Category: Aging and Retirement

Health appreciate it

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I try to workout and stay in shape but didn’t realize just how important it is until this week. 25 years ago I had surgery on my intestine for a blockage. Since that time I pay close attention to what I eat and have not had any real issues until this week. My stomach starts to hurt so I take some pepto and lord help me, 10 hours later I’m admitted to the hospital and have a tube shoved down my throat. If you have never had a NG tube I do not wish this on anyone. This tube helps remove air or excess fluids out of the stomach and there is no eating or drinking so I also became a human pin cushion with IV’s and blood draws.  A surgeon comes in and says we think we will need to do surgery if this doesn’t work. I of course was like nope not happening, pump in the fluids. Short story 4 days later I am home with no surgery and eating soft foods.

So let’s look at the positives:

  • Had I not had been in shape and walk everyday I would not have been so lucky.
  • I have never appreciated broth and a hot cup of coffee so much in my life.
  • Pudding is now my favorite dessert, ha.
  • I lost 6 pounds
  • My skin looks great, all those fluids have me looking like I’m 21, well maybe not 21 but 40 atleast
  • I am forced to drink ALOT of water which I should be doing anyway
  • My portion size is small and I am eating with chopsticks to slow down
  • I chew everything a million times before I swallow (also good)

 

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Where are all the 50 year olds?

Retirement beach writing

This year I am turning 50 and with this milestone has come a whole lot of self-reflection and a whole lot of questions. I assume that anyone around my age never thought when they were 20 that we would need to consider all these decisions so soon.  I know I didn’t and I always thought I was the ultimate planner, WRONG. Now that I have arrived I guess it’s time to research, get some advice (please feel free to comment), and put together a 5 year plan.

  1. How many more years do I need to work?
    • How many more years do I want to work?
      • Five- I have worked fulltime since I was 14, I’m tired
  1. Can I take money out of my retirement accounts without paying a penalty?
    • I am currently waiting on responses from providers
  2. What do I love and want to pursue for the next 20 years?
    • My three tops things I love in life, Wine anything, Thrift Shopping, and sharing stories
      • Maybe my blog could become an income stream
      • Library and you tube here I come
  1. Should we sell our house and take the equity to pay cash for a pre-built home on a piece of property?
    • Can we find an affordable property that is not in the middle of nowhere?
    • I live in the Pacific Northwest and property prices are currently out of control
      • There is actually a housing crisis with 500 people a day moving to the Portland Oregon area
      • This would indicate that now is NOT the time to buy property (question answered, re-evaluate in a year)
  1. Since my husband is not ready to retire will I be bored out of my mind?
    • I believe that I could find plenty of things to do to keep myself busy
      • I have always wanted to transform pallets and wine barrels into usable furniture (pinterest has plenty of ideas) why not now
      • I love wine crafts, motivational and funny quotes, I could produce products for all my kindred wine friends (I know you’re out there)
  1. How much money do I really need to live?
    • If I can eliminate my few credit cards and pay off the balance on my car in 2 years all that would remain is a house payment
    • Dave Ramsey I hear you talking to me

As I discover new information I will share it with you

photo credit given to davidfranklinstudioworks

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The big 50, oh no

Yep its happening, in 4 months I hit the big 50 and I cant say Im excited. First let me just say I never thought I would be 50,especially when I was 30. And once you hit 50 I suddenly am left thinking I’ve lived over half my life already, what? Then there is the aging part, my skin is now dry and peeling but looks oily, and the lines certainly are not welcome. My hair has a mind of its own and the white, yes white not grey is just enough to give me a skunk likeness if I let the grow out go on for too long. Who would love that? If I was independently wealthy and didnt go to work everyday I would probably be worse off because all I would want to do is eat and have cocktail parties, ha. So heres to turning 50 and all the excitement to follow. 

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Vacation

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The older I get the more I appreciate and look forward to vacation, there is something about getting out of town and being able to eat at new restaurants and see new things that is exciting. I have lived in the same city for well over 20 years and it is safe to say at this point I am bored and over it. I am definately ready for a change of scenery. This vacation we are spending with my oldest son in Portland Oregon. If you’ve never been you should plan a trip, not only is it green with trees everywhere but the food truck community is fantastic and the Saturday market also fun. My mom always comes to our house and brings her new little dog and hangs out with my two little yap yaps so we don’t have to deal with a kennel, etc. Also great, I feel sorry for anyone showing up at my house thinking we are out of town, my mom is older but you certainly do not want to mess with her I assure you. I will take pictures and share upon my return, I’m certain I will have lots to talk about, it’s always an adventure

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