Reluctantly Retired? Not Me!

I have a friend who repeatedly says she hates retirement because she loved her job and was involuntarily laid off because of the economy. She's a statistic of the times, but also unusual. She had what I thought was a cushy job, but I doubt she would ever admit that. Getting paid for doing what you love is always the goal. I loved my job, too, but the economy forced me to half time at half pay when, in reality, I did not work "half-time." I worked full time for half pay and that stunk! One can only give so much and I was feeling put upon. So, when I reached 66 and the Government agreed to start paying me, I jumped at the chance. I've yet to look back...I haven't had time.

Yesterday I went to three meetings! And being retired, I kind of resented that I had those three to go to although I signed up for each event. I am hoping that three in one day doesn't happen again any time soon. In between meetings, I had to organize some interviews for this coming Saturday--again a project I signed up for--but I spent about an hour on the phone and then emailing confirmations. It really seemed like I was "working."

As I look over this month's schedule of activities and events, I find I may have dived into retirement with a little too much gusto. On the other hand, I really don't want to sit around contemplating that cliched navel.

I like being out and about...I also like vegging out at home, just puttering...I like being a lady who can "lunch" if I choose to...or take a 20 minute nap if I feel like it. I like being involved in the community--especially my small, friendly town. It gives me purpose, makes me productive. What more could a retiree want?

And I like our local Council on Aging. There's a myriad of activities for all tastes. If you want to be an "active senior" that's the place to be. I'm not a COA snob--"Im not old like those people. I don't belong at the COA." I think those seniors who refuse to look into activities at COA are really missing the boat. There appears to be something for everyone. And, if you don't see a choice you like, they welcome suggestions for activities.

Today I did an hour in the weight room; first 30 minutes on the treadmill and 10 with free weights, ending with 20 minutes on the bike. This was the first time I had done any of these things and I loved it. With up-to-date equipment, I could see what my heart rate is, how fast and how far I "traveled." Can I say that this hour of exercise was one of the most fun and fulfilling I've had recently. I worked up a self-righteous sweat and the endorphins really did kick in! I was psyched for the rest of the day. And because I'm retired, I can do whatever I please.

Retirement Rat Race

You may have noticed that I haven't blogged since September 15--that's almost one whole month. Retirement is a rat race! Part of the problem is my work ethic. I no longer work--for pay, that is, but for some reason I feel I must be productive each and every day. What is retirement and who makes the rules? Do I even know the rules? Do I want rules?

My plan for entering retirement was to keep busy so I wouldn't miss going to the office. I set up an "office" in my dining room--printer and laptop with wireless inernet. Very easy to keep up with email, make copies,type letters, pay bills, print photos--do all the things I did when I "worked" (for pay, that is).

I also planned for some personal growth (actually to diminish my recent growth in girth) by exercising three times each week at the local COA. I didn't know my knees would object furiously to this new endeavor. My new plan is to eat less, try to walk to my morning obligation (remember my first plan--to walk more? Hah! Didn't happen--yet!). I might also try osteo prevention instead of strength training and Zumba (golden edition) both of which have lunges, stomping, twists, and other knee killing moves.

And, I might try Reiki! For those who know me, I am the world's greatest skeptic about non traditional medicine. I hate supplements. I have never believed in chiropractors and don't ever intend to visit one. Acupuncture? No way. And believe me I have been extremely skeptical about Reiki, having learned a little about it from a cousin who even traveled to Sedona, Arizona, to learn from a (supposedly) authentic Shaman. How great is that!

This cousin truly believes in the healing powers of Reiki and who am I to dispute this. There have been testimonials. She's earned money doing this. So on a recent visit when I was complaining about my knees--one in particular--I got a free treatment. "Do you feel the energy," she asked. "No, I don't feel anything." "You don't feel that pulsating?" "No, I don't feel anything." "I'll count the beat--maybe you'll feel it. Now?...now?...now?...now?... Do you feel it?" "No, I don't feel anything." Oh, well, as a skeptic--I probably can't be hypnotized, either--I really, really did not feel a thing.

