Settling in and being bored

[Happinow]

Given all there is to do, this may be a dumb question. After you have settled in to the lifestyle at TV, have you ever found yourself bored and wanting to get a job? Or, do you get more involved in activities? I just wondered because I know some people tend to get antsy if they are not doing something all the time. Can you tell me a bit about how your day goes with activities and leisure time? Just picking your brains.....thanks

[graciegirl]

Given all there is to do, this may be a dumb question. After you have settled in to the lifestyle at TV, have you ever found yourself bored and wanting to get a job? Or, do you get more involved in activities? I just wondered because I know some people tend to get antsy if they are not doing something all the time. Can you tell me a bit about how your day goes with activities and leisure time? Just picking your brains.....thanks

Yesterday I got up early and walked around our village, and then prepared for a luncheon for our Wednesday's girls golf group. They arrived at noon and the ten of us ate and sat around until about three on the lanai and just talked about how we loved it here, shared some life stories and enjoyed every second of being outside on a February day. I play golf on Tuesday, Wednesday, some Fridays. (POOH???) and Sunday. I take art classes and our neighborhood has a dine around every Friday night. People are always dropping in or asking us over and the usual "feathering of the nest" is continuing in our new home. We have Bunco, Mahjong, Bridge and Poker available to attend just in our new village. I know there's more but sometimes I just have to take the day off...and...I know you are wondering..the second I hit the house, I hit this computer on my kitchen desk to see what is going on ..on TOTV. My connection to all of you.

[Mikeod]

Most people will tell you that they got involved in too many things when they first got here. I found myself getting so busy between pickleball, billiards, golf, a neighborhood social club, and bowling that I felt busier than when I was working. It took a while to finally start paring down my activities so I had time to just sit back and relax. Bored? Hardly. Exhausted is more like it.

[Ohiogirl]

We were here last winter from November to early May, then since late September this year which will be our first as permanent residents.

I definitely thought I would want a part-time job, both for the extra money and to put some structure in my days. Ohioboy talked me out of it, and I am really glad - not sure when I would have been able to fit it in, to be honest.

Besides a lot of the things Gracie mentioned, I also like to garden and read, things done mostly on my own, although I go to at least 2 garden club events every month (would go to more if I could fit them in), and now 2 book clubs.

Plus, if you expect lots of houseguests (usually the most in your first year or two here), remember that they take time and energy, even the ones who are very independent and self-sufficient, plus some recovery time after they leave. Our house/dogsitters just left Wed. morning, and they are finding that they are bored in Ohio in the winter, just not enough to do in cold weather there. When we get a cold spell here, it's kind of enjoyable - we maybe cancel outside activities, catch a couple of movies, cook something wintery, etc.

Honestly? We have to almost schedule some down time.

[Boudicca]

Well said, Gracie. That just about sums up my day(s) too, only in my case, remove the bridge playing, and switch it for "mexican train". Just as Gracie does, I actually leave one day "free" with nothing officially pencilled in - a sort of "day off" from all that fun.
I spent a lifetime working in one career or another, and now is my time to play. Additionally, one of our neighbors, who was also my dear friend, suddenly passed away over the weekend. Who would have guessed such a vital, fun and close friend, would have left us so unexpectedly. I have wonderful memories of my dear friend Fran and me playing golf, and am glad I was not so busy working that I never got to meet her. Just saying......

[Graytop]

Given all there is to do, this may be a dumb question. After you have settled in to the lifestyle at TV, have you ever found yourself bored and wanting to get a job? Or, do you get more involved in activities? I just wondered because I know some people tend to get antsy if they are not doing something all the time. Can you tell me a bit about how your day goes with activities and leisure time? Just picking your brains.....thanks

I'm in a different situation,...the Mrs. and I both still work,...we moved here to be near her mother,...I'm envious of the retirees who seem to be busier than we are!:icon_wink:... Whether working or not, The Villages is a great place to live,...you adjust to what's going on around you and settle in to your own lifestyle,....I always think that if someone is bored around here for lack of something to do, then they're not looking very hard...:welcome:

[jnieman]

My husband and I both got part-time jobs after about a year of living here. Mine is very flexible with the hours and days and doesn't seem to get in the way of activities. His on the other hand wasn't. He worked weekends and nights and some days. They kept adding hours to his schedule and that wasn't what he signed up to do. Eventually he was working 4-5 days a week for $8.00 an hour and we had to say no to so many invitations that our social life suffered. He recently quit his job and is now really enjoying his retirement for a change and I love it even though I still work.

