My faith and my husband. When there are big changes/events/etc. both are what/who I turn to.

Why are you not designing your own kitchen? You have wonderful ideas/taste!

I'm (fully) retiring in 4 weeks and i'm the same age as your husband. My husband and I are really looking forward to it (he works for himself so hours/days can be flexible)!

Well, I’m not a kitchen designer. I’m working with the designer from the kitchen cabinet store just for the usual cabinet placement, etc. I pretty much know what I want but she’s the one who has to measure/order the cabinets. Thanks, Tina, and hope you enjoy your retirement!

I left on Memorial Day for a conference in Orlando, and I just got back last night. Days were very busy, and it was super hot, so I had no temptation to go to the theme parks. Had to attend sessions, committee meetings, and spend time with friends/colleagues.

This is on top of we had a rock festival weekend mid-May followed by the GW NYC GTG. I'm ready to relax a bit, but now DH and I are looking at travel.

I'm teaching online, and a new course starts tomorrow, and it's my birthday.

Lots to work on over the summer.

Wow - that is a lot to cram into a week. I don't know how you did it. I tend to deal with that kind of thing by trying not to schedule so much in such a short time. If I did my head probably would explode. Glad you got through it and have some R&R planned.

Happy Birthday tomorrow, gsciencechick!

Best wishes for all those going through changes in your family and especially big hugs for you!

When my DH retired the only thing I told him was that I was not his hobby. He wasn't joining my ladies trail running group nor was he going for coffee with me and my friends (which I actually don't do that often) The rest we've just made work.

Wow Sue....you do need a breather! Hope you enjoy the spa and the quiet.

DH retired in September and our saving grace is the loft. That's where he hangs out a lot...computer, TV, lounge chair....so we are not in each other's hair all the time. Plus he plays a lot of tennis and pickle ball while I do my own thing...house projects, lunch/dinner with friends, etc. So far so good.

Happy Birthday Gsciencechick!

It takes a good, down day or two at least for me to recover from a busy week like that. Indeed, you have had a busy, stressful week Sue. Enjoy your yoga retreat.

Happy Birthday gsiencechick!

Sue, never been to Kripalu but I think your plan sounds perfect. Hope you have a great time. And what a nice surprise for DH's party!

Meh, I think people know I am not a huge fan of retirement. DH and I have both been retired over 10 yrs now, which has been great in many ways but with only an 11th-grader now left at home, I/we need to figure out what next. Of course then I look at my calendar and I have too many vacations planned, summer in Maine, etc. Plus so much cookie training. Maybe September ...

Happy Birthday Gscience!

Maybe now is the time to find something to do that you love. A part time job? My story is a little different than yours, but when my youngest child went off to college, I found a great part-time job. It has been so fulfilling and I really look forward to going each time. It’s good to do something that makes your heart sing. (Plus, it will give you some much needed alone time during the retirement transition period.)

Enjoy the well-deserved spa weekend.

Congratulations! You deserve a relaxing yoga retreat after that.

The good news is that most of those events are one of a kind and you have a few more years before hosting DD's college graduation and then you'll have a brand new kitchen to utilize! Having lived through 3 gutted and renovated kitchens I offer you my complete sympathy - so many details and measurements to consider - but you have a great eye for design and color so I know it will be beautiful.

As for dealing with the major transitions in life - it's just one foot in front of the other and the support of good friends and/or family. It seems that as we get older life becomes more complicated - the problems are more significant and health becomes a factor. I am fortunate to have a wonderful group of girlfriends and often find ourselves commiserating with each other, offering support and sharing.

Enjoy your retreat and return home refreshed!

Maire

Whew! Why do things always bunch up like that? It seems like life events tend to happen in groups. Enjoy Kripalu...I've always wanted to try it. I think it sounds like the perfect antidote to the busyness of last week.

Yesssss! Friends are key. And laughs! We are so fortunate to have both.

