My Tireless Retirement - Week 214

 

Hello!  Last week I found myself at a bit of a crossroads.  I’ve been feeling that itch to quit my “dream job” (which I must admit, due to recent events, had lost a bit of its luster) and embrace full retirement and all it has to offer me.  This past week I completed my application to start receiving my Social Security benefits after my next birthday in the fall and, with a whole summer ahead to enjoy, my feet are getting itchy.  Would I regret my decision to stop working?  I might.  But, I also may not.  Oh, what to do? 

 

But then, that evening I took a group of seniors out to dinner and then to the theater for Drunk Shakespeare (so funny!).  At dinner they were excitedly talking about all of the various activities they had signed up for in the coming months and how much they were looking forward to doing them with me.  That is when I realized, this is why I do what I do.  The work drama is in my rear view mirror and TTO can suck it!  I’ve got places to go, things to do and people to see!  Heck yeah!  I know the answer will come to me when the time is right for me to walk away, but it simply isn’t now.

 

Super excited about this!

I still plan to thoroughly enjoy my summer with plenty of time off for myself because I realized I can do both!  So, on Saturday morning, I rewarded myself with an Alpicool 12V fridge/freezer to use in the Subaru while I’m camping or traveling.  I’ve been researching and hunting for just the right one for a couple of years now and when this one went on sale I decided to pull the trigger and get it.  I have come to realize it is time for me stop thinking about things and start doing them.  With that in mind I got dressed, packed a lunch and hopped on the bus to head to the mall to do the dreaded annual bra shopping I had been putting off.  At JC Penney I was able to find two bras in my size on the clearance rack for $32, far less than the price of a single bra on sale so I purchased both and now I won’t need to go next year!  Hurray!

 

I ate my lunch in the food court and then walked over to Cabela’s, just to browse and see what is new in the camping world, and I scored two items on “my camping wish list”.  A fleece lined red and black plaid jacket and a pair of black camo thorn resistant hiking pants.  I have wanted both of these items for years and they were on the clearance rack so I knew it was meant to be.  I was able to snag the jacket for $20 and the pants for $25.  I was thrilled!  After walking through the entire store I was able to see that I happily have everything else I need for my adventures so I paid for my new finds and walked back to the mall and caught the bus to ride back home.  It was a super fun way to spend my Saturday.

 

Sunday morning I restocked my camp Coffee bin and got it ready for the season.  I checked the shower bucket and determined it is still well stocked with toiletries, TP and first aid supplies and determined all of the other bins are good to go too.  I then went upstairs and packed my duffle bag with my camp clothes.  I also grabbed my hiking boots, socks and trail shoes.  This girl is ready to hit the dusty trail!

 

Monday afternoon the window covers I had ordered for the Subaru arrived and I tested them out.  They will work perfectly!  I am also getting ready to set up a few things inside the Subaru so I am ready for fast getaways.  Surprisingly  the fridge showed up that day too.  This will be a game changer, believe you me, because I can now go and stay out in the boonies much longer and in the long run this thing is going to save me a ton of money on travel food.  I’m super excited!

 

I worked Monday afternoon and again on Tuesday taking a group of ladies out to lunch and then mini golfing.  We had a wonderful time and it really confirmed my choice to focus on literally “what’s in it for me” and why I took this job in the first place.  I’ve also found myself being more assertive with TTO and my supervisor as far as what I am willing and not willing to do.  This has been met with a lot of “okay” responses.  We’ll see how well “okay” works out for me going forward.

 

I spent the most time reorganizing this shelving unit

Wednesday I headed out to the garage and gave it a good once over.  I decluttered some things to donate, tossed out a handful of items into the trash, but mostly did a lot of reorganizing, cleaning and sweeping.  I used empty bins I had decluttered the contents from this winter to reorganize my things, but I decluttered and consolidated enough while I was at it that I ended up with the same number of empty bins by the time all was said and done.  I also refilled the pet and chicken food bins.  I must say that after the big declutter I did in there last summer this time around it was a breeze to get things all tidied up.  I love that!

 

Thursday was my day to run the errands that were not conducive to walking, bike riding or using public transportation.  On the way home I stopped to top up the gas tank at the best priced neighborhood gas station plus with my 3¢ per gallon discount five and a half gallons still cost me nearly $25!  That hurt.  I consoled myself by coming home and working outside in the backyard and my garden while the chickens clucked away at me as I worked.  Silly girls!

 

My neighbor's irises

With that my latest week in retirement came to a close.  I think it was a really great week for me.  I want to wish Happy Mother’s Day to all of you with babies and fur babies!  I hope you have a fabulous day tomorrow!  Take care my friends and I will be back soon.