[angiefox10]

If I stayed retired here, I would be bored as everyone else is working. Any time I'm in The Villages, I am so busy. It's so nice all year long I get up and walk/run first thing. Enjoy breakfast on the lanai and then get dressed for the day! Everyone around you is retired as well so there are always people to do things with. I went out with several girlfriends to lunch, shopping, and I got to see Bargains and Treasures! Ill be going back there often.

I like to golf and sit by the pool. Would love to learn pickeball! One of my girlfriends is starting a "Walk off the Pounds" class I plan to join! Would LOVE to join a book club!

There always seems to be something going on at the square and I always like to explore everything around me so the plans are to go off campus to see the state!

No.... I don't think I will get bored.

Oh... and I forgot... I don't think a woman EVER retires... I'm just retired from my second job!

[zcaveman]

I could never be so bored that I would ever want to get a job again.

[Happinow]

While chuckling at some of your responses I'm also out of breath! I guess I'll never be bored. I'm a walker and a light jogger so I'll be happy to walk with anyone who walks! I didn't think I could get more excited about moving but with all of your responses I'm even more excited!! I usually sleep until 8:30-9:00 in the morning but lately I've been getting up at 7 because my mind is always thinking about TV! Just can't wait....

[RichieB]

On top of everything that has been said in this thread, you and your husband don't sound like a couple who are easily bored. :)

[2BNTV]

I like to keep busy too but I always say boring is good too because at least nothing bad happened. :)

It's nice to have a relaxing day for oneself as TV offers so much to do.

Everyone can do as much or as little as they want to. :)

Don't worry, be happy. :)

[Carmpat]

I can't wait to move in and experience all the different fun things to do. Our friends just moved in a month ago and it has been non stop for them. Block parties, house parties, playing golf, meeting new folks and the list goes on and on.

Patti

[rubicon]

Being active can mean phyiscal activity or mental activity and given the demographic here it is likely that a number of individuals can't keep up with the physical but engage in more cerbral things.

[wendyquat]

Well, let me see -- this morning was rather slow so Jim and I took our coffee to the lanai and for a little over an hour we watched the foreplay and mating of a pair of turtle doves on our courtyard wall. Fascinating to be so close! I hope they will pick our tree to raise their little squabs! Nope, never a boring minute!

[LvmyPug2]

Yep. Biggest problem is pacing ourselves. Being in TV is sort of like going to a giant buffet. The choices are endless and you want to try everything.

[momesu]

I've been in TV since mid October of 2011 and I haven't had a boring day yet. I may one day have to return to a job to help supplement my income, but I really really hope not. Any day that is quiet I simply enjoy a good book since those days are few and far between. There is so much to do here I don;t know how anyone could be bored and I don't even golf. I have no idea how I would find time to do so even if I wanted to do so.

Life is definitely good in TV. I've never been so relaxed. Were else can you go out every night and enjoy music and dancing if you choose for no cost.....unless you care to drink.


Suzanne

[Number 6]

I retired for six months and went back to work full time. Different strokes for differrent folks.

[RichieB]

Yep. Biggest problem is pacing ourselves. Being in TV is sort of like going to a giant buffet. The choices are endless and you want to try everything.

:rolleyes: I wish I had such choices and "problems."

[ilovetv]

As one poster above mentioned, a reason to want a part-time job would be to have more structure in one's days. But then, the local area surrounding TV is quite depressed economically, and local people desperately need jobs to support their families the old-fashioned way, by working for a living.

If you don't really need the income, volunteer work is the way to go.....let somebody who really needs the income have the paying job. There are at least 50 volunteer job listings in the newspaper each week, and it's rewarding!

[redwitch]

I've been here 5 years. I have friends who have lived here for over 10 and less than 6 months. You're as bored as you want to be. If you don't go out and join clubs, do things, meet people, you're going to be bored and lonely. It really is your choice.

