I've had people ask me, "So what are you doing now that you're retired?" I'm not always sure how to answer that because it's so varied and why is it I feel guilty that I'm not doing some part-time job or volunteering somewhere or whatever?
This past Saturday and Sunday we had birthday parties to attend. Monday was Zumba class, post office, bank, shopping. Tuesday was early morning Farmers Market, Tripler for a doctor's visit (Art), dentist for both of us. Wednesday was lunch with a financial planner about Long Term Care. Thursday is Tai Chi, tofu factory, Costco. Friday is Zumba Toning and another Farmers Market. Saturday is a wedding. ETC.
Somehow, the days do fill up. We're busy, but unlike when we were working outside of the home, we can choose what we do, when we want to do it.
I do love it! If only I could have the same energy I had 20 years ago, it would be perfect!
You won't see me climbing a tree nowadays!
This past Saturday and Sunday we had birthday parties to attend. Monday was Zumba class, post office, bank, shopping. Tuesday was early morning Farmers Market, Tripler for a doctor's visit (Art), dentist for both of us. Wednesday was lunch with a financial planner about Long Term Care. Thursday is Tai Chi, tofu factory, Costco. Friday is Zumba Toning and another Farmers Market. Saturday is a wedding. ETC.
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| This is me in 1990 trimming our locust tree in Illinois. |
Somehow, the days do fill up. We're busy, but unlike when we were working outside of the home, we can choose what we do, when we want to do it.
I do love it! If only I could have the same energy I had 20 years ago, it would be perfect!
You won't see me climbing a tree nowadays!
I agree - I wish I had the same energy and strength I had even ten years ago. I'm much more aware that if I trip over something I'm less likely to bounce than I used to be.
ReplyDeleteDo tell us about Long Term Care. That subject weighs heavily on me. What are the pros and cons? And how much will it cost? One of my sisters cares for my 95 yr old mother. She is paid $12K/year plus free room and board for her and her daughter. I doubt my kids would want to do the same for me or David.
ReplyDeleteYou are busy! You are enjoying retirement and that is what it is all about. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder how I managed to fit a job into my busy life. Of course, it's a different life now, but there are not many hours that I don't have something going on and fall into bed every night tired and contented. :-)
ReplyDeleteSince I am nearing retirement this is all good to hear. I know I can stay pretty busy but I wonder if I'll do anything productive.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am a big believer in LTC insurance.
you are enjoying a well deserved retirement and doing volunteer work as a family genealogist-scanner and historian as well as a world wide full time blogger. Thanks for all your service...
ReplyDeleteWhat I have way less of than I once did is emotional energy. I was burned out after my MIL died. It took me a couple of years to recover.
ReplyDeleteWe are not getting long term care insurance but trying to figure out other ways of handling possible dependence.
We do seem busier than ever! My husband still works, but I'm very glad to be retired.
I'm like Djan. I wonder how I got anything done when I worked. I think I do similar things today but now I know I have more than just the week end to get it done so I take my time. Love the lack of deadline.
ReplyDeleteSure glad you have giving up being a tree surgeon. Yikes
I do love retirement. Unlike you my schedule is very simple. I keep it that way on purpose. It's what I enjoy most about retirement.
ReplyDeleteMy days are full, too, and the weeks and months fly by. I do hate the feeling that I have to make sure others understand that I'm keeping busy in productive ways. I don't know why I burden myself with this concern!
ReplyDeleteI think what Hattie said is true. It's the emotional energy that is tough. It takes longer to recover from upsets than when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteThis is so odd. I was just thinking this morning about the last time I climbed a tree. I was up our old Cherry tree to trim branches and I was 46. I wouldn't try that now. Wish David had taken a photo. I like yours very much. Dianne
ReplyDeleteWow...you are so brave to climb up a tree and trim off the limbs...that high up. Don't be hard on yourself not doing such feats today!!
ReplyDeleteL. from W.
you are retired and busy, you summed it up so well, busy by choice!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great picture of you up in the tree. I retired six years ago and I once had someone say to me just a little condescendingly that she would be so bored if she retired. I can honestly say I rarely ever get bored, I'm too busy!!!
ReplyDeleteI understand your sentiments. Retirement is a busy time. I also wish I had the energy levels I had before. I am learning to appreciate the energy I have, and I am trying to learn to pace myself so I use it wisely.
ReplyDeleteAh, but you look so great up in your tree. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you have already wondered how you ever had time to work!!!
ReplyDeleteLife is Good!
You don't have to explain to anyone! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to be retired and busy like you!
ReplyDeleteI will be just like you, Kay, with days happy and full. It's how I live my life now and I don't plan on changing. I am so happy you are enjoying your retirement. You earned the right to do whatever you darn well please! You do look cute up in that tree!!
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved from our first little house, to our bigger house, all of our furniture went "Aahh. Now we have space" And then that house filled up too.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same with time for me. I wonder how I did everything and worked too. Time just gets filled up. But now, most of the time, it's without stress.
Today I got up late, tired from yesterday, helped Tom shop for airline tickets, and finally left the house about 11:00 to go pick up my serger that had been in for service, stopped to buy Valentines for my loved ones, and cat food for Josy. Back home I sorted mail, ate lunch, read the paper and worked the puzzles. Then I got on the computer, sorted through my photos from yesterday, selected which ones to share, and posted a blog. I caught up on Facebook and email. Then I put the lamb shanks in the oven to braise and did ten miles on the stationary bike.
I prepped the vegetables for roasting, made salad, watched some political news, served dinner, dined, recorded my calories, and now I'm reading blogs. That's a typical day.
What do I do to fill my time? Well, it's complicated.
Gigi: I just wrote a post concerning what we learned about Long Term Care which will come up in a couple of days. We don't know yet about the cost. We'll find out later and I'll let you all know.
ReplyDeleteI suppose with retiring there's no weekends anymore, just 7 days of work. Of course, not work per se, but keeping up with the schedule and all that. That's more like 8 days a week. But whadda I know.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope I stay busy in our "retirement". I look forward to it because in reality I have tons I want to do.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you doing in that tree!!! LOL
Isn't retirement BUSY???!!!!!
ReplyDelete