[Michael 61]

I just celebrated my two year anniversary of being a Villager last week. People that know me are familiar with my mantra to all newcomers - “Try everything at least once”. Don’t assume an activity or club is not for you, if you’ve never bothered to attend a meeting, or try an activity.

I assumed I would find shuffleboard tedious and boring - I ended up being the captain of a team that plays in a weekly competitive league, and have made many strong friendships as a result, and some of us have spun off into other activities here in The Villages.

On the flip side, I thought I would really get into Water Volleyball, but after trying it, didn’t really care for it.

I thought Cardio Drumming looked silly, but gave it a try anyway, and guess what - I didn’t care for it, but glad I at least attempted it before passing final judgment.

I thought Pickleball was going to be something I could take or leave, but has ended up being my most favorite activity in The Villages, even more so than golf.

I have recently tried and now enjoy Croquet. This week, I finally got around to taking an Archery lesson, and could now see that activity being shoe-horned into my busy weekly schedule.

Boozey Bingo initially sounded lame to me, but I am now a regular at Sawgrass on Monday nights, and it’s a great time to socialize with so many friends at our table.

Trivia is lots of fun, and there are large groups that congregate south of 44 to play several evenings a month.

I just started and officially chartered a Monopoly Club (meets First Thursday of each month at Saluki Rec Center at 1230pm), and it is growing and well-attended.

Bottom line to newbies, try everything. I think you’ll be surprised by some events that you initially thought were not for you, that you may end up taking a liking to. You’ll be surprised how quickly your circle of friends grows as a result.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I just celebrated my two year anniversary of being a Villager last week. People that know me are familiar with my mantra to all newcomers - “Try everything at least once”. Don’t assume an activity or club is not for you, if you’ve never bothered to attend a meeting, or try an activity.

I assumed I would find shuffleboard tedious and boring - I ended up being the captain of a team that plays in a weekly competitive league, and have made many strong friendships as a result, and some of us have spun off into other activities here in The Villages.

On the flip side, I thought I would really get into Water Volleyball, but after trying it, didn’t really care for it.

I thought Cardio Drumming looked silly, but gave it a try anyway, and guess what - I didn’t care for it, but glad I at least attempted it before passing final judgment.

I thought Pickleball was going to be something I could take or leave, but has ended up being my most favorite activity in The Villages, even more so than golf.

I have recently tried and now enjoy Croquet. This week, I finally got around to taking an Archery lesson, and could now see that activity being shoe-horned into my busy weekly schedule.

Boozey Bingo initially sounded lame to me, but I am now a regular at Sawgrass on Monday nights, and it’s a great time to socialize with so many friends at our table.

Trivia is lots of fun, and there are large groups that congregate south of 44 to play several evenings a month.

I just started and officially chartered a Monopoly Club (meets First Thursday of each month at Saluki Rec Center at 1230pm), and it is growing and well-attended.

Bottom line to newbies, try everything. I think you’ll be surprised by some events that you initially thought were not for you, that you may end up taking a liking to. You’ll be surprised how quickly your circle of friends grows as a result.

Especially make certain you try the loofah-designated activities. I'm sure they always enjoy new participants.

Seriously though, Michael, great post. You're absolutely right. Never be afraid to try something to new, to keep growing and learning.

[Altavia]

That's the spirit Michael - keep trying new things!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I LOVED your post! I’m especially interested in your Monopoly Club - as soon as I figure out where Saluki is.

But this is what retirement should be! Great job!!

[bmcgowan13]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Especially make certain you try the loofah-designated activities. I'm sure they always enjoy new participants..

Wait...what? Activities?? I thought this was the "code?"

Red-in home defibrillator
Brown-hearing aids
Orange-CPAP
Green-2 golf carts
White-have dogs
Black-have cats
Blue-have a handicap parking placard
Purple-you are a freak. Will accept dinner reservation after 7PM.

Was I misinformed????

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I just celebrated my two year anniversary of being a Villager last week. People that know me are familiar with my mantra to all newcomers - “Try everything at least once”. Don’t assume an activity or club is not for you, if you’ve never bothered to attend a meeting, or try an activity.

I assumed I would find shuffleboard tedious and boring - I ended up being the captain of a team that plays in a weekly competitive league, and have made many strong friendships as a result, and some of us have spun off into other activities here in The Villages.

