And then what happened?

Well, about 2 years ago I was going through some rough emotional times, and was diagnosed as being bi-polar. The medication made me so lethargic I decided I just as soon be depressed, I was used to that feeling after all. And I rather enjoyed my few manic episodes, at least I got some things done!
I took a good hard look at my life and decided that my job was no longer challenging and fulfilling, and I really did not feel like looking for a new one. I had no particular attachment to Houston, it was mainly a place where the jobs are.
Really the only joy came from my 2 dogs, and they were not all that happy, either. Sure, I took them to the Dog Park often, but on the rare occasions when they were visiting the countryside, they really perked up and exhausted themselves having fun. So I bought 4 wooded acres with a cabin and a shed in East Texas, first as a weekend getaway, but ultimately as a retirement retreat. I crunched the numbers, that’s what I’m good at, and it was doable. It took a leap of faith to hand in my resignation, I dragged my feet for months, waiting for this event or that.
May 4th 2006 was my last day at work.