Many of you may have wondered, “What happened to Karen? I guess she’s unplugged for awhile.”
Then again, you may not have even noticed.
Either way, here’s the deal—we’ve entered into a new season of life at our house.
EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY!
Gray Zone. Maybe you’ve noticed my gray hair and tennis shoes. If you happen to drop by our house, you’ll also see some subtle changes in the décor—like the two new recliners in front of our big-screen TV.
You’re laughing? What’s the big deal? Every day is Saturday!
Several of Dan’s friends have asked him, “How’s retirement?”
Saturday Fever. If you know Dan, you won’t be surprised at his quick humor and pithy comebacks. So, don’t say I didn’t warn you. But if you dare to ask him that question, he’ll just smile and repeat his canned response, “Every day is Saturday.”
The first time I heard Dan reply to questions about retirement from one of his friends I thought, Maybe for YOU every day is Saturday. But I haven’t retired yet!
Writer’s Life. Do you know how hard it is to focus on a writing project when “every day is Saturday”?
Yet, the first eight weeks of Dan’s retirement, that is exactly what I needed to do. Why? I had a deadline to meet to turn in my first book manuscript.
Yes, I am a late bloomer. Just when my ‘baby boomer” decides to wind up his career, I’m stepping into a new role as a book author.
How on earth can I do that? Good question. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.
In fact, I can’t wait to tell you all about my debut nonfiction book, Words That Change Everything, scheduled for release in Spring 2016. But I’ll save that news flash for later. But considerer yourself warned—I’ve waited a LONG time for this moment.
First Lesson. Back to Dan’s retirement—I know what you’re thinking, “What a great time for a writer to sit down and write her memoirs!”
NOT! Remember, EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY!
I’m hoping this first lesson from the gray zone will help you understand a little bit more about this new season of my life. I never expected some of the blessings I’ve discovered with my husband’s retirement.
In fact, when one of my Texas friends found out Dan retired, she said, “Bless your heart!”
Now, if you’re from the South like me, you know what she meant. And I don’t think it was about counting my blessings.
So, I’m glad Dan didn’t hear her. He’s a native Texan, too.
I do plan to write more about the tribulations and celebrations of retirement—or my lessons from the gray zone. But at this point, I’m not making a lot of commitments. Remember–EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY. Right?
Hope to see you again next week—”If the good Lord’s willing and the (saints) don’t rise”!
GrayZone Q & A: Do YOU have any helpful tips or warnings about retirement? Bring ’em on!
I can so relate to your post! Marvin just retired end of November and he often says, tongue in cheek, “what’s a weekend?” because…exactly as you said – Everyday is Saturday! We are enjoying the relaxed schedule so much! I am sleeping better since he doesn’t have to get up at 4:40am and also since we don’t have to go to bed at 9:30. I am learning golf and we are doing some of that together. We plan a few trips this year as well, although we haven’t yet just done anything on the spur of the moment…but we hope to soon!
Thanks for sharing! I am always curious to see how others are adjusting to this new adventure in life. There is definitely adjusting to be done in getting used to another person around the house, etc, but we’ve been married almost 42 yrs and enjoy being together, so it hasn’t been too difficult thus far. We are also learning to be considerate of each other and give each other “space”. …and to choose our battles! Not everything needs to be addressed. So many little things can just be ignored. And it helps so much to be grateful to one another and to voice that – often! 🙂
So true! Gratitude is something we all need to hear and voice to each other. Blessings on your retirement!
You guys are an inspiration!
And I luv the matching outfits! 😊
Tara made us all dress alike that day for a family photo. Thanks, Janet!
This is a cute post. I love The Gray Zone! There are lots of adjustments, but it can be fun. I’m eager to hear more about your book.
Thanks for your comment, Dorothy! Yes, I’m adjusting to the Gray Zone. And I’m excited to tell you more about my book, too. Blessings!