But when the 10 minute session stopped--and I was glad it did, being somewhat embarrassed at not "feeling anything"--I got up to get a drink and lo and behold, no stiffness in my knee. Could it be? Could it be that Reiki worked? Amazingly, it appeared to and my knee that has stiffness and pain ALL THE TIME had miraculously felt fine. It felt fine for the rest of the night. It felt fine the next day. It felt fine after a two, almost three hour drive home. The "cure" lasted for two days. And believe me, I was really surprised. It did wear off when I got up on the third day. I wish my cousin wasn't three hours away.

But I digress--what about those Rules of Retirement that I haven't learned yet. Rule number one might be learn to say "No." As in, are you free tomorrow to stuff 9,000 envelopes; are you free to do this? Are you free to do that? Of course I am free. Free of time, free of pay, free to say "No." I have to learn to say no.

Rule number two might be it's okay to veg out and watch daytime TV once in a while. Well, maybe not.

Rule number three is probably it's alright to get engrossed in a new book and just stay in nightgown all day, stopping only for pee breaks and seeing what's in the fridge (hopefully, from now on, just lettuce, celery and carrots).

Rule number four (and the most important), there really aren't any rules. You kind of have to make it up as you go along. Yes, it's nice to be productive, but productivity can be exhausting. I need a break every now and then and so I'm trying to schedule stay at home days--sort of my vacation from the rat race of retirement.

Retirement Day Two

The one nice thing about not having to go to work is that I have plenty of time to work at home: i.e., making appointments, checking email, keeping my calendar up to date, doing volunteer work and all at a pace I want. Today felt good: Went to breakfast Rotary meeting (and signed sheet for three new members--whew! no fines there), dropped off some stuff at the old office, ran a few errands and since I live in a small town, ran into a few people I know to say hello to.

Lunch at home (the goal is to save money and not eat out except with friends occasionally. If I'm alone, I can always find something to eat at home).

Funny thing, though, my temporary bridge fell out while eating (as it usually does) so, since being retired and at home, called my wonderful dentist right away and within a half hour the bridge is securely (I hope) back in place.

Which brings me to the astounding cost of dental work these days. At 66, my teeth are in bad shape and have had all kinds of work done in the last three months (well, actually last year and a half when the temporary bridge was put in place). My dental insurance only gives me $1,000 a year and I guess I will have spent about $7,000 by the time all is done in January.

When did the price of an extraction escalate to $350 per tooth, not counting x-rays, anesthesia, and what have you. The estimate for my work in January is at $3,800. I am agast. What is a retiree to do? I know some people who have had implants who have spent $30,000 on their mouth. Is it that important to be able to eat corn on the cob? I know...I know...I've already thought about how I will no longer be able to eat a piece of pizza without using a fork and knife. I gave up corn on the cob when my first crown broke off (not fell out--big difference!). But I can still eat corn and there is something comforting about being able to eat corn freshly cut from the cob in the kitchen without all that buttery mess clinging so embarrassingly to my chin and cheeks. A fork full of corn is just as tasty and not the least bit messy.

Well, there I go, rambling on and on, but isn't that what retirees do? I have a friend who is miserable in retirement because she says she loved her job and didn't want to quit. She was a layoff because of the economic turn down. I also loved my job but not enough to keep doing it. But that's a story for another day. Now it's time for my nap.

First Day of Retirement: Remember Me?

Well, the countdown is over. Today is my very first day of RETIREMENT. (Yeah!!) I can hardly believe it but it's true. The countdown is over and I am now my own person. No more worrying about the "job."

So, true to the plan I had in my head, I took a 30 minute walk and here I am back at the computer and hope my many fans haven't decided to dessert the Retiredgal for lack of new posts. It's been a very, very busy few weeks trying to dot all the i's and cross all the t's before I could truly leave the office for good,.

There was a party and a gift (who doesn't like that!) and, of course, all the kudos about a job well done. Yeah, it was a job well done, so there! Now all I have to worry about is making ends meet on Social Security, a few small IRA's and a teeny tiny pension from one job I was at for 10 years. It seems to work on paper--hope it works in reality. I'd hate to have to ask my only child for retribution! (Although it certainly is due!).

Anyway, here I am...a Zumba course at 11 a volunteer committee meeting at 2 and the rest of the day is mine. Rotary tomorrow morning, followed by a walk and weight training at 8:45, then, perhaps, cribbage at 10 and a 5:30 p.m. meeting. What do you think? Too ambitious a schedule? I dunno know. Maybe I should go slower...

