Since retiring from my IT career on March 31 to focus on keynote speaking, I’ve been sharing monthly highlights of my adventures and experiences.
Fry Your Chickens! Keynote at Child Focus
August kicked off with a bang as I delivered my “Fry Your Chickens!” keynote at the Child Focus kickoff event. The audience was incredible, and we had a lot of fun with the rubber chickens. Of course, no “Fry Your Chickens!” keynote would be complete without the chicken dance, and this one was no exception! It was a fantastic way to start the month.
Family Vacation on the Isle of Palms
Later in the month, Beth and I, along with our extended family, enjoyed a wonderful vacation on the Isle of Palms in South Carolina. The trip was filled with sightseeing, antique shopping, and indulging in some amazing food. We spent quality time at the pool, but my favorite activity was our daily beach walks with Beth. We walked, talked, and collected shells—a tradition that brings us closer every time. I keep some of those shells in my office as a reminder of our special times together.
Home Improvement: Painting Projects
August also brought some home improvement projects. We had the interior of our house professionally painted, and the results are stunning (pictures to come!). Feeling inspired, Beth and I decided to tackle the half bath ourselves. While we’re certainly not as fast or skilled as the pros, we loved working on this small project together. We used leftover paint from the interior job—Sherwin Williams’ popular blue shade, Soar. It was a rewarding experience, and the bath looks great!
Looking Ahead
As I look forward to September and beyond, I’m excited about what’s to come. Each month in retirement continues to bring new experiences and opportunities, and I’m grateful for every moment.
Summary
August was a month of connection, creativity, and reflection. From delivering an energetic keynote to enjoying a family vacation on the Isle of Palms and tackling home improvement projects with Beth, it was a fulfilling and productive month. The journey of retirement continues to be a rewarding adventure, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds!
Retirement has been an exhilarating journey so far, filled with new experiences and opportunities. I’m eager to see what the future holds and to continue sharing these adventures with you all.