I had one of the few jobs that, when I decided to resign, this fact was announced in the newspaper, so everyone and their cousin knows that I “retired.” So everywhere I go, people are asking me if I’m enjoying my retirement. At first, I would explain that I wasn’t really retired, but that I’d just eliminated one of the many things I do and was keeping quite busy indeed. They don’t really care what it is called. They are just curious about how I am doing now that I’m not at the senior center. And every time I’m asked, I have to pause for a second and think, “Do I like my life?” To be truthful, I think it is really too soon to tell. When the weather is so cold, it is hard to get out and do things, so I’ve had a bit of cabin fever. But I think that would have been the case, even if I was still spending my mornings at the Center. I certainly can say that I don’t miss having to be there at a certain time in the morning. So, on days like today when I’m tired because I was so excited about Luke and Krista’s baby that I couldn’t get to sleep, I can sleep in if I want. But, then again, getting a paycheck was nice. I still get my church organist check and my piano lesson money, but I don’t see that $640 check every two weeks and I miss that. More than I thought I would.
I’m enjoying planning for the warmer months, though. Because I quit the Red Barn and the senior center the same year, I’m going to have tons of time this summer. I’m planning a huge garden, so I don’t have to buy frozen veggies next winter. I’m planning to get some more chickens, both for eggs and to eat. And, of course, we are planning to build a house and move to the country. So I’m looking forward to a lot.
But do I like my life? I think, like everyone else, I’d have to say, “Some days it’s great. Others not so much.” And that’s okay with me. We were never promised a life that is only great. And mine has many more great days than a person could expect.
I am happy for you. Retired, though? Really? That threw me. I suppose I saw the senior center as one of many things you do…and are always doing. So stopping that never occurred to me as being the end of career. It was just stopping one thing to make room for another.
What kind of retirement do you get when you terror from long career of mother-teacher-salesperson-entrepreneur-musician-director-manager-breeder-builder-politician-gardener?
When you “retire” not “terror”. Stupid autocorrect.
Also “what kind of retirement gift.” Autocorrect ate a word there, too…
Haha–Nathan’s many comments make me laugh. 🙂
That is an interesting question, Mom. When you really step back and look at your life… But I agree– I think you’re really going to love it when you can actually get outside again. 🙂 This has been a bit of an extreme start to your “retirement” hehe!