And the days go by, one at a time. I’m not in the “another day’s useless journey spent” as per “Days of Future Passed.” I am into learning one day at a time how to be really retired. How to schedule my time, focus on what is important for any given day, and work on little projects that before, I’ve always felt too rushed to do.
Most importantly, after working and earning my own money since I was thirteen, I’m in a position to do things that are fun. This is perhaps the best thing I can learn.
New Activities and New Friends
Winnie went back to China for several weeks, starting at the end of last October. I needed to stay home to rest and just get used to being home. Winnie needed to spend some time just being with her family. While she was gone I used my home alone time to start some small projects and take a short RV trip over to Cape Hatteras. Mostly I enjoyed just being alone, a luxury I didn’t have for my last several months of career life.
Once Winnie came home my retired life of actually doing stuff started.
The Senior Center
Winnie and I are learning just how much our adopted city of Charlotte has to offer. We’ve discovered this city gives us Seniors lots of opportunities to enjoy life. These opportunities include very active Senior Citizen centers. Anyone 55 or older is considered a “senior citizen,” so both Winnie and I are eligible for membership at these centers.
As our luck has it, the nearest senior center is only a few miles away, nearby a large downtown shopping area. So, Winnie and I have become active members. Our regular events now include Ping Pong (“Table Tennis”) and Mahjong.
Ping Pong
I hadn’t picked up a ping pong paddle since my first visit to China in 2003. (Winnie’s cousins challenged me to a ping pong game. Spoiler alert: they womped me.) We have some real talent to learn from. One person claimed to be formerly ranked number six tennis player in Charlotte. Another regular is a () referee.
Other folks here have been playing table tennis pretty steady for up to sixty years. Meaning, they’re mostly pretty good. But, folks are patient and let me learn while getting womped, so I’m good. The nicest thing about this group, for me, is they are not mean. I’m not insulted or mocked for not knowing much about the game, which is very different for me in past sports event. Dealing with more skilled people mocking me, and cutting me out of any meaningful games, is largely why I never learned in the first place.
Mahjong
Winnie knows Mahjong because of course she does. She’s skilled in card games in general, and Mahjong is one she particularly likes. But, she hasn’t been able to play since living in the US, for lack of anyone to play with. Winnie was excited when we discovered a weekly Mahjong event at the Senior Center. And she has insisted on me learning.
Once again, as with Ping Pong, there are some very experienced Mahjong players here. One woman in particular is the self-appointed trainer, and very patient teaching us beginners how to play. Winnie just had to learn the specific game rules here. Apparently there are different rules in just about every country Mahjong is played in.
I’m slowly picking up this new skillset, and enjoying the game.
Senior Events
It’s been a bit difficult getting out for much bicycle riding this winter. Here and there we get a day nice enough for a ride. But, spring is coming so I’ll have time to push myself into riding more. The bicycle event is a 10K race, and my goal is to finish ahead of the last rider.
North Carolina sponsors annual “Senior Games” in both athletics and arts. Events happen each spring, so I was able to actually sign up. I’ve gotten myself registered for the Digital Photography arts event, and for bicycle races in the sports events. I haven’t entered a photo contest since leaving Mississippi, so I have no idea what to expect in this event.
I also haven’t competed in any athletic event since leaving the Navy. Then, I occasionally competed in long-distance (5K) running events. My knees are now too worn for serious running, but I am getting back into bicycling. Once again, I have no idea what to expect, but I’m taking the leap.
Having Fun
All-in-all; I am enjoying my chance to actually do things for fun, instead of working for a paycheck. I’m enjoying just spending time together with Winnie. And we’re both looking forward to many years of doing cool stuff together while we get old.
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