Did you ever go through a series of changes in your life — all in one or two weeks? Here is a list of the changes I have experienced recently.

I stopped going to a lunch-and-learn class — which I had been attending for over six years.

I stopped making popup cards –- that I had been making regularly for over five years.

I dragged loads of old papers out of their homes in my three file cabinets –- where most papers had languished for nearly 40 years.  I have been busy scanning, throwing, and shredding those papers, which I moved from the file cabinets to my computer table. Once the file cabinets were empty, I began notifying family and friends that they were available, free of charge.

I began organizing in the garage.  I moved the refrigerator, and organized one of the four large storage cabinets in the garage.

I stopped going somewhere on the weekend where I had gone for years.

I changed to colorful boxer briefs — after a lifetime of white briefs.

I stopped going to the neighborhood Ralphs for lunch with my mom.

You may be wondering, “Why did he make all those changes so suddenly?”

Essentially five reasons, I believe:

1. Our younger daughter is expecting a baby girl in about three weeks.

2. My wife expects to retire within the year.

3. Our older daughter has recently made some big changes in her life, and those changes have affected me.

4. I feel the need to change my lifestyle.

5. They opened a new Ralphs nearby, with a much greater selection.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com