Five years in and still going strong

by Nui Loa
(Canada)

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since I pulled the plug.

In that time, I've become a snowbird, alternating between Texas and Arizona. My 2 sisters also retired and bought an RV together, so we "convoy". One of our brothers also bought an RV and will be joining us this summer. At the rate we're going, we're going to need our own park soon.

Amazingly, I still miss work but it's mostly the intellectual stimulation. In 5 years, I still haven't fixed on a routine - so I'm thinking that will never happen.

I've learned to play shuffleboard, beading, kayaking, line dancing, bowling, dozens of card games and I've also learned to shoot a gun. The only volunteering I've done is to teach hula dancing - just for something to do.

Strangely enough, I miss travelling so this year I'll be heading out on an assortment of trips to Viet Nam, Thailand and possibly Europe and Africa. Too much to do....too little time.

My advice to anyone out there who is thinking about retiring early.... DO IT! It is so worth it!

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