I'm one of those in the middle. Yes, I have a business that keeps me hopping but I can schedule most things so that I can do what I want when I want. I'm quite content to spend days at home doing absolutely nothing, just watching the birds and butterflies outside my lanai. It's even better when the neighborhood squirrel torments my cats by climbing on the screen. I'm also happy going out to play bridge (duplicate), Mah-Jongg, weekly get-togethers for dinner and games and, of course, volunteering at the Mark Twain Library.

I'm just as happy just driving around in my golf cart and people watching. I grin every time I see a dog's tail wagging like crazy cause it is being walked by someone who loves it. I like stopping and helping those who are lost or having problems. I crack up watching golfers at the driving range when they get a look of total confusion on their face as the ball goes where it shouldn't. If I happen to see some sandhill cranes or the gator in the pond, my day is made.

I think in the five years I've lived here, I've been truly bored about five times and each of those times was when I was ill.

[Happinow]

I'm a middle of the road kinda person too. There are times I love being along and pondering my thoughts and other times I want people around. I don't think we'll have a chance to be bored after hearing what you all have to say. I think it may be more of a matter of how to balance all of the activities! I like to read and putter at home too, so I guess I'll only be as busy or as bored as I want to be! :)

[vj1213]

I have lived here about a year & a half. When I first moved here I was one of those that wanted to try everything that was offered and I soon was so tired but how could I possibly say "no" to my neighbors and friends. So after being here for 4 months, I got a part-time job with TV. It was my down time. I work about 20 hours a week so I still have time for golf, activities, socials, and all the neighborhood get togethers. I love my job, the new friends I've made, but most of all I'm given the opportunity to meet visitors and new home owners and share in all of their excitement in discovering life in TV.

[ilovetv]

I have lived here about a year & a half. When I first moved here I was one of those that wanted to try everything that was offered and I soon was so tired but how could I possibly say "no" to my neighbors and friends. So after being here for 4 months, I got a part-time job with TV. It was my down time. I work about 20 hours a week so I still have time for golf, activities, socials, and all the neighborhood get togethers. I love my job, the new friends I've made, but most of all I'm given the opportunity to meet visitors and new home owners and share in all of their excitement in discovering life in TV.

I think the variety of people here, and their backgrounds, keeps life very interesting. So many people around us from which we can learn something new every day!

[Pturner]

We stay so active and have so much fun whenever we are in TV that when we come back to ATL, I feel like I need a rest from my vacation. :oops:

[aljetmet]

I'm a middle of the road kinda person too. There are times I love being along and pondering my thoughts and other times I want people around. I don't think we'll have a chance to be bored after hearing what you all have to say. I think it may be more of a matter of how to balance all of the activities! I like to read and putter at home too, so I guess I'll only be as busy or as bored as I want to be! :)

I honestly believe that if you were not going to retire in TV you would have good reason to be concerned you would be bored in retirement!

Not in TV there is so much to do and so much not to do.

:MOJE_whot:

[robertj1954]

I will soon be celebrating my 1st year anniversary as a Villager. Your question is a good one, because you will be starting a new life style, if you are retiring.

I was totally engaged with a full time career and I had the exact same concern when we first gave my retirement serious thought. The fact we did not wish to become bored and house bound was a major factor for us choosing The Villages. I can honestly tell you boredom is never an issue. You will have to put some work into planning out what you wish to do here at The Villages and then get out there and do it. We plan our month with our scheduled meetings, social events, and golfing. Having a weekly recreational newsletter helps a lot. After only just one year, we have very little time where nothing is going on. We also have to include our friends and neighbors in our social time because our Village must be one of the friendliest in The Villages. (Driveway Parties) Then you have to include old friends and family, who all want to come spend time with you at The Villages.

I can assure you, if you get out there and engage the active lifestyle The Villages offers, boredom will NOT be an issue, there are some fun part-time jobs available if you must work. (golf starter/ambassador, community watch, recreational aide, etc. So come on down and enjoy the life and remember life is a gift and it's all about what you make of it! :welcome:

[memason]

We stay so active and have so much fun whenever we are in TV that when we come back to ATL, I feel like I need a rest from my vacation. :oops:

You guys should be in TV permanently! :highfive:

[chelsea24]

It's always been my belief that only boring people get bored. Also, you're only as young as you feel -- and I swear, in The Villages I feel 20 years younger than I would up North. I, too, like some down time. It can be overwhelming. But after living here for over 4 years now, my husband and I have formed lasting friendships with people all over The Villages and of course, we are very lucky to have such wonderful neighbors. But you can't sit in your house and hope they come to you! You have to get out there and get involved.