And sometime this week I have a 6:30 a.m. breakfast date at a little shack on the water. Better be a sun-shiney day for that! Then later in the week when the forcast is for rain I just may stay in and CLEAN THE HOUSE! (Just kidding!)

Thurday and Friday are so far up in the air--no plans; but, of course, I can make any plan I want--without worrying about work. As I've heard most retirees say,
"I don't know how I ever found the time to work, I'm so busy in "retirement."

After the winter, when I just can turnover and go back to sleep at the first hint of SNOW!, I may adjust my plans and try to fit in some paid work--maybe 10 hours a week. Just enough to have some extra walking around money. Who knows, I just might find a new career.

All you retirees out there (or those about to be), please COMMENT.

Reflections of a recalcitrant retiree

I've always like alliteration. I say recalcitrant because I'm still not sure retiring is such a good thing, but I am really, really tired of working. I am not lazy--I don't think you'd find anyone who knows me who would characterize me as lazy. But I do want to do nothing for a while. I think I just need a rest and a vacation is not what I have in mind. One or two weeks won't do it. I need a longer time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate! (How 'bout that alliteration!)

I'm down to twenty-eight days. This counts weekends which I guess I shouldn't count because I hardly think about work on weekends anymore. I used to. My type of job is not nine to five--it's been for a long, long time more like twenty-four/seven. But I have sloughed off to my second in command a lot of those problems. So, not counting weekends, there's only about 17 or 18 days left. That sounds both great and horrific because I still have a lot of "cleaning up" to do. And there do seem to be any number of problems that continue to rear their ugly heads.

I am, therefore, not so much as recalcitrant as ready, willing and sort of able (financially)to retire. Twenty-eight days, 17 days? Who's counting?

Rushing toward Retirement

Am I rushing or running--both, I guess. Twenty-nine days left. I'm working at home today and trying to "clean up" a few things.

I'm still doing my usual reading and Time, Inc. is one of my weekly standards. This week, I'm amazed at an article about "empty-nesters" who now need workshops and personal seminars to cope and get through that phase. Are these the boomers who need a 12 week workshop to reconnect with a spouse because all of a sudden the distraction of kids is no longer there? I don't think my parents' generation or my generation (the "tweeners") need someone explaining the process to them. Kids are born, you raise them (or rear them--I never remember the difference), they become more and more independent as the years go by and then they leave for college. Some summers they don't come home and we get used to them being gone and not having the day to day responsibility. We love them but we expect them to leave one day and we encourage them. Who needs a 12 week workshop to get that?

This, of course, brings me to the "personal life coach" syndrome. What the heck is a personal life coach? Aren't they our friends and relatives who are always trying to give us advice, solcited or unsolicited. Why would anyone pay a personal life coach and what parts of ones life are coached?

I've always been amazed at some of the letters Ann Landers or Dear Abby got. Granted some were excruciatingly difficult relationship problems probably best left to a stranger to straighten out. But some were so simple I would practically scream at the newspaper.

Is this all a symptom of the disintegration of the extended family and neighborhood? We have no friends or relatives to ask for help so we go to complete strangers for the simplest of life's problems. Can no one cope anymore?

My family is very small and I do admit to being jealous or at least a little envious of one of my friends who has a very large and close extended family. But the only part of my life when I remember having aunts, uncles, cousins and two sets of grandparents and a large, very large, extended family on both sides was when I was very young--from birth to about age 7. Those were the days of the late forties and early fifies when every Sunday meant a large family dinner (now called lunch)at someone's house.

But then the family started to pass on with a grandfather dying, then some of the aunts and uncles moved out of state and as far away as California. We wrote letters on thin skinned paper and mailed them a few times a year. No one called on a life coach to find out how to cope with our family's migration. We just accepted what was and moved on. And that's what I continue to do these many years later.

Remembering Life Before Retirement

Beverly Beckham made me cry today. Actually she makes me cry a lot. But today she had me remembering "back to school shopping." For those of you not around Boston, Beverly writes a column for the Sunday Globe. And today it was about back to school shopping.

Long before I became a short-timer to retirement (30 days to go!), I was a young mother who each August went "back to school shopping." And Beverly Beckham made me remember how much fun it was and how I anticipated showing all my purchases to my daughter as she came back from summer camp.

