Friday, June 27, 2008

If the Shoe Fits


The luxury of both wild and domestic raspberries!

I have been retired almost two months now---58 days. But I still feel that the shoes don't really fit. It is like I bought a lovely pair of Manolo Blahniks on sale and have worn them for 58 days straight and am still conscious that they are on my feet and that they fit a little stiffly. They also are so luxurious and attention getting that I keep thinking I don't deserve them and they don't quite go with my personality or my pace.

Don't get me wrong. I have no regrets about quitting work. I do not feel lost when I get up in the morning and do not have to rush off to work. In contrast, I luxuriate in the opposite, pacing my morning with a slow cup of coffee and reading while the sun comes up.

I do not feel badly about being on a tighter budget and once again in my life looking at price per unit and looking at coupons when I shop. I am so lucky in having everything I want that a little frugality is a nice seasoning to my life. (Of course, if this administration continues to ignore the downward spiral of this economy, I may be wearing tennis shoes soon.)

But I have so much time to ponder my future. The work that I am doing now (gardening, cooking, decorating) does not require focused thought and so I have time to let my mind wander in other directions. To overwork garment analogies I guess I am waiting for the other shoe to drop!

9 comments:

  1. Tabor, congratulations and good for you! I don't regret giving up the rat race one tiny bit. If I do have to watch my pennies more closely (and I certainly do), then I am more than compensated by having time for tea and reading, for long walks, gardening, cooking and slow summer thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I understand exactly what you're saying. I left work in April and don't think I'll be returning, unlike the last two times I retired. It still doesn't feel quite real. I'm enjoying my time in the garden, etc. but feel a wee twinge of guilt at having so much leisure time. I'm sure I'll get over it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I still work 2-3 days a week (whenever I can) and I love doing it, so I won't stop. I already have to watch my pennies and use coupons, and if this administration isn't over soon, I will be wearing the same shoes I wore 10 years ago!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't knock it. Retirement only comes around once.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tabor
    I do not seem to ever stop. I go from garden, house, computer, writing and beginning photo projects, bake, etc. My last 10 years has consisted of building 3 homes and creating gardens Have simplified each time, need or want nothing and live simply. Seems I always have to have a project. I am totally content at this time but it may be because I have rolled past 3 score and 10.
    Enjoy this time.
    I am still restless at times but it is getting better.

    ReplyDelete
  6. it is interesting. i have a few friends who returned to part-time work, not because they had to have the extra money (though it is nice) but because they were having a hard transition in learning to live without the structure work provides. since i don't like structure i am happier without it. i create it as i go or as i see the need. (I have NEVER even worn a watch!)

    i can hardly wait for the next inauguration! it should be a HUGE party!! oh, to be in DC for this one. i have never wanted to be there for one until now. i think it is a direct reponse to the frustration and sadness i have felt with this administration. it is going to take us a few years to climb out of this mire bush and his posse have planted us in. :(

    ReplyDelete
  7. oh, to retire....I cannot wait until I can write of my retirement....You will hear me screaming with joy from Mphs, TN

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous9:28 PM

    Congratulations on your retirement!

    Knowing you, you will find something that will give you lots of satisfaction and maybe even give you "a little cash.:"

    In the meantime enjoy that morning coffee!

    Millie

    ReplyDelete
  9. You lovely Path Finder - you say it so well (even the being on a tighter budget)

    I think I am almost at the point where the Powers That Be will say I can retire (without losing 25% of my pension for going early).....

    I am hardly breathing in case it fails at the last hurdle....

    ReplyDelete

Take your time...take a deep breath...then hit me with your best shot.