Finally retired!

[hike]

Well, I made it. I retired on May 22 and traveled to the Oregon coast. I am staying 3 weeks at each place and getting to know each area finding places I have never been to before. Getting in lots of hiking, biking and kayaking. Occasionally I sit and do nothing for a day.

Sure am liking retirement so far but it feels like a vacation yet and I keep thinking I will have to go back to work sometime. Guess I will get over that eventually.

[Nasoosie]

CONGRATULATIONS!! I can't wait to join you in another year! I'll be interested to follow your doings to see if being retired is the way to go! Just to not have to follow a schedule will be the best treat of all for me, I feel!

[Paulette]

Congrats! I'm sure it will take a bit of time before it sinks in that you are Retired and not just on vacation. Make sure to slow down and smell the coffee...er roses...whatever.

[Fernie]

It finally will sink in. I remember one evening the week after I retired. I was headed home after spending the early evening playing Mexican Train with a housebound friend. I had worked 12 hour shifts with rotating days. I had a sheer panic attack when the thought occurred that I didn't know if it was my day to work or not. I did a mental calculation of days then it dawned on me----I didn't have to go to work any more!!!!

[AlmostThere]

Congrats on your retirement!! Sit back and enjoy the fruits of all your labor!

[retiredhappy]

Congrats!! Trust me, within a short time you'll wonder how you ever had time to work and you can take a nap whenever you want to. Enjoy!!

[Getupngo]

Congratulations. I "retired" when my husband died, so the "freedom" didn't seem quite so.
But congratulations to you for a lot of hard work and well-deserved retirement. I have a
friend who might be retired (can't find a job) and last nightwe went to a movie ---and he
was shocked by the empty parking lot when we came out. Then he realized it was
he didn't know what day it was. He may or may not have to adjust ... but I know I
cherish the ability to go and do what I want.

[sharon]

I retired also when DH passed....worked for a year and then said the heck with it. The only problem I had and still have is I wake up around 5....but I guess that is actually sleeping in since I got up at 3:30 to go to work for 20 yrs. You'll get used to it and it'll become a way of life for you. I had my boss calling me for 3 years wanting to know if I wanted to come back....answer was always the same....No way in He&&!!! After 4 yrs the answer's still the same!!!

[Cedar518]

As my husband "left" I guess it will be a long time before I can retire, no money here. One of the tough things a divorced woman has to deal with. Thank goodness i like what i am doing.

[Orchid]

Congratulations, Dorothy! Aren't you the lucky one? It sounds like you're spending your new leisure time in a fun way. I'm so envious. Retirement and RV plans are my favorite subjects. Cheryl

[avalen]

I'm counting my years but I need to make sure everything is paid off first. Enjoy
all your free time cause some of us are really jealous

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Good for you. I'm counting my days too. Can't wait to read more as you progress. Oregon coast, what a life! Enjoy!

[rvgrammy1953]

Congrats!!!! I retired when Ernie retired for the 2nd time....and yes, it will take ya' a couple weeks to get use to it....but life has been an adventure since Aug. '04....that's when we started full-timing....so sit back....learn to take it easy and yes, napping isn't just for babies and "old folks".. You are now free to do what ever YOU want to do!!!

[mtngal]

Congratulations! It doesn't take long to adjust! This Friday is 2 years for me and I have NOT looked back, absolutely no regrets. Don't know how I ever had time to work 40 hrs plus!