Retirement...2018

I've been retired since July 1, 2017.
I've been so chill since July 1, 2017.
I can't believe I'm not working since July 1, 2017.
I can't believe how much stress my commute generated.
I can't believe how my sons comment on how much happier I am.
I can't believe it.

Everyone now asks me, "So, what do you do now that you are retired? Do you make the bed everyday? Do you cook every night? Do you get bored?"

You can never get bored when you are retired because all the things you never had time to do when you were working are now easily done. Whether it's cleaning, organizing, cooking, bill paying, reading, knitting, socializing, it's done. And there's no rush to squeeze it all in a weekend.

I do make the bed but sometimes I miss a day here and there.

I do cook but not every night. Neal is the most amazing cook and he loves to cook the way I love to knit.

I am so fucking happy it's sick.

I am reading books and really savoring them.

I am knitting and knitting and knitting.

I am sad to look back on the stress I was experiencing and how it contaminated my family. I was tired, angry, frustrated.

I met with my former colleagues. Things are worse especially for special education. One of my former students writes me every so often. She was from that period 8 class that was the very best class I ever had.

I worked almost 36 years. I worked my ass off. I'm now sitting on that ass and smiling.