Snowbird question

[8gv]

Originally Posted by Happy Gourmand

I'm actually quite apprehensive about retirement....what will I do with myself for the hours in the day that I am/was employed? Any insight from current retirees is appreciated.

As has been mentioned, you will be very busy!

First, your spouse has been waiting for years to enjoy the supervision and scrutiny you can now provide. Go ahead and ask for explanations for every task she performs. They like that! Extra points are awarded for revealing inefficiencies and suggesting better methods.

Next, set yourself a firm standard for the amount of your daily activity. My standard is "one thing a day". That isn't a minimum, it's my maximim. There's always tomorrow or next week to get another thing done.

Finally, reaquaint yourself with the activities you enjoyed in your youth. Skills such as dirt bike riding are never forgotten and now that you have plenty of time for recovery, just do it!

Not that I have had any personal experience with this in my seven years of retirement...

[Flylady]

All great advice. Almost two years into retirement and I have no regrets. Pursuing all the things that were moved down the priority list when you were working should be moved up to the top. Everyone has diferent interests. Thats OK as long as you find your interests. One thing I found very helpful is establishing a better exercise routine. Helps burn off the excess calories from better home cooking and more dining out with the added traveling. I want to ensure maintaining my health will provide me with many more active years. Enjoy!

[winni83]

Originally Posted by 8gv

As has been mentioned, you will be very busy!

First, your spouse has been waiting for years to enjoy the supervision and scrutiny you can now provide. Go ahead and ask for explanations for every task she performs. They like that! Extra points are awarded for revealing inefficiencies and suggesting better methods.
D

I highly recommend the above. A few years ago while laid up at home with some broken bones, I decided to use my organizational skills to improve how the house was run. My wife was just speechless, among other very interesting reactions, and I went even further and took the opportunity while she was out running errands to write little notes so that she would not forget. In fact, these efforts were so well received that my wife told me that all this help contributed to my speedy recovery and rapid return to the office. I can just imagine how much I could help her out if I were retired (and lived to survive the consequences).

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by winni83

I highly recommend the above. A few years ago while laid up at home with some broken bones, I decided to use my organizational skills to improve how the house was run. My wife was just speechless, among other very interesting reactions, and I went even further and took the opportunity while she was out running errands to write little notes so that she would not forget. In fact, these efforts were so well received that my wife told me that all this help contributed to my speedy recovery and rapid return to the office. I can just imagine how much I could help her out if I were retired (and lived to survive the consequences).

I will definitely try these suggestions. Will you be willing to visit me in the hospital? LOL

[winni83]

I'd be happy to visit you if you make it that far!! My wife is a nurse and if you and up at her hospital and tell her you followed and even improved on these suggestions I am sure she would see to it that you get extra special care.

[Kamper]

Be careful your spouse doesn't reduce your role to 'romantic advisor.'

That is to say... When she wants your (loving) advice she will (loving) ask for it!