<p>“Also keeping the land line. We have too many power outages to get rid of that.”</p>
<p>I’ve got a funny story about that. Land Line phones use battery back up in case main power goes out. Last year we had two power outages of several days. Turns out the phone company around here doesn’t test its back up battery system any more. A couple hours after the power went out, so did the land line phones.</p>
<p>And if the back up power is working, only hardwired phones continue to work. If you have one of those fancy multiple handset wireless set ups with a base-unit that plugs into an electrical outlet, sorry. So keep one of those old phones around … in case.</p>
<p>Wait I forgot the best one: Got my mom’s assisted living residence to set her up weekly so we can SKYPE with each other from 500 miles away. She’s 84. She likes it better than the phone because now she can tell me to adjust my hair.</p>
<p>Oh! Oh! I got one! <shaking hand="" wildly="" in="" air=""> <em>Did</em> find out from a friend how to list books on Amazon and sold several of those (mostly old textbooks–I was a little dismayed at what excellent condition most of them were in). Also pulled all of my old work clothes out of the closet to <eventually> sell on eBay. (There are some emotions to work through first. They’re from a time in my life when I (1) actually wore heels and stockings to work every day, (2) was a chunk thinner, and (3) wore really nice clothes. I am sad to say good-bye to that part of my life. And my excuse is I can’t even think about it til school starts and the house settles down.) (And no–cannot bear to even <em>think</em> about selling all the lovely shoes I used to wear.)</eventually></shaking></p>
<p>We have THREE hard wired cord attached phones! Of course, until we find the flash lights, we’re looking for our phones with our smart phones flashlight app. ;)</p>
<p>Here’s something I did - I learned how to use my smart phone. According to my techy son, most smart phones owners don’t know half of the features on the phone.</p>
<p>I would like to learn how to sell things on Craigslist. We moved out of a large house into 1/3 of size apartment. Anyone looking for a well made modern black sofa?</p>
<p>chucked the job. donated the suits and ties. Dug up the lawn and side yard and grow food. Set up green house. Wrote another book. Planning trips to Africa and India (again). Raising money as best I can. </p>
<p>Made gravlax for the first time last week. Getting my first smartphone (will make me feel even dumber!)</p>
<p>I am thinking of retiring when H does. He’s encouraging it–will see how things go. Like my land land and my paper newspaper, so plan on keeping both. Our house is small enough that it was fine for the four of us and will be fine for just two of us. Sort of kidding with D that we may buy or rent a place in LA so we can see her cinema openings after she finishes school next spring. May also go on extended visits to DC area & see S en route to Europe. So many options!</p>
<p>Now that the kids are basically done with school, we’ve been doing tons of deferred maintenance to the house, it will likely continue for another year or two, it’s very satisfying. When done we will decide whether to move or not.</p>
<p>H retired, he’s still figuring it all out. My business partner died last October, finally decided to continue on my own. Just completed my first solo foray and was successful!</p>
<p>We are sharing one car, seems to be working well.</p>
<p>Only get the Sunday paper.</p>
<p>Have been doing tremendous clothes weeding. As soon as I can get the kids stuff gone/maintained, I will rethink my belongings. My business, by nature, brings lots of items into the house. I need to find a way to filter.</p>
<p>hmmm… many many big changes in the past 5 years, not so many just in this last year. I have finally - after 5 years - been willing to refer to myself as… (gulp) “retired”, signed up for golf lessons and gave up caffeinated coffee.</p>
<p>My H is still bringing things into the house, mostly via antique malls and eBay. LOTS of figurines…can’t stand them. I would love to thin out our possessions.</p>
<p>Just paying tuition, nothing new and hoping that it will continue the same for the next 3 years. After that I still hope that we are not kicked from our jobs. I do not like to be connected, so all these electronic devices and technology innovations are not for me. I have my cell in my car and it is turned off and nobody knows the number including me. I love to drive German cars and hopefully will continue the same (afford?). I love to go on vacation to the same place every year and again hopefully will be able to continue. I really do not wish any changes, except for my kid to graduate and find a nice place after. The same hope is for success of my grandkids. No changes for me, please, praying for it every single day.</p>
<p>Age 65,
Retired into a brand new job! Learning new skills!
Moved into a part of the country that I have never visited in my life.
No television, no landline, terrific libraries…
Working on a story that I have been working on for some years…
Want to take up horseback riding once again…(grew up horsey)
Want to ride in a carriage, lots of them around here…
I am five years out from cancer and still kicking, by luck of the draw…
I am thinning out everything but my ideas!</p>
<p>H and I are taking a couples only vacation that does not include visiting family members! Def does not include visiting the hospital or nursing home. </p>
<p>Kid wondered why we didn’t take them when they were younger. Umm, maybe because we couldn’t afford it then. Last vacation that didn’t include visiting or including family members was I think our honeymoon.</p>
<p>Now if I just can muster up the courage to learn to scuba dive…</p>
<p>Got the colonoscopy, also. IF YOU ARE 50 OR OLDER AND HAVEN’T DONE IT, SCHEDULE IT NOW!! I have no family history of polyps or any type of cancer, but the doctor removed a large polyp in my right colon - the size and location are definitely worrisome. The polyp was benign, but they will keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t grow back. I am very thankful it was discovered now - it is possible that the test saved my life.</p>
<p>Started getting my nails done.</p>
<p>Went whitewater rafting.</p>
<p>Went to a cordless phone with a different carrier - much cheaper, but the connection is not as clear as the regular phone.</p>
<p>Went on a cruise - what fun!</p>
<p>deb - you should try scuba! The hardest part is jumping out of the boat and dealing with the big waves if it’s not a calm day. Once you’re below the surface, it’s a piece of cake.</p>
<p>Renovated our home of 23 years…then sold it.
Purged a LOT of stuff we never used
Moved to a rental in preparation for moving to future retirement home
Dropped phone land line and newspaper
Bought a hybrid car
Gave up eating red meatand other unhealthy stuff
Started running
Lost weight
Bought the majority of my new size clothes at Goodwill
Went Zip lining
MADE FINAL TUITION PAYMENT</p>
My success was that I brought a whole box of books to our Goodwill – about 40 kids books. There are about 20 more boxes in our garage, but it was painful nonetheless. The idea of trying to do that slowly by selling them on eBay would be even more painful.</p>
<p>Down to two cars. One was in an accident and we decided to not replace it.</p>
<p>Talking to a recruiter next week about a job change. I’m thinking part time may suit me best.</p>
May also go on extended visits to DC area & see S en route to Europe. So many options!</p>