What does the word 'retirement' mean to you? I bet I can get as many different answers as the number of people I ask.
For me, retirement has meant different things at different times. I thought about this today when I received an email telling me that I had been listed on the web page of a retirement community in Arizona. My thanks to them for finding me.
Before retirement happened in 2008, it only meant that I would no longer be working every day. But, I would still be on a committee at the Treasury Department in Lansing and I would be chairing a committee on legislation. So, my professional life would continue as always, except I no longer would be paid to do any work. I even did some pro bono consulting last fall, but ultimately decided that the paying job offered to me was not on my bucket list. As of now, all of that is pretty much in my past.
Another item never on my bucket list was baby-sitting a grandchild. I have been reminded on several occasions that I always said I would pay someone else to do it. HA! I cannot imagine not having my grandson here during the day. I actually miss him on week-ends. I'll be reading a book and wonder if he is due to wake up from his nap before I remember he is not here.
There were many things I wanted to do and have accomplished. I have my yard finally where I want it. There will always be 'stuff' to be done (like cleaning out the 'swamp' in my back corner), but it is not nearly as daunting as it was when I started having the entire summer to devote to it.
And I have done a good bit of traveling with more to come. I've seen Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Glacier NP, but still have the Canadian Rockies on the bucket list. In Europe, I finally toured Germany and definitely want to go back to Berlin. My Russian visa has been processed and I will soon see Moscow and St. Petersburg.
There were things not on the bucket list that I did. Like have spinal surgery. Something that probably should have happened years ago, but didn't. But, that surgery and my practice of yoga have given me the ability to work in the yard, travel and lift little Charlie over my head.
I am so completing enjoying everything I have done in my retirement years and look forward to many more to come. What does your retirement look like?
Having been retired for over 20 years, these days it looks like nothing much at all. We too have done some travelling although not as much as you, we lived in NC for 12 years too which was pretty great. I hope you enjoy the Russian trip. I have always wanted to see the Amber Room in the Catherine Palace.
ReplyDeleteLucky you to see St. Petersburg! I am no where close to retirement and wish I was closer. If one has one's health then retirement can be wonderful. My former in-laws retired and had many years where they camped(their love) and enjoyed each day. My husband is in forced retirement since he has Rheumatoid Arthritis but he is still active and that is what counts. Savour every moment is what I say
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