I’m taking my birthday week off from work. It’s the first time I’ve ever taken the whole week, and probably the first where there’s no traveling involved. I’m just a few days in and it doesn’t suck. Is this what retirement looks like?
On my actual birthday, Judy told me to take it easy … no chores whatsoever. That wasn’t an easy thing to do as I often find it difficult to sit still for too long. As an enlightened gentleman, however, I did what I was told (Isn’t that one of the keys to a successful marriage?). With plans to paint some hallways in the house, all three of us headed to the paint store, getting us out of the house for a bit.
Then, my neighbor came over to take me out for a drink at the local bar and grille. My spidey sense was concerned this was a ruse to get me out of the house. Two bourbons later, we came home to find there was NO surprise party awaiting, which was a huge relief. Plans for a special dinner were scrapped and Judy threw something together that was hugely delicious in my inebriated state.
The following day, we got started on our painting project. Since we were only doing two small hallways, it only took a few hours, but the results were spectacular. The sage green complements the other desert-themed colors in the house and frames our travel and family photos nicely.
Since we had plans to go to a holiday get-together with neighbors in the evening, we decided to have my postponed birthday dinner for a late lunch. I had told Judy I wanted steak, but that I wanted to make it … I’d been jonesing for steak au poivre, something I’d only had occasionally at a restaurant and I wanted to give it a try. As I prepared the pan sauce of peppercorns, brandy and heavy cream, Judy commented that experimenting with more epicurean delights might be a “thing” when I finally retire. I don’t think she’s wrong as I find a lot of joy in the process of cooking and trying something new! (It was delicious, by the way.)
Wednesday was another relaxation day with massages on the docket. Sam at Coyote Bodyworks knows where to find and work-out the kinks and knots in my aging body. Regular massages are one of life’s great pleasures and I’m grateful Judy found Sam.
I’m just three days into this week of surprises and doing things that aren’t work. I truly love what I do for a living yet I’m having a great time shaking things up. Now, what to do today?
There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Even a “staycation” can be an adventure.
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