Like Beverly, I bought school clothes and first day of school outfits and school supplies and laid them out all over the couch or sometimes all over my daughter's bed and waited impatiently for her to come home from sleep away camp to see her reaction to the largess before her. When she was 9, 10 and 11, there was excitement and pure joy. She loved everything--even the things that didn't fit perfectly or that were not quite still in style.

Around age 12 or so she, like most 12 year old girls, became much more discerning and discriminating: "I hate this!." "I absolutely will NOT wear that!" "How could you think I would EVER wear that!" Nevertheless, I continued to shop for "back to school" even as she approached college. It was what I did in August...and I miss it.

Rants on Retirement - 33 days to go

Can I be blocked after only 12 days? Need a topic. Can day 33 come soon enough? I've added another "issue" to my list. My cataracts seem to be gettting worse so I need to have that laser surgery. Should make an appointment with my opthamalogist. Did you know you can pay $3,000 to have a special lens inserted after the cataract comes out and you will not need to wear glasses with corrective lenses in that eye? I have worn glasses since I was 16 (and probably needed them before that). They are part of my persona. I can't imagine going anywhere without them. I would feel utterly naked--well, almost.

So many things seem to be breaking down. I never thought I would live passed 55. Why? Because my father died at 50 and my mother at 60, so I always thought somewhere around 55 would be it. Would I have taken better care of myself if I thought I would live this long? Hard to say. I probably would not have smoked. And somehow I would have tried to stay in better shape. All in all, however, except for my love of white flour, sugar, butter and salt, there's not much more I would have done. Except for my ill-spent youth, I don't really drink much. I never did drugs. I stopped smoking about 25 years ago. What else besides food, drink, drugs and tobacco can do you in?

Here I am, then, at 66, and things are falling apart. Nothing major, I guess. Nothing so overwhelming I can't handle it, but nevertheless, parts of me are letting me down.

When I retire and presumably have more time, I plan to exercise more. That's a good thing. But then I'll have more time to "lunch" with friends. That means more eating and just the other day there was an article in Time about exercise alone won't help one lose weight. You have to stop eating, too. Yeah, like that's going to happen anytime soon. My book club newsletter isn't helping. Do I choose Jane & Michael Stern's "500 Things to Eat Before it's Too Late" (too late for what?) or do I go for David Zinczenko's "Eat This Not That, The Supermarket Survival Guide! Or should I just drink more red wine and hope the French Paradox kicks in?

RetiredGal Recrudescing with 34 days left

I suppose you're all wondering were I was yesterday. I "forgot" to blog. I guess you could call it a senior moment. So I missed day 35 and here it is 34 days left until retirement. Can a return after a one day dormancy be called "recrudescing?"

Anyway, still no comments and it seems that it is hard to access this blog. I need a computer geek to let me know how to make it easier for people to link here. So, maybe it will turn into a journal instead of a blog. I can always get here, but it seems no one else can.

A lot of cleanup still to do before I leave. There's this big meeting coming up just two days before retirement that I seem to be in charge of. It was planned last year, but even then I knew it would be just before my retirement. There's a lot of work to do and I am exhausted just thinking about it.

Some minor medical issues mean a few days off for this thing or the other (and that is something because I had upteen sick days accrued over the years of my tenure). I have always been healthy and even on those days I wake up feeling like I would like to turn over and go back to sleep, I still get up and go to work. I've never taken a "mental health" day. Nope, just keep on truckin'. Now I have these minor "issues" which I have to take care of and that can't wait until R-day or after. I wish they could. My life would be a lot easier. But I have to schedule them and so I shall. This is the time I wish I had a "wife."

All you working women out there know what I mean. Wives are the 8th wonder of the world. Why is it only wives (and mothers) know how to do practically anything or at least how to find the right people to do that one something they cannot? Not rhetorical--I'd like an answer, please.

Retirement Seems Vaguely in the Future

Day 10 of Stark Raving Retired,35 days until retirement. With so much work at work, however, it seems vaguely in the future--not really retirement reality. To be a time traveler and just get there to September 15th. Unfortunately, a lot of work to do before now and then both work-related and personal. I always think of myself as organized and on top of all my stuff. Sometimes, however,reality doesn't always fit with my sense of things.

