Today I spent a couple of hours working in the garden, enjoying some extraordinary weather we've been having here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I did a little cleaning inside the house too, and caught up on a couple of issues of New York Magazine. A perfect day with a mix of productivity and relaxation. I hope to have some time to write some thank you notes this evening and maybe read a few chapters of Barbara Kingsolver's "The Lacuna," a novel I've been reading slowly to savor each magical word.
But I didn't make it to yoga class, and I could have used a little nap. It seems, even retired, there still are not enough hours in the day to work and play as much as I want to. Nope, I have not managed to entertain boredom since I've been retired. But boredom is a fear that many pre-retirees do share. I talk about a that and a few others we all face before retiring at my post at U.S. News today.
While we're on the subject of fear, American Public Radio asked me to do a commentary piece for their show, Marketplace. I went to the studio and recorded it on Monday. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. The editor told me to take a deep breath and a big sip of water before I started. I couldn't even bring the water glass to my mouth without spilling, my hands were shaking so much. I'll let you know when it is scheduled to air.
A couple of days ago I wrote about the health benefits of adopting an optimistic view. If you need a little help getting past all the depressing news these days, New York Magazine had a great article this week to get you looking on the brighter side. It's a good reminder that things aren't always as bad as we think they are (or as the media leads us to believe.)
This is a post from Retirement: A Full-Time Job.
I have attended very few cocktail parties in my life but now when someone asks me how I like retirement, I smile and tell them it's the best "job" I ever had!
Posted by: Steve Skinner | November 17, 2010 at 06:21 PM
We have been truly spoiled these past days with the warm sun shiny days in the Bay Area! We just came back from a little wine tasting in Healdsburg and it was 80 degrees! In November! Hard to beat and so important that we take advantage of the beautiful area we live in- wherever that may be - and enjoy the moment. Happy retirement!
Posted by: LoveBeingRetired | November 18, 2010 at 08:20 AM
Congrats on your new career: radio star! Seriously, the nerves you felt are felt by everyone the first few times you face a microphone. After 35 years in radio I saw more folks than I can count totally freeze up when the "On Air" light went on.
Years after I began I'd still get a combination nerve/excitement rush every time before I went into the studio. You'll be fine.
Posted by: Bob | November 18, 2010 at 03:07 PM
@Bob: All I can say is I'm glad it was a pre-recorded commentary. I don't know how you folks can think and speak live on the air!
Posted by: Retired Syd | November 18, 2010 at 03:56 PM
i've entertained Boredom. and when she stopped by she brought her ugly sister Sloth with her. and like any unwanted house guest they over stayed their welcome but i tricked them. i got them drunk and gave them cab fare home. we still keep in touch but if they call to stop by i just tell them i'm busy. ah but how sweet it is to do nothing! have you though about the fact that when the people who read your blog hear you on the radio they'll say hum i didn't think she'd sound like that? :)
Posted by: fred doe | November 21, 2010 at 04:56 PM
@fred: I think when I hear my own voice on the radio I'll say, "hum I didn't think I sounded like that!" I think I sound better on paper . . .
Posted by: Retired Syd | November 21, 2010 at 05:07 PM
My husband and I retired to Mexico four years ago, and love that even a "nothing" day is spent in a glorious place with fantastic friends. We both have ended up working part time, which fits perfectly in our new tropical life. We know that an optimistic attitude is so important.
If anyone is interested in what life is like in Mazatlan, Mexico, I have been blogging about our life there at www.countdowntomexico.com.
Posted by: Nancy Dardarian | August 10, 2011 at 12:11 PM
It did sound like a perfect day during a retirement! Doing things like gardening that you couldn’t do in the past because you are busy with work is a nice way to spend your days during your retirement. And with the time on your hands, I’m sure you can do lots of things like catching up on your reading and doing some thank you notes.
Posted by: Cara Larose | August 31, 2012 at 06:54 AM