fun Archives – Unretirement Project

What We Are UP To in March 2019

March 27, 2019 by Sharlyn Lauby 4 Comments

March, Unretirement, retirement, travel, fun — Disney Sand Sculpture

Disclosure: Occasionally we receive free products for review or include advertising links in posts, but no one impacts the honesty of our opinions.

This March, I rearranged our “What we’re up to …” list to reflect what’s going on right now. Read on and you’ll see why.

Geeking| Groove Bands

> I like backing Kickstarter campaigns. As a small business owner, it’s a way to pay it forward. And I like the cool items that I get to try out. We just backed a campaign for Groove Life, which makes silicone rings. They’re introducing watch bands that complement their ring designs. Besides the technology itself, one of my favorite Apple Watch features is the changeable band. I’m hoping this will be a nice one.

Loving| Smith Teas

> I gave up coffee years ago and now I love a nice cuppa tea. A couple of my favorite tea companies have gone out of business. During a trip to Portland, Oregon, I discovered Smith Teas. They are absolutely wonderful. A bit pricey, so I don’t drink them every day but a delicious splurge. If you have a favorite tea company, I’d love to hear about them!

Planning| Vacation!

> For our anniversary this year we’re crossing something off our bucket list. We’ve always wanted to take a repositioning cruise, so this year we’re going from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale through the Panama Canal. Very exciting! We’re looking forward to some relaxation and education along the way.

Remembering| Disney

>I grew up on Disney. My father worked on the construction crew for Walk Disney World (he built Cinderella’s Castle) and my mother worked there for over 30 years. That being said, I’ve never been to Disneyland in California. So, prior to our cruise, we’re going. To quote a very old expression, I feel like a kid in a candy store.

Reading| Dune

> My cruise reading includes the Frank Herbert classic “Dune”. Keith loves this book. I’ve never read it and was able to get it quickly on Paperback Swap. I know there’s a Dune movie remake in the works, so we’ll see if I become a Dune fan. Stay tuned.

Working On| Our Annual Strategy Meeting

> Businesses carve out time to do strategic planning and budgeting. When we started our consulting firm, we decided that it was important to set aside time to do the same. We feel better when we do it and our company is better because of it. Part of the conversation is focused on retirement – what do we want ours to look like?

Feeling| Surprisingly relaxed

> You would think with all of my business travel and an upcoming vacation that I would be a stressed-out mess. But surprisingly, I’m not. I think we’ve planned everything well. We’ll see once we start our trip, but I’m delighted that this is one of those moments where my obsessive planning might pay off. LOL!

Watching| Captain Marvel

> Like there was any doubt that we were going to see this movie! I’m not going to give away any spoilers except to say, “Goose!” If you’ve seen the movie you know exactly what I’m talking about. Now that we’ve seen Captain Marvel in March, we’re looking forward to Avengers: Endgame when we return from vacation.

What’s UP with you in March? You might notice that we’re posting less frequently for the next couple of weeks, but don’t worry, we’ll be back on track soon.

What We Are UP To in November 2018

November 28, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

Watching| Hidden Figures

> I know I’m really behind in watching this one and just caught it while traveling in November. It’s a great movie about three African-American women mathematicians working at NASA during the space race back in the 1960’s. What a wonderful story about history and the people who made it happen!

Reading| Be Internet Awesome

> I recently discovered a project from Google called “Be Internet Awesome”. It’s a program for kids about how to use the internet in a responsible way. But I’m not so sure about the kids’ part. While there are lots of guides about conducting business on the internet, there are very few about being a good internet citizen. If you’re turned off by the crazy on the internet, but know you need to be there, maybe a dose of internet awesome is for you.

Remembering|Nostalgia

> I ran across an article earlier in November on The Conversation about how nostalgia can be helpful and positive. I can see how it’s importance to have balance. On one hand, I love 80’s music and old cheesy movies. But I need to embrace current technology and processes.

