As most readers of this blog know, my spouse retired after a 40-year career in January, 2013. Together, we got him through a very rough patch of severe infection in his immediate post-retirement.

But every day, he says, “please go to work.” He wants me to continue working, not only because I enjoy my job, but because he wants the house to himself all day.

So what does he do all day while I am gone? Wild parties? Visits by his many friends?

…naaahhh… none of that. The spouse is the world’s #1 antisocial recluse. He avoids anything social, and has no friends (other than me.)

He does, however, put his “alone time” to great use. He enrolled in our state university to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in History. His coursework is entirely on-line. That’s good because due to residual effects of his past long-term illness, he cannot drive and could not get himself to a brick-and-mortar campus, nor would want to.

Why pursue a second bachelor’s degree? Because he has always been interested in history and wanted to study it through the academic rigor that university-level education presents.

So far, he is 3/4 complete toward the degree. He has earned an “A” in every course he has taken. When he graduates, he will receive top honors. I am so very proud of him.

No wonder he wants me out of the house all day — so it is quiet for him to study. I get it.

Life is short: pursue your academic goals and be rewarded with honors for excellent work.