Friday, November 8, 2013

I'm Retired--And Not Working Is Exhausting!

I'm Retired--And Not Working Is Exhausting!
November 8, 2013
 
This is what I thought I would look like after being retired for a whole week!
Photo Credit:  www.alzsmiles.com
 
This is what I actually look like now, after being retired for a whole week!
Photo Credit:  Unknown, Google Images
 
     Yes, it's been 7 whole days of no work, no alarm clock, no driving to work, no stress, and no problems.  This blog is titled, "Idle At Last," but I haven't been idle yet!
 
     Here is the list of my retirement activities, some fun, some not:
  1.      Finished loading my car on my last day of work last Thursday.
  2.      Unpacked my car after getting home on my last day of work, then put everything away.
  3.      Spent my first day of retirement, last Friday, going through all of my unwanted possessions, cleaning them, pricing them, making signs, putting out the signs, and preparing for a neighborhood yard sale.
  4.      Saturday, 7am, put all of the stuff in my carport for the 8am yard sale.  Enjoyed 4 hours of meeting people and selling some stuff.  Fun!
  5.      Put all of the yard sale stuff that didn't sell back in the house.
  6.      Drove around and took down all the signs, then returned the sign holders to the owner.
  7.      Hauled home 4 heavy antique dining chairs, unloading them, and cleaning/polishing them.
  8.      Put all of the yard sale stuff back in various rooms, but there are still boxes of stuff to put away in the den.
  9.      Spent lots of time online searching for the perfect pedestal table to go with the 4 antique chairs.  Found one at Pier 1 site.
  10.      Drove to Pier 1 Imports to purchase/order the new table.
  11.      Organized my kitchen drawers and shelves Saturday evening since I had no room for all the stuff that needed to be put away.
  12.      Sunday enjoyed (yay!) a lovely day at Disney World's EPCOT with all of my family to celebrate my retirement.  Lunch at the Rose and Crown Pub and lovely gifts!  Wonderful!
  13.      Monday, went to work at my son's office, 9:30am, to be a kind of Personal Assistant, which included 4 hours of intense thinking.
  14.      Continued to organize my kitchen, which involved 3 hours of cleaning and problem-solving (and decluttering).  Watch the video at the end of my post on how to organize your kitchen drawers easily.
  15.      Tuesday went to work as a Personal Assistant for 4 more hours.
  16.      Waited for the Air Conditioner technician to give my AC it's tune up on Tuesday.
  17.      Wednesday, 7am, went for a root canal.
  18.      Wednesday, 9:30, went for a crown fitting at my other dentist.  (And on my birthday, too!)
  19.      Worked 2 more hours as a Personal Assistant, mind numbing and amazing at the same time.
  20.      Thursday, took trip to the Dollar Tree store to get organizing supplies for my neighbor's kitchen makeover.
  21.       5 hours organizing/clearing/cleaning my neighbor's kitchen, and hauling out heavy bags of trash.  (I love the organizing part, though.)  Watch the video at the end of my post on how to organize your kitchen drawers easily.
  22.      Friday, went grocery shopping for myself and my neighbor, clearing out her refrigerator, and stocking it with her new food supply, including more garbage hauling...Bless her as she waits to come home from the hospital.
     So there you have the real deal on what a retiree does during the first week of not going to work.  Who knew, after all of my research on fun retirement activities, that I would be working harder than when I had a full-time job?
 
 
 
    
 
 


Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Night Before Retirement Day--Broadway Play!

The Night Before Retirement Day--
Broadway Play!
October 30, 2013
 
File:The Book of Mormon poster.jpg
 
Photo: Broadway. London. New Orleans. Denver! Who's seeing The Book of Mormon this weekend?!
 
 
 Photo: Look at that MAD MORMON HEIGHT! Show us your #SuperMormonSelfie and we'll share it on our page!
 
Here's how I felt after seeing "The Book of Mormon" tonight in Orlando!
 
