We watched Office Space, which might be up there with Young Frankenstein for most times watched. I still love the scene where the consultant tells Peter he has been missing a lot of work lately.
Peter replies, “I wouldn’t say I’ve been missing it, Bob.”
Ditto!
In the work world I used to inhabit, Thanksgiving was at least a four-day weekend. Sometimes I would take a few extra days of vacation to get the whole week off, but as I advanced in my career, that became harder to do. More money equaled less time off, and in the end, the 24/7 work culture motivated me to retire. I never bought into the idea they owned me body and soul.
Even when I had time off, almost as soon as it started, I was stressed about it coming to an end.
I worked for a good company that paid me well, so I stayed fully committed and used to tell myself, “Don’t retire until you retire.” But the more hours I put in, the more I began to think about my exit strategy. I’m glad I hung in there, but I’m also glad I got out in time to enjoy retired life.
Now I’m entering my third year of retirement. The 365-day weekend. My third Thanksgiving without the dread of wondering when the call or email would come that some sort of crisis demanded my immediate attention. The biggest event today happened when I was toasting pecans and did a taste test. A few were rancid, so I had to throw out the whole package and send Dale to the store for more.
I know there are those who need more excitement or greater challenges, but I’m kind of done pushing that rock up the hill. Ambition served me well, but I don’t feel that need to prove myself anymore. Maybe it will come back, but for now I’m happy reading, writing, playing golf, walking, swimming, cooking – the usual suspects.
It got cold and windy and rainy here, so I’m going through my annual period of denial and staying inside with a couple of good books. I forgot I now have a gym membership, because I mainly just use it for the pool, but I could easily drive over there and hop on the treadmill. I might do that if this weather keeps up.
As for reading, I discovered a new writer – Kristen Lepionka. Her character is Roxane Weary, a private detective in Columbus, Ohio. There are three books, and I’ve now read them all. The characters are great, the stories interesting and I love her humor. Roxane is also bisexual and has an on-and-off girlfriend, as well as an on-and-off boyfriend. You know, all things prurient …
I’m about half-way through the new Janis Joplin biography by Holly George-Warren. It’s actually quite sad. Janis tried so hard to be conventional and fit in to her family’s expectations, but she just couldn’t make a go of it. I’m glad she went with who she was and shared her rare talent with us, but I wish she had been able to leave the drugs alone.
The Downton Abbey movie is available to stream for $19.99 on Amazon. I’m trying to justify it by suggesting it would cost more than if Dale and I went to the theater to see it and got a big bucket of popcorn. The thing is, he doesn’t really want to watch it, so my justification is weak.
That means I’m just going to do it anyway. My popcorn is pretty good, too. Olive oil, I swear, there’s no turning back.
I’m a big fan of Janis Joplin. I was a big fan of K T Oslin back in the day and came to learn that she was a friend of Janis’. She said in an interview that if she had the success Janis did, she would probably be dead, too. Love the 365 day w/e. I always say the biggest gift of retirement is not punching the clock and these slow mornings. I recall that feeling of dreading the end of time off. Now I get to revel in yet another off day to recuperate from festivities. Thanksgiving is long past here in Alberta. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Thank you! I hope your holiday was great as well. Love those slow mornings and recuperation days!
I won’t retire until I retire either (33 days!) and I also won’t miss work. I know of a couple of others due to retire soon and they seem to be struggling with it a bit. They are also men. I am glad that work was never my entire identity although I care deeply about doing a good job.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Deb
Congratulations — not much longer to go. Retirement is so great, and I’m still surprised by those who struggle emotionally. But that won’t be you. Happy Thanksgiving!
I totally agree with your description of retirement and feel exactly as you do! Love the 365 day weekend, being available 24/7 and not feeling I have to prove myself to anyone anymore. Loving the relatively stress free life! My retirement started December 15 of last year so still relatively recent. I’m enjoying everyday and plan for that to continue ! I really enjoy your posts and a view into your life…. we seem so similar! Have a good holiday.
Hi, Karen! I’m glad to hear you’re loving retirement, and I’m delighted you found my blog. It’s good to know there are more happy retirees with similar perspectives out there. I hope your holiday is great.
I can’t imagine working anymore. But I was thinking today how much I loved this long weekend when I was working. It was my favorite weekend of the year. Holidays don’t provide that wonderful feeling now. In fact, I often forget we have a holiday coming up. I guess that’s ok because my perpetual holiday doesn’t include counting the days until my weekend ends and stressing about going back to work. I’ll take that!!
With you, friend!