Most of the time, making a list is a procrastinating action. It makes me feel productive while not accomplishing anything that hasn't already gone on in my head. This time, however, as my brain bounced all over scenarios from majestic to bleak, I realized I really needed to make a list, do some real research, and make some maybe hard decisions.

Here is the list - so far:

Retire in place - it didn't take long to realize that without my teaching income, I wouldn't be able to do this. My anticipated retirement income would not cover it. A recent perusal, however, of the Indeed website for virtual positions says it could still be a possibility after retiring from teaching. Maybe not long term, but while other plans come to fruition.

Sell Everything, Buy An RV - A little wild? Maybe. But many do it. Of course, a lot of the many I'm finding are once again couples with plans. It's worth researching, if only to flesh out my romantic notion of being a travel writer and paying for my RV that way.

Sell almost everything, buy a cheap house in small town America - This one holds a big appeal. For one thing, I'm not sure Texas is where I want to live my "golden" years. I promise not to launch into political diatribe, but it's part of the decision. For another, part of what I miss about my hometown, New Orleans, was the small town feel of it. Forget six degrees when talking to a stranger - you rarely had to go more than three to find a shared friend, relative, school, doctor, or favorite venue. Looking into this one.

Become part of the tiny home movement - I do not like apartment living. At all. No way. But, could I abide a tiny home? All mine, open to life on all sides, situated in a space meant for it. A quick internet search turned up whole communities and some rock-star looking tiny homes. This has moved up several notches on the list.

I'm sure there are more choices that can go on this list. But this is where I am for now. The list may grow, I'm sure it will evolve and probably even shorten.

Somewhere on that list or on an expanded/evolved version is my future.