@CountingDown that’s the kicker…no time to DO them.
I wlll take a gap month or two. Aside from 3 months after having babies, 3 or more decades ago, I had a month, once, for a broken finger with pins, which kept me from working. I couldn’t wash dishes either, but I cross country skiied, had time with friends and enjoyed the heck out of those work free weeks. Not that I work full time, but my job is physically and mentally exhausting and takes a great deal of energy. Cypresspat, love your idea.
I’m having a gap retirement. I guess it really started when my job ended after 10 years and DS had just moved away for a new job out of college. DH was consulting and doing some traveling. But it wasn’t a gap so much as an empty rut. I spent five years working towards our big move and now my life can be as involved or as lazy as I choose. We found a great group of friends and have a lively social life. Our back yard is like a resort, with the pool and all the trimmings. Unfortunately a downside is that my feet developed arthritis but I’m trying hard not to let that limit me.
I really didn’t feel free, however, until DS landed a great job that he enjoys in a city that he embraces.
The other downside is that DH does not want to travel any more, but I’m slowly working my way into perhaps traveling with girlfriends instead. I love it here but did not mean to never leave!
I went from working full time to caregiving for my mom with dementia in my home full time. I’ve taken some respite days but could use a month or two or year to regain my life outside of my home.
@cypresspat, the relief of my gap year would to get out from under all the crushing “need to do” things on my list! It stresses me out and reinforces my procrastination.
@Great lakes mom Well that sounds like a unique ‘problem,’. … injured just enough to not be able to work or do dishes, but not to prevent your favorite exercises and such. I bet that was mentally very healthy for you…forced disengagement yet no major downside. You can be on the villa leadership Proper Disengagement Team.
@Marilyn Sounds to me like you need our villa, too, since your husband doesn’t like to travel much. We will get one with a pool, I promise. Traveling the world is one of life’s greatest gifts. For work I had to travel all over. I ventured deep into countries, alone, often to places where I didn’t speak a word of the language. Loved every minute of it (could have lived without the attitude of United Airlines employees), and it made me a better person. Find a way to travel without your husband, if you can. My MIL cared for her disabled husband for 10 years, unable to travel. Within months of his passing, she entered a long term relationship with another chronically ill man who also hated to travel. Ten years later, he passed and she was too old and frail to venture out. So, get on those planes and see the world!
@psychmomma Hugs. There is a special place in heaven, and in our villa, for you. I do know, but can never fully understand, how you feel. I hope you can find some respite. The room with he best view and prettiest en suite is for you.
@CountingDown I hear ya. The do-to list never gets to ‘done.’ All time is allocated to some required task. No discretionary activities. I get it. It sucks.
I’d love to take one! I have planned for a few, told myself I was going to do X instead of my normal work/life, but somehow something has always come up. Not bad, mind you, just a distraction from the gap year.