Anyway, just doing this blog daily when my horoscope said not to multitask, seems like taking on a lot. I've never been much of a journal writer and I didn't think this would end up as a "journal." I wanted an interactive blog with people either retired to give me some advice, or those boomers I talked about to whom I would give advice.

Oh, well, maybe someone will start reading me. And I really THINK I want them to. It might be a bit scarey when someone actually does comment. I'm kind of a personal person. Don't like to be too outthere. What do YOU think?

Retirement Countdown - 37 days to go

And I say again, who's counting? Well, of course, I am. I can't wait. Once the decision is made, it's too bad one can't act immediately. Unfortunately there's some planning that has to go on. Of course, some of the planning I should have started years ago--about 40 to be exact. But life happened and some of the IRAs started with all good intentions about 30 years ago had to be spent for one reason another and penalties paid. Not the least of which is the current penalty of not having the requisit one million dollar nest egg.

Oh well. I've always lived a fairly frugal life in some areas while spending freely in others. I've always been generous and probably gave beyond my means to various chaities over the years. This may seem odd to say (write) but in some instances it seemed easier to give money away rather than to save it.

I have always been a saver, however, just not seriously. When I was young and unmarried I bought savings bonds regularly. But then I used them to help pay for my wedding. A few years later, those IRAs helped pay for the one and only trip to Disney World for my daughter. Another some years later paid for a new (second-hand) car when my old one finally died completely. Which leads me to say that I have never owned a brand new car. Only had second-hand ones. Not that I really care except that I've never felt really secure with any car--always afraid they would break down. Just paid $1200 for new struts. Do we really need struts? What are struts. The mechanic said they keep the wheels hugging the road. I guess that's a good thing. So now my 2000 car has new struts. Honestly, I can't tell the difference.

Anyway, all water under the bridge or over the dam. Doesn't make any difference because one never cries over spilt milk, etc, etc. The end result is the same. I don't have the one million to help contribute to my retirement income. I guess the main concern for some retirees is paying for health care. I do have a long-term care policy with inflation clauses. That should help somewhat. But paying for health care now--doctors, prescriptions, tests, etc. well, that's another story. I have been fairly healthy, but some long or chronic illness might wipe me out. Not going to dwell on that.

Guess that's it for today.

Retirement in 38 But Who's Counting?

Only 38 days to go! This is day 8 of my blog. Wondering how I'm going to keep this up day after day especially if no one is out there reading it. Even my daughter says she can't access it so I have no comments. I'll have to do some research and figure out what I'm doing wrong. Maybe this is an invisible blog meant for my eyes only. That would be interesing.

Had company for dinner tonight. Nothing too fancy, but two women my age and both already retired. Both are in much better financial position than I. One was a teacher for 30 years in the MTA (Mass. Teachers Association, read union). I think she has about 80%of her highest year with full benefits. The other took early reitrement some years ago after working as an executive at a bank. Also inherited some family money. I missed out on all of those. They were talking about Whole Foods. Who can affort Whole Foods. I'm lucky when I can get reduced for quick sale at Market Basket.

Finances are going to be a challenge. I am going to be on a fairly strict budget but since I have a relatively low key life style, that shouldn't be a problem. I just want enough to pay all the bills, buy food to share with friends and go out for lunch or dinner once in a while. Maybe a trip to NYC once or twice a year to see my daughter. Not asking alot. Don't intend to go to Europe ever again.

I suppose I could try to win some money in the lottery. I do buy tickets every once in a while but so far have not been too lucky. I know a couple of people who have each won two million over 20 years. Actually, it was probably at least 20 years ago that they each won the $2,000,000. That would be nice, but I'm not sure it will ever happen and buy any substantial tickets is not in my budget. I heard once that there is no such thing as "luck." That everyone has the same "chance" of winning. That made me feel good as I never considered myself "lucky," and this meant I, too, might win the lottery just by chance (which actually makes a lot of sense.) But even to do it "by chance" you have to buy tickets and I seldom do. Maybe I could invest the $14 I will be saving on iced coffee I can use to by lottery tickets. I'll let you know.

