ONE YEAR UPDATE

 

TOP 10 OBSERVATIONS AT ONE YEAR OF RETIREMENT

1.  I'm glad it's not illegal, immoral or fattening to be retired, because it's THAT MUCH FUN!

2.  Not only is it still true there's not enough time for all the interesting things I had in mind to try before I retired,  NEW  interesting things keep appearing:  some form of dog agility training with Maggie and Gypsy; fiddle class (in addition to violin lessons); meditation retreats (in addition to weekly group meditations); expanding ideas about travel; no end to the music, movies, plays, art exhibitions and other entertainment in Flagstaff.  Making choices is constant.

3.  "Get the house in order" is a process rather than a goal.  With more or less involvement from Ron as necessary, I've worked steadily but not obsessively.  I may finish the initial go-through by the end of the year as planned.....or not.

 

4.  The effects of work do dissipate:  the urgency, the need for constant control, the need for adrenaline boosts, the unease of days & weeks without the structure & obligation of work, the emotional disarray.

5.  The concern about replacing the social contact work provides has proven unfounded.  I have more contact with family, on-going contact with long-standing friends, and new acquaintances aplenty through Tai Chi, violin and fiddle classes, meditation group, and swimming.  It is important to have regular activities outside the house to provide opportunities for this to happen.

6.  Last year this time there were a plethora of Oscar-worthy movies to see at the theater.  After a pretty dry summer, I'm hopeful for the rest of the year. I found "Gravity" thrilling and suspenseful; though the Internet is buzzing both the movie & Sandra Bullock for nominations, my opinion isn't that strong.  The second Hunger Games movie "Catching Fire" is a must-see, though most likely not in the Oscar category.  Seeing the Oscar-buzzed movie titled "Nebraska" will be a no-brainer,

7. My violin teacher assures me not only am I doing well but better than most (prodigies aside). I'm still enjoying the long & winding road to violin music.

8.  For my own amusement and that of my correspondents, my signature has included (Ret.) this past year.  It's had a celebratory feeling.  However, "Retired" maintains a link to working by being not-working.  To continue its use feels like looking backward instead of forward, so it's....retired!

9.  I've been giving myself a pass on certain activities that are constant challenges but nevertheless required of grown ups.  These include keeping up with routine housework, getting to bed in a timely manner, and eating with consciousness of both quality and quantity.   To play the entitlement card any longer than a year would be embarrassing and indulgent.

10.  These few grown-up obligations are easily overwhelmed by the reality of retirement:  

ASTOUNDING, FABULOUS, FANTASTIC, MARVELOUS, PHENOMENAL, STUPENDOUS, SPECTACULAR, TERRIFIC, TREMENDOUS, WONDROUS!