So it is 11:00 AM in my part of the world. I have ordered flowers and a gift for two different people. I have posted a bedroom set for sale. I have negotiated and set up sale dates for a side table and a rocking chair. I have spoken to and fixed a problem with my bank. I have changed my address and started a new payment plan for health care. I wrote a job reference for a colleague. I have bought two dresses (50% off!). Checked my email and Facebook accounts. All is done! And I did it all sitting in my pajamas in my chair using an iPad and iPhone (Go Apple!).
Living the life where I can speak English and use technology. WooHoo!
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
June 28
The irrevocable date is approaching. I am busy trying to reset a life in a new place. Today I had my car checked and had it oiled and lubed. Since it is a 16 year old car, it is important to give it regular check ups. I set up a new bank account. It is with the same bank that I have my mortgage. It is called Oculina Bank. It is a small bank in my part of Florida. They are friendliest and most helpful bankers that I have ever met.
Everything went well, except that I am exhausted. I have not slept well since I flew home. At first I thought it was jet lag. On Friday, I realized my back and hip were hurting. This kind of pain is sort of normal for women my age. What is odd is that it only hurts when I lay down. When I get up from laying down, the pain soars. Made a doctor's appointment for Thursday. I hope I can make it. The pain is a downer to the retirement celebration.
Everything went well, except that I am exhausted. I have not slept well since I flew home. At first I thought it was jet lag. On Friday, I realized my back and hip were hurting. This kind of pain is sort of normal for women my age. What is odd is that it only hurts when I lay down. When I get up from laying down, the pain soars. Made a doctor's appointment for Thursday. I hope I can make it. The pain is a downer to the retirement celebration.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
June 25: 6 Days to Retirement
This is it! In six days I will be irrevocably retired. I say irrevocable because that is what it said on all my paperwork. I can't back out! For me, retirement means returning to live full time in the states for the first time in 34 years. So here is to me rediscovering what it means to live in America once again!
One of the first things, I had to do was activate my cell phone. It was tied to ATT.
Cell phones can be different in Germany. In Germany you can buy a phone with a pay as you go plan. I mean a real pay as you go plan! I had a phone that I used for guests that I put ten Euros on last September. I had a friend use it in October and then I used it in March. I added money to it when it needed it, not when an arbitrary time set by a company said I had to buy more time.
You can also buy a phone with a contract in Germany. You have to be careful! They are very serious about their contracts! Companies do not have to release you if you are leaving. You can be expected to buy out your contract.
So I went to AT&T and experienced culture shock. It is more expensive to have a phone here. Note to self: Think about jail breaking that phone and shop around for a better deal.
One of the first things, I had to do was activate my cell phone. It was tied to ATT.
Cell phones can be different in Germany. In Germany you can buy a phone with a pay as you go plan. I mean a real pay as you go plan! I had a phone that I used for guests that I put ten Euros on last September. I had a friend use it in October and then I used it in March. I added money to it when it needed it, not when an arbitrary time set by a company said I had to buy more time.
You can also buy a phone with a contract in Germany. You have to be careful! They are very serious about their contracts! Companies do not have to release you if you are leaving. You can be expected to buy out your contract.
So I went to AT&T and experienced culture shock. It is more expensive to have a phone here. Note to self: Think about jail breaking that phone and shop around for a better deal.
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