Well, boys and girls, I finally got to retire. Even if it was 3 months before I planned it, and it was for medical reasons. COPD ain't the end of the world, and we caught it early. Losing weight like mad, (anybody got a donut?) and starting to feel pretty decent again. Maybe I can get that '51 Chevy on the road pretty soon. My new shop will sure help w/that. Wanted to give a word about painting, sanding, smoking, etc. Use that mask, no matter how uncomfortable it is. You got no idea what it's like to not be able to breathe until it happens to you. As my old man used to say" Death is nature's way of telling us to slow down."
That's what killed my Mom. She started smoking Lucky Strike non-filters ever since the American troops came through her town in 1945. They should have a human lung disection in every high school biology class. It's amazing how fragile it looks, and that people can live 50 years of constant abuse. I had a pre-pneumonia last year, and the x-ray looked like one of those star clusters you see in the hubble telescope. Take care, and best of luck!
Good for you! the retiring part... I don't breath as good as I used to either. Not too bad I guess, I just start to run out of wind trying to sustain over 20 mph for a long distance on my bicycle. I don't know how bad your COPD is but I recommend bicycling to get in and stay in shape. It's good because when you run out of wind you can always just coast a while.
Congrats, although under those (COPD) circumstances it could have been better. I retired just over a month ago and I'm lovin' it, but at age 55 I still have to do stuff to keep busy and make some cash. I'm sure you'll be as happy as the rest of us "old" guys doing whatever spins your crank!!!!
In a few months you'll be telling everyone "I don't know how I ever got anything done while I was working. Now that I'm retired I don't have any time for my projects." It might sound silly but I've heard it from a lot of folks and experience it myself. Take care of yourself so you'll have a long retirement. Frank
Yeah man. Biking is where its at. I dont think Ive taken my car anywhere this week for that matter. I went to the autobody supply store last wk for a gallon of bodyfiller tho, and I must say that was a little awkward on the ride home. Especially uphill.
Enjoy you retirement! I did it about 3 months ago and Ive been working my but off ever since. But I'm doing what I want and its for me not a mindless corp.
For you young guys here...that smoke...QUIT IT NOW...!!! Smoking is the major cause of COPD...and if you don't know what that is...research it. COPD is not fun, especially when it cuts your lung capacity to only 26%...it's hard to simply walk fast... NO, I don't have it cuz I NEVER smoked...ever...but a friend smoked his whole life...and he can't even climb into or out of a car without huffing and puffing...not pretty to see that. Take care Ole Pork, and congrats on the retirement...you WILL be busier than you've ever been...!!! R-
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