Today is my husband's last day at work. As of about 2:00 PM this afternoon he will be on his way home as an official new member of the retiree club. Our plans for the remainder of the day are to do some free wine tasting at Total Wine, enjoy homemade mushroom risotto for dinner, and then head to our dance studio to take a $10 per person salsa dance class and stay for some free social dancing afterward. Nothing mind or bank-blowing because, hey, we're on a fixed income now!
Actually, the reason we're keeping tonight low key is because Mike and my daughter are taking off bright and early tomorrow morning for a two day, 800 mile motorcycle ride to and around Yosemite National Park. The ride is an annual event sponsored by the Pasadena Motorcycle Club called the Greenhorn Road Tour. Although the original plan was for me to go with him, when I mentioned the ride to my daughter, she immediately got so excited I didn't have the heart to tell her his passenger seat was already taken. And besides, I'd participated in the ride several times over the years on my own motorcycle, so I was truly very happy to give up my seat to her this year so she could enjoy some quality time with her dad. Who knows how many more times they'll have the opportunity to do so?
What really feels surreal to me at this point, is that on Monday we are going to run around together to Camping World and a few other places, in order to enjoy spending some gift cards he received as retirement gifts from his co-workers this last week. We're going shopping on a Monday . . . now that feels weird! But in a really, really nice way. Sort of like Christmas morning nice - to me it feels like the whole world is opening up and everything is about to change. As nice as my first year of retirement has been, there were many, many things that had to be put on hold until Mike retired, and my world is therefore expanding right along with his. So, this morning I'm as giddy with elation as I think he is.
Life suddenly feels full of new possibilities, and I'm so excited to dive in and get started. And thankful, so thankful to be able to do so while we both have our health . . . and each other.
And so the next chapter begins.
Congratulations to you and to Mike! You guys are going to have a blast together. I can tell.
ReplyDeleteOr kill ourselves trying! I've been so antsy to get going it's likely bordered on annoying for Mike. I've been reminding him that it's now OK to play all weekend long and do the chores during the weekday instead. I think he's finally convinced!
DeleteAs I was leaving work this evening it occurred to me that Mike must be feeling akin to a second grader on the last day of school in June...
ReplyDeleteHe came home with the biggest grin ever on his face. He and my daughter left at 5:00 AM this morning for their ride, so it likely won't all sink in till Monday, when he realizes he doesn't have to hurry up and get home from the gym in order to get ready for work!
DeleteWhat a good Mom you are to give up your seat on the bike. But now that it's official, you will have lots of time to devote to just the two of you. Like the new photo.
ReplyDeleteShe did look pretty cute in my leather chaps and motorcycle jacket this morning. They'll be posting photos all weekend on Facebook, which I'm looking forward to seeing. In the meantime, I have a bunch of things planned so I don't miss my hubby too much!
DeleteMamie and I wish the best for you and Mike, Tamara. It sounds like you've done all of the right things and have the right mix of plans and yet staying flexible enough for last minue opportunities and serendipity. Mike, does the fixed income thing scare you? I think the two of you are such soulmates are so resourceful that you can make anything work, Again, you two, welcome to day 1 of the rest of your lives. Today is my 60th birthday and I'm feeling a bit of new opportunity, myself.
ReplyDeleteCheers...Nik
Nik, I'll have Mike do a post in a week or two, as things start to settle, so he can share he's transitioning. I can tell you he came home yesterday and told me he'd had a sudden little panic attack as he was leaving the office. My heart sunk and I said, "Why, are you thinking maybe we don't have enough income saved after all?" He said, "No honey, we're fine. I was worried that I might have forgotten to wrap something up, although I can't think what it might be."
DeleteWhew! :-)
Nik - so sorry for the oversight in my prior post - Happy 60th Birthday!!!
DeleteThanks, Tamara!
ReplyDeleteOne of the nice benefits of retirement is you rarely have to shop when other folks do. Avoiding Home Depot or Wal-Mart on weekends adds hours to your week and lowers your blood pressure. Welcome to the wonderful world of errand-running on weekdays, Mike.
ReplyDeleteBob - Mike says "Thank you!"
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