I can't image what my fridge would look like without all the little scraps of paper. It really serves as my phone book for my most-called numbers.

Total jumble of thoughts in my head, but maybe writing them down will help clarify. I went computer shopping this morning, because I really do need a new one. But there were so many different things to consider, I came away more confused than before. And I'm not computer illiterate—hells-fire, I'm a programmer. But there are questions about how I will use this thing, that I'm just not ready to answer right now. And, besides, it's not like it will be the last computer I buy. It doesn't have to be all things for all times. I think, for the time being, I just want something to surf the internet. My old laptop is perfectly good for Word & Excel.

Anyway, after I left the computer store, I went to the bookstore, and was browsing through the home decorating magazines. My cellphone rang, and it was somebody from work with a question; I answered the question and went back to browsing.

But this whole retirement thing has me looking at everything differently. I started thinking that 1) whatever WORK I decide to do in the future cannot be allowed to invade my home. And 2) I need to start thinking about my house differently.

Right now (and for the past 20 years) it has been the place that I sleep at night. It is about to become the place where I live during the day. Sure, I putter around in the garden some times, but I never really took possession of it.

I've been thinking about making some changes in the kitchen, but now I need to re-think them. I expect that I'll have a different relationship to my kitchen, now that I live here. Instead of just heating things up in the microwave, I may actually cook.

One thing I have decided: take things easy. I have SO many books that I want to read. And I've had thoughts of a novel (don't we all) sloshing around in the back of my head. These next 12 months should be the best time of my life, so my first resolution is to enjoy myself. And not rush into anything, but "if it feels good, do it". Whew! Thanks for listening, guys.

Maryanne