Speaking Of Life

Did you know that the state of Georgia university system offers free tuition for residents 62 years of age or over?!?  From the GSU-62 website;  “If you are aged 62 or over and would like to resume, continue or begin a college education, you are considered a GSU-62 applicant. This program is designated to allow eligible applicants to register for college-level courses for credit or audit on a space-available basis.”

For more information click HERE to be redirected to the GSU-62 website. 

As some of you may know my wife and I love going to the movies.  And many of you have read her ‘mini movie’ reviews on Facebook.  Following are three recent reviews with my comments following….

Mini Movie Review: Into the Woods – The biggest surprise of this movie is…..Meryl Streep can SING! Beautifully. A fun movie with a sweet story. It is a musical with fabulous lyrics (thanks Stephen Sondheim). And, it includes many of your Fairy Tale faves: Little Red Riding Hood, BB Wolf, Jack/Beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel and a couple others that are less known. There are quite a few laughs and wonderful singing. Being that’s it’s Sondheim, there’s no guarantee of “happily ever after”. But the trip getting there is great. Grade = B+  Peter says; Great acting, music, lyrics, visuals….but too long.  I was bored about two-thirds of the way through.  That said, if you plan on seeing it do so on a big screen.

Mini Movie Review: Foxcatcher – This movie is…..hard to watch, but excellent. Put this one in category of movies that make you squirm. Not in the true “horror” sense, but in the “this is making me uncomfortable” sort of way. True story of John DuPont (one of richest families in US) who is a “wanna be”. He wants the love of his mother, his country, and most of all the love and accolades that comes with being affiliated with champions. He will use his $$$$ and intimidation to have it all. Steve Carrell is virtually unrecognizable, and definitely not a comic in this. Grade = B+  Peter says; Wow, this was one screwed up rich guy.  Money doesn’t always buy happiness or friends.  Steve Carrell is excellent as are the others.  Not a film one needs to view on the big screen….although I usually prefer to.

Mini Movie Review: The Imitation Game – If you are a math genius, you will certainly enjoy this one. Those of us who are……not(!)…. will too! A young man is assigned to help break the code the Germans are using for WWII warfare. Against all orders and wishes of those in command, he perseveres to find just the right configuration – via “machine” which is the birth of the computer. Exciting, suspenseful, sweet and sometimes sad. This is one of the year’s best. IMHO. Grade = A  Peter says; This movie is a solid “A”….excellent true story and outstanding performances.  It’s not just about the code breakers….it’s about a tortured soul who happens to also be a genius.  See it!

Here it is day #2 of my retirement and what did I do all morning?  Work, that’s what.  Almost have the bookkeeping for the year complete so I can turn it over to my now ex-business partner and not have to worry about it again.

So why am I doing this blog?  What’s the motivation behind it?  A few weeks back I thought it would be a good idea to let people know what I was doing, not for my ego but to share my interests so other ‘retirees’ or ‘soon to be retirees’ or those with ‘time for activities other than work’ can see that there’s life after your professional life ends.  There’s lots to do out there, and as our financial planner states from research conducted for his new book, to be a happy, fulfilled retiree you need 3-4 outside activities.  I don’t feel that’s going to be a problem for me!  Here’s the unsolicited plug for the Wes Moss book You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think; buy it!  Of course Wes goes into his investment strategies but more importantly he outlines the items that make for a happy retirement…it’s really a very good book that makes a lot of sense.  So I’ll share what I’m doing and hopefully you’ll share what you’re doing and we can all stay busy and have fulfilled lives.

Enough of that and on to Day #2; had lunch at a newish restaurant that Atlanta Magazine says is one of the best new restaurants in 2014; The General Muir.  Basically it’s an upscale deli that has a vibrant vibe, traditional and funky menu items, an excellent bakery and a full bar.  We had an excellent meal.  Roger and Eve reviewed The General in their excellent blog (Friday Date Night) stating  “The bottom line on the General Muir: If you are anywhere near Emory, run, don’t walk to this restaurant. And save room for dessert”.  For a more in-depth review see their blog reviewing The General.

As you hopefully read on the opening page of this bog today is DAY NUMERO UNO of my retirement.  I’m a baby to retirement, a virgin.  So whether you’ve been retired for years or are as new to retirement as me lets share this experience.  So here’s my first day….

Normally I loath the first day of the year.  I stay up late new year’s eve, don’t sleep enough so feel grouchy all day, hate to be with too many people, feel crappy because in a day or two the work year starts all over again.  But today’s different (although I did stay up late, didn’t sleep enough, etc…) but I don’t have to start the new work year….wow, now that’s exciting.  So what did I do today; my favorite activity….a bike ride.  The morning was cold (and I was cranky) so I waited until the afternoon when the temps warmed up to a brisk 48 degrees.  Got in a solo 30 mile ride from home…felt great.  Met a couple other cyclists, pushed myself…great way to start the year.  And now this, a blog….so tell me, what did you do the first day of the year?

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