squonk 41,109 #26 Posted February 7 Not a lot has changed with me. when I was young I had to take care of a large house and property my self. Changed the Tecky's out when they wore out and kept our large carriage house barn clean and organized .Had my own "Tool room" at 10 yrs. old. Same thing today. I try to keep stuff somewhat neat. If it gets late I will clean up the next day. When I started at Napa I started to have "Zero Tolerance Fridays" Still have them now once and a while. Kind of frustrating now that all the boiler rooms and AHU's that I kept clean and neat look like crap now. I don't say a thing being a part timer and it aint my job anymore. Don't want to step on any toes. In about 10 month's or so we're all retiring the same day! 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,222 #27 Posted February 7 31 minutes ago, Sparky said: feeling the effects of age, especially when I’m driving I’m not sure why, but since retiring I don’t have the same sense of urgency to speed to get somewhere. I am puzzled why I ever did. They say memory is the first thing go 😬 6 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,557 #28 Posted February 8 Just sayin'... 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,171 #29 Posted February 8 Like Toby sings " How old would you be If you didn't know the day you were born". I'm a 55 yo that happened to be born sometime during WWII. 8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beap52 811 #30 Posted February 8 I turned 71 in December. In my early twenties, I had a premonition that I would live to be 84 years old and die from lung problems. I have lived with that in the back of my mind ever since. I've not told anyone this-even my wife- until I write it this evening. I told my Sunday School Class this past Sunday that I have been fortunate that I have not been overnight in a hospital in over 50 years. (That was because my brother ran over my foot with his car.) I retired this past summer. After working 52 years most of them in construction, I felt the time had come to hang up my hammer. While unloading the tools and supplies out of my truck, I was somewhat overwhelmed with a feeling of loss/change. It was as if the "old man was loosing his identity/self worth." One of my points of change is that I've volunteered my experience and labor. I've converted a brand new motor home into a mobile unit that is used to go to towns in our area to help pregnant women. Now, I am helping rebuild a bathroom at a church office and awhile back, I lead a team to build a wheel chair ramp for a needy woman. I'm staying a busy as I want. I've never heard of the song "Don't let the old man in" until I watched it a few minutes ago on this thread. There's a good deal of truth to it and I'm convinced that hobbies such as wheel horse, model trains, music, camping, fishing and hunting, as well as the many others hobbies/interests that you all are involved in help keep "the old man out" 5 4 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,624 #31 Posted February 8 I retired pretty early, 51 years old. After 30 years as a beat cop I was ready to hang up my cuffs and kick back. I'm 58 now I can honestly say I've never worked as hard as I do now, I know the old body ain't as strong as it used to be but that aside, I still put in a good shift most days. I do yoga twice a week in classes and can beat most of the lithe young ladies when it comes to bending and stretching. Mainly because I belive I can do it and don't tell myself I can't like they seem to do. The main thing that bothers me is when I cut myself in my youth it would be healed by tea time, now I can nurse a cut for weeks before it properly heals up. I miss that. But knowledge and experience are my tools now rather than the super strong arms and hands that are now weakening to my shame. I can still do the work, but I seem to work smarter if that little bit slower. My relationship with my wife is better than it ever was. We are close, but give each other space. We discuss more, I lecture less, we laugh a lot. Her dad lives with us, he's 30 years older than me and he often exasperates us with his cranky and selfish ways. I can see he let the old man in a long time ago and I determine not to let that happen for us. Her mom was taken early from us by dementia and we often say if she had been spared, not him, she would have lived a far more fulfilled life. But that may be unfair, he's had to live these last few years without the rudder she provided, so maybe we need to cut him a little more slack. I can see the sand running out the glass these days, when I didn't even know there was a glass in my youth. The trick is not to try and stop up the hole; it's to make sure you use every grain of sand you can. The old man will always get in, and some day I'm sure I will welcome him with open arms. But for now I'm content to watch him walk by , just wave or nod, and carry on living. Bless each and every one of my Red Square friends, long life and good health to you all. Mick xx 1 2 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #32 Posted February 8 11 hours ago, PWL216 said: mentally challenging I'VE BEEN CALLED THAT !!!!! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #33 Posted February 8 1 hour ago, Mickwhitt said: I can see the sand running out the glass these days, when I didn't even know there was a glass in my youth. The trick is not to try and stop up the hole; it's to make sure you use every grain of sand you can Some days I do well remembering that, others not so much. Excellent advice there. