I’m Brian – not Bridget! – Jones and this is my diary. It’s about what really matters in life – staying healthy, keeping your finances on track, setting goals and making the most of time. It’s about seeing the world, engaging with modern society, enjoying leisure and being with family and friends.
My final blog, my ten take-aways from 2020
366 days of blogging and here it is, my final post. The end of the year in a life of a 60 years-old man transitioning into retirement. And what a year it’s been and how different to the one I planned. Our last day of 2020 was spent enjoying the simple pleasures that Covid hasContinue reading “My final blog, my ten take-aways from 2020”
2021 Resolutions Part 2
Despite the grim news of more lockdowns – my town is now in ‘Stay at Home’ Tier 4 – I’m going to plough on with my new year resolutions assuming that eventually the world returns to normal. Yesterday, I looked at the key areas of health and purpose, today I’m focusing on everything else. SocialContinue reading “2021 Resolutions Part 2”
My 2021 resolutions – health and purpose
This is the penultimate blog in this year in the life of me – a man transitioning into retirement. For the final two blogs I’m looking forward to next year, hopefully a better year, making a few resolutions. Today I’m thinking about health and purpose. Health At my time of life, perhaps at all timesContinue reading “My 2021 resolutions – health and purpose”
1000k in 2020. I did it!
Today I achieved my goal of running 1,000 kms – that’s 621 miles in old money – in a year. More than from Land’s End to John O’Groats or indeed the other way which, at least, is downhill! I completed the last 5k this morning just as the snow began to fall. Mrs Jones actedContinue reading “1000k in 2020. I did it!”
Covid killing conversation
I went back to the gym today before it closes again for another month or two. I did my usual treadmill session and swim and was looking forward to a chat with like-minded men of my own age. This used to be an important part of my BC – Before Covid – routine enabling meContinue reading “Covid killing conversation”
Glad Christmas is just one day!
I wish it could be Christmas everyday, sang Wizzard’s Roy Wood. Was there ever a song title so misguided. Truth is I’m glad that Christmas comes but once a year. After a little more socially distant socialising on Boxing Day, today is all about getting back to normal. I’ve enjoyed the socialising, presents and overindulgenceContinue reading “Glad Christmas is just one day!”
A Christmas message
Just another day Christmas Day isn’t it? Well it is and it isn’t. After all that’s happened this year, there was no better reminder that family is pretty much all that matters. Thankfully, unlike so many others, we were able to spend it with ours. How strange it is we need food, drink and presentsContinue reading “A Christmas message”
Christmas Day 2020 is here at last.
By 8.35am we’d opened all our presents. It takes weeks to buy them, hours to wrap them and minutes to open them. I’ve been a very lucky boy – great pressies from Mrs Jones including some new trainers and a new running cap. It’s a beautiful bright sunny day and there was more than aContinue reading “Christmas Day 2020 is here at last.”
Santa’s on his way
I’ve had my final advent calendar chocolate, there are presents everywhere – some to open, some to wrap – and elderly relatives to visit. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I’ve just checked and the wonderful NORAD Santa Tracker and for some people on our planet the big man is already on hisContinue reading “Santa’s on his way”
Tears in the tiers
There’s something about Christmas that always makes me feel more emotional. Sad things that happen this time of year have extra poignancy. I’ll never forget how I felt about the Lockerbie disaster in 1988. The plane carrying, amongst its 259 passengers, a local couple on what seemed then a very exotic weekend in New York,Continue reading “Tears in the tiers”
Some Useful Links
The Centre for Ageing Better – A UK-based Lottery-funded project which works to create change in policy and practice to improve housing, health, employment and communities.
The Oxford Institute of Population Ageing – Useful research and an interesting blog
Later Life – A range of courses helping people prepare for retirement
British Heart Foundation – 20 retirement transition tips from Britain’s leading heart charity
Age UK – an interesting article about preparing emotionally for retirement
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