 
     I got a surprise invitation to attend the opening night of "The Book of Mormon" in Orlando tonight, the last night before I retire on Thursday.   It is playing at the Bob Carr Theatre.   I was so surprised and pleased that I accepted immediately. 
 
     There was no way to prepare myself for such a raucous, rocking, fun-filled, off-color, brilliant Broadway musical.  It was fabulous, and yes, I did buy the t-shirt to wear on Friday, the first day of being retired.  I can't tell you what is on the t-shirt, because it is in a foreign language and means something totally inappropriate.
 
     But on Friday, the official day of no working ever again, I will wear that shirt with a big grin on my face.  I made it!!!
 
     If you get a chance to see "The Book of Mormon," and if you are not easily offended or shocked, you will absolutely love this show.
 
     Tomorrow, Thursday, is my last day of work as a teacher, my last day of being a role model for so many others, and my last day of my former life.  I am absolutely thrilled to bits. 
 
     I will continue to write posts for this blog, because I want to share the reality of retirement life with everyone...the good, the better, and the best part of being retired.  Thank you for reading my posts for so long.  My year of anticipation is officially over in just a few hours.  Retirement, here I come!!!
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Nine Days and Counting Down To Retirement Day--October 31!

Nine School Days and Counting Down To
Retirement Day--October 31!
 
 
 
 
Yes, I'm retiring on October 31, Halloween!
Photo Credit:  www.cafepress.com
 
     On Monday, October 21, there will be only 9 days until I retire.  That means that, of all the days I could retire, my retirement day will fall on Halloween.  That is scary and wonderful, both at the same time. 
 
     Seven of my last nine days will be with students, and two of the last nine days will be teacher work days for preparing report cards.
So, what thoughts are floating around in my brain now? 
 
 
Photo Credit:  www.bebrainfit.com

 
     For starters, I feel very peaceful, because I have spent the last year researching and preparing for these moments.  Additionally, my emotions are changing by the minute, because I really don't want to leave such an excellent group of teachers and staff members at my school.   I feel extremely responsible for making my final days the very best I can for my students. 
 
     Bittersweet is the word to describe the feeling:  Sad to be leaving and happy to be starting on a new path in my life.
 

Photo Credit:  www.fineartamerica.com
 
     After writing about retirement all year, I feel I may know less than I did when I began...but I now realize that everything will be fine.  Thank you for reading this blog and for staying with me on this journey.  I hope my retirement becomes like that of "The Golden Girls."
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Getting Rid of Clutter

Getting Rid of Clutter
September 26, 2013

Does this pile of "clutter" look familiar?
Photo Credit:  www.better.tv
 
 
     Here's a great video for getting rid of clutter.  Youtube.com is a super resource for helping anyone start to declutter any room or office.
 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

25 School Days To Go To Retirement Day!

25 School Days To Go Until Retirement Day!
September 25, 2013
 
This is how I think I look when I am teaching my gifted classes!
Photo Credit:  Unknown, from www.Pinterest.com
 
     Only 25 more days of school for this teacher!  I have to say that I am vacillating between leaping for joy and trips down memory lane each morning.  Am I sad?  Definitely not.  Am I worn out and used up with so many years of teaching?  Definitely not.
 
Do you see a sad teacher here?  Nope!  Not me!
Photo Credit:  www.teachermum.com

 
     What I have become is reflective and contemplative.  The days are flying by, and I am busying myself each evening by filling boxes with school supplies to take to my school.  Those supplies may be used by the teacher who will soon replace me.  I hope to have a clean house, cleared of all traces of school supplies and equipment.    I will always have my memories of school, of course.
 
This is what I'm doing in the evening now:  boxing up extra school supplies to take to school.

 
      My days following retirement are already scheduled with dental appointments (root canal and new crown), clearing the overgrown butterfly garden in my front yard, and having the air conditioner repaired in my very old car.  These activities are in no way enjoyable, but I will finally have the time and motivation for getting them done. 
Hope I get all those butterfly bushes and weeds under control soon after retirement!