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,028 #34 Posted February 8 1 hour ago, ebinmaine said: Excellent advice there. I've been told that age will eventually affect your memory, but I can't remember who said it... What were we talking about again? 1 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,228 #35 Posted February 8 12 hours ago, Beap52 said: It was as if the "old man was loosing his identity/self worth." One of my points of change is that I've volunteered my experience and labor. I consider myself to be very fortunate. I had a job that I hated but the pay was good enough that I was able to retire early enough to help others. My job wasn't my identity, it was just a path I followed to get to a place I love. I volunteered with Habitat for Humanities for about twelve years and the satisfaction I felt watching a person use a ramp to access their home safely or a new first time homeowner walking through the door of a house they helped build was overwhelming. I can't do the physical work anymore but I do have a couple of friends who's wives have recently passed away that I visit or have lunch with frequently because they need some conversation and companionship. That seems to help keep "the old man" away from their door. 5 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #36 Posted February 8 5 hours ago, kpinnc said: age will eventually affect your memory As we all know, many of us first hand, that's certainly true. I've known for many years that I am neurodivergent. Formerly known as ADD or nowadays- ADHD inattentive. One of my main symptoms is absolutely terrible short-term memory. I've been this way forever. I've been mildly frustrated more times than I could even begin to count by people saying that my bad memory is a sign of age. IT'S NOT.. All I can really do is hope it doesn't get any worse or at least not much worse..... 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,028 #37 Posted February 8 4 hours ago, ebinmaine said: One of my main symptoms is absolutely terrible short-term memory. I've been this way forever. Same. I can set a wrench down, and spend the next 15 minutes trying to remember where I put it... Long term is somewhat better, but not great. My wife says so anyway. I think that's just a tool she has for unwinnable disagreements. I believe women have a rulebook somewhere with all that stuff in it. Kept in some top secret library that is off limits to males. But that is another discussion! 1 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #38 Posted February 8 2 minutes ago, kpinnc said: Same. I can set a wrench down, and spend the next 15 minutes trying to remember where I put it... Long term is somewhat better, Oddly enough, my long term memory is excellent. 2 minutes ago, kpinnc said: My wife says so anyway. I think that's just a tool she has for unwinnable disagreements. I believe women have a rulebook somewhere with all that stuff in it. It's actually fairly simple. Rules as follows: A. She's right. B. You're the opposite of correct. 3. See #1 which we all can clearly see isn't there. Section 7.b/eleventeen80. ... see "A" ~Fin. 1 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,028 #39 Posted February 8 4 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: It's actually fairly simple. Rules as follows: A. She's right. B. You're the opposite of correct. 3. See #1 which we all can clearly see isn't there. Section 7.b/eleventeen80. ... see "A" ~Fin. Sounds like you got a peek at the "book of secrets"... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #40 Posted February 8 3 minutes ago, kpinnc said: Sounds like you got a peek at the "book of secrets"... Howzzaboutt we just keep that quiet ehh??!!?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,028 #41 Posted February 8 Just now, ebinmaine said: Howzzaboutt we just keep that quiet ehh??!!?? Keep what quiet? 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,557 #42 Posted February 9 What were we all talking about??? 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,662 #43 Posted February 9 Great Thread !!! I learned a valuable lesson in about my middle age years -- what you do ( for a "job" ) is not who you are -- it's what you do. You could be a heart surgeon, a plumber, carpenter, truck driver, police officer, nurse, teacher or whatever - or maybe a wheel horse mechanic ?? Hopefully people have a wonderful satisfying work life for many years. But those "jobs" are what we "did"............ I learned an important perspective many years before I retired from my high profile leadership position -- therefore, I was well prepared after I retired for the "adjustment" to not be what I was during my career. I am constantly asked by people if i miss it? Meaning my career? My answer is ...I miss the people and those I worked with doing great team things with great results -- but most who ask that question to me they really are meaning... do I miss the high profile? The answer is "not really" !! I had a wonderful career and job with great satisfaction -- but it was what I did.. not who I was. So for those who have left careers and found greater or more fulfillment, and good friendships, and satisfaction with your new role or phase in life... I say good for you - - because your "job" was what you did - hopefully fun and rewarding. Now you get to do more of what makes you who you are... family time, volunteering, helping neighbors, being charitable, etc . ENJOY it !! We all know it goes by real fast !! 