☀️ Express Yourself
Greetings!
Hope everyone had an awesome week!
Happy Labor Day to you and your family!
I wondered what % of people actually know the history of Labor Day? I incorrectly guessed it had “something to do with BBQ, hot dogs and beer” but no, that is not correct! 🤣
So, for the curious:
• Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States, honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement.
• The first unofficial Labor Day was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City
• The holiday gained momentum as other cities and states began holding similar celebrations, emphasizing workers' rights.
• In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday.
• Labor Day has evolved from a labor activism event into a broader celebration of workers, marking the unofficial end of summer in the U.S.
Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese
SPOTLIGHT STORY
Exploring Art, Music, and Expression
Retirement offers a unique opportunity to rediscover and nurture your creative side. Exploring artistic pursuits like writing, music, and crafting can enhance your retirement years.
• Self-Expression: Express your thoughts, emotions, and ideas in new, fulfilling ways.
• Cognitive Boost: Artistic endeavors help maintain and improve cognitive function.
• Emotional and Social Well-Being: Creative hobbies offer joy and connection with others.
Embracing creativity can lead to a richer life. Whether revisiting old passions or discovering new talents—your creative aging journey starts now.
WELLNESS
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Retirement is more than just leisure—it’s a unique opportunity for personal growth.
• From Career to Self: Explore new interests and embrace your time.
• Embrace Introspection: Reflect to understand your thoughts and motivations.
• Use Reflective Tools: Life timelines and core values lists can help guide your next chapter.
Take time to understand yourself. This chapter is about meaningful self-exploration.
👉 Read full article online
OUR ESCAPADES
It’s Like a Sauna in Here!
We visited a new wellness franchise—Perspire—and gave the sauna a try. Nice and clean, but truthfully, Florida gives us all the sauna heat we need ☀️. We’re more excited for our Pilates session on Thursday. It's all about staying strong and energized!
Escapades Ahead:
🚴 Great Cycle Challenge – Curt is raising money to help fight kids' cancer this month. ⚕️ [Fight Kids Cancer]
🎣 Fly Fishing – Trying this in Blowing Rock, NC next month.
🎯 Shooting – First-time adventure at Chetola Sporting Reserve.
RANDOM FUN THINGS TO DO
Pick an Activity and Have Some Fun!
• Scrapbooking – Preserve your memories in a creative way.
• Genealogy Research – Trace your roots and explore family history.
• Pottery and Ceramics – Therapeutic and hands-on creativity.
Try something new—you’ll love the stories that come from it!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Volunteering with Make-A-Wish brings joy to children with critical illnesses. It’s a way to create memories that matter. Shari and I were honored to help grant two wishes years ago—an experience we’ll never forget.
Talking won’t make a difference… but Action will!
RESOURCE ROUNDUP
Old Farmer’s Almanac
One of the oldest publications in North America, the Almanac continues to offer gardening tips, weather forecasts, and household wisdom.
Key Features:
• Accurate Weather Predictions
• Gardening Guides
• Timeless Wisdom & Trivia
Even today, it’s a handy, nostalgic resource. (P.S. – I ordered a hardcover version… looks vintage on the bookshelf 📙)
FINANCIAL SAVVY
Peace of Mind
One of the best gifts you can give your family is clarity around your finances.
Key Considerations:
• Organize Essential Documents
• Share Critical Passwords
• Clarify Bill Payment Details
Have a conversation with your loved ones. Planning now = peace later.
TOOLS WE USE
As a CPA/CFO, I research everything. If I recommend a tool—it’s been spreadsheet tested 😆
NewRetirement – Personalized retirement planner. 14-day free trial
Monarch Money – Budgeting and account tracking. 30-day free trial
INTRODUCTION
Simpli Shari
My beautiful wife Shari is sweet, kind, and now—an official Amazon influencer! She recently launched her own storefront and is diving into content creation. It’s all part of embracing this season with joy and creativity.
Watch for her new section “Simpli Shari” starting next week 👗
NANA AND PAPPY
Meet the Grandbabies
We’ve got a baseball team of grandbabies!
Annabelle, Luci, Quinn, Kamryn, Cade, Grey, Nolan, Everett… and newest addition, Liam 👼
So many stories ahead—and Nana is definitely the storyteller 💕
PARTING WORDS
“Family is our anchor, providing support, love, and understanding. Cherish the time spent with loved ones and create new memories together. These moments become the treasures we hold dear as we navigate through life.”
Have a great week!