It's been about a year since I've been retired, and a lot of people have asked me, many with their own impending retirement on the horizon, what it's like. For the most part, very good. It's actually been less of an adjustment than I, and others (like my spouse!), thought it would be. I've always been a fairly active and busy person and it's definitely a slowing down process. However, I have enough hobbies and interests to keep me busy and keep me from getting bored. I've been playing guitar at open mics and hearing more live music. My two favorite new artists, who I've really enjoyed and seen multiple times, are Lera Lynn and James Maddock. I've been back on the tennis court, and so far I'm alive to write about it. I have binged on serials (and sometimes cereals) like True Detective, House of Cards, Annika Bengzton and now Foyle's War, a British detective series taking place during WWII. Also seeing a lot more movies, particulary after the Director's Guild sent me all the Oscar-nominated films on DVD. Sweet! This is even before NCAA Basketball and the baseball season starts. How am I going to ever fit everything in?!
I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine about my age, (not ABOUT my age per se, but who happens to be approximately my age), curious about how I structure my days. I was trying to explain how time seems to expand after you're retired. Incidental chores and activities, like doctor's appointments, dropping off laundry, trying to unsuccessfully pair your socks, picking up groceries at the supermarket, going to the gym, meeting people for lunch or dinner, now become the focus of your day. Whereas before, you'd squeeze these things in before or after your 10 or more hour workday, you now have the "luxury" of having those activities as your new daily goals and planning around them. "Hmmm... should I go shopping first and then walk the dogs?. But wait, I want to get new sneakers and to get the car washed. Oh and I almost forgot, I'm supposed to meet someone for lunch. What a day! It's exhausting just to think about, I think I need a nap!" Actually afternoon naps are a guilty, but wonderful pleasure, particularly with the dogs at your feet keeping you company. And speaking of dogs, I think ours are actually model retirees. They play, sleep, eat, go for walks, have a meaningful job guarding the house and keeping The Watchtower people away, and sleep some more, always finding the most comfortable spot available. Of course the postman doesn't seem to especially care for them, but I gather the feeling is mutual.
I guess the main thing I miss about work is the people. I miss the personal interaction and the satisfaction of working collectively on a project. I also thought I'd be doing a little more consulting. I'm doing some volunteer work, which I enjoy, but think I'm ready to do some "work, work." NOT that I'm soliciting, BUT if you, or someone you know needs a YouTube expert, Video Producer/Director and generally nice guy to work on a project (or alternatively, to have lunch with), please do let me know! :-) So that's about all I have to say for now. I've been SO busy, I haven't blogged in a while, maybe I'll wait until year 2 of retirement for my next post. But I am very active on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, not to mention Scoop.it, Spotify and other black holes of time. And all that email! At least I've given up Candy Crush, thank God! Anyway, I have start thinking about what I want for dinner and what time to start watching Foyle's War. Hmmmm.. maybe I should go out to eat. Oh, but that would screw up my TV schedule. Or should I should wait until tomorrow to watch Foyle's War? But then what time would I go to the gym? I don't know WHAT to do...Oh, the humanity!
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