6 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,999 #44 Posted February 9 On 2/7/2024 at 6:19 PM, Sparky said: If you’ve met me and you disagree … well prepare to have your dang Red Square account stomped on and deleted! RS is no place for anyone that disagrees with me ! Uh Oh I can tell @Sparky hasn't gotten any for a while! Even a snickers bar ain't gonna help him. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,291 #45 Posted February 9 I watched an interesting fellow (retired) give a Ted talk on retirement recently. He stated there were 4 stages one goes through after retirement. Stage #1. The vacation stage - The freedom to do what you want, sleep as late as you want, etc. is much like a vacation...enjoy it. Stage #2 is the hard one when the vacation runs out, boredom may set in and one is faced with the loss of identity (associated with a career), questioning if one has value, etc. One wants to get through this one as fast as possible, as it can be depressing. Stage #3 is the exploration of what do I "want to do" with the I have left time that is fulfilling and brings me joy. Feel free to try things and don't be concerned if it doesn't pan out as it will eventually lead to stage #4. This is where one finds their place and purpose in retirement and it usually involves som "service to others". This can be the most rewarding part of retirement and to use his expression "wring the most out of retirement". Judging by the comments on this excellent thread many retired folks here have already found that sweet spot in the 4th stage. I am just retiring officially this year but have been seeing all 4 stages happening simultaneously.......probably due to being a non-conforming free spirit and entrepreneur all my life.... 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #46 Posted February 9 7 minutes ago, Sailman said: Judging by the comments on this excellent thread many retired folks here have already found that sweet spot in the 4th stage. I am just retiring officially this year but have been seeing all 4 stages happening simultaneously.......probably due to being a non-conforming free spirit and entrepreneur all my life.... Good post. Ya know what I find interesting for my own personal reasons... having been through what I have in the last several years I've already experienced the 4 stages even though I'm 9 to 12 years away from retirement. I've had days and weeks when I feel great and I've had weeks and months when I started thinking I'd need to resign and go on SSI or Disability. ( lately I feel much better) If/when I ever do actually retire from full-time work I already have enough of a fulfilled time in life I'd just keep on truckin'... figuratively at that point, of course. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,659 #47 Posted February 9 (edited) On 2/8/2024 at 4:40 PM, kpinnc said: Same. I can set a wrench down, and spend the next 15 minutes trying to remember where I put it... Long term is somewhat better, but not great. My wife says so anyway. I think that's just a tool she has for unwinnable disagreements. I believe women have a rulebook somewhere with all that stuff in it. Kept in some top secret library that is off limits to males. But that is another discussion! That useally happen when we run in to a problem, as you can't finish what you were working until you do somethine else. So laying down that tool, WH part, or what ever is completely eraced from membery. You are onto fixing the next. If you can fine that wrench in 15 minuntes, you doing great, usually takes me half an hour on a good day. That theory that everything is destroyed and replaced every second, and sometimes something is missed, may be a second, minute, or longer before it is decovered and replaced. I now heard,."We are in a semilation. if you are not looking at it, it isn't there". There may be something to that. There is something real strange going on. This about us older persons loosing our mines I don't know, seams to be everybody now of days, I was just at Arby's the bill was $22.22. I gave the young man $22.25. he had to ask and older man what change to give me. He couldn't see that all he had to do was subract 2 from 5. This is not the first time this has happened. Being old I might not rember all of them , but I can recall sever more. One thing is for sure this new math isn't working for these young people unless they have a computer, Guess he has learned that the chashresgter has one built in. . Edited February 10 by Lee1977 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,999 #48 Posted February 9 4 hours ago, Lee1977 said: I now heard,."We are in a semilation. if you are not looking at it, it isn't there". There may be some to that. There is something real strange going on. Yeah, try to explain where all of those missing socks from the dryer go or all of those 10mm sockets??? Or, how any little spring can so easily disappear like magic and so quickly never to be found again! Has anyone ever actually found just a single sock, a 10mm socket or a little spring? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,493 #49 Posted February 9 4 minutes ago, wallfish said: Has anyone ever actually found just a single sock, a 10mm socket or a little spring? I've consulted the local experts. Trina and her mom. They state there's a mythical creature called a Sock Monster. Can't speak for the 10mm or springs. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,659 #50 Posted February 10 (edited) I just though that if we are in a semilation, maybe worth stating out load what we are looking for so they can reveal it to us. I have found some 5/16 and 3/8 nuts that I dropped, don't know if they were the same one I had just dropped. Edited February 10 by Lee1977 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
