Finding the New Normal

As of  last Thursday Bob is retired!  Now it's not only in sight, it's here and now we have to find our new normal.  I think it's going to take some adjustments.  I'm used to my space . . . the house . . . and now I need to share it Monday thru Friday.  I'm used to my routine . . . alone . . . and now we need to consider each other.  Bob's used to going to work . . . and now he has time on his hands.  We've got a lot to adjust to . . . and it's going to take some time.

Retirement kicked off with a very pleasant gathering of work colleagues and friends.  It was the perfect "party" for Bob; he's a quiet, laid back guy.  I loved hearing the accolades but I know he was slightly embarrassed by the attention. 

Retirement party 04/30/15

Our first few days of retirement have been not at all what we expected, or what I expected anyway!  My romantic image of retirement would have us lolly gagging around the house with quality conversation over coffee and planning what we were going to do and where we would go for the rest of our life.  But the practical side of life won out and there were errands and chores to do!

One of the biggest concerns about retirement is finances, and part of that is Medicare and medical insurance.  We had been advised by Medicare that our premiums would be adjusted by about + 60% because of our pre-retirement income.  The SSA told us to come by with an employer separation letter showing our income would actually be going down (hello, no paychecks!) and we might qualify for the standard Medicare premiums.  That was our first errand of day one of retirement, followed by stopping by our medical clinics to leave copies of our Medicare benefits cards and our supplemental health insurance.

Also, I had received a letter from SSA stating I was inelgible for SSI benefits . . . I never applied for SSI benefits so that needed straightened out.  The officer told me "oh, just trash that letter . . . everyone gets that letter and it's just routine."  Then, maybe it shouldn't be issued at all unless someone actually applies for SSI?

Now, let the fun begin!  Our family gave Bob fly fishing gear for retirement.  Naturally there was more to buy so we made a trip over to Yakima for lunch and a Cabela's shopping trip.  I think he's ready for his new hobby! 

My backyard fisherman!

Bob enjoys many activities so I imagine he will soon fill his time with golf, watercolors, gardening, hiking and fly fishing!  He's already signed up for community ed classes on composting, photography, and building houses.  Now he has the time to participate in his favorite hobbies and not just wonder what it will be like when he retires.  He is retired!


As for my adjustment to Bob being retired . . . it's something I've wanted and encouraged for a long time.  But it's going to take some time to adjust to the new normal.  Errands and chores still need to be completed.  But this morning we found time for a walk in the park followed by sharing coffee and conversation at one of my favorite espresso shops.   

Bob's recent blog post mentioned our upcoming road trip.  It's required a lot of planning and it's nearly time to hit the road.  Stay tuned for further insight into our retirement as we try to find the new normal.