Life of Luxury
Dictionary.com defines luxury as:
A material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity.Given that definition, retirement and our way of life is the life of luxury to me.
I worked hard all my life in a career that chose me, not of my own choosing. I mean who would choose to be a property manager? I had some good times, but for the most part managing staff and sometimes crazy apartment and office tenants was managing problems every single day. I know I am lucky now to be retired, in a wonderful place, with Paul, and I don't take it for granted.
So here are some of my luxuries:
I can read any time I want. Not just ten minutes before bed. Not just the newspaper. I read a lot, at least a couple of books a week. Sunny days. Rainy days. Anytime. I never feel lazy, I just read. Quite a luxury.
I can eat when I'm hungry. No rushing a piece of toast on my way out the door. No business lunches with people I don't really care for. No "lunch hour." I can eat when I want!
I can knit when I feel like it. Getting a theme going here, I think. Knitting was a winter pursuit, and I had so little time to do it I'd put it down and then stitches would get pulled out or I would lose the pattern or something so it would be ruined. Once I left a couple of wool arms to a sweater in my knitting basket for so long that there was a moth hole in one! Right now I'm working on a tank sweater for myself and I am planning a curtain for the little window in the bathroom and a baby blanket.
Guadalupe mops the floors. This is a real luxury. Twice a week Guadalupe comes and mops the floors, dusts, and cleans the bathrooms. What a treat. I still vacuum intermittently, do laundry, wash the ceiling fans and windows, and keep things picked up. But having the floors and bathrooms taken care of on a regular basis is wonderful.
I have a number of writing projects that I am just starting to think about that I will be working on once I get my thoughts more arranged. I've learned how to nap. I stay up late. I think I'm going to buy a sewing machine and make some clothes and things for the house. Luxuries, all.
While I feel luxuriously commitment free, Paul has been working for the last few days for his former employer in the US. The person they had hired to replace him has quit, so he is filling in (up to the Social Security allowed amount) for the next month or so. So while he is cranking away at the computer I fix him snacks in between spurts of knitting or reading or dog walking or whatever. I'm a tiny bit envious of the work he has but not enough to scare something up for myself.
I'm grateful for this great life and I know how lucky I am to have it.
10 comments:
I was just sitting here trying to put together a budget for Mexico -- just to verify I will have enough to enjoy the luxury you describe. I will. The only complication is the house. I had hoped to sell it before I headed south. But all of that will work out. As you have proven, I just need a plan.
The knitting on the needles in the top photo looks interesting, what a pretty pattern and colour choice. I can totally relate to your post, with some minor differences. Yup, we are living the good life!
regards,
Theresa
You are indeed lucky, but after all the work you put into that house last year you deserve a break.
Check out this blogger, who's a knitting fiend:
http://www.sailingknitter.blogspot.com/
I met her in La Cruz anchorage. You might want to get acquainted when she cruises your way again.
All I can say is Amen! Lots of people here in San Miguel become involved in many things so that they are rushing here and rushing there. No, not for me. Not that I'm not busy but it is of my choosing. And yes, I'm very, very grateful for this time.
Ain't it great? lol Love this life.
Steve, Ha! I didn't know you were a knitter!
Theresa, I have felt we were kindred spirits, although you certainly have me trumped with the puppets. The knitting at the top of my post is the tank top I'm working on, had to rip it out once but I'm on a roll now. If only I didn't have to wear bifocals, my eyes get tired sometimes with the close work.
Bliss,
Thanks for the tip on your friend, I loved her blog. Made me feel lazy! She does so much....but I am trying not to judge myself based on other people....
Billie,
You are always having a good time following your interests, a real inspiration to me.
Brenda,
It's great to have a good life...and also to know that you do!
Cheers,
N.
We Mexico escapees are indeed a lucky lot. As we say around our house - everyday is Saturday and every night is Saturday Night '=_
I SO relate to your blogs! I'm SO grateful for the free time to do or NOT do whatever I want! AND, a luxurious siesta to me is a GIFT!
I didn't know you knit! We should (and could!) probably talk for hours on that subject! The YarnHarlot just finished the same top you are working on. I think she used a linen blend. Go check it out at www.yarnharlot.ca.blog/archives/2008_08.html
Juan, I love that quotation! Thanks!
Babs, I was a little worried about retirement, but no need to worry, I have lots of interests and now I have the time to pursue them. SOunds like you do, too.
Wayne, YOU KNIT? Tell all! I want to know everything! And thanks for the link, the sweater is similar but mine has the shell edging on the bottom. It's so hard to find yarn here, I had to buy mine up north. Dish it, dude.
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