 
      There is a trip in my near future, to my friend in another state, where I may take an extended vacation while I remap my future life.  In addition, I hope to finish redoing my guest bath, my kitchen floor, and painting the entire inside of my home. 
 
Well, my little vacation may look like this...or not!
Photo Credit:  www.thedigeratilife.com
 
     Very soon, but not soon enough for me, I will be launching my professional home organizing business, Simplify Your Lifestyle, and that business will be a big part of the future I have been seeking.

 


     While none of these activities sound like the "fun" I have been researching all year, they are the things that must be done BEFORE I can take off for parts unknown.  Thank you very much for sticking with my blog all year while I worked through the "scariest year of my life." 
 
 
     
 
 . 
 
     
 
      
 


Monday, September 16, 2013

Miss America 2014 Is Indian! Congratulations!

Miss America 2014 is Indian!  Congratulations!
September 16, 2013
 


Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri

( LUCAS JACKSON, REUTERS / September 16, 2013 )
"Miss America contestant, Miss New York Nina Davuluri performs a traditional Indian dance during the 2014 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 15, 2013. Davuluri, 24, won the 2014 Miss America pageant on Sunday, giving the prize to Miss New York for the second year in a row. "
 
Congratulations to our new Miss America 2014, Nina Davuluri, from New York.  She is the first Indian-American to win the national pageant and will represent all of us for the next year as the reigning Miss America. 
 
Her performance was a traditional Indian dance.
 
 

Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri

( instagram.com/missnewyorkmao / September 15, 2013 )                       

"Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri competes as Miss New York during the preliminary rounds of competition."
 
  Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri
( LUCAS JACKSON, REUTERS / September 16, 2013 )
"Miss America contestant, Miss New York Nina Davuluri reacts as she is chosen as winner of the 2014 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 15, 2013. Davuluri, 24, won the 2014 Miss America Pageant on Sunday, giving the prize to Miss New York for the second year in a row."
 
Congratulations, Nina Davuluri!
 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

SW Florida Eagles_Ozzie And Harriet Are Home 9-9-13

SW Florida Eagles_Ozzie And Harriet Are Home September 14, 2013
 
Harriet, the female eagle, is on the left and Ozzie, the male eagle, is on the right.
Taken by Vicki, wskrsnwings, today at dusk in Fort Myers, Florida
Photo Credit:  screen shot from wskrsnwings' video
 
 
       "Nesting Season will begin soon and Ozzie and Harriet have returned to check their home. They both look and sound healthy. Thank you Dick Pritchett Real Estate for maintaining such a suitable tree and environment for our Bald Eagle Family."
 
Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Foundation: http://www.southwestfloridaeaglecam.com/
 
 
 
 
Welcome home, Mom and Dad!

 
 


Here You Go: Another Huge Gator Caught in Florida!

Here You Go:  Another Huge Gator Caught In Florida!
September 14, 2013
 
      I don't know if PETA defends the rights of alligators in Florida, but I totally support gator hunters!  Thank you for all you do for us.
 

Thirty-three More School Days Until Retirement!

Thirty-three More School Days Until Retirement!
September 14, 2013
 
This is how all the birds will line up in my front yard to get their seed when I retire, ha-ha!
"No cutting in line!"
Photo Credit:  www.speedbump.com
 
This machine, called "the purple monster," is what made our copies, way back in 1973.
Photo Credit:  www.cafepress.com
 
This is what I want when I retire:  A big loving dog, a farm, and a smile every day!
 
You are all invited to my retirement party on November 1, 2013, in Orlando, Florida!
 
 
Yes, all of these will be true...but I will miss teaching forever.
Photo Credit:  www.zazzle.com
 
      Am I counting down the days?  Absolutely.  Am I becoming sad about leaving the children and all of the staff at my school, Arbor Ridge K-8 School?  Absolutely. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 


Thursday, September 12, 2013

This is probably the alligator I saw this spring!

This is probably the alligator I saw this spring!
 
