I don't have the time (or energy) to go to work!

We’ve had a busy few weeks, socially, and there are a few more things on the calendar.

Concerts, exhibitions, country fairs, meals out and social evenings with friends have all been very pleasant and totally enjoyable.

As with everything however, there are downsides and for these, the two downsides are that we are exhausted and skint. God, isn’t having a life expensive?

Over the next few weeks we really must make a concerted effort not to spend so much money enjoying ourselves. I mean honestly, why on earth should we, in our fifties, be allowed to go out and have fun after a lifetime of working bloody hard and bringing up our families with, it must be said, a reasonable degree of success moulding them into fairly well balanced people.

We do feel guilty, of course, at going out and spending all that cash which we could use paying off our debts or reducing the term of our mortgage. But then all my life I have done things for other people, been sensible, have had times when I’ve had cash and times when I’ve haven’t, and in the run up to my (late) middle age feel like I’ve accrued the right to have some fun for me, and not choose an activity just because others like it.

In recent months I have had time ‘off’ from shows; I haven’t performed, directed, helped backstage or been otherwise engaged in theatrical activity apart from going along to watch occasionally. I have started the radio DJ’ing, which is completely enjoyable and engrossing, even the evening spent in front of the computer choosing that week’s playlist. I have taken up tapestry, which has proved surprisingly satisfying and relaxing, and done some home brewing, a hobby I last did in my twenties (and pretty decent my Pinot Grigio is too!)

Making a concerted effort to have some ‘us’ time has certainly made us feel our age! We’re collapsing into the chair of an evening, after we’ve cleared away dinner and walked the dog, feeling totally shattered. We’re certainly sleeping well, better than we have for ages. The Hubby valiantly tries to read the paper and his eyelids droop (not an attractive sight, I can tell you) and I try and do the tapestry constantly unpicking stitches where I’m getting it wrong because I can no longer see straight. Honestly, what a pair!

There’s only one thing for it. We’ll have to retire. We don’t have time to go to work; we’re too busy! Now, how can we make that happen – sooner rather than later.

Thinking caps on. All sensible and polite suggestions welcome, please!