I'm getting ready to retire and wondering what to do with the next half (OK, maybe 3/8ths) of my life.

I have been blitz-kreiging applications to schools in Thailand and Dubai, as well as the Peace Corps. (That application was a killer!) While my heart belongs to Thailand, the money in Dubai entices me, and the prospect of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer is intriguing. But 27 months! If only it were for 1 year, I'd be next in line.

Will I have enough money to survive financially? I'm taking a big drop in take home pay. How will I ever afford medical insurance? It sure would be great if we got some national or even state health care soon. Hillary, help me! What will I do with my time? Please God, don't let me become a slug. Will Joe be able to manage the house and bills on his own? How will I finagle the income taxes? I have visions of Joe sending me a box of reciepts express mail. I may be insane for doing this, but something tells me it's time to take my leave.

I wonder if I am being too starry-eyed about Thailand. I wonder if my new Thai teachers and friends will be as endearing as the last. I have visions of renting a typical Thai house and a motorbike, teaching during the day, traveling weekends and breaks, writing in my free time. The money won't be great ($1000US/month) but enough for a comfortable life in Thailand. Plus I'll get paid housing, visa, license, and full medical, although I suspect I may have to maintain my US health insurance just to be able to re-enroll when I return. What a rip-off US health care is. I will have to take a 'Thai Culture' class (new Thai gov't law.) I know a year is a lot longer than 3 months and I know the honeymoon phase will fade and I will become very lonely and disillusioned but hopefully I will make many new friends and many old friends will come and visit me.

Maybe all this is just a fantasy but I feel like it's something I have to explore. My own personal bucket list. Onward.