PUTTING ON THE 'BRACELET'

Saw this on Facebook/Cleverly.  Love it! So Easy!

Retirement 101: #5 Sleep In/Clock Out Early

I always wanted a 4-day work week...10 hours a day for 4 days/3 days off.

Now that I am retired I have 24-7 off.  You think?  Actually you never get a day off when you are retired.  In fact, it's a good thing to take a vacation from retirement:) every once in a while!

The best advice I had was from my Sister-in-Law: "Quit at 4pm".  

Keep in mind that you will have 'stay-at-home' days and days when you do not stay-at-home. Just remember when you stay at home no matter what time you get up:

"Quit at 4pm"!

Retirement 101: No. 4 TIME IS UP!

Get out and Get going!  What have you always wanted to do, but couldn't or just didn't make the time for it?  Pencil and paper time-make a list of  "always wanted to do's" and why!

After my 'one year off' stretched to three years, it was past time.  I needed something to do that #1 would get me out of the house; #2 be around people; and #3 I had always wanted to do.  That something for me was being a librarian.  My educational opportunity didn't lead me there so I that's where I headed. 

I volunteered in the Sale Room at the Central Arkansas Library System.  True I wasn't a librarian, as such, but I was in one and shelving books like I was one.  Also, it met all 
of my criteria.  

Me-Bottom Shelf on Left

Before I knew it, I was working a few hours a week as a Page at the Fletcher Branch as well as volunteering.  Next, I found myself with the title of Library Assistant I.  Who knew?

Then, we decided to move to Hot Springs Village.  In the process, we needed to get rid of a lot of 'stuff'.  I had most of the 'stuff' left over from my days in the Flea Market Business.  I a lovely lady at the library suggested I look at selling the 'stuff' on Etsy.com.  The rest is history.  I opened my shop, Esmee Lynne in July, 2011. 

My goals: get rid of all the 'stuff'; make some WAM (Walking Around Money); and have fun doing it.  I am proud to say that after two years I am accomplishing these goals. --Doesn't meet my criteria, but it's Mine.

I retired again from my day job when we moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. And, yes, you guessed it! I am volunteering at the Hot Springs Village Coronado Library.  I found other activities that meet my criteria:  Quilt Guild and Computer Club. (Still thinking about the Camera Club?)   

Over 8,000 Volumes
Lots of Patrons
keeps one busy!

Golf was never on my 'wish I had done that' list, but I find that it meets #1 and #2 of my criteria.  Chuck and I try to play once a week.  It is quickly becoming something 'I want to do'. It gives us an activity to do together.  As does, Brush Strokes, a Village art club.  Chuck is an acrylic artist and I do mixed media/altered art projects...Another 'together' activity.

If I can 'Get Out and Get Going',

you can do it, too!  

My Motto: Keep moving!

Retirement 101: No.3 EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE

When I said I gave myself permission to do nothing for one year, I didn't mean 'become a couch potato'!

Chuck was already going to our city fitness center.  I jumped 'on board'.  We did Yoga, weights and treadmill on one day; swam on one day, and just weights and treadmill on another...three days a week.

If you don't have access to a fitness center, there is usually an exercise program on TV in the mornings. If not, go to your library and check out an exercise DVD. You might even find an exercise DVD at a thrift store.

Just keep moving!  Walk around the block and then walk around again!  'Retirement' is not for sissies! 

You Get the Picture?

Stay Tuned for Retirement 101: No. 3

Retirement 101: No. 2 On Reflection

I retired eight years ago from a career of forty years in the financial field.  'Retirement' is over rated.  I am finding several truths to make 'life after' work more meaningful and at the same time enjoyable.  



'Retirement' is just part of the passage along my life's journey.   As I travel on this journey, I want to share with you these truths.

At the beginning. March, 2005: 

No. 1: I gave myself permission to do nothing for one year!  It stretched into three years before I was ready to start the next stage of my journey. 

...to be Continued.

Retirement 101: No. 1 TAKE A DAY OFF

"The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off." College basketball coach Abe Lemons,quoted in the Montreal Gazette Printed in The Week, May 3, 2013 Publication

Tip: Give yourself a break

Take a walk?

In the woods?

Read a book

Play a little golf?