Subject: Re: I'd love to...

It is nice to dream.

I've never been someone who chased money. Often took lateral positions salary wise because of location, work or people. While I've never been a big spender - no expensive cars, jewelry, etc, I do spend my money on vacations, a house (often fixer upper) in a nice neighborhood, eating out. Somewhere I heard an expression 'money can buy your possessions or freedom' and I prefer the latter within reason.

I'd have more money if I hadn't gone on 10-15 nice skiing vacations in my 30s/early 40s, or a half dozen or so European vacations, or wanted to work longer hours and make more money but I've mostly been comfortable (excluding the first decade or so) with decent salary, plenty of vacation time and flexible hours and don't regret it for a minute.

Right now I'm taking off 4 weeks (vacation + LWOP) pondering retirement. We renewed a lease in MD until October so that causes me to think about working another 6-9 months since I'm in the area where I can easily keep my current job or get a higher paying one. Also we haven't yet bought a retirement home. At one time the decision was Arizona but for a variety of reasons that is being re-thought. Also when you can retire, collect a pension and a company offers you 50%+ more salary to work for them, double dipping and bringing in a huge (to me) income, it is hard to stop. However after watching my father pass away last year and losing some friends, how much is enough?

One thing I didn't realize in retirement home selection is how difficult it can be. I realize this isn't a retirement board but right now while I don't want to retire in MD, I feel bad if I leave now since I have a relative in his 80s w/o any other family and he and I were very close when I was a kid but at the same time I'm not getting any younger and just want to relax and enjoy what health I have left.

And I'm one of those people that would dread winning a huge lottery amount since I imagine that to be nothing but headaches. Even though in some states you can remain anonymous, I'd imagine any large amounts would cause a person to become known one way or another.

Happy holidays to everyone.