Hooray...I think

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my retirement.  I don't really know how I feel about it. I know it's nice not to have to deal with all the anger, tension,and confrontations at the jail. The drunks and junkies were difficult to deal with as well as the health issues they brought in from their lives on the street . (MRSA infections, HIV,STD, Hepatitis,and lots of etc..plus  many of the females were dealing with high risk pregnancies) Yes, it's been a year since I've been called a P.A.M.F (punk ass mother...oh well, you know the rest.)  I can't say that I miss it but I also can't say that it's totally out of my system. I occasionally find myself watching the "Jail" programs on TV which usually shows the intake area of some jail and see the inmates when they are first brought in from the street. Usually drunk/drugged up...many times combative...and I think, old times.I guess on some level I wish I was still there. I mean, you do something for over a quarter of a century it gets in your blood.  However I am content in the knowledge that that is no longer an option. 4 trips to the ER convinced me. Still, I do miss it. Go figure. On a less introspective note, I was able to get out for a bit last night. The temperature was in the lower 80's, the humidity was low, the location ideal and the planets must have been in perfect alignment so I was able to get out.  One of my great summer passions is baseball. I played it into my 30's, and then I coached at various levels for my sons through their high school years. I checked  the schedule for American Legion Baseball Games and found one being played near my home...and the field was right across the street from the Hospital.(just in case). I went to the game and watched about half of it. I had a pretzel and a beer (not supposed to while on meds...but what the hell) I really enjoyed it(live baseball..nothing like it) but had to leave just a little early because of fatigue. I was huffing and puffing a bit and had the sweats so I had to go back home for a treatment. Still, it was a start. Besides I was able to watch the end of the Cardinals ball game at home...in the A/C...whille I took my treatment. And the Cardinals won...better and better. If I had thought, I would have bought a powerball ticket. I was on a roll. Once I get this asthma thing worked out, I would like to get back into coaching...but not today.I'm not quite ready...yet. Be well,Tom