Retirement--My No.,1 Ambition

Day 7, R-Day Minus 39 - but my horoscope for the week of Aug. 10-23 says forget about multi-tasking--stop taking on a brand new project, hobby or job every day. I guess I am spreading my time and energy too thin. I have to decide what my No. 1 ambition is going to be and make that my focus. Does that mean I shouldn't be blogging? Or should I just concentrate on my real job--work--and start cleaning up the things that need to be cleaned up--or just thrown away.

I never seem to get much done on weekends, even though I now have four day weekends because I am only working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (usually). This weekend, as all others recently has gone by much too soon, although technically, I'm only half way through. It is Saturday evening and I have two full days. But like all other weekend days I am over scheduled. When am I going to do the laundry? When am I going to put together and deliver the tribute to my daughter's pediatrician who is retiring (also) next month. I said I'd do it, but I'm sure that with thousands of babies in his long career he won't miss one or two pictures. Or will he? He is, after all, very special and I think he saved my life as a new mother as well as my daughter's a couple of times.

And then tomorrow night I'm having a couple of people for dinner. Not a lot of pressure, but that I do have to straighten out my condo--surprisingly, it can get very messy in just a few days. And paperwork--boy does it pile up. I have mine--the usual bills, etc., as well as that of the patient I oversee. That takes time, as well as filling two pill strips each week so I can take my morning pills in the morning and my nighttime pills at night.

As long as I can remember (and way before the term became popular)I was a multi-tasker. I had two jobs most of my adult life or, at least, a job and a half. And let's not forget that being a wife and mother is another full-time job that most of us who worked outside the house also performed singlehandedly back in the day. I think it's great that young men these days share some of the household and child-rearing responsibilities--or so it seems. I wonder what their mothers think? They must have had a hand it it. It will be interesting when my daughter gets married and has children to see how she and her husband handle those responsibilities.

So, I need to concentrate on my retirement and stop multi-tasking. Fat chance.

Almost Retired Gal Goes to Movies

Skipping work to go to the movies is not something I've ever done, but then I'm almost retired and I think I can get away with it. And besides, I just had to be one of the first to see Julie and Julia.

Way worth it! Meryl Streep is great! She is Julia! She looks, sounds, moves just like Julia. Wow! I really enjoyed the movie and went alone on purpose. I didn't want any distractions. I have been reading the book, just about 3/4s through it and I will finish the book even though I have now seen the movie, but the movie is wonderful and the book so-so.

In the movie, of course, there is more of Julia and Paul and Paris and her cooking. I loved everything about the Julia parts. The Julie parts were okay, and I guess if I were 30ish I might have zoomed in on that part first. But when I was 30 there was no internet--no blogs. When I was 30ish there WAS Julia Child on TV and she was a star.

So as soon as the movie starts, my tears start flowing and I don't know why. I know I am overly sentimental, but I still don't understand. I don't tear up on a daily basis, very seldom when reading books, very seldom when watching TV, but there is something about movies and live plays that make me teary. Actually, the same thing happened when I saw Mamma Mia (again with Meryl) and I cried through that whole movie, too. Perhaps because I was watching it with my 30 year old daughter.

Anyway, with Julie and Julia the tears were non-stop and, again, I don't know why. I was enjoying every bit of the movie. I loved the vintage clothing and hats (actually I am old enough to remember wearing a hat--and white gloves--to my first job interview). I think somehow I made a connection to my mother who is Canadian French-American, and we lived in France and spoke French and mother mother learned to cook everyday French cooking and, of course, it was delicious. She never went to Cordon Bleu, but she was a real good French cook and she did make her own mayonnaise. Absolutely delicious as I remember it.

So remembrances of my mother and our years in France, my memories of watching Julia on TV in the 60s and 70s and 80s, the absolute likeness of Julia by Meryl--and the tears just kept coming.

On the way home I called my daughter (who never seems to be there when I call--I mean isn't that the purpose of a cell phone--to always be there), but anyway, I told her I had seen the movie and I was sobbing. She thinks I'm crazy anyway. So I emailed her at work when I got home but then realized she probably was not at work on a Friday in August in NYC. So we'll talk about it another time and it's probably for the best because I probably couldn't have talked sanely--I'd just be weeping about how wonderful the movie was and that I have to see it again with her (because she loves France, and Paris especially, and French food and Julia, too). And, of course, I'll probably cry through the whole movie once again.

I think I'm going to like being retired.

If a Retiree falls in the forrest, does it make a sound?

