I know, I know, it's been a while. The holidays came & went, here we find ourselves on Super Bowl Sunday (for some reason, this appears to be a national holiday...........someone who likes football, please fill me in....). I have been very unproductive in the studio in the last few weeks, but I do have news to share.
On January 13th (I know.. what was I thinking, Friday the 13th), I gave my notice to retire from my job. I have been doing this kind of work for 30 years! I guess I was anxious to see how my boss would react, and I have to say that he gave me the best gift possible in his reaction......he simply said, "O FUCK!" And yet still I have wondered daily if I was doing the right thing. Then, this last Friday, the gods may have spoken.
After a nurse's advice to monitor my blood pressure for a few days about a month ago I finally did. Now, note here that I have never had a BP problem but the side effects of a stressful life show up when you least expect them. It was a bit high 3 days in a row--all readings taken when I was at work--and through a series of events that took place SOOOO fast, I was led to believe that I was either having or had or about to have, a heart attack! That scared the crap out of me. I report today that I did not, have not, nor am I about to have, a heart attack, confirmed by the cardiologist. I have been monitoring all weekend and so far, even after a scary report that Texas public pensions might be in danger, my BP seems to be fine, and without medication. The lesson here is enjoy now; you really don't know about tomorrow.
So on March 30th, I will walk out of the place where I have been a fixture for the last 26 years (not ruling out the possibility of walking back in some day, for a fee of course). Any of you who have known me for any length of time know that I am not much of a risk taker, but here we go! More metal smithing classes, learning about being self-employed and trying to enjoy life more. I'm ready and anxious to move forward, getting on with this part of the adventure.
So please stay tuned. I so appreciate all of your support.
Leave the light on when you go, I'll be in here working for awhile longer.
