[eweissenbach]

I retired in '08, but continue to work for my kid's business a couple days a week when I am home, just to have something to do. We spent two months in TV this year and will spend Feb and Mar. next year, and when there we go 100 miles an hour, trying to get everything in. I am different from many retirees, in that I treat it like my third career. My first as a teacher/coach, the second in financial services management, and now - retirement. I still get up at about 6 am, shower, get dressed, and have breakfast before 7:30. I try to have a rough plan for the day on days I am home, what I want to get done, not a detailed plan (I'm not THAT anal). I do live on a lake with a large lot and lots of maintenence of property, boats, etc. I also have my home on the market so have to keep things relatively spiffy. It has been a conscious effort to keep from feeling aimless, and it has worked for me.

[Count'n the days]

Thanks for all your replies. I'm more excited than ever to make the big move!

[kentucky blue]

Originally Posted by Count'n the days

I'm not only counting the days, but I'm trying to plan everything about our new life in retirement. This helps me pass the time until we actually reach our goal - hopefully by December.

I would like to hear from those of you who have been in my shoes in the planning stage. What things are as you expected and what has surprised you? Have you been able to reach your goals? Have you taken up unexpected hobbies? Stayed in contact with friends and family? Stayed within your planned retirement budget? Happy with your home selection?

Please think back and let me know what's worked as planned and what hasn't.

Thanks.

I'm a contrarian when it comes to retirement.I love TV and all it has to offer,it is truly Disney World for adults,and i have a terrific time every moment i'm here in paradise.But i don't want to retire, not now not ever,i love running my own company,in a city that is thriving,and friendships i've had since college.I enjoy giving to others and providing for family and friends,it's better to give than receive. I respect all of you who have come to TV and are at peace with your decision to enjoy the next phase of your life.There is no place in this country where active retired adults can enjoy life more than in TV.I'm very fortunate to be in love with my best friend,and i know she wants me to be in TV on a permanent basis,but retirement just doesn't work for me,"i still have miles to go before i sleep."

[Avista]

Originally Posted by kentucky blue

I'm a contrarian when it comes to retirement.I love TV and all it has to offer,it is truly Disney World for adults,and i have a terrific time every moment i'm here in paradise.But i don't want to retire, not now not ever,i love running my own company,in a city that is thriving,and friendships i've had since college.I enjoy giving to others and providing for family and friends,it's better to give than receive. I respect all of you who have come to TV and are at peace with your decision to enjoy the next phase of your life.There is no place in this country where active retired adults can enjoy life more than in TV.I'm very fortunate to be in love with my best friend,and i know she wants me to be in TV on a permanent basis,but retirement just doesn't work for me,"i still have miles to go before i sleep."

Not slleping here in The Villages. Far from it!

[BarryRX]

I have been a frog for 7 months now, and love every minute of it. Like many others I have actually had to cut down on some activities because I was so busy that it was starting to seem like work instead of play. Because I am outside playing all day (clubs, golfing, swimming, etc.) that when we get a stretch of bad weather for a few days I get a little cabin fever. I also volunteer at the hospital one day a week. The interactions are very rewarding and the fact that I have to get out of bed and be somewhere specific helps to remind me how special the rest of the week is when I'm my own boss. After 57 years of school and/or work, I did have to relearn some of the joys of life.....naps, sleeping late, taking time for the sunsets, etc. Now, I wonder how I ever had time to have a job!

[JohnN]

TV is great.. make whatever you want of it.
We bought a patio villa in 2008 and were seasonal (not snowbirds, but hit or miss) while our kids were in college. Great neighborhood, great people, TV is safe, affordable and clean. Tons of things to do.

Now, in March, we bought our permanent home, a 3BR courtyard villa, and again, great neighbors and area. We love it here.

If I were to give a suggestion, it's be careful where and what you buy. TV has so many options, but there are traffic patterns, orientation (the west can be a killer, I prefer shade), and privacy (we like the Courtyard villa, private when we want it).

best wishes.