Regrets, I've had a few....

Our year here has turned to a year and a half and now it is time to go home.

I always scoff when celebrities are interviewed by Barbara Walters and the like and ask their guests, "any regrets?"  Invariably, they will answer "no, no regrets".  What!  I think if you have made it to high school you must surely have regrets, or maybe that is just me.  I am an introspective type and sometimes that has worked in my favor, and sometimes, not so much.  Yes, I've had a few regrets in my time here.

I don't know why I thought it was necessary to bring everything but the kitchen sink here to Alexandria, but I did. I probably would have brought the kitchen sink if I could have figured out a way.   The apartment was well stocked with the necessities and although I have enjoyed using my own dishes and cooking items, I really didn't need them.


I don't know anyone who works, especially women, who haven't fantasised on a Friday afternoon about quitting their jobs and calling their time their own- delicious!  When I found out I was going to be able to take a break from work I was in heaven.  I made plans to do all the things I hadn't had time to do during 30 plus years as a worker bee.

My biggest goal was to make scrapbooks and I gathered all the necessary items each week with my 40% coupon from the local Hobby Lobby in Mesa.  I completed about 50% of Tom and Nancy's Iraq Love Affair scrapbook.....    I think I am just plain intimidated by the task, not being a clever arts and crafts type.  Also, I justify my inertia by saying there just wasn't enough room to spread out my pictures, but in honesty I think that is a pretty lame excuse. So sister Peggy, you were right- I didn't complete this goal and now I have to drag it all back unfinished.

On a brighter note, I did accomplish one of my primary goals- to use my massage therapy training in a volunteer capacity.  After a couple of tries with other community agencies doing clerical work, I found CAUSE- Comfort for America's Uniformed Services. http://www.cause-usa.org/main/index.cfm

  I have been privileged to give chair massage and Reiki to returning service members and their caregivers at Walter Reed and Fort Belvoir.  I have met so many lovely people and it has enriched my life.  I will miss you Pam, Brianna and Gabby!

I regret thinking I had the metabolism of a 20 year old and enjoying the many fine restaurants here without accelerating my activity level!  Being unemployed and living in a 500 square foot apartment just isn't the level of physical activity I was used to in the working world.  Our apartment is so small, that if I am strategic, I can vacuum the whole place without having to unplug the vacuum cleaner! A sad fact of being 50+- more cardio!  Well, I am working on it and will be forced to show more skin in AZ due to the climate, so my impetus for change will grow ever stronger.



I am glad I met my goal of writing a blog!  At times, I have wanted to tear my hair out when trying to insert photos and captions .  I remember bothering my son and daughter initially for advice and assistance, but it has been mostly self taught and I am pretty proud of that.  It has been fun to share our experiences here. 



II regret frittering away far too many hours on the computer and watching mind-numbing TV instead of reading more ( another one of my goals). Oh well, this was my vacation year, I like to call it "the experiment".  What would happen if you plunked a person down in a totally different environment and lifestyle- what would happen? 

What I won't miss about DC Metro:

Horn Honking
Aggressive Drivers
People who don't make eye contact
Humidity
Apartment Living in general
Cold, windy weather
The cost of living
People who insist on backing into parking spaces
Parallel parking

What I will miss about DC Metro:


Friends Kari and JR!  We really will miss you and have enjoyed and appreciated your company.

Fit Body N Mind Yoga
DC Metro Church
Mount Vernon
Smithsonian Museum of American History
Sightseeing!
The hustle and bustle of  Downtown DC
Virginia Apples
Great Ethnic Restaurants
Old Town Alexandria
Change of Seasons
Cooking Classes at The Plum Center

Tom and I have spent quite a lot of time together in the past few weeks and it is telling that we have started quarelling over changing the toilet paper rolls and whether the garbage is stinky or not and needs to be taken out- time to hit the road!  As we start our trip westward the scenery will change and the senior discounts will be plentiful.  Would you believe you have to be 62-65 for a senior discount here!  In Arizona, which is snow-bird friendly, you only have to be 50+-ha!


I am so thankful for our time here and for the friends and family that came to visit. I have loved the adventure.


One regret I will never have is marrying Tom, who made this and many other adventures to come, possible. We have so much to look forward to, returning to family and friends, house hunting, and a new grandson due in May.

Today, Tom received his Army commendation medal for his service with with the CID unit during his stay here-so proud of him.

Thank you Tom- I love you and I have loved my new life as an Army wife.