September 12, 2013
 
 
      Last spring, I went to my favorite park on the Little Econ River and described seeing a gigantic alligator swimming slowly on the other side of the river.
 
      Recently, three gator hunters caught a gator weighing over 700 pounds in the Econ River.  I'm almost sure it's the same one I saw on that beautiful spring afternoon.   The title of my post was "See Ya' Later Alligator!"
 
      Try to imagine how these hunters got that creature into their boat!   Just one big reason that many Floridians DO NOT swim in our rivers...
 


Sunday, September 8, 2013

Simplifying Your Lifestyle--How To Get Help

How to Get Help Simplifying Your Home
in Orlando
September 8, 2013
 
 
     After retirement, I'm going full speed ahead into helping others deal with the "too much clutter" problem.  Here is what I wrote on another blog to explain what I will be doing.
 
 
You have too much stuff to enjoy your lifestyle--Need help? Simplify Your Lifestyle is only an email away, and we can rescue you from the chaos you now call home.
 
We do it all, or we do just what you need for now. If you simply need gentle encouragement to get started on your own, we also offer one-time or ongoing coaching.
 
Also offered is virtual organization: You send photos of the area that needs the most help, and we analyze and offer strategies to get the simple lifestyle back into your home.
 
Your deep dark secrets will be safe with us. We've been there before ourselves.
 
In addition, the energizing of your home through the use of Feng Shui principles for furniture and accessories placement might be your preference.
 
We gently lead you through the chaos into that simple, peaceful, and welcoming home you deserve.
Use the contact form below to send us your problem, your Orlando location, your email, and your phone number.  We serve the Orlando-Winter Park area within 25 miles of zip code 32803.  Hourly rates are reasonable, available on request, and are based on your specific needs. 
 
The only organizational service we don't provide is house cleaning, but we can provide names of those who do provide this service. 
 
We will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your request for help and information.
 
So here is the link to my future career:  www.simplifyyourlifestyle.wordpress.com
 
 
     Thank you, dear readers, for staying with me all year as I examined, researched, and agonized over what to do the day after I retire.   This may be the goal I was searching for all of these months. 
 
 
 

Friday, September 6, 2013

Ask Yourself These Ten Questions To Help You Simplify Your Lifestyle

You Have Too Many Things...Need Help?
September 6, 2013
 
 
       When you are faced with too much unused, never needed, messy, and stress-causing clutter, ask yourself these ten questions.  I hope this helps you make some decisions to simplify your lifestyle.  Print out the list and put a copy in every room of your home, to remind you how you can bring some peace into your home or office. 
 
          I found the list on Pinterest this morning, and it is simply amazing to me.  How easy!  My kitchen is where I'm going to start first this weekend.  Happy weekend to everyone...
 
 



Thursday, September 5, 2013

Best Songs Ever From Best Movies Ever

Best Songs Ever From Best Movies Ever
 
September 5, 2013
 
 
Cher sings "The Shoop Shoop Song" (It's In His Kiss)
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
From "Mermaids"
 
 
 
"You Don't Own Me" by Bette Middler, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
From "First Wives Club"
 
 
"Baby Mine" by Bette Midler, added to Walt Disney's "Dumbo" footage
Video Credit:  Walt Disney Company and www.youtube.com
 
      I truly hope that you enjoyed these favorite songs of mine.  Great music from great movies!
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Do You Miss Those Great Old Love Songs?

Do You Miss Those Great Old Love Songs?
September 4, 2013
Barbara Small sings "My Boy Lollipop"
Video Credit:  www.Youtube.com
 
The Dixie Cups sing "Going To The Chapel" live!
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
 
The Big Bopper sings "Chantilly Lace" on the Dick Clark show!
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
 
The Troggs sing "Wild Thing" live!
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
 
Dionne Warwick sings "Walk On By" live on tv!
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
 
Neil Sedaka sings the slow version of "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do!
Video Credit:  www.youtube.com
 
       Tonight is a perfect night for remembering all of your teenage lost loves...and this music will comfort you, I hope.  Sweet dreams!
 
