To a degree, this December holiday season was an experiment to see how far our new found early retirement time and energy could carry us. I really do love spending time with family and friends around the holidays, and I really do enjoy going to holiday plays and concerts. I also really delight in doing lots of holiday cooking, baking and entertaining. On paper, our December plans all looked very fun and exciting. What I failed to see, however, was how much time and energy all of these activities were going to cumulatively take. As a result, I didn't block out any days for us to simply hang around the house and recover. A big mistake I now see.
Achieving balance does seem to an ongoing challenge for me. I frequently bite of just a bit more than I can comfortably chew. None of which is likely news to my dear husband - after all, he's lived with me for over 30 years already, bless his heart.
We leave this weekend for five days of RV'ing R&R at San Elijo State Beach, and I am looking forward to this get away immensely. Our plans include lots of hiking and biking, but also time to simply enjoy reading by the bluffs overlooking the ocean, and watching classic holiday DVD's in our trailer after dark. The irony of having to go away to relax is not lost on this early retiree, however, when we return, we will hopefully do so completely renewed and restored, ready to happily throw ourselves into the remaining homestretch of this year's holiday season.
So, while I remain very, very thankful for this life we're living, I'm learning that even in early retirement there are limits. Next time around I'll work to dial things back just a bit . . . scouts honor Mike!
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| Mike looks merry at a recent holiday party, but I'm thinking I simply look tired! |
Tam - I will believe it when I see it for I have been around the block a few times with you on this but I wouldn't have missed the journey for anything during those 30 years! Love, Mike
ReplyDeleteYou may be right - after last night's shing-ding, and then a good night's sleep, I'm already raring to go again this morning!
DeleteI'm with Mike. I'll believe it when I read about it!
ReplyDeleteI clicked over to the state park. That looks like one Betty and I will visit when we come over next fall for several weeks.
Yes, it's a beautiful, beautiful campground as long as you secure a bluff site. You'll likely not enjoy it otherwise. The good news is that if you come in on a Sunday anytime other than July or August, you should have no problem securing reservations. Their are limited bluff sites with hook ups - numbers 11 - 23 (excepting 12, 14 and 22, which are on the non-bluff side).
DeleteCardiff by the Sea, and a beach dog park, is within walking distance on one side, and Encinitas, with it's small town charm, on the other. There is a wonderful breakfast spot, called Pipes Cafe, directly across the street from the campground. You'll enjoy San Elijo if you do come, no question.
I happen to think you both look great. We had such a wonderful time visiting with you and Mike this evening, hearing your retirement story. I love the passion for life that you two seem to have, very much like our lifestyle. One of the best parts of this journey, we find, is the people you meet along the way. You two are no exception. We feel blessed that our paths have crossed and hope they will again. BTW, in our excitement to visit with you this evening we neglected to let you know that you make some awesome chocolate chip cookies!
ReplyDeleteWe feel likewise blessed to have had the serendipitous opportunity to meet you both. I mean, right across the road . . . what are the chances?!?
DeleteFortunately, we can keep up with your travels via your blog, and I likewise look forward to the opportunity to cross paths again. You two are just wonderful! :-)