I'm sure you'll strike a happy balance. And if you find yourself just sitting around one day (highly unlikely) with nothing to do, just pick up the paper and browse or the weekly activity supplement -- there is never a shortage of interesting and fun things to do in The Villages. I thought my husband would miss working. Not for a minute!!!

The first few months we lived here, not knowing anyone, we'd see tables of people at the parades, etc. and I'd wonder "how did they ever get to know each other? Will we ever have all those friends?" Now... we can't get enough tables together to fit our gang of people! haha!

Welcome and enjoy on your new lifestyle. I bet you'll find yourself in the morning, sitting on your lanai, sipping your coffee, saying to yourself "how did I ever get this lucky!" I know I do!!! :welcome:

[Bosoxfan]

It's always been my belief that only boring people get bored.

Thanks for that diagnosis.The only time I'm not bored is when I'm playing softball.I've tried to get included with people I know playing golf or pickleball but for some unknown reason it hasn't worked out.Maybe your diagnosis has hit the nail on the head!

[Happinow]

Ah Chelsea.....thanks for posting what I was thinking. I always hear of people having close friends in TV and wonder "will that be me"? I'm can be pretty outgoing so I tend to make friends easily, but my husband is pretty quiet and doesn't do the social scene so much, at least where we live. I think once we move, he will change and be a bit more outgoing. The people here aren't that friendly and don't reach out much. The folks in TV seem to reach out to others to cultivate friendships. I keep telling my husband that I'll be off with my girl friends and he'll be home tinkering with his stuff. He says "what ever makes you happy!" Bless his heart. I must say I have a wonderful husband.....

We aren't golfers (yet) but love to be out and about. My husband likes cars, especially older vets and always seems to find something around the house to fiddle with. We love to walk together and usually walk miles a day. We like to stop to the cafe's to have a drink and snacks and shop. Since we'll have a pool, I'm hoping I can have my friends over for a regular swim and chat time around my pool and warm each others hearts. I've learned over the years that other people's thoughts and feeling are so important so I want to try and listen to what they have to say and put my 2 cents in! We are counting down the days until we move and will be there on the 12th to get the ball rolling. Thank you for your thoughts.

[debzaranti]

You won't "get it" until you are actually living here, but I seriously doubt you'll find yourself "bored" and itching to get a job! I wish I could find a way to have an additional 10 or so hours each day just so I'd have enough time to try all the new stuff I want to do, but can't seem to find the time for!

My hubby did end up going back to work (retired firefighter w/a pension), but it's only to feed our (as Gracie would say) "feathering our nest" addiction! LOL!

[Mikeod]

Ah Chelsea.....thanks for posting what I was thinking. I always hear of people having close friends in TV and wonder "will that be me"? I'm can be pretty outgoing so I tend to make friends easily, but my husband is pretty quiet and doesn't do the social scene so much, at least where we live. I think once we move, he will change and be a bit more outgoing. The people here aren't that friendly and don't reach out much. The folks in TV seem to reach out to others to cultivate friendships. I keep telling my husband that I'll be off with my girl friends and he'll be home tinkering with his stuff. He says "what ever makes you happy!" Bless his heart. I must say I have a wonderful husband.....

We aren't golfers (yet) but love to be out and about. My husband likes cars, especially older vets and always seems to find something around the house to fiddle with. We love to walk together and usually walk miles a day. We like to stop to the cafe's to have a drink and snacks and shop. Since we'll have a pool, I'm hoping I can have my friends over for a regular swim and chat time around my pool and warm each others hearts. I've learned over the years that other people's thoughts and feeling are so important so I want to try and listen to what they have to say and put my 2 cents in! We are counting down the days until we move and will be there on the 12th to get the ball rolling. Thank you for your thoughts.

