I can't tell you how many times I used to glance at the clock throughout my working day. It often felt like one minute took 20 minutes to pass. This week marks my third full week of retirement. Funny how things have changed. I get up and before I know it, the day is over. When evening arrives I ask myself-What did you accomplish today? What did you check off your "to-do" list?
Well, today I organized the pantry. Sounds like no big deal until I tell you my pantry is empty but the trash can is bursting at the seams. What an eye opener to discover canned goods that expired in 2010. Needless to say I didn't get around to the 6 other things I hoped to do, but at least I've saved the household from an emergency trip to a medical center.
Bogey has his own schedule. Eat, rest, play, nap, stretch, play, rest, eat, sleep. For that matter, the visiting grand-dogs follow pretty much the same routine. So far not one of them have reported any dissatisfaction with their lives to me. Are grandiose plans overrated?
Perhaps it's time to worry less about my list and more about doing what I can without sweating the little things. If a task is critical, I'll get it done. If not...well, as Scarlett O'Hara once famously said, "Tomorrow is another day".
10 comments:
Sometimes the biggest accomplishments are those things you have been putting off/not gotten too, like cleaning the pantry.
Enjoy your retirement! I am lucky enough to love my job most days, but I do dream of a day when all my time will be mine!
Pat--And if someone gives you some grief about what you did NOT accomplish, you can quote Rhett.
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a...
I don't get to retire for another 21 months, but i take a month paid staycation every winter, and I experience the same thing. People ask "what do you DO, off for a month?" But I am never bored, and get to things that are neglected when I am working, and do so at my own pace. It's lovely.
My sentiments exactly. Life at a slower pace takes getting used to. I am still adjusting, also.
We know exactly meal times right down to the second
Snorts,
Lily & Edward
My cupboards have all been cleaned out too. It's nice to finally know where things are. The first thing I do when I wake up is look at my phone calendar to see what day it is! Enjoy your new pace.
Ann
Your finding old canned goods reminds of when we cleaned out my mom's fridge once. They had moved from the farm to town in 1990, she passed away in 2003 - we found salad dressings that had expired in 1989. Apparently it wasn't one of her favorites!
I'm still 43 months away from my retirement and I look forward to the days when I get to choose how I spend my time.
Enjoy!
Good for you. I look forward to the day when my watch is just a pretty accessory. Everything is tied to the hour of the day. I believe that means I need and deserve two weeks at the beach. :)
Oh Pat, I so hear you about pantry cleaning -- I need to do that too, and it is amazing how much things pile up. My fridge is bad too, but you're right, tomorrow is another day. Just wish that statement wasn't one I reached for so often ;) Happy Labor Day weekend.
That's what retirement is for, and you've earned it. Besides, cleaning out a pantry is no small deal. Mine scares me.
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