Now What?

It's been 2 months since I took a VRO package from my company and retired.  Those two months have been pretty good overall.  Let me tell you what I've been up to.

I took the first two weeks "off" and just relaxed and read a lot.  But then, I decided to get into gear and do something productive.  As part of the package, I got 3 months access to Lee Hecht Harrison - an outplacement company.  They help you move on to the next phase of your life, whether it is finding a job or starting a business or just retiring.

Part of the package with them was 3 months of access to Skill Soft ~ an e-learning portal with access to over 3000 classes on a variety of business and technical courses.  I LOVE IT!  I decided to try to take some classes every day and did really great up until about 2 weeks ago when I started slowing down.  (Ok - I do have an excuse - my Mother-In-Law was visiting and I didn't want to seclude myself in my room and ignore her.)  But as I only have about 3 weeks left, I need to get moving because there's a lot more to learn.

I also attended a bunch of live webinars from LHH - great sources for those looking for another job.  They help with your Position Statement, your Accomplishment statements, your resume, and a lot more.  You also get your own counselor - mine has been great.  I've decided to complete my resume even though I don't plan on working any time in the near future.  If you get the help, you might as well take the opportunity.

I've decided to become a little craft crazy too.  Finally finished an afghan I started a year ago.  Now I'm working on a knitted shawl - knitting is definitely not my strong point but I'm trying.  I also took a quilting class and am going to start that.  Between the classes, the crafts, and reading, I stay pretty busy.  (yeh, yeh, I do manage a short nap most afternoons, too.  But we don't tell anyone about those.)

I do manage to get out of the house several times a week - just to keep my sanity.  Starbucks and I have become very good friends - at least once or twice a week, I go to one of the 3 Starbucks near me, grab my Chai Tea and sit and read for awhile.  Somehow a scone usually manages to show up too.  Hmmm, I wonder how that happens.  I've been to lunch with a few of my friends but not as often as I would like.  The drive is a killer but I need to make time for that.

Next on my agenda - is to get serious about the weight loss.  So far, I've sucked.  and I feel like @#$@#$ because of it.  Losing weight would get rid of so many of my health problems - and get me closer to my knee replacement which gets me closer to Alaska.  You'd think that would be motivation enough but it may take a jump start by joining Med-Weight Loss again.  Have to think that one through.  I'll keep you updated!

Retirement for Me!