Sounds a lot like my wife and I. She could make new friends in the checkout line at the supermarket, while I had difficulty reaching out. On out lifestyle visit, we were just unloading the car at our rental house and someone from the neighborhood ran over and asked if I played golf since there was a group that played on Thursday and I was welcome to play with them. Even though you state that you both don't play golf yet, there are so many other groups there are sure to be people in your new neighborhood that belong or are interested in them. There are many car clubs here, including a Vette club. As I found myself welcome in any group I encountered, I lost some of my inhibitions and learned to reach out to create new friendships. I can't recall being rebuffed anytime. I have made more friends here in six years than I had in 30 at my previous home. As I said in a prior post, you can actually get too busy here.

[rubicon]

I retired for six months and went back to work full time. Different strokes for differrent folks.

I had no intention of ever retiring but the best plans of......

I miss my job

[irishamr]

I am extremely bored living in The Villages. The activities do not come to you. You must push yourself out of the house. People are rude and obnoxious and not friendly at all.

[angiefox10]

I am extremely bored living in The Villages. The activities do not come to you. You must push yourself out of the house. People are rude and obnoxious and not friendly at all.

I'm so sorry you feel this way.

Yes the activities do not come to you. You do have to be a person to step out and get involved.

I've met so many wonderful people in TV. I've met people on this forum as well as in TV and I don't live there yet and I haven't attended any activities.

So maybe you can be a little more specific. What exactly has happened that has brought you to this statement?

Are you in a new or older neighborhood? Have you attended the socials?

[CaptJohn]

Surely that statement is putting everyone on. Surely.

[angiefox10]

Surely that statement is putting everyone on. Surely.


I hope you're right CaptJohn. When you get to know some of the personalities.... You know who is joking and who isn't. I just don't know about this poster. I hope they come on and explain.

[ajbrown]

Surely that statement is putting everyone on. Surely.

.....and do not call me Surely?

[graciegirl]

Shirley. (Irishamr)

I haven't met anyone yet who thinks the way you do. (That people are rude and obnoxious and not friendly)

Please tell us who and how you met these obnoxious folks. I will go and beat them up.

You are kiddin' right?

[USNRet92]

We made a LSV in Dec and my wife got contact info for a few couples we met during that time... She has already touched base with one couple and if we are lucky enough to get a quick trip back in the next month or so we hope to make time to meet up with one of the couples. One has to get out of the chair and out the door to get involved and we are looking forward to the opportunity to do just that once we make TV's are next home and lets hope its before summers end. We hope to get our house on the market here in Alabama early March.
USNRet92 & Ebsmom

[angiefox10]

We made a LSV in Dec and my wife got contact info for a few couples we met during that time... She has already touched base with one couple and if we are lucky enough to get a quick trip back in the next month or so we hope to make time to meet up with one of the couples. One has to get out of the chair and out the door to get involved and we are looking forward to the opportunity to do just that once we make TV's are next home and lets hope its before summers end. We hope to get our house on the market here in Alabama early March.
USNRet92 & Ebsmom

Good luck with the sale of your house!!! You will meet a lot of people right here. I was in my home a total of 10 days before I had to come back to Chicago to pack up and move and I made so many friends in that time!!! :a040:

[CarGuys]

. I know there's more but sometimes I just have to take the day off...and...I know you are wondering..the second I hit the house, I hit this computer on my kitchen desk to see what is going on ..on TOTV. My connection to all of you.[/QUOTE]

I want " That Life" Goals. Fourth Quarter time to have much less stress and more meaning in life.

You Da woman Gracie!

If anyone is bored they can play wack the mole in my back yard. :boxing2:


1873

[momesu]

I am extremely bored living in The Villages. The activities do not come to you. You must push yourself out of the house. People are rude and obnoxious and not friendly at all.

If this is truly your experience in TV I am very sorry. I have been here since mid-Oct and I can honestly say I have yet to meet a rude or obnoxious person. I will agree that yes you do need to push yourself out of the house to meet people and be involved in activities but I love sewing and scrapbooking in my house as well. Boredom is not something I have yet encountered in TV. If I could do with no sleep I might just get everything done that I want to try and do.....

Why don;t you come to Crispers tomorrow at 3 and meet some wonderful friendly people.

Suzanne