Working On| Catch-up days

> This was one of my goals in 2018 and sadly, I was terrible at it. So, I’m going to try again in 2019. I need to block off a day for catching up around the house and office after a trip. There are emails to answer, laundry to do, grocery shopping, etc. Here’s hoping I get better about this one next year.

Feeling| In it for the long haul

> Based on the comments I read on my Facebook page, the midterm elections wore people out. Me too. I get it. Whether you’re an R or a D, there was plenty to go around. But I’m trying to look on the bright side. Hopefully, people understand the importance of being an educated voter. Get ready because 2020 is starting right now. And when you need to take a break from politics, do it. Then come back, read up on the issues, and make sure you vote.

Planning| 2019 Goals

> Am I the only person saying, “I can’t believe it’s almost the New Year?!” How time flies! Anyway, with the new year, Keith and I will be carving out time to reflect on our accomplishments for 2018 and discuss what we’d like to do next year. In November, I wrote a post over on HR Bartender about the planning tools I use most often. We will definitely be pulling these out for our planning session!

Loving| Cooler weather

> South Florida never really had a change in seasons. We laugh that we didn’t turn the heat on for three years. Something tells me that’s going to change in Gainesville. LOL! It’s not too cold right now, but we are noticing a change in the weather (obviously, I wrote this before it got down to the 20s here in November). I have to admit, it will be nice to have seasons again.

Geeking| Google Titan Key

> I will admit that I’m still trying to figure this one out. I’ve read some articles that this security key is excellent and is used by Google employees to keep their files secure. But I haven’t found setting it up very intuitive. Tech security is important, so I will keep trying to develop a new routine with this device.

What’s UP with you?

Should You Keep To Do Lists After You Retire

November 20, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby 3 Comments

I recently saw an article on Sixty and Me titled “Should you throw out your ‘to-do’ list after 60?” I certainly hope the answer is no.

I will totally admit that I’m a planner. As a person who likes to plan, I make lists. Granted, all of my lists aren’t created equal. For example, I plan our meals using lists. It helps us save money on groceries and we don’t waste food. I also have a list of small tasks that I need to complete during the day like “buy tickets to see Bohemian Rhapsody on Friday”. I can’t imagine when I retire that I would stop making those types of lists.

Then, I have lists I keep on my Outlook calendar. Someone could argue they’re more of a project plan or regular work activities, but to me they’re very similar to a list. It’s a list on my calendar of the things that I need to accomplish during the day. In fact, I have a regular occurrence on my calendar to write for this blog. It helps me remember all the things I want and need to do. The joke around our house is when it’s put on my calendar, it gets done.

But honestly, I could see that list changing. At some point, I’ll have fewer client obligations so those “to-do’s” on my calendar will go away. The question is will they get replaced with something else like volunteer meetings or just “me” time. At this point, I don’t know. But I do know that I will have to deal with having fewer lists someday. And that I need to be okay with that. The presence or absence of a list is not an indicator of my value or worth.

The other thing that I need to start thinking about is the way I keep lists. Right now, I have a system that includes a paper planner and Microsoft Outlook. I’m not sure that I will always need them. Oh, don’t get me wrong…I still have a few years to make this decision. But it has occurred to me that at some point I will have to part with my planner. LOL! And the question becomes will I be ready when that moment comes. For people who plan like I do, is the answer to downsize planners as an interim step?

Also, will there be a time when I don’t need Microsoft Office 365 and the iWork suite that comes with iMac will be totally adequate? Purely from a financial standpoint, I don’t want to pay for software I’m not going to use. But when do I make that decision? I’m sure I want to do it in time to learn the new software before getting rid of the old.

I know it might sound like I’m overreacting to a simple little article about keeping “to-do” lists but that’s not my point. It’s that at some time, many of the things I do today, I won’t do anymore. Either because I don’t need to, or I don’t want to. How I make those decisions is up to me. I can control them if I want to. And I can make the change experience fun or depressing. The choice is mine.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL

What We Are UP To – October 2018

October 24, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby 6 Comments

Watching | Baby Driver

> I know this movie has been out for a while, but I heard so many wonderful things about the soundtrack, I had to check it out. While I thought the movie was somewhat predictable, the soundtrack is awesome and if you like chase scenes…you have to check it out.

