I’m now two weeks into my second "Retirement Sampler," having been laid off June 30th after ten years with that employer. The goodbyes were gratifying and I hope to stay in touch with the old gang. No regrets about the hour long commute each way though. I’ve filed for unemployment and received the forms back from the state. I’ve gotton some calls back on my resume and even had my first interview.

I continue to be an early riser, getting up at 4:30 or 5:00 AM and I don’t expect that to change at all. Living in New Jersey, the mornings are the only cool part of the day during the summer so I get an early walk and start some yard work before 9 AM. The rest of the family is not up until 6:30 and I get them a quick breakfast.

True to my word, I bought two items on the first day - "Way Searcher II" and a Journal. Way Searcher II this time is a beautiful lime sized cloisinne bird with a red berry in its beak by Department 56. With some prompting, the saleslady assured me the bird was "magical." I had it close by when I applied for unemployment and sent out my resume. At my interview I had him secretly in my pocket - you never know when you might need some magic. The original Way Searcher, a Unicorn, was purchased on the first day of a previous unemployment stint and proved to be very helpful.

I’ve made some limited entries in the journal, but find most of my time spent cleaning up around the house. I’m sorting through some old toys of my son’s and throwing a bunch away. Also going through his books and will give away those he doesn’t want. The quintessential "cleaning up" is checking the fire alarm batteries and vacuuming under the fridge. I’ll let you know when I get to those.

I don’t know as yet how difficult the job market will be, both due to the economy and my age. Only time will tell if this period is just unemployment, with a quick return to employment, a sabbatical, or retirement.