My Retirement Journey

 My symbol for balance is the Flamingo standing on one leg with grace. This wellness wheel was given to me from Green River College probably when I first started working there 22 years ago. I've been using it all these years. There's 7 categories; Emotional, Intellectual, Spiritual, Social, Occupational, Physical, and Environmental (Home). I added Financial and Creative, so on my wheel there's 9 categories. Emotional is self care. Which is  were I begin this journey. I go though each of these categories and I check myself on what I can do to improve. There's  something for each of them that I can improve on but more on some than others. But  that is what the wheel is for... to keep balanced. I choose 3 categories to focus on.  This week it's Emotional, Physical, and Social.  Next week it maybe the same or different depending on changes.  Occupational I am not sure yet how to adjust... Volunteering?  Not sure.  I may just eliminate it for a while.   Self

This is a photo of Toby, my cat. My new supervisor. He is one creature that will love having me at home. I am told that when I am at work, he will go into my room and loudly meow. Each morning he will come into my room about 6 am and jump up on the bed. I haven't been able to teach him the difference between weekdays and the weekend. I'll go sit next to him on the edge of the bed, and talk to him about random things. He'll climb up on my shoulder and lick/ kiss me on my cheek. That's how my days usually begin. I wonder if I can move his visits up to 7 am? Saturday was a "recovery" day for me. After all the emotions and turning in keys, clearing my H drive, returning my pandemic laptop etc., I was tired and took a nap. Then later went to bed early. I also got in the mail a notice for Jury Duty (timely, huh). Sunday I felt 100% better. I ordered my groceries online, ordered Brady's cupcakes for his 18th birthday party next Sunday. His bir

 I retired today.  This is my cake (just like I wanted almost a year ago).  I had the best party ever and was treated like a queen.  I was overwhelmed with all my coworkers kindness and generosity.  I will miss not being with them daily.  I was tough fighting back the tears but I will visit. See you Monday!

It is a strong belief of mine, and I have taught my kids this too, that you thank and give honor to those that have been a part of your life.  I realize I am the one leaving the position, and that they are honoring me, but it is always good to tell people they mean something to you. I really will miss my coworkers.  I know it's hard to imagine :-) but I have not always been popular in the office.  I am one of 2 extroverts and I am the loudest.  So from time to time I am reminded to be quiet.  I felt at times a little bad, but I know I am loud.  Someone just like me can get me going.  And there's one that I was sure just tolerated me.  That's OK.  Not everyone's the same. I gave her one of these Thank You cards and she hugged me.  Could have I been wrong for years?  What matters is leaving everyone knowing I appreciated them.   Tomorrow is my final day.  No turning back but then why would I?  It is what it is... time to go.  

 It's January 25th, and the day after tomorrow is my last physical day of work.  After a life time of working, I am not fooling myself, this is a big lifetime transition.  This is what I have been doing since my teens: My first job as a teen was at a women's clothing store, then May Company in the boys section, then British Motor Cars, Oles Lumber (much like Lowes... as Asst. Head Cashier), a school bus driver (yes a large bus) for high school students plus their games, parades, Disneyland etc (finally got my bachelors degree in English at this point and moved to WA), was a parapro for high school special needs, became the high school's Career Specialist, and then worked 22+ yrs at GRC (mascot is the Gator) in a couple of positions.  Somewhere on that list between jobs or in summers was Capstone Homes, Seattle Textile, Boeing (summer) and Tech Prep (summer). Raised my daughter and have assisted in raising my grandsons which has been a blast.   Not working... or having more