn off their microphone after the person speaking has used up their time?
ReplyDeleteI saw a suggestion on Facebook that both candidates should be made to wear shock collars during the debate.
DeleteI'm fine with simply turning off the microphone as needed. It seems counter-productive to set rules then let the candidates run roughshod over the rules. If one thwarts the rules, the other can't just abide by them or the pundits will say s/he is the weaker candidate. When will our nation comprehend that arrogance is not the same as strength, and self control is not a weakness?!
Delete