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For some reason the second half of the calendar year seems more stressful to me than the first, which is not really stressful at all in terms of holidays, events and obligations, etc. It helps that our winter in NE has so far been really easy. No snow, no ice storms, not too cold, easy heating bill.
Besides that, just the prospect of the new year stretching out in front of us suggests new beginnings and the return of spring. Starting to think about buying seeds, what we'll add to the yard this year, and now that the house is almost done, where we might go for day trips, etc.
Anyone else feeling a sense of freedom at this point in the year? New things happening for you?
The main thing that will be new for us is going from COBRA to Obamacare. While it's nice to get somewhat of a break from the enormous COBRA premiums, the limitations of provider availability under our new plan is somewhat distressing. Oh yeah...something else that will be new will be our doctor. We need to pick a new primary doctor, as well as any needed specialists, so that adds to the stress.
On the bright side, it looks like we'll be buying a golf cart this year. Time to put something in our golf cart garage besides boxes.
It helps that our winter in NE has so far been really easy. No snow, no ice storms, not too cold, easy heating bill.
Yes, the NE winter has been mild but we got an inch of wet snow last week to remind us that winter is really here. It has also been bitterly cold in the last 2 days getting down to 6F this morning.
The mild winter has made me think that we could possibly stay here instead of relocating. We still have about 3 months of winter to go. We put all the snow shovels in front of the garage and made sure that the snow blower and generator are in working condition. Winter is not over until I can be out rowing on the river!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RiverBird
Starting to think about buying seeds, what we'll add to the yard this year, and now that the house is almost done, where we might go for day trips, etc.
I think you have a sense of relief and relaxation because your house's renovation is almost done. For us, the updating/fixing has just begun! We have a long list of things to do and it seems daunting. I have to resolve to break things down in small tasks and try to accomplish one at a time.
We are planning of a big trip (likely to Iceland) as a 'reward break' from the anticipated heavy workload!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RiverBird
Anyone else feeling a sense of freedom at this point in the year? New things happening for you?
Yes, a lot of new things are happening. I am engaged and eager to get things rolling but certainly not a sense of freedom. If anything, I am more busy than when I was working last year. So many things to do to downsize (had just spent several weeks digitizing old VHS tapes to DVDs and cleaning out the bookcases - got rid of the contents of 5 out of 8!), to fix up the house for sale (need to update kitchen, bathroom, restore hardwood floor, redo basement floor), to check out several potential places to relocate. We have made quite a few visits to Home Depot and Lowe to check on kitchen remodeling options. I also get the name of a contractor. I am leaning towards doing things ourselves but first I have to convince my husband that it is a good idea! I love DIY projects but not sure whether we can do everything without extra help.
Then there are all the health insurance changes to take care of. Our 'free' Cobra insurance will end by the end of March. We will have to apply for Medicare part B and D for my husband, selecting a Medigap option for him. I have the 'platinum' Cobra insurance plans now because they are free but will need to look for a cheaper alternative when I have to pay out of my own pocket. There are just so many things to do!!!
The main thing that will be new for us is going from COBRA to Obamacare. While it's nice to get somewhat of a break from the enormous COBRA premiums, the limitations of provider availability under our new plan is somewhat distressing. Oh yeah...something else that will be new will be our doctor. We need to pick a new primary doctor, as well as any needed specialists, so that adds to the stress.
On the bright side, it looks like we'll be buying a golf cart this year. Time to put something in our golf cart garage besides boxes.
I am changing primary doctor, optometrist, and dentist. I didn't like any of the previous ones, they seemed incompetent on some levels. I've found replacements that I researched and look forward to meeting them this coming month. Sometimes change is good. I like the golf cart idea.
Yes, the NE winter has been mild but we got an inch of wet snow last week to remind us that winter is really here. It has also been bitterly cold in the last 2 days getting down to 6F this morning.
The mild winter has made me think that we could possibly stay here instead of relocating. We still have about 3 months of winter to go. We put all the snow shovels in front of the garage and made sure that the snow blower and generator are in working condition. Winter is not over until I can be out rowing on the river!
We won't escape the full brunt of NE winter, but being on the other side of all the holidays toward spring is a huge upper. No place we would want to live has mild winters, so that's not part of our location criteria any more.
I think you have a sense of relief and relaxation because your house's renovation is almost done. For us, the updating/fixing has just begun! We have a long list of things to do and it seems daunting. I have to resolve to break things down in small tasks and try to accomplish one at a time.
I will never, repeat never, go through major house renovations again. We have had only weekends (occasionally 3 days a week) with this DIY project and everyone at two Home Depots knows us on a first-name basis. If I never see the inside of an HD it won't be too soon. I don't even want to calculate what we have spent on materials alone. Next place will be a ramshackle cottage that we will not try to improve.
Yes, a lot of new things are happening. I am engaged and eager to get things rolling but certainly not a sense of freedom. If anything, I am more busy than when I was working last year. So many things to do to downsize (had just spent several weeks digitizing old VHS tapes to DVDs and cleaning out the bookcases - got rid of the contents of 5 out of 8!), to fix up the house for sale (need to update kitchen, bathroom, restore hardwood floor, redo basement floor), to check out several potential places to relocate. We have made quite a few visits to Home Depot and Lowe to check on kitchen remodeling options. I also get the name of a contractor. I am leaning towards doing things ourselves but first I have to convince my husband that it is a good idea! I love DIY projects but not sure whether we can do everything without extra help.
Um, let HD or Lowes do it. Really. DIY on the furniture and drapes.
Then there are all the health insurance changes to take care of. Our 'free' Cobra insurance will end by the end of March. We will have to apply for Medicare part B and D for my husband, selecting a Medigap option for him. I have the 'platinum' Cobra insurance plans now because they are free but will need to look for a cheaper alternative when I have to pay out of my own pocket.
One reason we're not likely leaving this state--excellent medical here and our Medicare plan couldn't be less expensive anywhere else.
So much to do to get all legal paperwork in order, TG that's mostly done. It's a FT job to be retired and tending to everything we never focused on before.
For some reason the second half of the calendar year seems more stressful to me than the first, which is not really stressful at all in terms of holidays, events and obligations, etc. It helps that our winter in NE has so far been really easy. No snow, no ice storms, not too cold, easy heating bill.
Besides that, just the prospect of the new year stretching out in front of us suggests new beginnings and the return of spring. Starting to think about buying seeds, what we'll add to the yard this year, and now that the house is almost done, where we might go for day trips, etc.
Anyone else feeling a sense of freedom at this point in the year? New things happening for you?
I'm afraid what's new for me this year is not going to be pleasant. I went to a doctor in December and during the usual pushing around, he said you have an enlarged liver. I'm scheduled for a Cscan Monday, but from my research I think the most likely outcome is liver or pancreatic cancer, the two medical science can still not cure. I keep thinking this can't be happening to me, I feel great, run every day. have never smoked, don't drink and even occasionally eat broccoli.
Sorry to be such a downer. I guess I just needed to express myself somewhere.
We leave in a week & a half for 2 mos in Florida. I'm shortsighted in that I can only see to the next adventure.
You can stay longer!
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