Reading | Fair, Nonpartisan Election Information

> This year’s midterm ballot in Florida is over two pages long with amendments! I take voting very seriously, so I’m looking for good resources that will educate me on the issues. AARP recently ran an article listing four resources for election information: VoteSmart.org, RealClearPolitics.com, Ballotopedia.org, and PolitiFact.org. Get educated and take time to vote on November 6, 2018.

Remembering | The “Big” City

> One of the things that we knew we would have to deal with in moving to Gainesville, Florida was the size of the city. The population is about 130,000. We’ve always lived placed with 1M+ populations…and gotten accustomed to all the retail shopping, entertainment, restaurants, etc. that comes with a large city. During our last two October trips, we’ve found ourselves saying, “Oh! There’s The Container Store…” or “Ooooh, can we stop at Sephora?” LOL!

Working On | Tracking

> Weight Watchers has changed their name to WW and announced a new focus on wellness and wellbeing. I really like it. But I feel to get the full benefit that I’m going to have to do a better job of tracking my activities, which I must admit, I’m not the best. It’s all about taking it one day at a time.

Feeling | “Falling” For the Season

> Fall season in October could possibly be the very best. ‘nuf said.

Planning | Holidays

> Since we haven’t completely unpacked from our move, we’re trying to figure out the holidays. Of course, we have no idea how into the holidays people get around here. I must admit that very few people decorated for Halloween. But gosh, when we lived in Cincinnati, Halloween was a big deal. So, were trying to figure out if we make new traditions or keep old ones? Should we unpack the holiday decorations? Decisions, decisions…

Loving | Vionics

> As a speaker and trainer, I spend a lot of time walking and standing. So, I’m trying to be kinder to my feet. Especially since I’ve had two ankle fusions. I’ve seen Vionics for years but finally splurged on a couple of pairs. Very nice shoes, fashionable, quality materials, and most of all – comfortable. It did take some time to figure out the right size, but once that happened…I would recommend them highly.

Geeking | Duolingo

> Duolingo is an educational language app. I played around with it a couple of years ago and tried expanding my Spanish vocabulary. I must admit that I don’t believe I had the right mindset and quickly gave up. I’m not sure an app can make you fluent in a language. But I do like learning languages, so I decided to give it another try earlier in October. This time I’m going to work on my French. And maybe be less hard on myself…we’ll see.

What’s UP with you?

Sometimes We Need to Take a Digital Vacation

August 27, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

A digital vacation is when we turn off all of our devices and focus on face-to-face interactions. In this fast-paced world, it’s important that we don’t spend all of our time online.

The reason I’m bringing up digital vacationsis because Unretirement Project has some scheduled website maintenance this week. Our website hosting company tells us that the site shouldn’t ever be down during this time. But I’m a safety girl, so I’m notifying you now…

Feel free to take a little digital vacation from Unretirement Project. But only for a few days though. We’ll be back to our regular posting schedule next week.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring Duval Street in Key West, FL

What We’re UP To in January 2018

January 31, 2018 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

Watching | Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert

> This Australian movie about two drag queens and a transgender woman crossing the country in a bus dubbed Priscilla is filled with friendships, fun, and disco music. We saw the theater version recently and had to rent the original movie. If you’re looking for a little bit of retro fun, check it out.

Reading | Slow Burn

> Actually, it’s more like I’m listening. Slow Burn is a podcast about Watergate. I remember Watergate as one of my first political memories. Like many people, my parents watched the hearings on television. It’s a fascinating look back at what happened, especially given what’s going on in politics right now.

Remembering | Fort Lauderdale

> While we haven’t moved yet, I can’t help but wonder if every time we go to a restaurant or visit someplace will it be the “last time”. On one hand, it does make me appreciate every moment we’ve spent in South Florida over the past 15+ years. On another, it makes me sad. As much as I’m excited about our new adventure, I will miss this place.

