Benefits of Retirement

Me and the newest addition to the family

I am still trying to decide if this retirement thing is permanent. I am receiving social security but it feels weird to say I am retired. But I haven't quite accepted it as being permanent.  

I attended a funeral for a former coworker. He wasn't feeling well at work and went home and passed in his sleep. At the funeral, my other coworkers commented that I looked 10 years younger. I was very happy to tell them that I am good. I am really happy. There are times that I suddenly realize that I really am happy. It's kind of weird to realize something like that.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my job. It was rewarding. But it was also stressful and I was not going to progress. I firmly believe if you aren't growing (progressing) you are dying. I was dying in that job.  Both figuratively and literally. 

I had a few doctor appointments. After suffering with uncontrolled asthma for the past 10 years, I have not needed my rescue inhaler since I left work on February 20th. That's 4 months! I was using it almost daily and often more than not more than once a day. I also was getting Bronchitis around 3 times a year. My pulmonologist was thrilled when I told her I had quit my job. She was even more thrilled, 3 months later when I still had not needed the rescue inhaler. We are in the process of reducing my asthma medicine. 

Then after years of being anemic, my latest blood work is showing me as being iron toxic. It is almost surreal to have that reversal. On top of that my blood pressure is tending to be on the low side of normal, whereas it was on the high side of normal for the past 10 years. 

My diabetes is also well controlled and that medicine has been reduced as well. 

I am more active and watching my grand kids this summer is keeping me busy. Plus I have been doing more traveling as well as making time to attend the temple. 

Add to that we have a garden, I am helping take care of. I am outside more getting much needed sunshine. I am cooking more and using what we have and what we are growing. It is very rewarding and empowering. I am rediscovering the joy of cooking.

I have made jam and syrup from our berries. We made cider and vinegar from our apples. We have been sharing our excess venison making room in the freezers for the upcoming hunting season. Life has been very rewarding.

The only downside has been the extremely slow progress on the house. I am wondering if I will ever get the house in shape. But I have made some minor progress. Just wishing I was making more progress. All in good time though.