Observations, one year in.

September, 2008 :

If you like the outdoor life, this is it. The Sunshine Coast has a small population and limited shopping opportunities, a couple of small malls, no big box shopping. This was a culture shock for me, however, within six months my window shopping urges had gone. The occasional shopping adventure to Vancouver or Bellingham (USA) occurs every couple of months, we make lists...

After a year I still pinch myself about my life, still feel like I’m on holiday and have utter confidence that money is never going to be an issue and I really can have anything I want. The projects like the deck, the picnic table and the ongoing garden landscaping give far more reward than any paid work could.

The year has been full of events and we will build on them in 2009. This is a “bring your boots” place and the beauty is difficult to describe. The social side of life has changed a bit, we know some people, recognise faces here and there and don’t feel like outsiders any more.

I would add that for your retirement years you may not be “on the go” all the time and you have to learn to enjoy being bored, together. There are no distractions from what you do and when you set on a project you can complete it. In this way, the difference from working life, scheduling recreational work, is dramatic. As an example, when building the deck, we worked five or so hours a day, for as many days as it took.

In a strange way, you lose weekends. An absolute pleasure while working.

Small price to pay.