While I don’t miss work, I confess early into my retirement I missed feeling important. Being a director for a large corporation was demanding. Once you got to that level, the company wanted everything you had but taunted us with money and perks to keep people like me crawling back for more.
After a while, you start to think you’re somebody.
Then you join the long list of retirees who used to have big jobs, and you realize no one cares about your glory days. I needed a new mindset, and as I was looking for answers, I stumbled upon this quote in an online forum:
“We were never the somebody we thought. And we are never the nobody we fear.”
For me, that kind of says it all.
Double shot
Yesterday, I got my flu shot and COVID booster at the same time – one in each arm. I didn’t have any problems with the COVID vaccines first time around, but I have a history of fever and chills after getting the flu shot. I used to pre-medicate with Tylenol several days in advance, and that put an end to the chilly willies.
However, I’ve since read you’re not supposed to do that, since they don’t really know how it affects the vaccines. So, I toughed it out, and sure enough, I got fever and chills. Quite the miserable night, but it passed pretty quickly. Both arms are still sore, but I managed to play a little golf today.
COVID has completely stressed me out. I know – take a number, but I believe I’ve been unnecessarily paranoid. Now that I’m boosted and the case rates are going down here in California, I’m going to try hard to lighten up. We still haven’t been to a restaurant, even for outside dining.
Part of the problem is we’re kind of spoiled by our own home cooking, and most restaurants just aren’t that good. Still, a diversion would be nice. The weather is lovely, so maybe we can get our butts out the door and try someone else’s food.
Great British Baking Show
Speaking of food, I am finally getting into the Great British Baking Show. I can’t imagine what took me so long, but I love it. The baking is fantastic, of course, but as a Britophile, I also like the cast of characters.
I’m still watching the first season, so I have lots of shows in the queue. One of the first things I want to try is Mary Berry’s treacle tart.
A fluted tart pan with a removable bottom has been on my wish list for quite some time, and mine arrived today. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together? However, I don’t want to get in the trap of making sweets all the time, so I want to try a savory tart first. Or even a quiche. I’ve always made quiche in a regular pie pan, but the tart version just looks so inviting.
Cucko for coconut
We are still raving about the coconut layer cake I made for my birthday. Individual pieces are stowed safely in the freezer, but it seems someone has been eating them.
Dale said it is the best cake he’s ever had, and I have to agree. I called it the Thrilla in Manila. I mean, I know that’s a famous boxing match, but I just think it’s fun to say. And it could describe cake, right?
He said, no. It’s the Thrilla with Vanilla!
Sometimes it takes very little to amuse us.
If I lived nearby I would be sneaking case slices out of your freezer as well. It looked delicious!!!
I’ve been pretty good about eating tiny pieces, so I don’t feel too guilty. Just a smidgen.
I could have written the bit about retirement. I took me a while to get over myself….fortunately, that process helped lead me to the decision to retire. I still floundered with my identity though afterwards. I’ll have to check out that baking show. I’ve heard good things about it!
I like the way you said it — you have to get over yourself. That’s a good thought for me to keep in mind.
Ooh, so glad you’re getting into the GBBO! I made the treacle tart, and it got a big YUM from my family and supper club group. I’ve tried 22 of the recipes and the only one that got a yuck was the lemon curd roulade (not sure what season they did roulades), although some recipes were just okay. Lemon drizzle cakes and a lemon custard slice were my favorite along with Irish soda bread. I’ll be interested in seeing how your treacle tart works out and what else you decide to try.
This should be fun! I’ll be sure to share the results.
The famous Marlon Brando line, “I coulda been a contender” comes to mind. I was more than a contender, I was a full on stress pot from achieving my “somebody” position and being responsible for all below me and taking any and all mistakes and criticism (which was seldom due to my inactions) personally.
Two years into semi-retirement, I don’t miss the day to day stress and hassle.
I do consult for about 12-14 weeks of time per year which is rewarding and satisfying but I take assignments or leave them on my terms and once completed….they are done.
I still get calls from colleagues and my replacement picking my brain. My wife reminds me why it is good that I left. The place has gone downhill with idiots not taking advice and I am glad to be done.
I’m glad that I am no longer a contender
It’s actually part of the same Marlon Brando line from On the Waterfront!
While I did want to be a contender for many years, I don’t miss all the stress and hassles, either. I hear from a few people I used to work with, and most of them are miserable. I applaud you for hanging in there on the consulting.
As always, great to hear from you!
It was nice to have “been somebody” in the work world at one time but I have to say, this retirement gig is the best gig ever. I was having coffee yesterday morning with three delightful, accomplished men (including my husband). It was a gorgeous day: warm but not too warm, sunny, and clear. They had just finished a mile ocean swim (while I enjoyed a walk along the coast). We were chatting about this and that, including some thises and thats about our prior jobs, when I said, “isn’t retirement the best?” And, of course, they all agreed. No matter what “somebodies” we were at one time, none of us could imagine trading a day like we were having for a chair in front of a computer.
I know exactly what you mean. I met someone playing golf the other day, and he asked if I was retired. I said, yes, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had!
I love that quote. I may use it myself.
We love the Great British Baking Show but were also late to finding it. We sped through it though and we’re now excited for a new season. The only bad thing is you can’t binge watch it yet!! Only one episode a week. 😕
It really is a great quote. I’m glad you like it!
I’m early into the series, but I’m already obsessed with soggy bottoms.
I’m more interested in food than formal work these days although the pandemic prompts many a foray into public health/infectious disease control thoughts. This blog title reminds me of an Oprah Winfrey comment. When someone asks “Who do you think you are?” in that certain tone, the challenge is to say who you are. Which takes me back to a previous blog of yours, the retirement elevator speech. I’ve always felt challenged to give a concise explanation of who I am. Then I hearken back to a line by Lorretta Lynn when she was asked how she spends her time, to which she responded, “Just trying to matter.” Check out Tenille Towne’s Somebody’s Daughter. We’re all somebody.
Of course, I’m totally with you about the food! But, yes, those infectious disease thoughts find a way to creep in there.
I think I can do better on my elevator speech. But like you, it’s hard to sum up who we are in a few words. I like that Loretta Lynn quote, as well as that great song! I hadn’t heard it before. Here’s another one — Fulton County Jane by Brandi Carlile:
I suppose it all comes down to our shared humanity. Nobody is more important than anyone else. Or as Harry Bosch likes to say, “Everybody counts or nobody counts.”
Since you are enjoying the GBBS I can heartily recommend you try the Amazon Original
James May: Oh Cook in which James admits he Never cooks and Cannot Cook, then produces 9 episodes of a Cookery Show, each one with a particular theme.
It is so entertaining because James May is an Entertainer first, then a cookshow host eventually. We first found him on the newer series James May: Our Man in Japan in which he went to each of 6 locations in Japan a la Rick Steves only much more entertaining as well as educational. He has been around on British tv for a long time only how would we know ?!?
I may have to buy the cookbook 🙂
Jeannine in Iowa
Wow, what a great recommendation! Thank you so much. I’ve already added it to my watchlist.