I am now 17 days into my new career so I am getting some insight into the opportunities and challenges that come with retirement. I do miss my friends and customers at the bank but I got some very good advice from them before I retired. I will focus on the obvious first-don’t make significant decisions or time commitments for for at least ninety days. A few days after my farewell event the Governor of the great state of Idaho advised me that, after a thorough review by the Senate, I had been appointed to the Idaho Energy Resource Authority. So much for that no decision idea. It is an honor to serve our State and I look forward to the important work the IERA is designed to accomplish.
With the encouragement of my spouse I scheduled two ski trips to occupy my early retirement schedule. Not once in two weeks did my thoughts turn to looking at e mail or voice mail from work. I had not experienced that freedom in the previous 40 years-it is something to look forward to as you near the end of your daily work life.
Next week I plan to talk about my Canadian ski experience at Revelstoke and Mustang Powder. I met an incredible group of people in the north country and felt a bit guilty about the great exchange rate I enjoyed. I always recommend a trip to Canada for the scenery, wine country, snow and exceptional hospitality.
A good friend suggested retirement could be a chance to reinvent yourself — a blank slate that allows you to start fresh. I think its great advice so I started a few months before my final day with a personal trainer. Weight lifting at sixty has been very beneficial. While I always thought my walking and yoga routines kept me in good shape moving it up a notch was a great idea. There is some pain involved as you find muscles you forgot you had but progress is fast and invigorating. My daughters made this possible with a Christmas gift and continue to let me join their early morning routine three times a week. The combination of stress reduction and pushing myself has delivered unexpected results — lower blood pressure and more restful sleep.
This week I also found another very good use of my time. I spent an hour and a half having breakfast with Hank, my two year old grandson. I was supposed to have him at day care at 8:30 — we made it by 10. At gymnastics on Wednesday, Hank learned to hang from the rings and that if Boompa lets him fall from the parallel bars it is a bit scary! Any time focused on Hank is time well spent.
My friends at A20 fitness have provided excellent facilities and training – Sara is great. On the walls are some thoughts to keep us motivated. I share this one:
Risk–more than others think is safe
Care–more than others think is wise
Dream–more than others think is practical
Expect–more than others think is possible ……..cadet maxim
Have a great weekend. Mike