Working On | Day One

> I mentioned before that I’ve wanted to do a photo-a-day project starting in January. Since we expect 2018 to be a big year for us, with the move and all, I decided my photo-a-day project would be about what I love about Fort Lauderdale and our big move. Keith found an app for me called “Day One” that allows me to create an online journal with images, etc. If we want, we could eventually print it and turn it into a real book!

Feeling | Focused

> I’m sure I’m not alone in that I set too many goals for myself. I love starting the New Year with new goals. But I’m also very aware how easy it is to abandon my goals. I’m trying very hard to stay focused early in January. And to realize slipping for a day isn’t the same as failing. Just pick it back up the next day.

Planning | Fantastical 2

> I’m a planner. A ridiculous planner (I’ve been told). So, my computer calendar is important. I’ve been using Microsoft Outlook for years, but since getting a Mac, I’ve been thinking that Outlook isn’t the same. I found a Mac app with good reviews called Fantastical 2. I recently downloaded it and I’m loving it. Very nice look! The developers also have a contacts app called Cardhop.

Loving | Amazon Echo Spot

> We really enjoy our Amazon Echo. It’s connected to our Pandora account and we play music through it. We also have a couple of WeMo switches to control lights and fans. The latest Echo product is called Spot. It’s a small ball shaped Echo with a digital face. We’re using it as a replacement for a Dot and an alarm clock.

Geeking | Cladwell

> Since we’re moving this year, we’re trying to downsize and not buy stuff. That includes clothes. To help me make the most of my wardrobe, I downloaded the Cladwell app. It’s like having a styling service on your phone or tablet. You log your closet into the app and every day the app gives you three outfits to select from. It takes into account the weather. I’m loving the suggestions it’s made so far.

We hope 2018 is off to a good start for you. Let us know what’s UP with you in January.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby on Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL

Dot to Dot Books Are the New Adult Coloring

December 27, 2017 by Sharlyn Lauby Leave a Comment

A few months ago, I wrote about some lessons learned from adult coloring books. I’m still a fan of adult coloring, but I’ve found something new – adult dot-to-dot books. They are exactly what it sounds like. Remember those connect the dot books we had when we were younger? Well, they’re the same thing except more “adult” so instead of counting to 20 or 50…you’re counting to 150 or 300. And when you’re done counting, you could color the image.

Dot-to-dot books offer something different from coloring. Like coloring, they still provide a certain amount of escape and distraction. However, they bring out different qualities. Here’s what I’ve discovered:

All planning is not the same. I found with dot-to-dot books, I have to plan a little more. In coloring, if I make something the wrong color…oh well, I just move on. With dot-to-dot, if I don’t plan, I could mess up the image. This has also forced me to only use pencils (with erasers!) for dot-to-dot activities. It reminds me that even though “I’m a planner” that I can’t look at all planning the same way. Planning this week’s menu is very different from retirement financial planning.

The need for stress relief will always be necessary. Keeping stress bottled up isn’t good for our health and relationships. I’m totally convinced that retirement doesn’t mean all of my worries will be over. Hopefully, every day that I’m retired won’t be filled with stress, but finding ways to effectively manage tensions will be necessary. I can see dot-to-dot books offering some challenge, while at the same time bringing some stress relief. The good news is they’re affordable. I also discovered that iTunes has some adult dot-to-dot apps.

Play is an important part of our retirement. While I’ve been talking about dot-to-dot books in the context of stress relief, that’s not their only purpose. They can just be fun. They don’t need to have a secondary purpose or motive. Part of retirement is about having fun. That’s why people talk about traveling and hobbies during retirement. It’s fun. Granted a dot-to-dot book doesn’t exactly compare to an Alaska cruise. But fun can be sitting on the back porch with a cuppa tea and a dot-to-dot book.

I think it’s kinda cool to see how activities I did as a child have modernized. Adult coloring and dot-to-dot are examples. It makes me realize that I need to be prepared for a modern retirement. It’s true, some pieces might look exactly like my parent’s retirement, but it’s possible that I need to get ready for a 21^st Century twist.

Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas, NV