Monday, January 30, 2012

What a Difference a Year Makes


Time on my hands
Funny Retirement Jokes
Relaxing and doing OK

It has been 13 months since I said hasta la vista to the working world.  The days have not always been easy, and I have gone through many ups and downs.  It was hard leaving my job as I loved the company and the people I worked with, but my health was becoming compromised by the stress that I put mysef though. I also knew it was time to hand over the mantle to someone younger who could add new perspectives and skills to the workplace.  Yes, it was time. Funny Retirement Jokes


I began week one with a great attitude and many plans.   I "started" projects that had been on my "to do" list for years.  I found all the tops of my plastic containers, moved around stuff in the basement, and found the matches for many of hubby's socks.  The excitement was overwhelming.  When I told my son about my accomplishments in an e-mail, he suggested that I start a blog about this "fantastic life" I was now living.  I was a little hesitent because I knew nothing about this Blog World, but I thought I would give it a try.  It would be a new adventure and  an exercise for my mind. And, Lordy, Lordy, my mind really needed to exercise.  Who besides my family and some friends would read it anyway and they already knew about my little quirks.   

Cartoon of a Female Jogger clipart
During the next few months, I began jogging, doing up to 8 miles in a day. However, it was my old obsessive self coming back.  Each day I wanted to go further than I had gone the day before and also, in the process, beat my time.  I was causing myself  to stress by doing something that was supposed to relieve stress.  Falling a few times also put a little crimp in my stride.

The winter was long and snowy and I had too much time to stew about things.  I  realized that having shiny clean floors was not going to do it for me. Then spring came around and it was gardening time.   I was sure things would be looking up but when you have all the time to do something you love, it is not as special as when you had to fit it in.   I was wondering if this was the way life was going to be from now on.

Retirement is a major event in life and some take to it much easier than others.  Mine was not an easy journey and I spent far too much time feeling down in the dumps and being whinny.  However, I think I needed to do that.  It was a death to the life I knew and I needed to grieve.  When I was done, I picked myself up and began what I hope will be a new beginning.  This new volunteer job I have is very fulfilling and gives me purpose.  My attitude has taken a 360 degree turn.    I have met new people and I really enjoy getting dressed up and going to a place where I can be of service.  I think I just needed to be needed.

As far as this blog is is concerned, little did I envision a year ago how many people from around the world would read my ramblings about nothing.  I have met (in the virtural world)  and corresponded with so many of you and my life has been enriched.  It truly has been a great adventure.  Thank you all.
Funny Retirement Jokes















22 comments:

  1. I don't see why anyone's retirement should be dull; it should be seen as a time of opportunity.

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  2. It has been a joy to get to know you as well.

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  3. You've had a lot of fun, interesting posts plus you have a great sense of humor. And your blog is very pretty. All good points in the blog world! I'm glad you started the journey.

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    1. Thank you so much Amy. Meeting all my blog friends has gotten me through some down times.

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  4. I always seem to forget how long it takes to adjust to life's changes. Wonderful when it finally sinks in like that. Happy to hear it! You are definitely needed. :)

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  5. I think I mentioned it to you that my husband has retired - a year ago - driving me a bit nuts at first - things are getting somewhat better.

    Just have fun. Is your hubby retired?

    sandie

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    1. My husband is not retired and I am planning on him working till he is 80-85. There are difficult times and then there are really, really difficult times. The two of us in the house together 24 hours, falls into the latter category.

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  6. You are so right, when there is a lot of time it's easy not to do things. It's the old saying "ask a busy person if you want something done".

    But there's just one small thing I disagree about, which is that maybe a bit of stress is useful. Boy am I envious at 8 miles a day. I couldn't run even one mile. Perhaps this should be my project when I have the time. If I kept trying to get a bit further each day, I might be able to do it by now. You might be up to 10 miles! :)

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    1. Totally agree about stress. I thrive on it and it is what gets things done. However, when stress becomes "over the top anxiety", which I have been known to bring it to, I now need to step away.

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  7. It's been terrific getting to know you, and following your journey as you adapt to retirement. But I'm flabbergasted that you were actually running 8 miles a day. Holy moley! The falling down part, I'm quite sure I could master, but ain't no way I'm up for an 8-mile run. Eight minutes, maybe ...

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    1. I think I should clarify some things. I was able to do 8 miles only twice. My usual was four to 6. I did not run, but walked quickly. My intention was to jog, but then I began to fall too frequently so because of my desire to continue living, I changed the plan. I had to stop altogether when the weather got really hot in the summer (again, my desire to live). I am sure if I started up again, I would be lucky to even finish 3 miles. Now, though, I can say "I have been there and done that."

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  8. I love reading your blog too, Arleen. A year ago I bet you never thought you'd reach out and touch hands around the world.

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    1. No, I would never have imagined that. It has been wonderful getting to know so many people, especially you, Molly.

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  9. I need you, Arleen! ;-) I am being silly but I truly would miss you if you weren't out here. I appreciate your comments so much and love to read your blog. Big life changes are very hard. I like that you use your writing so that people can see and understand how retirement can be challenging. Glad the volunteering is going so well. You rock!

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    1. Thank you so much Tracy Jo. Your blog always lifts me up. You are such a talented lady and an inspiration to us all.

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  10. I have enjoyed "meeting' you Arleen and enjoy your posts.

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  11. Hello Arleen:
    You are so right when you say that retiring from work can be a difficult process for some. As work was such a major part of your life it is perhaps only natural that when you give it up it will all come as rather a shock.

    However, this post sounds very upbeat about your plans for the future. Although you have taken time to adjust, you are clearly excited about your volunteer work and the coming year seems to be full of promising adventures and opportunities for you without the pressures of paid employment. We do hope so!

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  12. Dear Arleen,
    I'm grateful that your son suggested blogging to you. I so enjoy reading about your thoughts and adventures and plans. And I hope you will share with us what happens in your volunteering life.

    For myself, I retired in June of 2001 and it took me until June of 2009 to realize that retirement could be easier than I was making it. I could change my former freelance work routine and simply sleep until I wanted to get up and then do each day what appealed to me.

    And finally, in 2011, I began realizing the pure bliss of taking a nap each afternoon!

    Peace.

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