 
 
 
 
 


Monday, September 2, 2013

How To Simplify Without Buying Anything

How To Simplify Without Buying Anything
September 2, 2013
 
BEFORE I simplified my own linen closet!
Photo Credit:  Del Hylton
 
 
      Today, as it was a national holiday, Labor Day, I spent my day doing some much-needed clutter busting.  The goal was to go through at least 3 or 4 half-empty boxes of school papers and supplies and throw most of it away.  Mission accomplished.
 
      This afternoon, the boxes were empty and I was peaceful with the newly found space in the spare bedroom.  The idea of continuing with my project led me to my linen closet, which is very small and very sad to look inside, as you can see.
 
      Keeping in mind that this might help others with their sad closets as well, I set to "simplifying" my own space.  It is depressing having to dig through nail polish, light bulbs, bandaids, and other necessities, just to find a bar of soap!
 
      So, I took a "before" photo, gathered some containers I already had in my kitchen (which I never use anyway), and started.  The entire project took less than 30 minutes, and I took  "after" photos to share with you here.  Total cost:  $0.00!
 
     The hair dryer that had mysteriously disappeared, causing me to purchase another one, appeared behind the clutter on one shelf.  So, actually the cost of my clutter was the price of the new hair dryer:  $15.00!
 
AFTER I simplified my own linen closet.
Photo Credit:  Del Hylton
 
See the two hair dryers I have now?
Photo Credit:  Del Hylton
 
 

Look at that bottom shelf:  light bulbs and a first aid kit!
Photo Credit:  Del Hylton
 
       So, if I am going into retirement with limited income, I will definitely save money by keeping all of my possessions simple and in clear view, won't I?   
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
     

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Why Work After Retirement?

Why Work After Retirement?
August 31, 2013
 
I'm at the corner of retirement and work...and I'm going to stay on the "work" path.
Photo Credit:  www.foxbusiness.com
 
      In the past month, I have come up with at least 15 great and odd ideas for my retirement future.  Let's see, buying a house in Ireland, moving to Key West, opening a bakery, flying to Australia, and other ideas too strange to mention, have popped into my mind almost every morning.
 
     Yes, I am still going to pursue some sort of Private Investigator internship/shadowing career, or at least try it out for a bit.  Yes, I am still going to write a mystery novel or autobiography, probably self-published.  Yes, I am still going to get that country home, horse, dog, and acreage.  However, all of this won't happen at the same time.  "Ain't nobody got time for that!"
 

Photo Credit:  www.123rf.com
 
     However, not too long ago, a friend complimented my ability to help others plow through their piles of possessions, helping them sort and purge them.  This has remained quietly tucked into the far recesses of my brain.  So, this week, I took my first step towards opening my own business as a personal organizing consultant.
 
     Reactions (to my idea of helping others improve their lives and living spaces with some kind of gentle assistance) have been positive, neutral, and downright negative. 
 
     Take today, for example, I spent a nice friendly breakfast defending the idea of my working after retirement.  "Why would you want to work after you've worked for so long already?"  This discussion went from cynical to obstreperous in less than 5 minutes.  Let's just call it a draw. 
 
 
Photo Credit:  www.telegraph.co.uk
 
      So I have included a link here to a great article listing 10 reasons for continuing to work after retirement.  I am concerned primarily with the first 5 reasons, because I believe I will be comfortable financially now.  I will work after I retire because I want and need to continue working.  Period.
 
 
       If you absolutely and positively need someone besides yourself to help you simplify your lifestyle, hang on for about two months while I retire from the teaching job I have right now.  By that time, in November, I'll have a website just for you, one where you can contact me, and I'll come assess your panic level and measure the height of your clutter.  The name of my new enterprise is "Simplify Your Lifestyle." 
 
       Of course, I won't be able to help all of my readers in Russia, Great Britain, Australia, and India, but if you're in the Orlando area, leave a comment and/or some way to contact you in the very near future. 
 
