What day is it?

“I’m retired,” doesn’t exactly roll off of my tongue yet. Especially not when I’m still waiting for just one person to respond with, “you can’t possibly be old enough to retire!” In the midst of my second week of this new life chapter, I’ve got some observations – and some questions.

Week One was a bit of a blur. There was a fairly epic snow storm which turned Monday, my personal Day 1 of retirement, into a snow day for all. Obviously, I was happy for all involved, but it did take a little shine off the day, especially since I was on the schedule at the restaurant for Monday night.

We’ll call it a wash.

The rest of the week was a combination of delayed errands, such as a visit to DMV to replace my lost license, pet obligations (Rocco’s annual visit to the vet) and a wonderful mixture of daytime yoga classes, cross country skiing at Muni and walks to the ‘kill with Jeter on days when the temperature went above 15°.

It all had a hazy feel as if I was 15 years old and playing hooky.

There were some moments when my free time felt…kind of weird. I no longer have a desk where I’m expected to be 186 days a year. Yes, that is freeing, but it also leaves me a tiny bit lost. Retirement from a 30+ year career takes away a big part of a person’s identity.

But, I did go out a couple of nights during the week and managed to have an excellent time. Thursday, me and my og South Troy friend went to Cohoes and partook in a customer appreciation celebration at Smith’s and we had a ridiculous amount of fun. Cocktails were good, our nosh enjoyable and the music (DJ Trumastr!) and crowd were exceptional.

This chapter of my life demands more dancing and I’m committed to making that happen.

Friday, friends and I headed to Lark Hall (preceded by a drink at The Eleven) for a night of noodle dancing to jam band music. While my ability to enjoy that vibe for extended periods is questionable, it was a great way to warm up on a frigid night and I loved watching everyone groove to their own beats.

This second week has me sleeping a little later than previously, sometimes until later than 6:00. It also seems like the quality of my sleep has improved. The cold weather has prompted me to sleep in an old cashmere sweater and soft, thermal leggings and when I’m nestled into my flannel sheets underneath a down comforter, it’s pretty damn cozy.

The luxury of staying in bed to watch the sky as the sun rises, feels pretty self indulgent.

I worked three consecutive nights at the restaurant this past week, as I build up to my eventual 4 nights a week schedule, and there’s something to be said for feeling a stronger connection to the restaurant and staff. Although I think of myself as very independent, it is nice to be part of a team.

Free time during the day provides opportunities for coffee dates with free lancing friends and lunch with other retirees, like my brother. I’m also looking to volunteer with a not for profit or two as a means of giving back to my community. While politics will always hold an appeal to me, I’m simply not willing to seek a position that will prevent me from traveling. Helping to plan an event or organize a benefit comes with a finite commitment. That I can do.

Speaking of organization, I’ve labeled all the drawers on my smaller card catalog and am appreciating the ease of pulling out a single drawer to locate desired items such as glue, tape and ribbons, as needed. I’m also finally ready to part with my larger card catalog, if anyone is looking to purchase one!

As I try to arrive in this new place with some semblance of grace and ease, I’ve given myself permission to take a little time to find my new pace, my retirement rhythm, so to speak. For those of you who have already arrived in this new world, do you have any observations to share? Did you trade one job or career for another? Were there unexpected aspects, good or bad, to your decision? And – can you tell me what day of the week it is?