So this is what it means to relax.
After spending my entire adult life watching the clock, counting the days, trying to beat deadlines, knowing that I have a finite amount of time to complete each task - I am beginning to realize that my life is finally my own.
I've been planning projects around the house for years. But each time I have a few days off of work, I'm rushing around in an effort to achieve everything I've planned to do and not getting it all done. Now that I don't have deadlines, I'm finding that I'm getting more done.
I love this!
Showing posts with label retirement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retirement. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Day One
I hate to call it "retirement," because I'm simply too young. However, the opportunity presented itself, and I eagerly took the leap.
I've got a lot of work to do to get my health back in order. My first step in this was to make an appointment with a surgeon to remove my malfunctioning gall bladder. For that, I'll have to wait until the end of July. So in the meantime...
A special diet is in order. One that is very rich in iron to boost my severely low levels, and very low in fat to quiet my gall bladder. Now, I don't cook. It's not that I can't cook - I just didn't have the energy at the end of the work day. I still don't have the energy. After a morning walk in the park with my husband and dogs, I barely was able to eat lunch before falling asleep. I woke feeling even weaker, but determined to cook a dinner that might make tomorrow a better day. I'm so glad I did! I had found a recipe for Beet and Spinach Soup that I love and have to share!
1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 large carrot, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 celery ribs, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
6 cloves garlic, minced (I skipped this - I just don't like garlic)
1 large beet, shredded (about a cup)
4 cups fresh, chopped spinach or 1 cup frozen spinach
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon dried dill
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper
plain yogurt for garnish, option
In a large pot over medium heat, saute the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in 1 tablespoon of water. Cook until the onions and garlic are translucent. Add beet, spinach, broth, dill vinegar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer 10 - 14 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
I'll be sitting down to my harp later this evening. I'm looking forward to ending "Day One" with some gentle music before bedtime.
I've got a lot of work to do to get my health back in order. My first step in this was to make an appointment with a surgeon to remove my malfunctioning gall bladder. For that, I'll have to wait until the end of July. So in the meantime...
A special diet is in order. One that is very rich in iron to boost my severely low levels, and very low in fat to quiet my gall bladder. Now, I don't cook. It's not that I can't cook - I just didn't have the energy at the end of the work day. I still don't have the energy. After a morning walk in the park with my husband and dogs, I barely was able to eat lunch before falling asleep. I woke feeling even weaker, but determined to cook a dinner that might make tomorrow a better day. I'm so glad I did! I had found a recipe for Beet and Spinach Soup that I love and have to share!
1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 large carrot, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 celery ribs, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
6 cloves garlic, minced (I skipped this - I just don't like garlic)
1 large beet, shredded (about a cup)
4 cups fresh, chopped spinach or 1 cup frozen spinach
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon dried dill
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper
plain yogurt for garnish, option
In a large pot over medium heat, saute the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in 1 tablespoon of water. Cook until the onions and garlic are translucent. Add beet, spinach, broth, dill vinegar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer 10 - 14 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
I'll be sitting down to my harp later this evening. I'm looking forward to ending "Day One" with some gentle music before bedtime.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A Gentle Life
Today I have officially announced my retirement from a job I've held for 26 years. It's been a stressful 26 years, and full of changes as of late. While it was allowed me to expand upon my creativity and provided me with a good wage, pension and benefits, it has left me feeling battered and beaten. I am currently experiencing some health issues, no doubt due to the stress that has been building over the past three years.
As I heal mentally and physically in the coming weeks, I will be spending much more time with my harp. I am eagerly looking forward to feeling well enough to garden, cook and exercise, instead of rushing though my day and coming home to exhaustion, fast food and the recliner.
Only two weeks to go before I begin a gentler, simpler life. One filled with the creation of music, good food, good friends, and a comfortable home for myself, my husband, and my dogs.
I think I've earned it.
As I heal mentally and physically in the coming weeks, I will be spending much more time with my harp. I am eagerly looking forward to feeling well enough to garden, cook and exercise, instead of rushing though my day and coming home to exhaustion, fast food and the recliner.
Only two weeks to go before I begin a gentler, simpler life. One filled with the creation of music, good food, good friends, and a comfortable home for myself, my husband, and my dogs.
I think I've earned it.
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