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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
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.
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.
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