Oracal

 Google, My Oracal

So I go to Googie and look up how to write a retirement plan, and I am given the definite

answer:

"How to Write a Retirement Plan"

1. Get a handle on your current finances.

2. Predict future expenses.

3. Run the numbers.

4. Start working your way there.

“A common guideline is that you should aim to replace 70% of your annual pre-retirement income. ... You can replace your pre-retirement income using a combination of savings, investments, Social Security and any other income sources (part-time work, a pension, rental income, etc.).”

Okay fine, but I was looking for something other than monetary security; how shall I pass my days?

It is all about the cash baby, all about the cash, there are no helpful non-monetary plans as far as I can find, so I need to make one for myself:

So I ask the question to myself, what is important to me in retirement, and I create this list…



1. My health seems to be at the top of my concerns, I feel old.  I ache, my feet are sore and I just don’t have the energy that I once had.
2. My inner artist wants to create poetry, take pictures, and play with creativity.
3. I want to re-connect socially with people I don’t work with, people who do not share a common goal, a common light, uncommon people who just want to be themselves, with no financial strings attached.  We won’t get paid to work collaboratively.  
4. I want some time to myself, to read my brain candied novels, to delve deeper into mysteries that I will never solve, but will spend time on anyway.  
5. I want to see about increasing the affections I have for the people already in my life, maybe some will become closer to me.
6. I want to go to view art, the creative expressions of others, perhaps there is a piece of creativity I can borrow, then make it my own.
7. I might try helping a charity raise money for a worthy cause.  I have no idea what charity.  (Hugs for health care workers, Doughnuts for mechanics, Pillows for dreamers).  I’ll figure one out.

My Homework Assignment.

I have been speaking with a friend, she wants me to do two things, work on a retirement plan and create a medicine wheel listing my health/soul concerns.  She told me a number of stories about people who die shortly after retiring.  This kind of bothered me, I have thought about many things, but dying is not one of them.  This is how a medicine wheel works:

1 3

2 4

1. Spirit - My spirit is good, I am a positive person, my beliefs are strong and I am comfortable with myself.  I do not feel depressed and I feel I have social worth.  I am loved and I am loved.  I do not worry about day-to-day living and I have confidence in my abilities to continue moving forward into retirement years.  My only fear is losing those close to me as time marches forward, I like my family and friends, I have lost a few throughout the years, and I do not want to lose any more.  I have been blessed with great people in my life.  

Science is my religion. Einstein, (a fellow much brighter than me), once said something like, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

2. Body - My self-image is a bit rough right now.  I have not been shopping for almost 2 years.  I have been working from home and have not ventured out that often due to Covid fears.  My joints ache and my limbs feel stiff.  I have not done very much exercise, I have eaten fairly healthy, but my exercise is lacking.  I have also been smoking more than my usual 1 or 2 cigarettes a day.  My usual wild time is Friday night, which brings half a bottle of wine, a slice and a half of pizza, and a few smiles as my darling and I review the week that was.

3. Mind - I am confident that my mental faculties are intact, but I do notice a certain amount of anger which I attribute to Covid.  I get angry with my managers, who just won’t follow my direction, anti vaxers for being soooo very stupid.  I am angry at others who, unlike me, did not choose a cautious life, but instead shot for the Moon, but missed.  Many of them were judgmental of me playing it safe.  They called me lazy and dull.  In truth I was afraid, and I still am.  I was not very good at talking with people when I was young, I am much better now.

4. Emotions- I do feel stress and anxiety.  I am stressed by my elderly mother who has Alzheimer's and is wasting away in a nursing home.  She was such a kind woman.  My father, a very kind man, did not deserve to die a lingering painful death by cancer.  My wonderful little sister who just never seemed to have enough luck to get out of poverty and welfare’s, python-like, grasp.  She raised three children, for the most part on her own.  My stress is more like guilt for being able to become so average.  Am I dominated by anger or sadness?  I am a happy person for the most part, and I feel guilty about it; but happy just the same.

The Decision Has Been Made

 The decision is made, Retirement on December 01, 2021, an Early Christmas gift to myself.  I have trouble moving my limbs, arthritis, but I don’t take pills yet, Diabetes with shots, I'm fat, not a good walker. I have feet problems; neuropathy.  I am almost afraid to retire, I might die, then again I might not. 

Follow me and I will share with you my journey.  Did I mention that I am overweight as well?

In reaching my decision to retire I have had to ask myself a very difficult question, "Why."  In being brutally honest with myself, the answer is that I don’t want to work for someone anymore.  I don’t hate my job, I just don’t want to do it, I am tired and want to do my own things, the things I just don’t do while I am working.

What I want to:

• Get up later than 5:00 AM (maybe 6 or 6:30)

• I want to do some exercises to loosen myself up, I think I will try some Tai Chi

• I want to change the way I eat (Some wonderful soups and other exotic meals await)

• I want to go for a morning coffee with a friend, re new that casual friendship, just being there.

• Write some poetry and take more pictures, I don’t take enough pictures, I spent a lot on my camera, now I want to learn how to use it.

• I want to stretch more, walk better, I will take my time and ask for some professional help, maybe find a physiotherapist.

• I need help with my health, Covid has aged me, and not like a fine wine.

• I look like a Sally Anne refugee, I need clothing, pedicure and the such.

• I have needs, I am not sure what all I need, but I will figure it out.

What I worry about:

• My darling

• My sister

• My friends

• My family

• My health