Day 5, R-day minus 41. When a tree falls in the forrest does it make a sound? When an about-to-be-retired blogger writes a blog, does anyone read it? Apparently not! So far no comments. How do I get people to read my blogs? Make them more interesting.

I'm going to the movies tomorrow to see Julie and Julia. The idea of a daily blog seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I have to come up with interesting things to write about. Although I am not yet retired (41 days to go), I'm taking the day off tomorrow to go to the movies. I'm reading Julie and Julia, but I want to be one of the first to see it, so tomorrow at 12:15, I'll be there. Hope all the hype is true. The trailers look good. And I've always been a fan of Julia. I remember watching her in the late sixties. And I have Volume II autographed to me with a "Bon appetite!" I loved her early shows, but watched her all the way through the 90s when she was stuped over and very old.

I have made some of her recipes, and, yes, the beouf bourguignon which is delicious. Haven't made it for some time, however. Maybe the movie will inspire me to emulate Julia again instead of Sandra Lee and "almost homemade."

I am admittedly addicted to the Food Channel. Julia appeared once that I know of when she was on Emeril Live. I'm not sure she appeared anywhere else. She did a series with Jacques Pepin that was fun.

Not sure what my favorite Food Channel show is these days, but Diners, Drive-ins and Dives is probably up there. I always get hungry when I watch that. I also like the competition shows like Chopped. I guess I have to confess to being a foodie.

One of the things I think I might do when I am finally, really, retired is become a personal cook (not chef) because I do enjoy cooking and serving food. One of the ideas I had long ago when I worked with a bunch of young singles, was to host a supper club of sorts. I'd service wine and cheese and cook one or twice a week for a group who wanted home cooked meals instead of eating in restaurants. That never got off the ground, but it seemed and interesting concept at the time and a group of my friends said they'd like it.

So, another blog done. But, where are the readers? Are you out there? Let me hear from you.

Retire Now - Why Wait

Once the decision is made, it is hard to wait. It is now 66 plus 3 and 42 to go. The countdown seems inevitable. Although there is still work to be done, it is getting harder. I almost feel resentful that I am still here and my successor has been chosen. The Queen is dead, long live the King! Oh, well...I think I may take some time off...I need a rest. Late night and early morning meetings are doing me in.

I'm reading reading Julie and Julia which, frankly, spawned this blog. So far no one seems to be reading me. My information is that younger kids who put FaceBook on the map and dropping like flies because 55+ are now doing social networking sites, twitter and blogs. So you out there? Are you there,

Ruminating on retirement - day 3 - minus 43

A little confusing perhaps for newcomers to this blog. Minus 43 means 43 more days until retirement. Day 3 means third day past official Social Security Retirement age--66 in my case. I am not a Boomer. Born in 43 makes me officially a "tweener." That label was something I first heard about 20 years ago to describe those of us born "between" the Great Depression and the end of World War II. Boomers, of course, refer to the baby boom produced by young returning soldiers and their wives just after the end of World War II.

As a Tweener, I come of age just a few years before the Boomers. I'm a child of the post-war 40's, cold war 50's and very early 60's. I'm the generation who didn't have TVs as children. My first TV experience was about 1952 with programs like Howdy Doody,and later The (original) Micky Mouse Club with Annette, the (original) American Bandstand. I Remember Mama on Friday nights, Uncle Miltie, etc., in black and white, of course, were staples!

Now I'm 66 and waiting breathlessly (literally) for retirement. A big part of my retirement will be the continuation of my volunteer work. I can't remember not volunteering. Even as a single adult, I taught CCD at my church. As a young mom, I continued that and added Girl Scout Leader, PTO member, and other things that kept me busy and connected,

I still volunteer as a member of some Town boards and programa and, of course, as a Roltarian--service above self.

I have a few friends who have already retired and the comment I hear most is, "I'm busier than when I had a 9 to 5." I think I'd like more balance between busy and relaxation. I'd like more time to read, go to movies, take a short afternoon nap. All of course with some structure.

