When I Was Your Age . . .

Over the weekend, I heard from two people that they've started reading my blog, so I did what anyone would do with that kind of pressure. I didn't post for a couple of days.

Actually, although it's not a really good excuse, I have been doing a fair bit of work on a project for my old company this week. To be honest, I'd forgotten all about work, but now that I've been doing some (real) work I can tell you for sure. I don't like it any more.

It's not even hard work. In fact, I have pretty much done it without putting my brain in second gear. But it did take time, and I started to resent it. Funny thing is, the time it was taking is time where I do - well - just about nothing.

I am starting to think that my attitude to work is actually just a reflection of my attitude about not working, aka retirement. I truly have embraced this lifestyle where the chief decision I have to make is whether it's time to change my walking shorts. (Odd phrase, but I figured if I said I had to decide when to change my shorts, too many of you would have a pretty unpleasant image in your mind.)

To me it's a grand day if not much happens, and then a spectacular day when something special happens.

Which leads to tomorrow, sure to be a spectacular day. We have been invited to go to Lily's school with the other grandparents of Year 2 students to talk about our life when we were growing up. The kids are working on a project about personal family heritage and how things have changed over time.

I will let you know after the event how it goes, but I must tell you I do have my doubts how my American experience is going to sound to the Aussie grandparents in the room. I mean, how well is it going to go down if I get my allotted 30 seconds and say, "Well, when I was your age, I lived in America. We basically had everything we wanted.

"I remember watching a lot of TV, which none of you Aussie grandparents would have done because you didn't have it yet here. Even did my homework and read books in front of it.

"My mother cooked every night. In fact I don't think we ate out much, if at all. McDonalds didn't even exist yet. But I do remember eating penny candy from the corner store whenever I wanted. A penny was a coin that doesn't exist here any more, but ten of them make up a ten-cent piece.

"And, oh yes. I was still an only child, so everything I said was considered precious beyond belief."

Good, I finally worked my way around to something Lily will understand. Anyhow, report later.