Debbie’s Retirement Life: Day 1: 12/23/22

This is my first blog post about my retirement, which starts today. I’ll be posting updates weekly for a while and then probably on a monthly basis. Yesterday was my last day working full time as a librarian at the Hicksville Public Library. There was a party for me at 3 pm, the usual afternoon break time. My co-workers and two retirees, my previous director and fellow librarian, gathered downstairs in our Community Room that was decorated with balloons and a poster to celebrate my last day. There was also my favorite Black Forest cake, delicious pastries, a card signed by everyone, and several thoughtful gifts.

One question asked at my party was what I was going to do tomorrow. I said that I would wrap Christmas gifts, and I intend to do that. But the real question is, what am I going to do now that I’m retired? I already agreed to do some substitute work for the library as needed and have registered for several virtual library exercise programs. Here is the list I’ve composed of some things I hope to do now that I have the time. These are not necessarily in priority order:

1. Take virtual library classes and programs and also in-person classes. (I’ve already registered for some and hope to attend the in-person book club in January)
2. Take writing courses and attend webinars (I’m receiving a Christmas gift of a Writer’s Digest University online course about landing a book deal).
3. Declutter my house to prepare for my family’s move out of state (I’ve already started this, but I’ll be doing it on a more regular basis. My desk area needs to be cleared asap).
4. Update website and social media (It’s hard to keep these current when you work full time).
5. Go through starred Email (I have a habit of starring email and never getting back to reading/dealing with it)
6. Start Buttercup Bend #3 and plan my future writing (I have an ongoing list of writing projects).
7. Make a household schedule (Now that I’m home, I’ll be able to do chores at more convenient times).
8. Read (I have a huge digital TBR list on my Kindle app)
9. Volunteer at church (I’ve been letting this slide for a long time, and I want to be more involved)
10. Research ways to save and earn extra money. (This is important when you’re on a fixed income).
11. Spend more time with friends (although I’m leaving, it won’t be for a while. I already have a lunch planned with some friends next week).
12. Spend more time with my family, including my cats (This should be at the top of the list).

There are probably many other things I’ll find to do with my extra time, but I need time to relax and enjoy my retirement, too. It’s good to be busy, but it’s also good to take a break. I think I deserve one after 32 years of full-time work.

I look forward to sharing my retirement updates on this blog. If anyone reading this is retired and has some suggestions or experiences they’d like to share, please do.