The View from my Window

Retirement “To-do-list”

I have been asked by few of my friends/ acquaintances whether I have a “To-do-list” for my retirement. i am used to a structured life and without a list I find myself “just spinning wheels”.

Yes, I have developed a “To-do-list” to guide me for my activities in my retirement. This hopefully will keep me nurtured and feeling useful on this good earth.

Here is my “To-do-list” - not in any priority or importance but however it will have a bearing to my daily and general activities.

1. Meditation daily for my spiritual growth. This will exercise me to observe “kowsugg” (this is an          Indian/Sanskrit word for concentrated/focussed meditation -in my case standing pose - similar to what I have observed in Jain temples in India-done by Jain Tirthankaras)

2. Daily Yoga - for my body muscles - which require exercise to remain nimble. I learnt this from my Indian visit last year. There are excellent teachers who would lead you in yoga exercises.

3. Daily walking - how much? -as much as I can do. This is necessary to keep my heart beating regularly and keep my diabetes in check.

4. Collect all my write-ups and articles/speeches since I arrived (1974) in Canada and post these on my Blog site .  THIS IS FOR POSTERITY.

5. Organise home office -computer room . Currently it is in a mess . The office requires new furniture and layout.

6. Establish new file binders for filing all critical documents. This is now overdue as my old files/binders are bulging. New files/binders at retirement will help separate the future from past .

7. Convert all VHS tapes (from my ancient JVC camcorder) to CD/DVD format as technology is advancing and the VHS recording will be lost .

8. Organise all Videos/CD so these can be accessed easily. Right now these are stored all over and really very difficult to find when I need them.

9. Develop my BLOG website. (See Item 4 above). The BLOG website currently in use is still in early development. I need to learn more for effective impact.

10. Organise all my Reading books and magazines for easy reference.

11. Take interest in home renovation work - kitchen, bathroom and doors etc can use some care for bringing these to good standard.

12 Work in Garden - mental & physical exercise. Also be near nature. I like to restart my Rose Garden.

13. Learn cooking & then entertain

14. Take an electronic course (at Algonquin College in Pembroke)

15. Update all Estate Planning issues including wills and insurances

16. Most Important - to nurture and enjoy the first grindchild who is expected to arrive on this good earth sometime in August 2007. This is most joyous news of the century - for me.

Well, now i have a “To-do-list” but its usefulness will be felt if the list is followed without being snared by it. I intend to take it easy in terms of rushing things or meeting any datelines.

My guardian angel, Shree Jalaram, would always be front and centre of my activities and His guidance and support will be sought, as always.

Slipping on Icy Surface

Recipe for Split Gram/potatoes “Machusi” (Gravy) dish

Retirement -Poem

R-Word