Today, February 1, 2014, is my husband’s “official retirement date.” He has achieved something that many Americans aspire to – retirement. He is focused on his next journey – hiking The Appalachian Trail. I am amazed that the time has seemed to fly as quickly as the airplanes he flew! I hope you enjoy the poem I wrote for the occasion!
THOUGHTS ON ALAN’S RETIREMENT
I know this may be hard to believe,
But from American Airlines, Alan is taking his leave.
He will find it so very nice
To not worry about a checklist or the need to de-ice!
He’s been flying airplanes for so many years,
But now he’s retiring without shedding tears.
After all this time, he’s ready to go;
Will he miss the flying? He says “No”.
No more uniforms, schedules, and rushing for flights,
No more driving to airports mornings, noons, and nights.
No more Crew Scheduling trying to track him down…
They never stopped until he was found.
Flying fighters and airplanes is what he has known
Ever since from a boy to a man he has grown.
He has amassed accomplishments galore
From “The Academy”, the Air Force, “the Company” and more
Now, he’s focused on the Appalachian Trail;
I know the thought of it sounds very insane!
He’s ready for the next chapter of his life;
I’m blessed to share it with him as his wife.
Imagine! He’s now a retiree,
But what exactly does that make me?
I went to dinner with some female friends this evening. The wine and conversation flowed freely. Dinner exemplified the points of a class that I am taking. For instance, it was interesting to observe how my friends and I are more alike than we are different. I realize that these women are my friends. Yes, I know that like attracts like. However, I believe most people on the planet share the same similarities. Most of us are interested in better lives. The variable is just HOW focused, passionate, and conscious we are of what we want. In my humble opinion, many of us as women tend to 
deal with the situation would be for you to use the oxygen mask that the 
I have just started a Master Keys Master Mind Alliance class. Since traveling is one of my favorite things to do on the planet, I am referring to this class as my journey. Although, it is not a physical journey, it is still a journey. It is just a different type. It just so happens that my husband Alan is also preparing for a journey. He is preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail and walk from Atlanta to Maine in one shot. He has started getting into AT shape. Two weeks ago, he hiked the North- South Trail walking 78 miles in four days. He is not ready to hike all 2,176 miles in five months. How will he get into shape, you ask. He is taking shorter hikes. It’s the old “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” adage. Cliché, but SO true!
What is the best way to live the best possible life in the years that have been allotted to me? Jiminy Cricket told us we could wish upon a star, but wishing and hoping is NOT a strategy. When I was a child, it made sense. Now, not so much! While I love Jiminy, I need a plan. Alan doesn’t expect to complete the AT by wishing and hoping that he is in shape, or disciplined, or going in the right direction. He is doing everything he possibly can to get the outcome he so passionately desires. In order to acquire the results that I desire, I am following a strategy.
Right now, this class is the map I am following. It resonates loudly with me. In life, geography is not my strong point. Those who know me well are laughing hysterically at such an understatement of one of my most obvious shortcomings. I have my share of them; but if you have ever followed me to a destination, this one is obvious. I received a full 
Janet DeLeo, Author and Artist 