We're all headed somewhere. Most of us are going there on momentum. It really is easier to do nothing then to actively make a change. We start working after school; it never occurs to us that we could stop. That after making the first million (I wish), or the second, or the 10th — well, there was always the 11th. We're just too busy, we seldom step back and smell the roses. Back at Cascade, our Sales Manager decreed that "A house that cost less than $3 million wasn't worth living in". I hope he's living his dream. It's my nightmare. Once in a while, some external event happens that sends us off in another direction: while I had a plan already, Astral Point's layoff sent me packing. Literally.I can't claim to be the Poster Child for doing it the right way. We (my wife Kathy and I) each choose the frugal route in life, from an early age — and like the "road less taken", it does make all the difference. We do what we want, we make due with what we have. It's not a bad life.Most of our time "off" (whether you call this "retirement" or "hiatus") has been hanging around, visiting friends, learning new stuff, and travel. Lots of travel. Last year I managed 100,000 miles on United Airlines despite only working 3 months and flying mostly on Continental then. Our first year and 2nd hears have  dutifully  (2002) recorded. Moving forward, we sold our house in Massachusetts and moved to a condominium in New Hampshire, We're spending more time with friends, and have been traveling extensively. It took a while for me to realize that life went on, even if I wasn't working or traveling. I needed the stimulation, without the office. Solution? Thailand.