Wednesday, October 6, 2010

A simple day

We walked 1.75 miles this morning to an hourlong exercise class, then took a shortcut home and stopped for espresso. I drove to my old workplace to give blood, as I have done for years, and saw half a dozen people in the bus that I know. They all look stressed. My blood pressure was 108/68 and my pulse was 64! Sounds like no stress to me. I'm going to reduce my bp meds a bit and see how that goes. It would be lovely to get off them.

Stopped by my favorite shoe guy and left off the shoes I'm taking to Italy so they can be tuned up.

Finished up Module 5 of my ESL class and sent it off to my instructor, finally unstressed about the class now that I've clarified my goal of tutoring ESL rather than teaching. Weeded the garden for half an hour. Talked to my neighbor Jennie (the chicken lady) about a box of vegetables being delivered tomorrow from a nearby farm - we'll be splitting a box each week - and about the freezer we found on Craigslist now being installed/wired by Art, which will store the half grain-fed beef we're buying, also with the neighbors.

Looked at a couple of timeshare rental bargains. $229 for a week in February is a good deal, especially if it's in a place that's not raining.

Feeling the fall air, watching the sun go down, thinking about Chinese for dinner.

I had no idea, when I was working, how sweet a simple day can be.

16 comments:

Linda Hoye said...

Sounds heavenly!

Teresa Evangeline said...

I love your last two statements.

Linda Reeder said...

Five years into retirement, I am so settled that it's fun to hear you going through your adjustment and remember going through similar stages.
We have been sizing up our garden chores too, but with so much still blooming or producing, it is too early to start the slash and stack stage, so we'll just continue to putter until the heavy duty work is due.
Your trip sounds wonderful. We always studied before going on any trip. We get so much more out of seeing a place when we are informed.

#1Nana said...

I'm going through the same process with my BP meds. The doctor cut it in half last month (I actually have to cut the pill in half because they don't make a dose this low!) I'm working my way off them and I know it's the result of no stress retirement.

I thought about starting to paint the kitchen today...I'm still thinking.

Now tell me where you're going in February...it sounds like a good deal.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful thing!! Glad to hear that your bp is down and that you're feeling so good!

Linda Myers said...

Jann, it's an RCI special - multiple locations for $229. You can check out www.rci.com.

Murr Brewster said...

I, too, sort of hoped I'd do some writing when I retired. What I have done surpassed my fondest hopes. I'm energized with it every day, while walking simply everywhere (six miles downtown to get a library book, and back? Why not?). I get the idea you're getting into your rhythm now. It's a beautiful thing. Try not to get that goofy grin when people ask you how you like retirement. There are too many people out there who don't think they can ever retire, and they don't need to see it. But congratulations.

Arkansas Patti said...

Great on the BP. I dropped mine to normal by shedding 15 pounds and breaking out the sneakers.
However, you accomplished enough in one day what usually takes me two or three to do. Way to go.

BlueRidge Boomer said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday....please come back soon...i'm usually home and up to no good!!

Enjoy

DJan said...

What a lovely post. I too was able to cut my BP medication in half after retirement, but it seems to go up a little bit too high now and then. Life is good, but I agree with Murr: don't look TOO happy or you'll make those still working feel deprived! :-)

Cheryl Kohan said...

You sound so content. Good for you!

Sally Wessely said...

Congratulations on your transition to a truly restorative retirement! You inspire us all to appreciate the simple things of life.

Unknown said...

Thank you for your comment and following my blog. I just randomly checked out several post and You sound like a very interesting lady! I want your life when I can retire. I'm trying to learn to enjoy each moment I have now even as I still have to work. I look forward to following you.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

It sounds like you have found quite a few ways to make a day delightful. Good for you!

Tabitha Bird said...

Simple days are often the sweetest hey.

Deb Shucka said...

You sound so happy! I'd be willing to bet people are starting to notice that you're looking younger.