I finally have given up my smart phone for the simplest dumb phone I could purchase. No Internet connection, very little texting, and only a few calls. I used to be a gadget-holic with the most information available, until I finally realized I didn't need it at all. This is the new name tag of the Downwordly Mobile retiree.

Having come from 35 years in the Los Angeles suburbs known as Orange County, my new philosophy has become, and I quote Bill Murray, "It just doesn't matter." This is what living in a small town like Liberty Lake has done for me. I always worked in L.A. with the idea that the fancier car and home, the finer restaurants and clothing, and the better watch were quite important to the upwardly mobile lifestyle. Little did I know that Washington would become my home.  But I am here now, and I love it!

There is something very different about the neighbors and the majority of people I meet here. They never check my watch or car anymore to see what I am worth. The laid-back mentality of the typical Spokaneian is such a welcome compared to my previous life in the City of Angels. Perhaps because I am retired, they could now care less what I did for a living or where I live.  

I get such a kick out of people complaining about the traffic here, when it used to take me an hour and a half to go 35 miles every day. I would take the time, in between constant phone calls, to view some of the most expensive sports cars and SUVs on the road, but we all were moping along at the same monotonous speed.

I am sure that any fast car driver was going crazy without the open road.

There are still fine restaurants here, great entertainment and lovely homes to satisfy one's need for excitement in this community. I have a fine place close to the Centennial Trail for walks and bike rides, many friendly neighbors who know me by name (as I know theirs), and, now, a lovely wife who grew up here as well. Years ago I had moved up here for my previous wife to be close to my children and grandchildren when she was battling lung cancer, a battle she did not win.

So it is goodbye to nouveau riche, hello to laid back, without falling, that I take a bow to all you people of Normalville. Keep up the good work.