BLOG ENTRY #74: AMTRAK HAPPINESS FOR A CHANGE

 For the third year in a row, I am taking advantage of AMTRAK's RAIL PASS sale.  AMTRAK has a program where for $499 you can take 10 single trips anywhere in the United States.  Naturally, there are restrictions....you have 120 days from the day of purchase to use the tickets and you have 30 days to use them from the first travel date.  Trust me, it is easier reading the criteria and restrictions on their website.

Normally, the cost is $499, however, AMTRAK each year, has offered a discount, usually in January.  Once, the discount was for $200.  Once , it was only $50.  Last year the discount was $200.  This year, $249.  I blinked.

The only slight problem with the discount is that I have to travel by mid-May.  I really don't want to visit the west coast during the winter, so this year I will try to budget myself and get a second RAILPASS during the summer, at the regular price.  Even at $499, RAILPASS will pay for itself after three one way trips.

As of now, it's going to be a busy year.

BLOG ENTRY #73 MIND YOUR BUSINESS

In New York, the governor recently signed a bill making it easier for patients with terminal conditions to end their life.  Not that I would necessarily take that option if I was terminally ill, but I am for it.  It's sad that there is opposition for the bill.

If it doesn't concern you , mind your business.

BLOG ENTRY #72: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS AND MOVING FORWARD

 For the past month and change, I have not really had the urge to write anything.  Normally, I get up mid-morning and eventually make my way to one of two libraries I like to go to, and from there I get in a mood to write something.  Problem is, from mid-November it has been pretty cold here in New York, even by my standards.  Actually, the temperature has been seasonably cold.  The wind chill has been brutal with real feel temps occasionally in the teens.  I haven't been to the library in some time.  And I don't write from home.  Even rough drafts.  That's the first reason.  The second reason is, I go to the Mid-Manhattan Branch library on Fifth Avenue, about ten blocks from Rockefeller Plaza where the Christmas tree is.  Traffic in this area is usually sluggish.  During the holiday season, it is brutal.

So no blogging .  Until now.

I normally post New Year's Resolutions in January.  I am 61 years old and retired.  For the first time, my resolution is to simply MOVE FORWARD.

I have heard the term used too many times over the past few years.  I believe it is the new "team message" at work.  I am using it to have more clarity in my life.  That means a couple of things:  1)  stay focused on my goals, and 2) get rid of unnecessary clutter in my life if it is holding me back.  No drama.  No notice.  Just do it.  I retired a year ago in part, because I felt (still feel) that I have no idea how many years of life I have left.  I worked thirty years and it is time to enjoy what is left of my life.  I have been doing that.  I can do more.  I will do more.