Retirement Activities

I am always bewildered by friends who say they don't want to retire because they're not sure what they'd do.  Seriously?   I can't wait to retire so I can get to all the things I want to do.  A lot of is about self-expression, which work has never satisfied.  In fact, work and the obligations that others require of me has been a ball and chain my entire adult life; sapping my time and passion.  More recently I've even wondered why, at this stage in my life, I even continue to do it.  So, herewith, are some of the things I expect to occupy and even overwhelm my time when I'm rid of employment.

Read.   Really, all I ever really need in life is a good book.  And I have no shortage of thousands that I'd like to read.  I even count on revisiting some of the philosophy books I read years ago because that gave me such inspiration -- and to write about those insights.  So…. 

Write.  On those large philosophical topics; but also social commentary on politics, etc.  And I've had several novels in  mind I'd like to attempt.  Perhaps most importantly, I'd like to compose a multi-media autobiographical piece pulling together all the material I've collected over the years.

Genealogy.  Part of the last item.  I've already started, but want to complete a family tree that would be passed down to the kids. 

Music.   Playing drums.  Learning more but also recording, experimenting and getting knowledgeable in the computer recording.  Maybe even combining other types of percussion. 

Photography.   Something I've always been interested in, but have never had time to pursue.  Another form of self-expression. Taking the time to understand the principles and editing to compose and refine. 

Video Editing.  Like photography, I've never been able to seriously pursue, but would like to understand how to do with computer programs and compose whole pieces.  And the ultimate dream is to combine my music and video into complete self-made expressions.

Gardening.  Another form of self-expression.  It's a bit like painting a picture and I get great satisfaction from successfully putting together a landscape piece.

Classes.  In each of these - and in many other topics - take classes at local schools or groups that will help me understand and do better and more informed creation.

Activities……

Exercise.   Going to the gym, bike rides, hiking in the woods or simple walks. 

Kayaking.  Martha and I both love finding rivers and lakes to paddle. 

Skiing.  When there's snow (!) - and going to places where it is.

Golf.  Not an obsession as it is with others; but I'd like to a couple/few times a month. 

Travel.  We want to hit the road and see the world.  I'd like to visit more historical sites and see natural wonders.   Taking an RV, simple drives, long overseas journeys. 

Creative Projects - I've been collecting different crafts types of projects

Cooking - experimenting with different drink and food combinations.

Puttering.  Organization.   Indulge my lifelong obsession with getting everything just so; in organizational order. 

I can easily see organizing all these projects and activities into a schedule that would take up my time and be immensely satisfying.