June 17, 2003
Retirement Realities...
Here we are, Jon and I, retired from the workforce since February 2002. You plan your best because you know your life style will change, i.e., fixed income. We were hopeful to use some of our 401K money for various investments, but with the market as it is, we have found just how c o n s e r v a t i v e we really are! We have found surprises, i.e., our property taxes have doubled, etc. The first full year was full of remodeling projects, resettling projects and a few travel trips. We were busy with many projects.
Now, life is taking a change ... we are noticing a few signs of boredom. I have been practicing and learning Tai Chi twice a week since January which helps, but I want something else. I looked into Art classes and painted some bar stool tops, but just can't find another class that is the right one for me. I've made two basic mandala patterns from instructions and that interests me, but I can seem to get anywhere on my own. Next I tried some embroidery which I hadn't done since my childhood and made a small pillow for my sister.
First, I have decided to try volunteering at our local and very beautiful library. After completing a two page application, this past week I had an interview with the volunteer coordinator. But then, also just this week Jon and I decided to take off for South Carolina, Iowa, and Minnesota for about three weeks. Can you imagine? But, no problem with the volunteer schedule ... they are accustomed to retirement needs and I will begin volunteering when I return in July. I'll be scheduling people for internet use, perhaps shelving books and hopefully, I may move into an internet user trainer if there is an opening.
Second I am taking a proactive stance in getting back to golf. Golf ... we hadn't hit a golf ball in six years so we first went to a driving range to check out our "swing." Much improvement was needed so we next went to another driving range which has group lessons each week. Our "swing" was much improved by this exercise ... thank goodness! So, we have a goal and that is to improve enough to play on a course again with our local friends! Then, too, we'll be able to play with my brother-in-law and sister when they visit. Just hitting the ball again was a good feeling and I do love to be outside on the course. Bad news though, my left back is really hurting ... how could I have swung the club that hard or maybe I was just wild and uncontrolled????
This is sounding like a rant (whine) so I think I just have to accept realities always do change!
Hey, maybe you should try "Hot Shots Golf" It's a video game golf you can play online :-p I'm not seriously suggesting that but a bunch of my friends here in Japan are all addicted I guess. I haven't tried it.
So what was your lifestyle like before? Did you have enough income just to goof off or something? I ask because although I've been doing fine I noticed a big change while I was in school with no income for a year and a half. Now I'm there again (no income) and it's making me nuts.
I hope the library thing works out.
Posted by: Greggman at June 20, 2003 06:48 AMWell, our life style before was different because we always had more discretionary income coming in, home mortgage payments and credit cards each month. Now we have one-half our income, so we do not use credit that we cannot pay off each month and our home is paid off . We find also that when we go out to dinner it is harder to spend as much as we used to ... just not enough to go around. It is extremely easy to partake in an activity that is $100+ or more and we can't do that often. The good thing is that many other retirees here are in the same boat. It's just a reality check!
Posted by: Mom at June 20, 2003 12:41 PMI know ALL ABOUT life changes and money. Although, I really never had lots of money to begin with. I definately understand the, "going out to eat" deal. Less often and share plates. ha ha ha
Looking forward to seeing more here from you.
Posted by: Tami at June 26, 2003 02:03 AMHey Carole & Jon!
We hope you had a terrific time on your spur of the moment trip! That's what life is all about. Taking time to do things without thinking! Yes, I know money is always a consideration but when it comes down to it we all know what we can handle. Most times we tend to be too conservative and not take the time to enjoy and experience life. Have fun now & if need be plan on hotdogs and beans for a week or so!~
Lord knows that I've learned a few things or two since departing from Sunrise. It's hard to believe that it's coming up on 2 years and I still haven't found a permanent position! Sometimes I feel get depressed but then I think how I'd feel if I settled for something that I knoew was just temporary stop over. It would be like experiencing it all over again. Here's to finding the next adventure in working to live life. As we all only work to live --- we don't live to work!
It's been awhile since we chatted so here's one of our latest:
We thought our irrigation system was leaking as we had water collecting in the lower part of our backyard. We ended up digging up most of it to discover that the water was coming from a leak in our neighbors yard! Since Paul had dug a huge hole in the middle of the yard to cap off our irrigation we decided to plant a CA sycamore tree for shade. It's about 20 feet tall. We discovered that Paul is allergic to the white stuff under the leaves. After planting it, his face swelled & broke out. It's almost back to normal now. We've been trying to keep Haley (the younger dog) away from the tree. She's about 1-1/2 years old and she still digs and chews. We put black pepper all around it and found her licking the pepper off the ground! We've tried so many different things but none has worked yet. Any suggestions? She's actually a much better house dog. She doesn't chew anything in the house.
Take care & know that we love & think of you guys often!
Deb & Paul
Posted by: Deb & Paul at July 1, 2003 10:21 PMHi there, you don't know me, but I have eagerly been awaiting more posts on your site.
I'm 28 and planning to retire soon... (that's a lie) but I am planning to retire *some day*. Anyway, when you get back from the trip, be sure to update ok?
Posted by: kevin at July 24, 2003 07:40 AMCarole,
Who's Kevin! This is fun...I'm anxious to check it out often. And, as for not eating out at expensive restaurants...at least you're retired!
The library has quite a find in you. I predict you'll be the library's Internet Queen soon.
Posted by: Anita at August 17, 2003 11:51 PM