60 is the new 50

As I reach another mile marker in the age
category I have attained part of my 'real
age' goal to make 60 the new 50.

Last summer I started out with the Real
Age test and was right around my regular
chronological age.

My 'Real Age Test' is now 55 and I plan to
hit 50 or lower during this year.

Physically, emotionally and mentally I am
feeling my best age ever. Mainly knowing
that I have made some good and bad decisions
over the years and lived through them with
the grace of God is no small feat.

I can look back on the lives of my son, daughter-in-law
and grandson and see the happiness in my life.
I can share past and present happenings with
a dear friend and know that our experiences
keep our friendship alive and well.

Is 60 the new 50? I plan to make it true.

5 Yr Plan- No job Interviews!!!!

I was asked today about the type of part time
work I would do after I retire. My 5yr plan is
all about NOT WORKING A JOB!!!

I have a feeling that active men & women can
only identify with a 'job title'. I choose to run
away from that theory as fast as possible.

I feel I will have 'work' to do because that is
what God expects of us. Sometimes my 'job'
will be to volunteer. Sometimes my 'job' will
be to chauffer my grandchild around or be
his caregiver while his parents work. Sometimes
my 'job' will be to travel and enjoy our world.

In 'retirement' I do not want to pull the 'age
discrimination' card to get hired 'part time'.
I have nothing to prove. I have no 'larger'
home to acquire. I want to be free of material
trappings and just live!

IF WE ARE NOT GETTING OLDER-WE'RE DEAD -Tom Petty

Recently Tom Petty was interviewed by CBS and
asked about his next birthday when he turns 60.
I just enjoyed his above quote so much I needed
to add it to my blog.

I have a similar feeling about aging. In less than
a year and a half I will reach that 60 mark. I say
'Bring it on!' I'll be that much closer to completing
my 5 year plan toward retirement.

In my plan I am attempting to be debt free as I've
done on one or two other occasions until the men
in my life chose for that accomplishment to become
only a faded memory. I then had to rely on credit
to remove us from financial calamity and keep us
afloat. Neither man thought he should be accountable
for our family responsibilities since I was making a
decent income (lower middle class to most!)

Retirement from the corporate mad rush is something
I cherish as time to write, reflect,volunteer and enrich
the lives around me in my local community. I am in
restraints because of the hourly portions of my days
devoted to my employer. Yes, I am thankful for the
job I have in this time of depression and uncertainty
in our country. On the other hand, I feel stifled that
I have so little time to mentor young adults and be
creative in my community.

I am grateful for each day that passes and getting
older. I have so much to accomplish before I'm dead!

Let's Call it Quits-Part II

In an earlier blog I spoke of a long term friend
who decided to 'Call it quits' to our friendship.
This was a complete and total shock.
There is a reason why some friends are with us
over many decades. We hold each other up in
good and bad times. We are there to comfort
each other.
Last week this former friend's first husband
died. She has no one to talk to or may not even
have the information at this time.
Wish I was there for support if she needs it.
Remember to not turn good friends out of
your life. There may be a time when you need
them -but they are no longer available.
I feel sad for her pain because I went thru
all three of her marriages -good times & bad.