“My dad was a chemist, and I was always fascinated with that sort of thing. I did all kinds of experiments as a kid. I invented things. “When I was a junior in college I came up with light solution. All you did was add … Continue readingChemistry experiment lands him a wife for life
“I have run 25 marathons and 76 ultra-marathons. As of Jan. 1, including all my races and training, I have run 30,875 miles. But it’s not the long distance that kills you. It’s the short distance. “I was entered in a 3,000-meter race on June … Continue readingMarathoner survives cardiac arrest to run another day
“When the housing market went under, when the economy went to hell, my husband’s hours were cut and I was pregnant. We went into foreclosure, and we could have lost our home. Instead, we were able to work with the bank and find a way … Continue readingDespite challenges, she doesn’t plan to give up
“I was working for Humble Oil (later Exxon) as a systems analyst, and I had been feeling fatigued. When I went to the doctor through my health insurance he really set me up, you know, with improper directions and the wrong medications. By the time … Continue readingHeart issues lead to medical disability retirement
“I did 29 years of shift work at ExxonMobil. I worked outside as an operator. I worked in the heat, in the rain, in the cold. I wore flame-retardant clothing, a hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes. “When I hired in, all the old-timers told … Continue readingShe wants to be ‘the poster child for retirement’
“I grew up in Elgin, Oregon, way up in the hills and the mountains. I was a farmer’s daughter. We were what they called shoestring farmers. We didn’t make very much money. You lived year to year. Three bad years would break you. “We didn’t … Continue readingShe learned the concept of hard work from parents
“I work inside ExxonMobil as a contractor. I deliver port-a-cans and tanks, and move septic waste. I can literally say that I have a shitty job.” How often do you use that line? “Oh, all the time. Actually, the job has been pretty good to … Continue readingHelping to raise four children can be challenging
“Retirement is a big step, deciding what you’re going to do and who you’re going to trust your money with. “I do a little work on the side right now, building a house or two. I’m not sure how involved I want to be with … Continue readingHe doesn’t want to be tied down in retirement
“I came here in 1976 from Trinidad. I was just passing through on my way to Saudi Arabia, where I was going to work for a company as an instrument fitter supervisor. Before I left, I wanted to raise money to buy clothes so I … Continue readingOn the way to Saudi Arabia, stroke changes his life
“I recently retired from Exxon after nearly 40 years. It was a good job to have for the long term. You can make money anywhere, but what really counts is who’s going to take care of you later. “Now I’m planning to do my part … Continue readingImproving his health focus during retirement