Mom told me that I expect more of myself than anyone could achieve. She's right, but I also have to challenge myself to suck every last bit of experience and LIFE out of my life. I want to meet my maker happily, without a modicum of regret. So far, so good.
For example. I have lived overseas, travelled to ten different countries, accomplished a headstand ALL ON MY OWN in yoga, and saved a respectable amount of money for someone of my age - with no debt. I have a college degree and graduated from both college and high school with honors.
I want more. So much more out of my life. So many places to see, things to experience, books to read.
But for the next three months, while already racing past, my proverbial tail is wagging in anticipation of the entertaining things I am going to do during my semi-retirement. I totally have puppy syndrome about being "let out" of Macau into the "backyard" - Louisiana.
Big plans are in the works for my semi-retirement in 2013. For starters: I want to build a greenhouse in my parents' backyard. To grow things in this greenhouse, maybe even experiment with hydroponic gardening. Grow heirloom tomotoes that taste amazing - not like the GMO crap that we're expected to settle for these days. Learn to make cheese myself, make a pizza with my cheese and my tomatoes, perfect a dessert recipe (besides my carrot cake and chocolate chip cookie recipes). Read so many books. SO MANY BOOKS. To get this much closer to a handstand and a forearm stand. I want to scuba dive in Mexico, hell, to eat a real Mexican taco. In Mexico. To travel Europe. Maybe this year is the year I finally travel the Mediterranean. Why not? Semi-retirement and a pocket full of cash. I want to see it now, while I am able to enjoy every last second.
Maybe this is the year I travel without maps. {Erin, you should appreciate that one.} While we were in Shanghai, I spent two days obsessively searching for a map of Shanghai in English. They didn't have one. Anywhere. Needless to say my Type-A personality kicked into overdrive and I stressed about it.
JAZZ FEST. Strawberry Fest. French Quarter Fest. Maybe even Mardi Gras; it has been years since I went to Mardi Gras. I can't wait for king cake! And Ponchatoula strawberries. My dad's seafood gumbo and crawfish etouffee. Maybe he'll teach me to make them. I've tried. I failed.
I am a hippie at heart and I cannot wait to go to the Covington Farmer's Markets with Mom and Christina on Saturday mornings. Maybe Bitsy can come sometimes too. Playing in the garden with Mom, flying to OKC to help Dad renovate his new condo. I am going to be so busy I'll need a retirement from my retirement. Did I mention, also, that I want to go back to school?
Semi-Retirement is going to be so awesome I feel like my tail might fall off!
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