...why am I having trouble getting it into my head?
The Upper West Side at High Noon
This is not a complaint -- at all -- about retiring. I just don't believe I'm really retired. Somewhere at my core, I just think this is a long, long weekend, and in a few days I'll be back at work. Last week was spent being sick, recovering and watching television. Yesterday I got up, got dressed and took a somewhat similar trip to my work commutes -- though I went to Brooklyn, not Queens -- for sweet Marissa's funeral. There were a number of work friends there, but they got back in the car and went back to work. As I walked to the subway I realized that I am not going back to work. I am bound in friendship to many people, but I am no longer bound by hours in the office. It was a tremendous awakening.
It's time...to do the projects I have been saving for "when I retire." It's time to set up a better home working space and it's time to find an exercise program. I bought containers to organize the cabinet under my bathroom sink and I am just about done with it. I now know I have three containers of Q-tips, just about enough for a lifetime and a lot of washcloths, that don't belong under the sink. It feels great to organize one area and the next on my list is travel toiletries. I think here, too, I've saved much too much and it will be great to discard all the expired samples and be ready to pack for my trip to DisneyWorld next month. There will be no last minute scrambling to make sure I have toothpaste and hand cream ready to go.
These are a few of my summer projects. Do you have anything set aside a summer project?
Tonight I have our buildings annual meeting and I grocery shopped -- so like going at noon! -- this afternoon. I'm off for a manicure now and then I'll be back to finish my organizing project.
Wishes for a cool, cool Tuesday!
19 comments
You are getting in to the swing of being retired friend. Isn't it glorious? We can grocery shop whenever we want, at slow times, and can sleep in if we had trouble sleeping, well that is just a couple of good things.
You seem to be off to a nice start! You don't have to rush, take your time, change your plans, do whatever! No time clock anymore. RELAX ENJOY!!
Thanks for stopping by and your nice comments...we really appreciated them!
Love Hugs & Purrs,
Loretta & Kitty
It sounds like things are falling into place for you. I remember that lingering feeling I had after retiring that I still had an obligation elsewhere. I threw myself into a project working on a family cookbook and that took me over the hump.
Glad the reality of the situation still works for you.
It's grand to realize a dream....pinch yourself....it's real! So happy you are checking some things off your to-do list. We are beginning to get to the end of our boxes from moving. It feels great to finally reach this point!
The organizing will become addictive! You will love it. As I have been sorting, I discovered, like you, that some things don't have to be bought for a while. I am close to having our spare room ready for my office/work/craft area.
Yes, there are many advantages to being retired. We are soooo blessed!
You had a rough start to retirement being sick, but now that you are feeling better the reality will be sinking in. It does take a while after so many years, but eventually it will feel more of a permanent way of life. It is nice to do things like shopping in the middle of the day when others are working. I rarely do any weekend shopping any more. Nice you are already planning a trip !
Sounds like your bathroon project went well. Always nice to know what you have and don't have.
I am busy returning our extra spaces into what they are before we start
dumping things here and there.
: o )
You are having a great summer and retirement - love it for you.
It sounds like you are making very good progress! I am so far behind in my organizing! I need to let your accomplishments motivate me.
Jealous! I have decades ahead of me before I can retire and relax like you.
I'm remembering my mother when she retired. She worked both before today that she enjoys the freedom to do what wants whenever she wants.
Hugs
I've oftentimes heard from others (post retirement) they feel like they're on some weird vacation; that it's temporary.
....Still, isn't it an exhilarating feeling?
I can sure empathize with your need to organize and prioritize. Come to think of it, I'd be surprised to learn if you weren't! lol.
Enjoy every moment!!!
Yay Carol! I am sure you will find plenty to fill your retirement hours and I know and am grateful that you will have lots to share with us! A happy retirement relies on your attitude. It can be a blessing in so many ways. It's all in how you view. I view mine as the opportunity to grow and develop in new ways! It's all good! Love you! xxoo
It won't take you long to KNOW that it isn't a vacation, well it kind is a vacation... it just doesn't end:) Have a blessed day dear Carol, HUGS!
Retirement's a big thing. I know I'm a few years from doing it but I don't know if my busy life could handle the "lifetime vacation." Haha! I know you'll find things to keep you busy but enjoy the down time and the ability to just take a walk in the middle of the day and enjoy the weather (and your great city).
It takes a bit of adjusting, but once you get into the swing of it, retirement is WONDERFUL!!
You Are Wealthy!!!
I'm glad to know you are feeling better . . .
Disney World!
Hurray!
love & love,
-g-
Yes, you are getting into the swing of retirement...organizing, still on my list and I have been retired since 1998.
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