Packing it in

Former Buffalo Bills coach Marvin Levy was well into his 70s when he was asked when he would retire. "When you start thinking about retirement," he quipped, "you're already retired."

I've retired three times and none of them lasted. My most recent retirement lasted six months. I persuaded my wife to retire with me. After a while you have nothing to talk about. We both returned to work part time with a great deal of freedom to decide our own hours. I changed jobs, consulting for another school district. When I paid a visit to my last job I was warmly greeted by my former colleagues. For this reason I was surprised and annoyed by the booing Brett Favre, legendary quarterback and superstar for the Green Bay Packers, received playing against his old team at Lambeaux Field. Favre had retired from Green Bay after some poor seasons but came out of retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings. The facts of his retirement and failure to be re-hired by Green Bay have not been revealed. Whatever the reasons, he did not deserve booing after 14 years of service. True, there was also some applause, but the jeers predominated. I was happy to see the Vikings trounce the Packers and especially elated to watch Favre throw a touchdown pass in the closing minutes of play to finalize the Packer's loss. What better way to stick it to his detractors? Shame on you Green Bay!

I will probably continue to work so long as I am healthy and believe I am still making a contribution