Retirement: How did I have time to Work?

I must say that I can actually tell you that I don't know how I had time to work now that I am on the rolls of the retired.

I retired on November 20, 2007 from a hectic 55 hour per week job in government contracting.

Since I retired, my wife and I have been on vacation an average of 4 times per year. Some of the sites we have had an opportunity to visit include, Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, San Francisco. Destin, Florida, Madison, Wisconsin, Durham, North Carolina, Grand Canyon, New York city and Denver, Colorado.

Our trips have been outstanding but, I thought it important to create a weekly routine that would keep me in shape both physically and mentally.

Monday through Friday my daily routine consists of reviewing the top stories from around the world on MSN.com, then I move on to breakfast while I review emails and my Facebook account.

Next up is a 15 minute workout using 10 pound weights working on arms, legs and the ole tummy. Once I have finished the weight work, I go outside for a brisk 3.5 mile walk around our neighborhood. After the walk I generally hit the shower and check out my wife's and mine favorite soap, The Young and the Restless. Yes, my wife got me hooked on a soap opera. My friends call me a candy ass because I watch the show but, I get a kick out of cursing the dumb characters.

I spend Wednesday afternoon working at a local golf course that allows me to keep active with one of my favorite hobby...Golf. I generally play golf or so times per week with a group from the course . I've improved my handicap from a 12 to a 6 since I retired. Don't hit the ball as long but, I have become much more accurate. Afternoons I am not involved with golf, I spend a few hours doing surveys and short writing assignments on Mechanical Turk. I find doing the hits keeps my mind active and challenged.

I started a new hobby just recently...radio controlled aircraft. I generally spend a few hours a week at the local radio controlled aircraft field flying my P51 mustang aircraft. I've found the time flying my aircraft puts me in a great state of piece. Very relaxing watching the aircraft loop, band and spin through the air.

Evenings are spent playing board games with my wife, playing in a dart league with my wife.

All in all, I keep myself pretty busy during the week and somehow find the time to visit with some of the folks I used to work with, get the grass cut, wash the cars and help my wife around the house. I am in charge of all cleanup after all the meals as my wife is the designated cook.

My weekly routine today differs greatly from the routine of getting up at 6:00 a.m., grabbing a quick breakfast, heading to the office for 10 to 12 hours of constant email, phone calls or meetings. I would come home exhausted and just plop into my easy chair for some peace and quiet.

Years ago older friends of mine kept telling me they did not know how they found the time to work. My response was always a laughing...what the hell do you mean????

Now I can say I have joined that group and really have a hard time understanding where the last 4=years have gone since I retired.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I became a grandfather on December 29, 2011 so we now make a trip to Mebane, North Carolina to see Mr. Wyatt, my daughter and son-in-law every couple of months.

Phew, I need to slow down...Lol.