Just got $45,000 - It's a Sad Day

[cjj]

No really, I'm serious! I'm literally on the verge of tears...

Why? Well, ya see, I just sold my tractor and my dump truck. This move thing, "retiring" from farming/ranching is really starting to hit home. It's kinda an end of an era for me, after so many years of doing it to have to give it all up and move on to something else. But that's life I guess...

Dang, I'm REALLY gonna miss that tractor...

Yeah, it's a picture from last winter, but hey...

[ajish4]

No really, I'm serious! I'm literally on the verge of tears...

Why? Well, ya see, I just sold my tractor and my dump truck. This move thing, "retiring" from farming/ranching is really starting to hit home. It's kinda an end of an era for me, after so many years of doing it to have to give it all up and move on to something else. But that's life I guess...

Dang, I'm REALLY gonna miss that tractor...

Tractor.JPG

Yeah, it's a picture from last winter, but hey...

CJ, it must really hurt....look at it as one door closes.....and another opens. Think of that music room you have been dreaming about!

Where are you guys planning on going? Are you staying local, or going east or west?

[johnallg]

CJ, when you feel sad, just pick up that custom RIC bass. The blues will either pass or flow from your fingertips.

[rickenbrother]

Did Tony buy the tractor? Seems he has a liking for them.

I'm sure you'll adjust to life without the big rigs because it will give you more time to plug your Ricks into bass rigs!

[kiramdear]

Well, it's nice to have money in five figures ... just trying to look at the bright side, CJ. That'll buy a lot of music gear!

You can't take it with you anyway, so enjoy your good memories with your farm - but don't spend time for regrets. You will have a lot of time for your sweet lady and your music. Why don't you get off the couch and join a band?

[cjj]

Well, unfortunately, after taxes and bank loans, etc. , there won't be a whole lot left. But in reality, things will be OK. I am truly looking forward to getting back into music, it's been a long time since I've really had time for that.

It's hard to give up something that's been a large part of one's life, one's dream in fact. But as others have said, when one door closes, another opens and it's up to us to look through that door and take advantage of whatever presents itself...

And no, Tony didn't buy the tractor... I'm just sad that I won't have it around to let him drive it if he ever came to visit!

As for where we're going, well, it came very close to being New Zealand, but the job situation just didn't work out. We're staying in Montana, but moving to the part of the state that most people think of when they think "Montana", the western part, in the mountains, the Bitterroot Valley. Much prettier than here in "West Dakota". It's going to be great, living in a place that's actually drop dead gorgeous and having time to do some things I'd given up hope of doing years ago. Still, it's always a bit scary and sad to move on to something new. But, life goes on, and in reality, it's what you make of it, not the other way round...

I'm still gonna miss that tractor...

[winston]

Hey CJ so long as this move does not effect or change you in any way that is negative, it will be good move. I would miss the tractor as well btw.

Once you've made a plan stick to it and never look back, move forward with precision and decisive action. Let your bold strategic actions be your force multiplier. You will never lose that way.

I am looking forward to your early reports after the move that tell us how much fun you are having.

[rickenbrother]

[winston]

Frank was so cool. I think he invented being cool.

[gibsonlp]

Hey CJ,
Don't worry - you'll be fine! look at the half full glass - you'll have time to play much more, perhaps even with a band, now that's not a bad transition...

[ram]

CJ, maybe the new owner will let you come by on weekends and play with the tractor??? Congrats on the retirement and ease into the new life style... wishing you a grand and long retirement!!!

[admin]

We are all with you CJ. Life transitions are so very difficult especially when they are about letting go. There is nothing bad from which something good does not spring. Adapted from Red Green - Keep your stick on the ice and you will score the goals you need.

[tyarbrough]

I used to own a pet shop here in Fort Worth and that place had been my life for many years. I decided that selling it was the best thing I could do under the circumstances...financial, relational, etc. But locking the door for the last time was one of the hardest things I ever did.

I think men especially define themselves by their vocation and retirement is perhaps more scary for us than it is for women.

The good news is if you can get yourself into something else that you are passionate about it can also be a great opportunity for growth. Good luck!

[beatbyrd]

Best of luck on your move, CJ. As has been said before, new doors will open. Tom

[ajish4]

Sounds like this song is more like it.....