Today's thoughts

Retirement is not without Hassles: Technology and Time Together #42

I spent a lot of yesterday without cable and internet service.  Could anything be more disastrous for a retiree?  What do we do without T.V. and the internet?  I’m of course being factious, but it did alter my writing plans for the day.  Instead, I read a book – a surefire way to doze off in the afternoon.  I was also dealing with an insurance hassle caused by my former employer.  It’s instant frustration as soon as you start dealing with a phone system that does not utilize human beings; instead it’s voice and touch command, that apparently thinks I mumble like my wife accuses me of doing.  When I do finally connect with a human, it’s always the wrong department and when they say they will transfer you – it’s like torture, being dumped back into the world of robots who have trouble understanding your keystrokes and words.  Also, because they are not humans, I find myself screaming, and wonder if there is an audience of actual human beings listening in on the conversation for their own sick sense of entertainment.  I say the nastiest things to computers and other machines, and it would be embarrassing to see myself in action.

When the T.V. signal finally returned, I watched the Masters and some baseball, then finished the evening with “Feud,” the fascinating rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as they competed for attention during the making of the film, “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” I was reminded that we will miss Saturday night movie night, since we’re joining another couple for dinner at No Bones, a vegan restaurant here in Portland.

It is not raining yet today – but undoubtedly will later.  We were able to get the two pups out for their run/walk, then took them with us to sit in the car while we did our orientation at 24 Hour Fitness.  This is the new gym membership that will hopefully keep me distracted from T.V. and the internet.   My wife is excited about the pool and yoga classes, while I will try to strengthen my legs and lower back.  I’m struggling with the cost of hiring a personal trainer to supplement the membership, but they do offer some free Senior Fitness Classes.  Maybe I will give that a try on Monday mornings at 11?

We’re not church-goers, but I’ll be up early tomorrow morning.  I plan to join a friend for a Baseball Card Collectors meeting (closest thing to a religious experience).  I hate to sacrifice a day of “wife-time,” but several of these guys are passing through town on their way to Seattle for Mariners Opening Day on Monday.  My wife is not happy with this decision, but sometimes you can’t get together with your friends on weekdays.  Some of them work, and unfortunately major sporting events are not during weekday afternoons, as she would like them to be scheduled.  As a working gal, she still values her weekend time and is disappointed when I don’t spend that time with her.  I’m glad she enjoys spending time with me, but this may force her to try out the swimming pool at 24 Hour Fitness in lieu of hanging out together.

Retirement is all about compromise.  I haven’t been doing a very good job of that lately.  I’ve put my love of sports over the needs of my partner.  March Madness and the start of baseball has compromised my responsibilities to her.   We will need the time in Maui next week to get back on the same page – her page.  For me, it’s a “vacation” from the dogs.  For her, it’s a vacation – period.

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