My High School Graduation, Revisited

I had no idea that there would be a retirement dinner for all of the retirees, but when I got the invitation in the mail, I knew I would have to attend. I was curious about it. Plus, it made me feel a bit like Jack Nicholson in ABOUT SCHMIDT--maybe I should start corresponding with a kid from Tanzania. Nah. But the food was really good, and all 200+ of us marched up when our names were called and got our certificates and shook hands with School Board members, etc. It really was just like graduating from high school for the second time--only it felt a whole lot better this time! The Superintendent wasn't there, however, to ask me where I was going to go to college . . .

I like oysters

I hope actually being retired feels as good as being this close to retirement feels. If it does, the rest of my life is going to feel pretty danged good! I want to tell everybody at work who is unhappy about something or other (and let's face it, there is usually something to be unhappy about in any work place), "Hey, just retire, it won't matter anymore!" Retiring is an amazing elixir for the things that can drive one crazy at work. I see these things now and I think, "Eh, I'm sorry about how it will affect these people," but I don't have to be stressed about it. I've left jobs before, and it was always a great relief, but it didn't compare to this feeling. I feel now like my life is truly MY oyster. I will be as close as I will ever be to financial independence, and freedom to do what I want, when I want. And while my finances will limit me, I will compensate with my interests and imagination, which are pretty much boundless. So, I am very excited to see what I will do.

Leap to freedom

OK folks, the paperwork has been processed! I have NINE, that's 9 more days of work! A very pleasant and wondrous surprise is that I am even more excited than I ever imagined I would be. It feels completely right. Little things pop into my head and give me a rush. For instance, tonight while getting clothes ready for the week, I realized--I won't have to do it like this anymore. I felt that chore fly right off my shoulders. And I know that other surprises are going to slam into me producing even more thrills. By the last day of work I will be so high they will probably bring the pot sniffing dogs to school to check me out!

It's complicated . . .

I sure hope being retired isn't as complicated as retiring! My brain is hurting from all the decisions I'm having to make. Wah wah wah . . . I went to a financial advisor who suggested an option that had not even been on my radar, and now I am trying to see if I can get comfortable with it. Can I become more frugal? I don't think I live very extravagantly as it is, yet he was wondering where I spend all my money! I guess I eat it. If I could know for sure that I will be able to get a part-time job everything would be easier. I realize, of course, that I am very fortunate because I am retiring and not being laid off, so I feel rather selfish worrying about this, but it is a reality. What to do, what to do?

Feeling all is right

I confess I had a few moments of anxiety Friday, after submitting my retirement notice. I was really surprised by the feelings since this is something that I have looked forward to for so long. It kind of scared me. Where did this anxiety come from and what was it about? So, I went in,looked at it, and realized that the fear was that I would be so intoxicated by my new-found freedom to not do any particular thing at any particular time, that I would become a sloth. I tried that on for a bit and realized there was no way I would be able to let that happen. I have too many things I have wanted to do and learn for so long. Besides, the first thing I have planned is to get into the best shape I have ever been. Once I'm there, I will feel so good I will want to do it all.

It's OFFICIAL!

It seems a bit surreal right now, but I sent my online retirement notice to the District office today! I called Cut right before I pushed the "send" button so he could reassure me. A new life is actually right around the corner! The picture of freedom it presents is rather intoxicating at the moment. . .
I hope the world doesn't interfere.

Still working . . .

It's been quite a while since I posted on here. However, I told Annerbananer that I would post something especially for her. You see, we had lunch and she said she probably needed to read my blog so she could learn how to retire happily (Something like that. It was about three weeks ago and my memory is good for only about three seconds). I just now opened this blog and noticed that she still hasn't joined, so Anner, if you have read it, then please join it because I need you to inspire me.

As for not retiring yet, it's been three days into the new school year and I am noticing that the number 3 seems to figure heavily in my life these days. Three was always my favorite number (until a horoscope informed me that 4 was supposed to be my magic number, though I confess I remained partial to 3), so I'll let you now if 3 continues to show up, and if it is the charm this year.TAnyway, the first three days of work were rather non-descript, and that's a good thing. We'll see if I can keep up the good work.

And Anner, if you are reading this, you were supposed to go back to the beginning and work your way up through time . . . It's the only way my nonsense will make any sense.