[jimdecastro]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

And you were the guy on Jerry and Linda who was concerned about not having any friends. 🙂 I am beyond happy that you are doing well here. But you are entitled to slow down and say no if you need to.

[Sparky99]

Not busier, just different stuff...

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

I moved here four years ago to make friends and do things in groups and play music in jams at the rec centers. However, I’m sort of a hermit at heart and can’t be around people a lot, so I made some acquaintances ap but only a few friends. I found myself playing and singing in nine jams a week, plus spending the rest of my time studying music and writing about it. Eventually I burnt out and had to just stop going to anything for a few months. Then I played at three jams for a couple years. Now I’m up to seven. I’m free on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. If I didn’t have these activities, life would be sad, but I find I look forward to my three “days off”, and I’m never bored.

To me it seems that you are way too active and social and running away from time to read and think and recuperate. I think you are going to burn out. But there are different sorts of people, and you are a different sort from me. Takes all types. I’m glad you are enjoying yourself here. Isn’t retirement wonderful?

[Marmaduke]

I remember the early mornings, going to work while still dark. I sometimes recall those long days, but loved balancing life.

I adjusted my work schedule to 4 -10's during my final stretch of work and suddenly had 3 days off. It worked out so well and I never got the near retirement burnout.

Now, the ingrained habit of getting up early and easing into the day is absolutely wonderful, and I'm happy to have this trait of an early riser, when everything is very peaceful.

I begin the day by sitting in our panaramic screened birdcage looking over an expansive pond, while watching the magnificent wildlife. The Ducks, baby ducks, Geese,
and at certain times of year~ ...Osprey & Eagle and White Pelicans.
Then, and, only after breathing in this fantastic life and thanking God...I let the Games Begin.

[Jboduch]

I think people are wired either lazy or not lazy and that will translate into retirement depending on health and fitness ability. The Villages is perfect for an active lifestyle. The Villages and retirement also allows you to do nothing, lol. The choice is yours. Have fun!

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

By choice no, I’m not busier, I’m less busy. I’m not a social club joiner. I’m a homebody, and enjoy home projects. I have a small friend group in my neighborhood, and that’s enough for me. Walking the nature paths to enjoy the natural beauty and the wildlife that surrounds us everywhere is my favorite thing to do. I also love the golf cart lifestyle! Eating out occasionally is nice, but we can eat healthier at home. It’s a good life, but with just the right balance for me personally.

Hubby on the other hand, though not overly busy, is active in three clubs (Model trains, Craft beer, Astronomy), and much more outgoing and social than I am, which is making him much busier than his previous life. It’s nice for both of us because I get time home alone regularly, and he gets his social time with others that he enjoys. We do have Disney APs, so we spend some time at the parks, which is something we enjoy doing together just as we did in our former life in SoCal.

So, except for living across country from our 3 adult kids and toddler grandson, and the awful summer weather and scary lightning storms, it’s a good (and much more affordable) retirement life.

[BubblesandPat]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Same here Michael at the 5 yr mark! Will keep going as long as physically able. Only regret is not retiring earlier!

We have picked one day as a "recovery" day with no heavy physical activity. And one afternoon a week for appointments when needed.

I do the same. I keep at least one day a week where I get caught up on housework and just chill at home.

[SaucyJim]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

Busy is an interesting word. To me (and who am I, anyway?), busy-ness applies to obligations you did not create yourself. Work (because you need food, shelter, etc.), doctor appointments (to preserve your health and lengthen your life), weddings/funerals/holidays (to maintain family ties) — these things make you busy.

Leisure activities are obligations you created for yourself. Bowling on Tuesday nights, golf scrambles on Saturdays, seeing your favorite bands/concerts/plays/musicals — all your choice.

So, “I’m busy playing golf that day,” is not really true. “I’m choosing to golf,” is more appropriate.

All this said, the question on this post could be, “Who has grown bored since moving to TV?”

I heard once, many moons ago, this phrase: If you’re bored, you’re boring.

My two cents.

[Bay Kid]

The days fly by. Going all day long. Sleep like a baby. Get up and start all over. Easy living!

[Justputt]

I've only been retired since April. Making friends is super easy. There is more opportunity you be busy. I prefer moderation but my younger wife has a bit more go-go than me. With many friends, comes many invites. After 40+ years of 60-100 hr. work weeks, I'm fine slowing way down. I used to hike, travel, and be a shutterbug before marriage. Picked up a new digital camera to replace my old dust collecting film gear, going to grab some $$$ lenses on Black Friday, and do more outdoors. Spending a lot of time learning Digitial, which is more like bulk data collection on a sensor, and postprocessing it into a picture. That's one club I need to join asap!

Rather than ramble, yes, you can be as busy as you let yourself get. I have no problem canceling anything if I start to feel pushed. Don't rush!!!! Life isn't the thing you want to be first to the "finish line"!

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by SaucyJim

Busy is an interesting word. To me (and who am I, anyway?), busy-ness applies to obligations you did not create yourself. Work (because you need food, shelter, etc.), doctor appointments (to preserve your health and lengthen your life), weddings/funerals/holidays (to maintain family ties) — these things make you busy.

Leisure activities are obligations you created for yourself. Bowling on Tuesday nights, golf scrambles on Saturdays, seeing your favorite bands/concerts/plays/musicals — all your choice.

So, “I’m busy playing golf that day,” is not really true. “I’m choosing to golf,” is more appropriate.

All this said, the question on this post could be, “Who has grown bored since moving to TV?”

I heard once, many moons ago, this phrase: If you’re bored, you’re boring.

My two cents.

Signed SaucyJim - LOL

[cwmmfink]

Now that is Funny! I got to the same place in 10 years though!

[sallyg]

Definitely busier. After a certain point, we decided to dial it back a little. Didn't need to be swamped. Some newcomers suffer injuries due to all the exercise they are not used to! That also happened to us! It's great to have access to so many activities.

[daveczo]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I think most of us were attracted to The Villages because we sought an active retirement. I’ve been a resident here now almost two years, and am busier now than ever. I keep a huge desk calendar to track all my activities, clubs, entertainment, recreational and social obligations. For the next several months, I literally have at least 2-4 obligations every day, with no downtime on my calendar. I hit the ground running first thing in the morning and stay busy into the evening most days. After two years here, I am busier now than when I first moved here, checking out all the activities. Granted, it’s a “good busy”, and I love everything I do, but it can be exhausting at times keeping up with everything. It’s common for me to be double and tripled booked, having to reschedule and juggle social obligations. I keep saying I need to “pair back” on some of my activities, but I enjoy socializing with all my various friends here. Does anyone else share this sentiment ? Two years here - and the “cool aid” effect that others told me about hasn’t worn off yet (thinking now it may never will - lol)

Been here 22 years next April. I have been busy to the point that it is often overwhelming. Been saying I will cut back on activities but it has not happened yet. It can be draining. I guess it is better than being a couch potato, although my best days are event free with a nice midday nap.

[DonH57]

I stay just busy enough to remember I no longer desire to live my life by a clock.