Free at Last

Hey all,
We're getting ready for a "reach" in May.
When we planned it, the trip was just another trip (nothing in that statement is meant to diminish the experience of a trip to "da rock").

Since then I went on "my social security.com" and found out I can afford to retire.
I have spent the last 27 years working deep "in the belly of the beast" (i.e. Prison).
20+years of locking every door behind me is over.
20+years spent out of the sun . . .
You get the idea.
I was a teacher and think I may have done some good, but that is neither here or there.
I'm done with it now and starting a new chapter.

To the board:
Thanks for the opportunity for catharsis!

We're staying @ Catcha and hope we get to cross paths with any boardies down there in late May.
Soon come!

PS words fail to express my feelings but I can't think of a better place (or a better community of people) to kick off my retirement than Negril.

You have spent decades doing God's work in a much under-appreciated environment. Now you have earned your retirement and every trip to Negril! Super excited for you (and slightly jealous!). This reach will be like no other - the sun will be brighter, the water will be bluer, the Red Stripe will be colder - all in celebration of your wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations!

Kind words indeed, thank you.
I will report back on the blueness of the water and the temp of the Red Stripes.

Congratulations! Enjoy that new found freedom!!!

Awww Rumpole, congratulations! Looks like I will be off-island when you arrive :/

Bnewb:

Thank you and Amen!

Lola:
Thanks, but I am sorry to hear that you won't be there (we arrive on the 20th).
I was hoping to run into you accidentally (again).

We get in on the 31st,you still be there?

Only in spirit, we leave the 29th.

Rum-Polephoeskin, Congratulations on your retirement!
There's no better place to celebrate your newly acquired freedom than Jamaica...Enjoy your trip. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rum-polephoreskin

Only in spirit, we leave the 29th.

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Ok maybe next time,1st ones on me,good luck in the next chapter of your life! Peace..

Congratulations RPPS, (hope the abbreviation is accurate) that's a great accomplishment, especially considering the last few years and the economy.

Hoping to see you and share a celebratory stripe with you.

Good job,

Jamb

I worked in a rough Ghetto,,lots of stuff,partner shot 5 times,two others murdered,,blah blah blah. But after all that I would NEVER do what you did,inside a prison where They have control,not you.

Scary stuff my friend. Now the trick is to Stay Alive and get the free cash you earned.

Congrats Rum, hope you can spend a lot of time there now.

Of course I also hope you will be sharing your experiences, as you are one of my favorite trip reporters.

The reach is here (well next Tues. early AM).

Love bus on the 21st -anyone going to be sober on the bus?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rum-polephoreskin

The reach is here (well next Tues. early AM).

Love bus on the 21st -anyone going to be sober on the bus?

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Sober on the bus? That happens?

That's good, I laughed out loud.

Congrats!!! wish I was joining you both in retirement and on the rock.....soon my time will come. Don't forget the trip reports, we love em!!

have a wonderful time!!

Thanks Lola - are you still going to be gone?

Yes, off-island for a while :(

enjoy your retirement Rum.

Hey Rum! Congrats on the retirement!! My husband Steve retired 2 weeks ago from the post office. Like you, when we planned this trip we didn't realize it would be such a celebration! And, as luck would have it, we're also staying at IA too. Getting in on the 24th. We'll have to all have a flaming Bob Marley together at the bar! Just look for the big Japanese guy with the Blackhawks t shirt. We're actually leaving tomorrow morning. Doing a cruise then leaving directly after docking for JA. See you there a week from today!

Rum, congrats! I count the days til retirement and you're kicking it off well - enjoy :)

@No-worries (great handle),
I'll keep my blood-shot eyes peeled for you . . . but what is this "IA" you speak of?

Congrats!!