One year of retirement...
2025.07.01
Song of the day:
I can’t believe I’ve been retired for a full year. Time definitely flies when you’re having fun - and not working! I haven’t lived in Colorado for quite a year yet, but I’ll hit that milestone in a couple of weeks. And shortly thereafter my car will turn 10! To celebrate that milestone it got four new tires on Friday. Whee!
I’m not sure I had a vision of what retirement would be like, so I can’t say whether or not it’s what I thought it would be, but I think it’s been pretty good. No, it’s been great. I haven’t missed work for one second, though I have missed a few of the people. I haven’t even really missed San Jose other than a few people and a few restaurants. And the Sharks, obviously. All of this tells me it was the right move at the right time.
I would love to tell you that I’ve spent a lot of time writing, but that would be a lie. I honestly haven’t been able to focus on it much at all. I don’t know if it’s just that my brain and body needed a complete break from my old life or if it’s everything going on in the world (or a combination of the two), but so far, that part of my retirement plan has yet to materialize. I’ve been reading, however, though not as much as I expected to. Still, I do still read a little almost every day. Mostly I go to the movies, watch a lot of TV and TV movies, go to a concert here and there, a game every so often, and build LEGO sets as often as my budget allows.
I’ve also rested a lot in the last year, tried a bunch of new restaurants, and enjoyed time with my mom. I’ve had a few visitors, and have enjoyed seeing friends who live out here. Mostly I’ve enjoyed not having a schedule or anywhere I have to be.
So, all in all, it’s been a great year. I don’t know what the next year holds, but I’m ready for it.
In other news, here’s a summary of what I’ve been up to the past few weeks…yeah, retirement doesn’t suck at all…
Movies
The Life of Chuck - I had no idea what to expect from this movie but knew I had to see it because Tom Hiddleston and Mark Hamill. It did not disappoint! I can’t describe it to you at all, so just go see it, but I definitely enjoyed it. It’s based on a Stephen King short story, but is not horror at all. It’s just super interesting and cool. And Tom Hiddleston dances so…what more do you really need?
Materialists - This was billed as a rom-com, but I didn’t find it very romantic or funny. Honestly, it found it fairly boring and disappointing. Definitely not a favorite.
Back in Action (Netflix) - This was such a fun action movie! The cast was fantastic, and the story was interesting and funny. I will definitely watch this one again. Highly recommend!
Fountain of Youth (Apple TV+) - This was a decent action movie; predictable and a little messy, but I enjoyed it.
The Colors Within - This was, I believe, the first anime film I’ve ever watched, and it took me a while to get used to the style. But I liked the story and will be checking out more anime in the future.
How to Train Your Dragon - I wasn’t sure about this live-action remake since I love the original animated version so much, but this was great! I loved everything about it.
Prime Minister - This was a fantastic documentary about Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. I learned so much and highly recommend this one.
The Friend - I read this book years ago and wasn’t sure about the movie which is why I skipped it in the theatre, but it was much better than I expected. And the dog was exceptional.
A King Like Me (Netflix) - This was another great documentary, focused on the New Orleans Zulu Club and Mardi Gras. It was fascinating, and I learned a ton. Highly recommend.
KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix) - Ok, I had no idea what to expect from this movie but absolutely loved it! The animation is fantastic, the story interesting, and the music exceptional. Even if you don’t like KPop, it’s a great watch. Definitely check this one out.
Elio - This was Disney’s new Pixar release, which had very little marketing other than trailers at the movie, so I didn’t know much about it going in. I enjoyed it, though wouldn’t say it was one of my favorites. Still, the animation was wonderful, and the story is really sweet.
Black Barbie: A Documentary (Netflix) - This was another great documentary, focused on the creation of the first Black Barbie, as well as other Black dolls. I learned a ton, and really enjoyed the film.
Books
Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams - Loved this book! It’s a great young adult story with a variety of twists and turns. Tia is a fantastic writer, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Throw Away the Key by Taj McCoy - This was a novella focused on a character from another one of Taj’s books, and it was lovely, albeit a little spicy. Taj is an excellent writer, and even though I typically skim the spicy sections of her books, the stories are great. This was no exception.
Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q Sutanto - This is the fifth in a series of books Disney has done retelling stories in a modern setting. This was the modern retelling of Mulan, and it was a great rom-com with a lot of Chinese history, tradition and culture mixed in. I love Jesse’s writing, and this book was one of my favorites.
Currently Reading: Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin - I just started this one a couple of days ago, but am loving it so far. Allison’s writing is brilliant, her characters deep and flawed, and I know this is going to be another great book.
And finally, a few pics to wrap up the last few weeks…because oh yeah, we also went to a baseball game and a musical. And I met a cute puppy.
Video of the day:
The Mother and I just finished watching the series (my second viewing, her first), and we will watch the other two movies before this one comes out this fall. I’d forgotten how good it was. We have now embarked on The West Wing which felt appropriate considering all that’s going on. Anyway, I’m definitely excited about this!
Oh, thanks for recommending the Jacinda Ardern documentary!
One year! Impossible. Keep enjoying life.