 
 

 

 
      
 


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Meet The Next Miss Marple--Me?

Meet The Next Miss Marple--Me?
August 20, 2013
 
Can you picture me as the next Miss Marple? 
Photo Credit: Fanpop Fan Clubs 1789
 
      Recently it occurred to me that my love of mystery writing and British mystery tv shows might give me a direction for my retirement this year:  What if I went to Private Investigator school and got my state Private Investigator Class CC license?
 
      Actually, what got me to google this idea, was the fact that I love it when someone has a little problem that I can possibly solve.  I'm also intrigued when I "overhear" a tidbit of information and search to find the story behind the story.  It's fascinating to me.
 
 

 
     So I located several places that actually train people to be PIs here in Orlando and through online training.  After much searching through one school's catalogue of offerings, I realized that it is targeting students who are still in high school...
 
     But wait, there's more.  City College, in Altamonte, actually has the coursework I would need to attain this license.  However, the cost is right up there with University prices...so maybe I will rethink this after all.
 
     In the meantime, I'll continue reading mysteries, watching British mysteries, and listening for the latest "news."  Let me know what you think of this latest idea for my newest career move.
 

I'll be going shopping for my Miss Marple detecting clothing soon...bring my knitting!
Photo Credit:  www.polyvore.com
 
 
 
 


Monday, August 12, 2013

I'm A Teacher--My Last First Day of School Today

I'm A Teacher--My Last First Day of School Today
August 12, 2013
 
 
      Today was bittersweet for me:  I experienced my last "first day of school" of my career.
 
      Everything was familiar this morning, and I want to remember how I felt all day today:  The lovely breakfast provided by the PTSA, the heartfelt welcome by our principal, Mrs. Paige L. Tracy, and the usual list of things to remember as we begin a new school year.
 
      As the process of rearranging our classroom furniture progressed, I stopped and stared out at the beautiful sky outside my window.  Would life ever be this pleasant in retirement?  I don't know yet.  I've only got 58 more school days to live the "teacher" life until then.
 
       Truly, I enjoyed every conversation and interaction with all of the teachers and staff I encountered in the halls.  We all bustled to finish up or begin or just perfect our classroom preparations.  Students actually begin their first day of school here in Orlando on August 19.
 
      Memories of my very first teaching job flashed through my mind as I prepared papers to be copied for the older students.  My first teaching job was teaching thirty! three-year-old children in 1973, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at a very small private school.  Looking back, I don't know how all those toddlers survived the year with me. 
 
      Look at me now:  almost 40 years of teaching later, and I'm still smiling about greeting my students next week.  I'm still checking the alarm clock to make sure it will wake me up on time...can't be late to school, especially if you're the teacher.  That's a big no-no!
 
      All of my official retirement papers have been processed, I've received a very nice letter from our school superintendent, Dr. Barbara Jenkins, and now the days will fly by too quickly.
 
       Yes, today was my last, really last, "first day of school" forever.   I'm sighing deeply as I finish this post tonight.
 
 
 
 
 

 
     
 
      

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Something You Should Know About

Something You Should Know About
 
     My mother passed away, on her own, in her own time, on Monday, July 1, 2013.  She was 100 years old and lived to see all of the history of the 20th century and part of the 21st century.
 
     She had numerous careers and experiences, my birth being just one small part of her adventures.
 
     Her two grandsons and her 5 great-grandchildren will miss her terribly, as will I. 
 
     Her final year was spent in the excellent care of the Adventist Care Center Courtland, here in Orlando.  They were the reason she was able to continue to her life comfortably and in a loving atmosphere.  We all are tremendously grateful to the entire staff of caregivers and medical personnel there.
 
     On a final note, this strong, outspoken, funny, and ironic woman made a difference in the lives of everyone who met her.  She was the "wind beneath their wings."
 
     I will always love you, Mother; you made me who I am today: strong, outspoken, funny and ironic.  Thank you forever.
 
 
Jonwil Kennon Campkin Coles 1913-2013