REFLECTIONS ON RETIREMENT

Right now it feels like a vacation. Since I have 20 vacation days to be paid in the next two pay periods, the pensions do not start until August.so not a fixed income yet but coming.
I do feel calmer already. No need to set the alarm. No need to report to a boss. No swiping my badge.
Up between 5 and 530 am so time to get washed, dressed then go for a power walk and finish by 615 am. Regrouping. Cleaning clutter corners. Reading. Being with my husband. Little quick errands in my car. A little surreal. I need a catchy title for some retirement ideas like starting a facebook group. Along with this blog, more writing- to prevail. Since it is the summer, trying to be in the summer mode and just enjoy. Looking forward to some outings with the grandchildren.
#retirementishere#retiringinthesummer#notafixedincomeyet#routinehaschanged#quickerrandsinmycare#regrouping#cleaningcluttercornerstobeginagoodorganizedretirement#upbrightandearlyeveryday#

THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE

Retirement day has arrived. Retirement from a workplace and now a pensioner. But not retirement from work per se. Once the new routines are established then developing those interests, projects and writing into my new work. Family responsibilites can be managed too. The home will be the workplace with different rooms serving a function. My computer room. My craft room. My guest room. The kitchen. Asked for the last few weeks about how I was feeling. Relief. I made it. With events in the last year, there were times I might have had to leave earlier. So relief. On my terms. When I wanted to go. Not feeling like I needed to leave in a hurry.

A little trepidation. But with a methodical, let's pull things together for the new life rolling with what life brings along with planning and organization, it is doable. Of course one day at a time. With others around me who have retired, lots of people that can offer advice. Well not sure if I will need it but I know who to call. Will I be busier like everyone before me that has retired, time will tell. A different busy. The house needs a methodical do over. Well the jungle garden will give me an exercise plan. Plus walking on a daily basis. Develop a different walking plan and using my weights. I had wanted to hit the ground running with lots organized, I put the running shoes away and will have bare feet so I can feel the new life happening. Less is more. So starting with one spot, one corner, one area and get it neat will be my first week's mantra. Retirement with relief is my feeling today. What tomorrow will bring is a mystery!!
#retirement#relief#newmantra#newroutines#pensioner#savingmoney#changemyhabits#familyresponsibilities#developthoseinterestsandhobbies#anewworkplace#lifebeginsagain

JULY THOUGHTS ABOUT IT ALL

Heat. Retirement. Family struggles. Lots to think about.

Cooking more. Maybe time to purge in the house. Call one of those Junk company to take some big stuff away.

Sit by interesting sculptures in parks.

Enjoying seeing wild flowers in the garden.

Finding documentaries and items with my favourite animal.

Revisiting quilting so my life can be pieced together
Family, friends, fun, photography, day trips. July with my many thoughts.
#July#thoughtsaboutlife#quilts#elephant#trips#retirement#gardenanditsflowers#what'snext#howtogetthrougheachday

BEATING THE HEAT IN CANADA

A heatwave in Ontario is running havoc for many. So do less and stay cool. Close the curtains during the day to reduce the sunlight on the southern sides. Hydrate as much as possible. Try not to crank up the air conditioning too much. Do not want a summer cold. If possible, go to a beach or be near water like a pool. Yes lots of sun screen and a hat. Vacations help. How are you beating the heat?
#heat#strategiestostaycool#airconditioninghelps#hydrateoften

ENDINGS BRING NEW BEGINNINGS

As one thing ends, another begins. When God closes a door, he opens a window. Endings are scary as it just seems like an ending. Some endings are devastating. Some endings are planned. Nevertheless, endings bring trepidation. But if presented well, the new beginning will be available. Beginning a new life is scary too. Just start it one step at a time. One day at a time. Use the moments to be aware of the world around us. So are you facing a new beginning! Just keep going and see where it takes you.
#newbeginning#endings#embracingthelifeinfrontofyou#endingsarescary#trepidationbringsnewenergy#whatisyournewbeginnings

RETIREMENT LOOMS IN A FEW DAYS

How many work mates have asked if I am counting the days? How many asked if I have trips planned? The anxiety and concerns occurred over a year ago when the decision to consider retiring loomed then.. I keep telling everyone I am past my expiry date. 65 is the usual official time to retire, if not sooner. Well I am 68 and half! Then some tell me how they knew someone who worked until age 75! Like my age is not old enough. With fairly good health, it has been feasible to keep working at a regular job. So retiring from a regular job but not work. Why work at all at anything? Well because I can. I want to take advantage of all that the modern forums offer. The Internet, the social media, the instagram thing and whatever comes my way. I love to craft- so is there a way to continue make things and sell them. Basically I had wanted to hit the ground running. But the methodical Barb says to take baby steps. Organize my time and put projects in places where they can be completed. Since it is summer, to enjoy what I can of the summer. However, my major duty will be availability to my husband with his chronic illness. Some simple doable quality time. The grandchildren are on my list too. Summer and fun stuff. From that fun stuff, ideas, photos and reflections for this blog. Loving the summer markets so perhaps revisiting and reworking some of the posts on Granpalovestocook! Oh retirement from a regular job is calling. Retirement from life, no way!
#retirement#lifeandnewadventures#caringforasickhusband#crafts#writing#tryingtomakemoneyfromhobbiesandinterests#goodhealth#usingmodernforumstomakemoney#methodicalBarb

GOOD EATING ON CANADA DAY 2018

Salads are a must.

Steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage. Wilh all the condiments necessary.
Red and white themes abound.

Cake, cupcakes, ice cream and of course butter tarts are the goodies to end the meal.

Some even start the day with pancakes and maple syrup!!
Happy Canada Day! Canadians know how to eat well.
#CanadaDay#eatingCanadianfood#drinks#barbecue#steak#hamburgers#hotdogs#flytheflag#buttertarts#maplesyrup