A run-arounder -- a term I coined this morning -- is not what you think. I just thought I'd perk up this day that started out rainy and dreary with a racy title. At least a racier title than I generally put on a post.
I've been a little fanatic about putting structure in my retired life. My work life -- in the last three jobs I've had -- has been extremely structured. For the last nineteen years I was part of a government agency that was based on military structure, with most of the employees wearing uniforms, and we even had badges. Surprisingly, I did okay with it. We operated a large system that ran 365 days a year. Snow, sleet and rain didn't stop us. We only closed for two hurricanes and a strike. There was always something to do and generally more than I could get done in a day.
One of my biggest worries was that I would retire and become a complete slug. I would play games, watch television and eat candy all day, every day. I would go from one hundred miles an hour to zero. I couldn't comprehend that I might settle at a nice cruising speed, with a few fast turns and some idling, and that would be just fine. Actually, that would be great.
I became a "run-arounder," even in retirement. I ran around a lot, and just like my working days. I kept to a tight schedule, even if there were mornings I just wanted to watch "Today." Thursday mornings at 9:05 a.m. are for exercise class and no slacking off. This morning I heard the alarm at 7:30 and saw the rain coming down. It was gray and dreary and I turned off the alarm, flipped on "Today," and enjoyed being at home. I think I'm starting to get it. I don't have cruise control yet, but I'm getting there and it's sweet.
One thing I did find on my neighborhood walk today is that the "cronut" has become part of our landscape. It is a doughnut/croissant with cream filling. It is also a nutritional nightmare. I will probably break down at some point and try one, but I am happy to announce that I walked by the store not once, but twice and did not buy one. Maybe when Trish and Sheilagh are here, we can buy one for the three of us. They are the food fad for this summer.
Tomorrow I'm off on a shopping expedition. My list is pretty practical. I've got new sneakers at the top, followed by a black sweater. They are the two basics of my wardrobe. No worry, I'll be back for Random 5 Friday, one of my favorite parts of the week. Have a great Friday!
I've been a little fanatic about putting structure in my retired life. My work life -- in the last three jobs I've had -- has been extremely structured. For the last nineteen years I was part of a government agency that was based on military structure, with most of the employees wearing uniforms, and we even had badges. Surprisingly, I did okay with it. We operated a large system that ran 365 days a year. Snow, sleet and rain didn't stop us. We only closed for two hurricanes and a strike. There was always something to do and generally more than I could get done in a day.
One of my biggest worries was that I would retire and become a complete slug. I would play games, watch television and eat candy all day, every day. I would go from one hundred miles an hour to zero. I couldn't comprehend that I might settle at a nice cruising speed, with a few fast turns and some idling, and that would be just fine. Actually, that would be great.
I became a "run-arounder," even in retirement. I ran around a lot, and just like my working days. I kept to a tight schedule, even if there were mornings I just wanted to watch "Today." Thursday mornings at 9:05 a.m. are for exercise class and no slacking off. This morning I heard the alarm at 7:30 and saw the rain coming down. It was gray and dreary and I turned off the alarm, flipped on "Today," and enjoyed being at home. I think I'm starting to get it. I don't have cruise control yet, but I'm getting there and it's sweet.
Tomorrow I'm off on a shopping expedition. My list is pretty practical. I've got new sneakers at the top, followed by a black sweater. They are the two basics of my wardrobe. No worry, I'll be back for Random 5 Friday, one of my favorite parts of the week. Have a great Friday!
