Retirement T-1 and counting

[hrj]

Only concrete progress has been setting paying my first 3 months of Medicare (after which they presumably will be paying my retirement benefits and can deduct it automatically) and sending in the paperwork for auto-paying the Kaiser add-on. Still no approval of retirement benefits. Still no exit interview appointment with the employer.

At my retirement party, everyone asked me what I'd do on my first day of retirement and the answer was, "Pack for two separate trips." But of course, me being me, I've already finished the packing. Because that's how I roll.

It's a bit fitting that my first "retirement activity" will be going to an SCA event (West Kingdom coronation). What's amusing is that of the two SCA events I've attended since I dropped out, both will have been at the same site, same event, and for the same purpose (attending a friend's peerage ceremony). Since I've given away all my camping equpment, last time I stayed at a motel. This time, what with working on reducing spending, I'll be sleeping in my vehicle (which is actually very well designed for the purpose -- I use it for regular camping on occasion).

I've been debating whether to start attending events again more regularly, if only because it would help with my "interact with people in person regularly" pledge. Site fees have really jumped since I was last active, though not unreasonably so. Still it makes it less of an impulse buy. I'll have to ponder on it. Find the things that bring me joy (which is *not* "generic SCA court culture"). And, of course, the writing will come first, in terms of time priorities.

Spending the day humming "One Day More" from Les Miserables.

Comments

[heleninwales]

Finding some way to schedule in a bit of socialising is a good idea. I arranged a few regular low key social things each week to stop me becoming a total hermit.

[beanolc]

I am really enjoying your countdown! Congrats.

[acanthusleaf]

This Beltane should be a lovely event with plenty of fun things to do. Guild displays, demos, classes, cook's playdate, archery,and all your artsy friends will be there.

Also, the West has three kingdom-level arts-centered events per year now. I'm having great fun with this.

[madbaker]

It will be good to see you! I took a Principality officer job in part to force us to go to more events to socialize.

[cellio]

Event fees are way up (understandably), and also (less understandably except as a money grab), the corporate charge is also. (Not sure what the recently-raised membership fee is, but the corporate tax for non-members is now $10/event.) I've been getting my contact with SCA friends mostly through meetings and practices like our weekly choir practice, and also from non-SCA social events with those same people. I don't know what non-event SCA options you have, but might be worth a look.

We've been increasing the frequency of social connections we already had (like getting together for board games), but also, yes this is very much a concern on my radar -- we need to interact regularly with other people and maintain strong local friendships. I think awareness is a large chunk of the battle and you're already aware, so I'm sure you'll find ways to maintain in-person human contact. Good luck!