On the flip side, I thought I would really get into Water Volleyball, but after trying it, didn’t really care for it.

I thought Cardio Drumming looked silly, but gave it a try anyway, and guess what - I didn’t care for it, but glad I at least attempted it before passing final judgment.

I thought Pickleball was going to be something I could take or leave, but has ended up being my most favorite activity in The Villages, even more so than golf.

I have recently tried and now enjoy Croquet. This week, I finally got around to taking an Archery lesson, and could now see that activity being shoe-horned into my busy weekly schedule.

Boozey Bingo initially sounded lame to me, but I am now a regular at Sawgrass on Monday nights, and it’s a great time to socialize with so many friends at our table.

Trivia is lots of fun, and there are large groups that congregate south of 44 to play several evenings a month.

I just started and officially chartered a Monopoly Club (meets First Thursday of each month at Saluki Rec Center at 1230pm), and it is growing and well-attended.

Bottom line to newbies, try everything. I think you’ll be surprised by some events that you initially thought were not for you, that you may end up taking a liking to. You’ll be surprised how quickly your circle of friends grows as a result.

Clap 👏.

[FFlank]

A perfect message, Michael. You were kind enough to give me the exact same advice when I visited about a year and a half ago, and I'll be joining you folks in a week when I close on a new place in Waters Edge. I'll be trying a little of everything while living life on the "Edge."

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by FFlank

A perfect message, Michael. You were kind enough to give me the exact same advice when I visited about a year and a half ago, and I'll be joining you folks in a week when I close on a new place in Waters Edge. I'll be trying a little of everything while living life on the "Edge."

Congratulations on becoming a Villager! Let’s meet for coffee once you settle in. Get ready for your best life yet!

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by shaw8700@outlook.com

I LOVED your post! I’m especially interested in your Monopoly Club - as soon as I figure out where Saluki is.

But this is what retirement should be! Great job!!

We’d love to have you join us for Monopoly - it’s 90-minutes and fast-paced. First Thursday of each month - 1230pm at Saluki in Moultrie Creek.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I just celebrated my two year anniversary of being a Villager last week. People that know me are familiar with my mantra to all newcomers - “Try everything at least once”. Don’t assume an activity or club is not for you, if you’ve never bothered to attend a meeting, or try an activity.

I assumed I would find shuffleboard tedious and boring - I ended up being the captain of a team that plays in a weekly competitive league, and have made many strong friendships as a result, and some of us have spun off into other activities here in The Villages.

On the flip side, I thought I would really get into Water Volleyball, but after trying it, didn’t really care for it.

I thought Cardio Drumming looked silly, but gave it a try anyway, and guess what - I didn’t care for it, but glad I at least attempted it before passing final judgment.

I thought Pickleball was going to be something I could take or leave, but has ended up being my most favorite activity in The Villages, even more so than golf.

I have recently tried and now enjoy Croquet. This week, I finally got around to taking an Archery lesson, and could now see that activity being shoe-horned into my busy weekly schedule.

Boozey Bingo initially sounded lame to me, but I am now a regular at Sawgrass on Monday nights, and it’s a great time to socialize with so many friends at our table.

Trivia is lots of fun, and there are large groups that congregate south of 44 to play several evenings a month.

I just started and officially chartered a Monopoly Club (meets First Thursday of each month at Saluki Rec Center at 1230pm), and it is growing and well-attended.

Bottom line to newbies, try everything. I think you’ll be surprised by some events that you initially thought were not for you, that you may end up taking a liking to. You’ll be surprised how quickly your circle of friends grows as a result.

I learned to like badminton. A really great sport. Also table tennis. I liked water volleyball for a few years, then lost interest.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Especially make certain you try the loofah-designated activities. I'm sure they always enjoy new participants.

Seriously though, Michael, great post. You're absolutely right. Never be afraid to try something to new, to keep growing and learning.

I am trying to make the loofah all star team. It was either that or take up jogging.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I learned to like badminton. A really great sport. Also table tennis. I liked water volleyball for a few years, then lost interest.

Badminton at high level is baaaaaaaaad sport, bad meaning high level, high intensity, and good exercise…

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Clap 👏.

No. I don't want to try the clap. 😲😲😲