31 July 2018

July 2018


Well, well.  I have now been retired for one year.  Ok, it was a year yesterday but today is still early.  How's it been going, you ask?  Let me tell you...

Home front: mostly good!  I made a giant list a year ago and I have diligently chipped away at it.  It is about 3/4 completed.  Of course, some of the list items can never be crossed off, like weeding the yard.  And, some have now come round again, like powerwashing the deck.  But, I knocked some big tasks off that I don't have to do again and that is satisfying.
  • The stairs - pulled up the ancient and disgusting carpet, sanded and painted, added a handrail
  • The plastic greenhouse - dismantled and recycled
  • The catio - dismantled and repurposed or recycled most of the materials
  • Painted the eaves of the sun porch
There are more projects.  Some are partially complete so they don't get to be crossed off yet.  But, I'm making progress on lots of things and that feels really good!

One of my projects that will be ongoing for quite some time is the basement clean up.  I have stuck to my plan of getting a minimum of one box dealt with every two weeks.  The two week time frame is the trash pick up schedule.  Every time the trash is collected there has been stuff from the basement in it.  Every time!  Progress is slow but steady and I can see the difference.  Sometimes there were multiple boxes or bags dealt with, one day I got rid of five boxes!  Still loads of crap to go through, but it's happening.

Friend front: mostly good!  I have remained friends with T, and I'm glad about that.  I got to meet two of my blog friends, super good!  I have seen my two besties a couple of times during this year and that has been great.  I'm going down to So Cal in a week to spend some quality time with one of them.  The rancher continues to be a concern.  Not as a friend, of course, but as an obligation.  Her situation isn't good and there's only so much I can do for her.  I can't fix her life, that's up to her.  I have to keep reminding myself of that.  

In case you were wondering, I found a new (better) housesitter.  She's a friend from my martial art training days.  She has stayed twice and not adopted a puppy either time!  Big points there!  Lol.  Pierre has been well cared for and the garden has been watered so... yes, Sara is the one.

Other, less tangible things from this year of retirement: my stress level is way down.  I didn't have a particularly stressful job, but just getting there, being there, doing the work, having deadlines, being away from home all day... these things take their toll.  Now, there are times when I check my phone to be certain which day of the week it is.  That's a huge improvement in quality of life!  

Another thing is the increased ability to say Yes or No.  To requests, to people, to situations, to suggestions.  Saying Yes because I have time, and saying No because I don’t want to.  I like it.

****
Well, that was written on July 1 and not posted.  Today is July 31 and by golly it will be posted!

Since then, I have been to Long Beach (CA) for a week and a half.  Did some projects with/for Lisa.  We had a good time, as we always do when we get together.  On the final couple of days of my trip, our other buddy, KA, joined us.  It was a somewhat impromptu get together.  She was in SoCal for a family birthday and came to Lisa’s afterward, and spent the night.  We had a lovely grilled salmon and sat up talking until late.  Very enjoyable.

Tomorrow I am giving a presentation in a self defense class.  I haven’t taught the class all summer as I have been out of town so much.  I’m trying to ease out of that work because it is so draining.  It’s important work.  I want the youngsters to step up and teach more of it though.  Of the frequent teachers over half of us are retirement age. 

Also tomorrow my best neighbors are going to NYC to visit their son.  That means that I get to have their dog for a few days.  Yay!  I love Angus, he’s a great little dog.  I also have chicken duty and garden watering to take care of.  Those fresh eggs are delicious. 

Speaking of delicious, a couple of days ago I put a pair of fried eggs on top of a pair of tamales.  Wow!  Why have I never done that before?!?  If you are a tamale fan, give it a try.  It was good! 

Ok, I’d better wind this up.  I have stuff to do and I don’t want to get distracted for another month. 

Thanks for reading, friends!


5 comments:

8thday said...

When you are done with your basement, would you please come and tackle my attic? We tried a "5 feet a week" schedule but then it got too hot up there and we never got back on track. We need your discipline.

You got rid of a catio? What about Pierre?

So happy to read that your retirement has been fulfilling and less stressful. As it should be. . . at least until that east coast blogging friend comes to visit.

Oh, and I'll take one of those egg tamales - hold the tamale.

e said...

When I come to visit, we'll schedule some attic emptying time. Which means that I won't be coming in the summer. Lol.
The catio came down, but the cat remains! Pierre is allowed to go outside in the backyard. He is old and, ahem, large, and can't jump over the fence. He doesn't need the catio. Such a good fellow!
Looking forward to your visit, 8, whenever it is! Yes, eggs will be on the menu but how is it that you don't like tamales???

8thday said...

What I lack in spicy I make up for in sweet : )

Secret Agent Woman said...

The stairs project sounds great. And I think you're smart to set as a goal a box for each trash cycle. Slow and steady!

e said...

SAWoman: The stairs were most gratifying, and I get to admire them daily, lol... The low bar goal is working! I am pleased with my progress on the basement. I don't care if it takes a couple of years to clear it out, it's happening. They key is sticking with it.
PS: Hope you are feeling well. I need to stop by your blog.