coopah

All good ideas, but let me add that when you move to FL, there is a different mentality (at least in this FL town). The volunteer issue is huge! So prepare yourself. There is peer pressure no matter what age! Many, many places here depend on volunteers, and bless them for giving their time. Just be ready to be 'called upon' and have your answer ready.

maryfrang

I retired almost 15 years ago. I do not know when I found time to work. I have been really enjoying retirement and quilting too. My advise is don't do too much. That is don't commit yourself to too many things. Your time will be theirs not yours. I don't mean not to do any volunteering or things with family. Just pick and choose. And always remember to have time for you and your family. The best time is now. Enjoy

Hartllk

Join a gym, if you don't belong already, and go EVERY day that you possibly can. I was a member but didn't go regularly and ended up with sciatica. Quilting is fun but the repetitive motions involved can be really hard on your back and hips. After about six months of severe pain, I finally went to the doctor, got a good dose of steroids, some physical therapy and relief. While I was feeling good, I went back to the gym, signed up with a personal trainer, and got active and serious about exercise and diet. It's been a year. . . I look and feel so much better and can enjoy my sewing much more than before.

It doesn't have to be a gym, but some physical activity every day is very helpful.

Enjoy your retirement. I retired a couple of years ago from the Corporate rat race and I've never looked back!

Dodee

I retired many years ago and we moved - not close to any relatives. We're "scattered" all over USA and in the event of a death, it's a long way back. Sorry, but I enjoyed family quite a bit and we do correspond by internet e-mail, but it just isn't the same. I saw a letter to Dear Abby(?) years ago where they had moved to her husband's retirement dream area and when he died - she was "stuck" there. She joined church, etc. to meet people, but they were pretty much family oriented and she hadn't made any close friends. Just a thought - don't move too far from relatives; it makes travel time very difficult.
Dodee

AZ Jane

After you are settled, make yourself get out. I would be a hermit if I could LOL. I volunteer at least one day a week and thinking about adding another. You could say, I am NOT a joiner.

solstice3

I finished my DROP (FL deferred retirement option) the end of February. Hated leaving the kids in mid year BUT other than that glad to get out!! I haven't had a moment to spare. I finished several UFO's, painted 2 rooms and a hallway, cleared out a bunch of clutter, cleaned and organized. THEN ... spent 24 hours in the hospital to be blessed with my first grandchild!! Helping out with the little guy and planning out the projects I need to get ready for traveling in May and June. I never believed it until now that you will be wondering how you ever found time for work! ENJOY!!!! When things settle down in the fall, I want to join a quilting guild or some other form of learning / socializing group

ladydukes

Congrats on your upcoming retirement! It is the BEST "job" I ever had!! LOVE every minute of it. I'm still wondering how I had time to work! I'm involved with some volunteering for the American Legion, busy with Newcomers Club, and of course my quilting! Have fun with whatever you decide to to, and ENJOY life!

NoraB

I gave myself 1 year before starting to commit to volunteering. So, that's my suggestion.....do what feels right for a year (travel, sleep late, pj's all day, read a book, etc.)......then start figuring out what feels good to do and what you'd like to commit to. But, first year, when folks ask for your help, just tell them you are taking a year off from all commitments before deciding. Then, after the year is up...you can decide!

madamekelly

Psycologists say the biggest hazard to retirees is interuption of their circadian rythms. You have spent a lifetime getting up, and being gone early in the morning. Now you don't HAVE to, but if you change your sleep schedule, you can end up tired, low energy, and possibly depressed by this. DH was a workaholic, his job was his hobby. Now he is retired and becaue he did this to himself, he has had some problems getting back to a normal sleep schedule. At first most people keep the same schedule, but as time passes, and you begin to really enjoy running your own ship as it were, that you begin to stay up later, because you don't need to get up early anymore, and it is a bad slippery slope . Be good to you, and go find out what you have been missing while you were being responsible! Blessings.

Also- beware of the phrase "since you aren't working..." Nothing comes at the end of that sentence except hassle! Ask me how I know....lol!

JanieH

I am also a retired teacher. Congratulations on your retirement and want to thank you for all you did for the children!

We are used to as teachers to "gearing up" at the end of summer in preparation of the start of school. A wise retired teacher advised me to plan something specific for this time of the year - a special vacation, a project, etc., that will involve you and change your focus from getting ready to go back to school. It sounds like you may already have that in hand with your move to Florida.

Be aware of conversations, especially on the phone, that start with "since you're retired now...." People are very willing to help you with filling the many hours of your retirement. Be cautious of taking on too much too soon. Have a set response ready, especially if they ask you if you are busy on a certain day/time without first telling you why they want to know. My favorite is "I have tentative plans; what do you need and I will let you know if I can change them." That way I find out what they want. I tell them I will call back as soon as I can and let them know "yes" or "no". If it is something major (help with a doctor's appointment, etc.) or something that I am sure I can do or handle, I can accept. If not, I can decline graciously. Remember, your tentative plans may be to sew, take a nap, or read. You don't have to tell them what you are going to be doing.

When YOU are ready, consider volunteer work. It might be at a school. I found it hard to work in a school because I no longer had the authority of a teacher - that was just me. Many of my friends do volunteer in schools and enjoy it. Guess I am too much a control person. I did help, though, several years selling tickets for and working at the school carnival at my great niece's elementary school. It was very "unteachery-like"!

I had an opportunity to join a volunteer committee for the city at the Houston Police Department and have since served on several committees for them. I enjoy the interaction with adults and the feeling of giving back to the city. Several of my friends have volunteered at hospitals, nursing homes, charity thrift stores, zoo, museums, etc. Check with your city's website; they frequently post committees, boards, and events that they need volunteers for. Again, when YOU are ready, you will find what interests you.

Best of all, have fun and enjoy your life and your husband! You have earned it!