I do work part time, and have for several years. But I work from home mostly, so now DH will be lurking around my office! Fortunately he has an entire finished basement that’s his man cave and I’ve joked that I’m going to install a lock on “my” side of the basement door...

Gscience, were you at the ACSM conference, by chance? A lot of the meetings were in my hotel, Rosen Centre.

My DH and I leave on our long awaited vacation on June 28. After this week I will need it! I have my normal work schedule (8-1/2 hours plus 1 hour 15-30 min commute). I also have rehearsals scheduled from 6pm - 11 pm Mon-Thursday and opening night of the show on Friday! Performances on Sat. & Sun. as well. More performances next week on Thurs - Sun (with 2 on Sat). I've prepped food and planned as best I can, but it's still going to be exhausting.

Donna

The whole idea of "self care" I used to find laughable, probably because I first heard of it from the 20-somethings. Not that they don't need it, but I used to think, "Yeah... just wait..." I'm going through some life transitions now, and the airlines have it right--we need to put on our oxygen masks first before we can help others.

Gscience, have a lovely birthday! I also teach online. Would love to compare notes if you are inclined.

ETA Sue I'm glad your tests came back OK. That must be a relief in the midst of everything else.

Msmeow, Yes, I was at ACSM! I stayed at the Rosen Centre because I had a lot of early breakfast meetings at 6:30 a.m. and other functions that required a change of clothes. Last time the conference was there I stayed out at Universal with my sister and it was too hard going back and forth. I try to book as soon as it becomes available. My friend/mentee was at a neighboring hotel, and she brought her dress to get ready in my room for a Friday night reception.

Feathers, I recommend that if your school has any professional development courses in online teaching or instructional designers who will work with you, take advantage. I'm going to revamp a course this summer online and this one that started today I worked with an instructional designer two summers ago as I was updating the course. Starting this fall, everyone, even part time instructors, has to complete at least one of the professional development courses or have their courses reviewed by the online office.

Sue, that is great your tests came back OK, and we all look forward to your new kitchen.

Thanks for the well wishes No special plans. Went to the Y this morning for Zumba, and we will go to dinner later to try a newer gastropub. Monday birthdays not the most exciting of days, but waiting until the weekend is too far out.

Tina, My DH retired ~ 15 years ago (not incl pro bono). I cut back to 3 days then retired altogether. Then a former boss/friend of mine started his own firm & I agreed to be on his investment cmte (1 day/wk), which i have for 9 years now. I also do some research/writing for the firm. It was amazing to have 2 SAH parents for most of our kids' lives, but our roles have a "planned obsolescence" feature!

Feathers - I agree w you, I am a total convert on the "self care" concept. Not only because I think it helps all of us function better, but because what is more important than our day-to-day happiness and wellness? Life is made up largely of the quotidian, much as we focus on the big milestones.

Gscience, I hope your stay at Rosen Centre was great! I go for a walk twice a day, so I probably passed by you and didn't even know it. :)

Donna

Thanks for the explanation Mt. I thought you still worked and then I wondered if I had dreamed that up!

Oh yes, everything was great! We really liked the pool bar/restaurant menu and then I had the sushi bar when I got in. Darn, had I known you were there I would have met up with you!

Sue - what a whirlwind! But how clever of you to book a retreat at this particular time. Perfect.

I can relate to your concerns about your DH's early retirement. I retired a year ago at 62 and have loved the new rhythm my life has settled into. My DH who is 54 has recently closed his family winery business. Now, instead of working 6 days a week, he has a flexible schedule and is able to be home much more. Which REALLY freaked me out a bit at first. I was very aclimated to having my time and our home to myself. And honestly, we aren't used to having a ton of free time with each other - which itself took some painful getting used to when we first became a couple. But, as with most things, it has worked itself out to a new rhythm for now. Once the business is sold, the plan is for him to start a new venture or career and we will yet again find a new normal. That or I will have to go back to work!

You all will figure this out. For now, enjoy all the wonderful family milestones and celebrations. And your much needed re-set time at Kripalu!