2025 Year In Review

Welcome to 2026! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays as we wound down 2025.

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            Another year has passed, or more accurately flown by. It was a seesaw year with more downs than ups, but with the help of friends, family, and the organizations I belong to, I came out of it all OK. That support network kept me going and helped me to look at the potential ahead rather than dwelling on what I was leaving behind.

            The year started with the stress of needing to find a place to live, timing my move to work with the house sale to minimize double paying, and the dread of packing up my life and getting the house on the market. That was tempered by the anticipation of heading to Islamorada with friends for the annual “get the hell out of NJ in Feb.” trip. Knowing it would be my last – at least for a while - didn’t dampen the fun though. And going to some new places and finally taking a cruise over to Indian Key made it special.

            Upon my return to reality, it was time to start looking for a place to live. An apartment nearby was my goal to keep me connected with my support network, keep from over-paying for a house, and avoid all the responsibility that entails. The search wasn’t going well when a friend told me about a new building in the next town. Bingo! As you already know, that’s where I wound up and I am enjoying my new apartment and new neighborhood.

            Getting my move scheduled and getting the house ready for sale were the next items on the list. Both went fairly smoothly (I already wrote about both so will spare the details here) and the timing minimized double payments – phew! Leaving our home of 25 years, the town, neighborhood and neighbors was hard, and being on my own again was scary. I’m only 3 miles away so that makes it a bit easier. I’m slowly getting used to being in an apartment building and it still feels like living in a hotel with my own stuff after 6 months but I’m comfortable here and I like the area.

            Moving and getting the house ready for sale took most of my time through the summer but I did get in a bunch of bike rides and many rounds of disc golf thanks to my friend Steve who was out on a local course several days a week. I also continued my work as part of a production team for the new show “Bridging the Gap” on Piscataway Community TV. The first episode aired on December 10^th (and will run through January on the station & it is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5JBMSXo2p2s) after several months of practice and preparation from our all-volunteer crew. It’s been fun working with the group to develop and produce the show and I’m looking forward to getting more episodes recorded and on-air in 2026.

            In Squadron 306 of the Middlesex Sons of the American Legion I took on the role of co-Sergeant at Arms and continue to work the Wednesday night dinners – a way to connect and give back. I was one of 3 Emergency Management team members to be promoted to Corporal in the fall and am now part of the leadership team. More responsibility and more opportunity to learn and grow while contributing to the community. Thankfully all these organizations have allowed me to remain even though I am now in a different town and county.

            I continue my consultative role with Crossroads4 Hope Cancer Community, completed the Health Champion training to be better equipped to directly help those dealing with cancer, and am part of the Community Advisory Board to help shape current and future programs. It’s been very rewarding – and humbling – to be involved with this organization.

            At home, I’m learning to cook again as I don’t have access to a grill, and I learned how to make cornbread casserole for Thanksgiving and Christmas, (thanks Sue) to go with the dinner I got from a local grocery store. The dinner was disappointing, but the casserole was delicious. That gave me the confidence to continue trying new recipes, like a wonderful baked salmon for Christmas.

            To feel more connected to friends and family I sent Christmas cards this year after skipping last year due to just not feeling the spirit. It was good therapy to write out the cards, not only to connect but to accomplish something in the holiday spirit again.

            I am continuing to learn my new town and have explored neighborhoods I never knew existed. Getting “lost” on a couple of walks helped with that! Forcing myself outside my comfort zone has lead to going to different places and meeting new people, all producing growth.

            New opportunities, new friends, new experiences, all await in the coming year. I’m looking forward to a clean start to 2026 and the next phase of my life.

            I hope this leaves you with the message that life goes on and it is what we make it, so make it one you are happy with and proud of.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  01-05-2026