My first month of retirement flew by. I spent the first 3 weeks trying to accomplish everything I’ve been wanting to do. I scheduled my housework, set up a dinner menu, made a shopping list, and penciled in my gym workouts. (Yes, I am a chronic scheduler and a maker of lists.) I actually, stuck to it, until…my husband took a week off from work. We slept late, relaxed, hiked, worked in the garden, took a spontaneous trip to Bixby Bridge, and he did some of the chores that have been on his list for a very long time. The only glitch was when he went grocery shopping with me. “Why are you buying that? Can’t you get that cheaper at the other store?” He really put a crimp in my process. He’s gone back to work this week so now I can get back to my “new normal.”

I Love Lists
I enjoyed January. I feel very accomplished. The house is cleaner, I made it to the gym regularly, started my garden, and cooked some pretty nice meals, but I noticed, I did not schedule time for play. So, February will see some changes.
Which brings us to…
Tuesdays With Tutu (that’s me)— I’ve been wanting to spend more time with my two-year-old grandson. So, on Tuesday’s we’ll have a playdate. I’m looking forward to a new adventure each week. Dennis the Menace Park, the beach, The Farm, the library, the Butterfly Trees, the list goes on. I’m sure I’ll be exhausted by the end of the afternoon, but I can always take a nap.
And…
Fabulous Friday—Friday’s will be my day off. No cooking, no cleaning, no stress. I’ll be doing the, “I wish I had time to do that,” things I dreamed about while I was working. I’ll be spending my time playing tourist in my own backyard. The Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas are full of history, inspiration, and beauty. Exploring the gardens, perusing antique shops, taking a walking tour of Old Monterey, visiting the missions, writing overlooking the bay, sitting on the beach enjoying a good book with the warmth of the sun relaxing each and every one of my muscles. Hmmmmmm, I want to soak it all in.
It’s time to stretch my wings, to step outside myself, to stop waiting around for someone else to say, “Hey, let’s go.” It’s time to Just Do It. It’s not only about discovering the world around me. It’s about self-discovery, of becoming my own person, of being comfortable to get in my car and have an adventure. Of course, I’ll be sure the gas tank is full, the tires are aired up, and the oil, brake, transmission, and wiper fluids are all full. ‘Cause that’s just a part of being me.
“Smiles are contagious; let’s start and epidemic”
-Laura Smith-
How about lunch with old friends?
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Hi Alecia
I am definitely up for lunch. Is it time for carne asada burritos? Or did you have something else in mind?
Give me a call or text.
Laura
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Carne Asada torta please!!! I’m ready!
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Yummy, I can hardly wait.
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Love this!!
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Hi Sarah
Thanks. Getting my bike dusted off and taking a ride along Asilomar will be a part of my playing.
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I enjoyed reading about the way you’re organizing your time these days. Gives me ideas as well.
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Hi
I’m glad you enjoyed my post. I’m happy to say I’m finally relaxing into retirement. It took a while to actually relax
Thanks
Laura
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Oh my gosh, I can relate to your grocery shopping experience with your husband 🙂 . I love to spend time with my husband, but there are definitely certain chores that I prefer to do alone. Good for you for scheduling time to do the things you enjoy.
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I’m really looking forward to my Fridays. There are so many things to do close to home. It’s difficult to choose what to do first. I guess I will just have to see which way I turn when I get out of the driveway
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I really like the concept of Fabulous Fridays, Laura! What a great idea, to just focus on yourself and do the things that have been postponed forever. I have so many of those “little projects” and books that are waiting to be done or read, whenever I have a moment. A moment that never arrives, because there are always “more important” things to attend to. Enjoy exploring your back yard. I love Monterey – we spent a few weeks there, on our old boat in the marina, watching the sea otters, and preparing for a new adventure.
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HI Liesbet,
I’m excited to get started. Tomorrow is Friday. I’ve got a nice morning planned and will be taking loads of photographs.
I’m glad you were able to spend time in the Monterey Harbor. That’s where I go to find peace. I hope you were able to go to the Sand Bar and Grill Restaraunt while you were here. It’s the little blue restaurant that kind of hangs off the side of the wharf. Great food.
Laura
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There is actually quite the story that happened before ending up in Monterey, and, because of that, no Sand Bar and Grill… Hoping to go back one day, though. It has been a long time since we “traveled through”… And, I hope Monterey will (briefly) make my memoir! 🙂
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Hi Liesbet
I’m looking forward to your memoir. And when you get back to Monterey, let me know.
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I am finding that the older and slower I get, the world seems to get younger and faster….mmm
Trying not to get left behind or get old!
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Everybody looks like a kid to me.
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Love this one! Don’t ever wait for someone else to say “Let’s go!”. 😀
And I can’t wait to visit Bixby Bridge!!!
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Thanks, Courtney
Be sure to visit Point Lobos on the way to Bixby Bridge.
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I love this post. So inspirational. ‘Tuesdays with Tutu’ and ‘Fabulous Fridays’ are wonderful ideas.
BTW – About grocery shopping. Our local grocery stores (all three of them) have nice coffee shops either inside or just around the corner. If my husband does come with me for shopping, he knows to stay there, enjoy a coffee and read the paper. He is, however, allowed to help carry the groceries to the car. It’s a win-win! 🙂
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