A New Chapter

Dear friends and family,
It is time to turn the page and start a new chapter in our lives. I have been unemployed for around four months and have diligently completed applications, worked with a vast array of recruiters and suffered monumental discrimination from my age, my lack of a degree and my disability with my back. It is most obvious that after forty years in retail and twenty in an executive position, that my appeal has been voided. We have come to the conclusion that I should retire and collect Social Security.

Now comes the fun part. Can Kim and I survive on this meager stipend in the good old USA. The answer is no and an emphatic one at that. Trying to go into business a couple of years ago, exhausted all retirement monies and we simply cannot live on the monthly funding from our government.

Therefore I have researched a location that we can survive, with low medical costs, inexpensive food and a cost of living that is almost criminal in nature. Ecuador will allow us to live on the beach (a passion we both observe), eat fresh seafood and retire in semi comfort. I know this will startle most of you that have known us over the years and realize how important family has been.

Kim will remain in Texas and work until she turns 62 and we will have a long distance relationship (Not the first time. We actually lived 3,000 miles apart when we started dating in 1976). The real truth is that our family is spreading out. The boys are creating lives of their own and it is time that Kim and I settle down where we can be happy, relieve stress and I can become a writer.

I have had a passion for writing, gained from my journalistic father and some say I am fairly talented at it. Who knows? In the end the public will tell me if I am full of garbage or have an ability to scribe my thoughts in a manner that will produce income for us.

The thing is that when I mentioned this to members of my immediate family and a close friend, their feedback was positive and some wanted to join in on the escape! One of my dearest friends is actually accompanying me the first time I venture into the unknown.

Kim and I have discussed trying to purchase a small bed and breakfast. My sister-in-law and husband have brought the prospect of running a small organic tomato farm (already operational) to the table and the possibilities are endless (as long as everyone understands my immediate mission is to write).

I am in the process of placing my thoughts together and have already started three books (It was two until my experience with age and the other discrimination faced recently). I do have a new energy and am more excited about this chapter of my life than I have been in some time. I will add blogs from time to time (if you care to follow then feel free to add yourself to my "followers") and try to keep everyone stateside up to date.

I wish each and every one of you a prosperous, blessed and happy life. I sincerely thank each of you for your friendship and support over the years. May you find peace and may you remain blissful and full of life as we head into our golden years.
Saludos,
Miguel!