I’m almost embarrassed to tell you this. I’m actually kind of surprised that this is the only time it has ever happened to me over these first three years of retirement, but still, I’m a little embarrassed.
I missed my writing class this morning. Not because I was playing hooky, not because I didn’t do my homework, and not because I was sick. It was because I didn’t realize today was Saturday. As many of you know, when you are retired, all the days pretty much feel the same, distinguishing between Saturday and any other day is a little tricky.
Most days when I wake up, I ask myself what day it is. It’s good exercise for the brain, I think, and it helps to know how long I have to surf the internet before I shower. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have standing lunch dates, so if I wake up and it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, I’ve got to get moving a little faster.
I do have this part-time consulting gig, but that doesn’t really help me much with which day of the week it is—I do most of my work from home in my PJ’s and only pop into the office when I need to pick something up or meet with someone. It doesn’t usually matter what day of the week it is, I work when the spirit moves me, whether it’s a Tuesday or a Sunday.
But Saturday morning I have to get up, get showered, and out of the house by 8:30. So when I’m lying there in bed on a Saturday morning, I really need to know what day it is so I can stop lying there and get the heck to class. This morning it felt like Sunday, but it wasn't, so I missed my class.
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This is a post from Retirement: A Full-Time Job
Congratulations! Not having any clue what day it is is a huge milestone in retirement.
Posted by: OurTakeOnFreedom | February 27, 2011 at 01:00 AM
You make retirement sound really nice and relaxing. I sometimes have to think really hard about what day it is on vacation and love that feeling!
Posted by: Kay Lynn Akers | February 27, 2011 at 05:09 AM
I have the same problem. Even though important dates and appointments are on my computer, I still need a more aggressive reminder. So, I have developed the habit of writing the appointment in big black letters on a steno pad. I lay the pad in the middle of the living room floor in front of my chair. It is impossible to not see it.
So far, this bizarre reminder has never failed me.
Bob
Posted by: Satisfyingretirement | February 27, 2011 at 06:14 AM
@Bob, that's funny, in this world of all these electronic gizmos, and the best method winds up being the old-fashione note. Maybe because we've learned to ignore all the dinging of the computers and appliances.
Posted by: Retired Syd | February 27, 2011 at 08:11 AM
I am not sure if it is function of all days "feeling" alike once I retired or just simple forgetfulness, but a few months ago I was late for a dentist appointment for the first time in the 20+ years I have been seeing that dentist. And a few months ago, I was nearly late to one of my midday volunteer gigs because I forgot that was the day to go there.
In the former, I had written a note to myself but unfortunately I had placed some papers on top of it when I got home the night before.
There are times I have to sit there and think about what day it is so I know what stuff I have to do that day, especially if they are routine things which I don't normally add to my calendar/spreadsheet.
But overall, it beats having to ride those lousy trains to work like I did before I retired. :)
Posted by: deegee | February 27, 2011 at 09:32 AM
@deeegee: I am taking small comfort in learning I'm not the only one with the problem. Thanks!
Posted by: Retired Syd | February 27, 2011 at 09:39 AM
when your retired every day is a saturday. saturday and sunday are easy to remember. that's the days you don't go near the stores:)
Posted by: fred doe | February 27, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Wow!! I hope I can retire soon!!!
Posted by: A.N. Rajah | February 27, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I'm sorry, Syd. I hate it when that happens.
When I was researching my book I stumbled across DayClocks.com. It's saved us many times from running errands on a weekend.
Another option, admittedly limited to fewer than half of us, is to shave on the same two days a week. If the calendar's not handy then it's a lot easier to swipe a hand across your face to determine how many days have passed since the last Monday or Thursday shave...
Posted by: Nords | February 27, 2011 at 07:04 PM
That sounds great!
Posted by: htparker | February 28, 2011 at 03:54 PM