Pickleball, Purpose, and the Delights of Retirement Exploration

11/06/23 • 48 min

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In this episode of "Rock Your Retirement," host Kathe Kline welcomes guest Betsy again, who shares her recent adventures in retirement. Betsy talks about her upcoming trip to Italy during a less busy time of year, detailing their plans to navigate the country using buses and taxis, as well as hiring a private driver for a few days. She looks forward to visiting iconic sites like Pompeii and the Isle of Capri, with private tours and boat trips on the agenda. The conversation takes a turn towards Betsy's newfound hobbies in retirement, including taking CPR and first aid classes, as well as pickleball classes. They discuss the importance of proper gear for pickleball, specifically shoes designed for either outdoor or indoor courts. Betsy shares her experiences at senior centers and taking brain stimulation classes, highlighting the significance of socializing and staying mentally active during retirement. Betsy talks about her love for leisure reading and her current read, "The Life List," which explores the concept of creating a list of things to do while young. She also shares her excitement about her recent trip to Dallas, where she bonded with her family and enjoyed swimming with a fabric mermaid tail. The conversation broadens to touch on Betsy's summer getaways to Michigan and Wisconsin, emphasizing the beautiful beaches, dunes, and wineries the regions have to offer. The episode also includes updates from both Betsy and the host. Betsy discusses her new volunteering work at a food pantry, finding fulfillment in contributing to addressing the issue of hunger. On the other hand, Kathe Kline shares her travel experiences, including a recent trip to Greece and Ireland, along with some mishaps like lost bags and an unpleasant bout of food poisoning. Despite the challenges, both guests emphasize their overall enjoyment of their respective trips. Overall, this episode of "Rock Your Retirement" showcases Betsy's adventures in retirement, highlighting her travel plans, hobbies, and experiences, while delving into meaningful discussions about staying active, engaged, and fulfilled during the retirement years. The hosts' anecdotes and updates add a personal touch and relatability to the conversation, making it an engaging and enjoyable listen for retirement enthusiasts.

Previous Episode

Thriving in Retirement: Betsy's Update on Her First 4 Months of Retirement

In this episode of the Rock Your Retirement Show, Betsy makes a triumphant return to update host Kathe Kline on her exciting journey since retiring four months ago. From embarking on an exhilarating trip to Morocco to settling into the rhythm of retired life, Betsy shares her experiences and offers valuable insight into making the most of this newfound freedom. Adapting to retirement initially proved to be an adventure in itself, but Betsy quickly found her groove. She discusses the importance of keeping up with appointments, errands, and chores while still finding ample time for self-care and enjoyable activities. A typical day for Betsy involves relishing in a leisurely cup of coffee, engaging in a stimulating Wordle puzzle, and prioritizing her physical well-being through invigorating Pilates sessions or leisurely walks and bike rides. Ever the seeker of knowledge and enrichment, Betsy makes a point to incorporate intriguing experiences into her weekly routine. She recently attended a captivating photography class at the Apple store, where she delved into the art of capturing architectural wonders. Betsy generously shares helpful tips she acquired, such as utilizing grid lines, employing the rule of thirds composition, and exploring unique angles and reflections. Betsy's retirement also grants her the opportunity to devote quality time to her loved ones. She visits her mother-in-law at an assisted living facility, cherishing the moments shared together. Furthermore, she embraces learning Italian on the Babbel app, eagerly preparing for an upcoming trip to Italy. Betsy also reconnects with former colleagues and her boss, reinforcing her sheer contentment with the retirement lifestyle. Amidst her fulfilling activities, Betsy finds solace in simpler pleasures. From diving into captivating books to nurturing her garden, complete with homegrown vegetables, she revels in the tranquility of her own home. Despite her husband continuing to work, the beauty of his remote setup allows him to witness firsthand Betsy's radiant enjoyment of retirement. As the first four months of retirement pass by, it becomes abundantly clear that Betsy's enthusiasm and zest for life show no signs of wavering. Join us on this episode as Betsy reflects on her remarkable journey and imparts valuable wisdom on embracing the joys and endless possibilities that retirement brings.

Next Episode

Adventures, Books, and Retirement Bliss: Catching up with Betsy on The Rock Your Retirement Show

In this episode, Betsy sits down with her friend Kathe to catch up after 8 months of retirement. Betsy shares that she doesn't miss work at all and instead enjoys her newfound freedom, spending her time reading, exercising, and spending quality time with her mother-in-law. She also loves getting outdoors and recently embarked on an incredible trip to Italy with her husband. Betsy takes us on a virtual journey through Naples, Citano, Sorrento, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. She reveals that she thoroughly enjoyed planning the trip, doing extensive research that even involved watching YouTube videos to get the best recommendations for each destination. In Naples, she excitedly shares that they dined at a pizza place where former President Bill Clinton once ate. They explored the entire city, walking an impressive 26,000 steps in one day. During their stay in Positano, Betsy and her husband had a unique experience of walking down 1,700 stairs each day just to reach their accommodation in the town above. Pompeii left a lasting impression on Betsy, as she learned about the lives of the Romans frozen in time after the volcanic eruption. The couple also took a mesmerizing boat tour around the picturesque Isle of Capri, even indulging in a swim in the crystal-clear sea. Despite a slight language mishap where Betsy accidentally asked their tour guide how old he was instead of how long he had been giving tours, the trip was truly unforgettable. Betsy emphasizes the joy she found in planning and researching the trip as part of her retirement adventure. As the episode comes to a close, she eagerly looks forward to Thanksgiving, where she will be reunited with her stepson returning from college. Betsy leaves the listeners with an inspiring message, encouraging them not to fear retirement but to embrace it as the beginning of their next chapter in life.