Racing toward retirement day two ( minus 44)

Forty-four days to go to my actual retirement. I find the need to make plans--many plans. I don't want to wake up on September 15th and not know what to do. My plan won't be a so-called bucket list. I don't intend to kick that bucket anytime sooon. But I do want to know what kind of structue my days will have. I like structure. I like things to be in their place. So, what will my days be like

I won't have an office to go to, so I have to create an office-like atmosphere at home. A place to do the business of life. A place to comfortably blog, answer email, pay bills, etc. etc. Trying to create that place in an 850 square foot condo is not easy. I am still in the thinking stage about that. I do feel, however, that I have to make it look kind of like an office, not a TV room. So, as I said, I am still thinking about that.

In terms of what do do every day, I have one responsibility that is probably not going to go away anytime soon. I am a care coordinator for a senior with chonic health problems. At 7 a.m. each morning I am the person that checks in to make sure all is well, give some medication, and be on my way.

Since I won't have to "go to work" anymore after this morning assignment, I intend to walk instead of drive to this patient's home. This accomplishes one of my goals--walk more, drive less. And, affording me a two-fur: Walking and saving money at the same time. On the othr hand, if there is a driving rain do I still walk or do I drive. Hate to say it, but "driving rain" is aptly named. I will drive in a driving rain.

So, it looks like my morning ritual will include a 30 minute walk. Sounds good; what next? My current ritual includes a stop at the local coffee shop for a $2 iced coffee. My plan is to save that $2 and make my own at home. That adds up potentially to a savings of about $700 a year! Not to mention the carbon footprint of 350 or so large plastic cups. And although I tried faithfully to recycl all those cups, one or two perhaps ended up in a landfill.

So, walking and saving gas, making my own coffee and saving dollars and plastic. Sounds good so far.

Back to my new "office" to check emails, read news on Fox or Bing, blog, and do whatever paper work is needed. Pick up the house, finish coffee, then what? Okay, it's now 8:30 a.m. Meetings? Hopefully! The plan needs perfecting. I'll think about it and get back to you.

A Birth Day Blog on the Road to Retirement

Well, today I turn 66 and according to the Social Security Administration have reached full retirement age. I knew it was coming and, in a way, I have been planning for it for a couple of months. I wish I had planned better and longer. But here I am, 66, and my retirement date is September 15, 2009--and I can't wait! I am ready. I am eager. I am willing. I have 45 days to go before I actually quit work. Until then, I am still in charge, still have current work to do, problems to face and solve, and "stuff" to finish and tie up neatly. A cluttered desk to clear. That's going to be the easy one--everything into the round file-- or in my case, the rectangular file under my desk.

After working full time for all of my adult life--about 48 years-- except for two and a half years after my only child was born, I am ready to retire. I've had an interesting work career. I've done a lot of different things, but have always seemed to break out of the pack so to speak and lead. Perhaps it's my "Leo" vibes.

I'm going to blog daily leading up to R-Day on September 15, then continue the blog into retirement to let those of you coming up (the so-called boomers) know what you can expect. I'm going to blog about finances, health, volunteering, cooking, and things that might lead me to an after retirement career. (Some of my choices are working in a bookstore, becoming a personal cook--not "chef"--perhaps writing a novel (just kidding)(but maybe not).

In terms of retirement savings, I really didn't do too well. That $1,000,000 I'm supposed to have to live a long, worry-free retirement is just not there. Would you believe $50,000? Despite my having interesting jobs, they were mostly in social services and low paying. I didn't follow the rules regarding IRAs, pensions, etc. So, with Social Security, a small (very small) pension from one of my jobs, supplemented by withdrawals from the IRAs and a small (very small) stipend from one of my volunteer activities, I'll have about $30,000 to live on before taxes. And, if I'm still here at 71, then it's time to redo the budget!

There were things I could do to enhance that budget. First, I could work until 70 and collect the maximum from Social Security. Oh, no. I'm tired now. I'm ready now. I could spend less, save more for the next four years. Nope!. I'm tired now. I'm ready now.

I think I can do it. Those of you who have saved that $1,000,000 in investments and retirement savings might want to move on. You won't need my hints about shopping the clearance aisles for everything from gifts to food. You won't be going to the movies at 11 a.m. for the cheap tickets, or shopping yard sales for anything. And when I go to the local "International Festival" for a food tasting, you'll probably be taking off for your rental in Provence and an "amuse bouche " of the real kind.

Nevertheless, I'm ready, I'm willing, and I'm able...and so I'm gonna...retire! Just 45 days left.