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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Throwback Thursday | Retirement.

just before I blew out the candles!
...five years ago today my leadership team treated me to lunch - to celebrate my upcoming retirement*. We went to Maggiano's (always a group favorite) and I'm sure we shared fried calamari, Maggiano's salad and gnocchi (those were my favorite dishes!) There was even cake for dessert. and candles. I know I made a wish when I blew them out...but I have to say - I'm pretty sure things turned out better than I could've wished. These last five years have been so full - and taken me to places I couldn't imagine!

Beginning with learning to use a calendar...for my "real" life. It was so simple when I worked. I was busy all day during the week. I made the occasional weekend plans, met up with my sister on Wednesday evenings and had bookclub the third Wednesday of every month. That was pretty much it. I kept an "upcoming" list on my blog sidebar and that was all I needed. Now each day is different, but full-ish (except for Tuesdays when I babysit Charlie...all day :-) and my calendar is a huge friend. "Empty days" are rare.

I've re-joined my church and stepped up to lead women's groups, bible studies and the prayer shawl ministry, as well as teaching high school Sunday School and serving as a Deacon.

Teaching knitting. Managing the shop's on-line presence (except for Facebook...tried it, hated it, quit!) Carole wrote yesterday about "hobbies" and I have to say mine has turned out well. In my official "I'm retiring letter" I wrote that I'd be teaching knitting because I'd promised Marc he wouldn't have to support my hobby. My boss borrowed a bit of that language when he formally announced my retirement. But at that point I had only one planned class (the February Lady Sweater, to be offered on a Sunday afternoon so folks who worked during the week could participate). It filled up quickly and I was asked to teach a Monday night beginner class too. Things have ebbed and flowed and now I have two full classes - Monday night and Wednesday afternoon. No more beginners (whew!). I also write the shop's newsletter and blog, manage our Ravelry forum and Instagram account and dream up ideas for all that...including knit-alongs. (post to come shortly on what that's meant for my own knitting! spoiler alert...it's not all good!). I never dreamed I'd love teaching like I do, and the whole on-line aspect of knitting is...huge! and fun. (and it more than pays for my yarn!)

The Knitting Club. A few years back, one of my friends started a knitting group on Thursday afternoons. at the local nursing home. She asked if I'd be willing to help and I said yes. We've since added another volunteer. And a LOT more knitters. None of our original "students" are still there, but we have a new group of regulars and now it's knitting and crocheting. and it's one of the most rewarding hours of my week. Holly loves it too...and the ladies love that she's there - always "willing" to be held and petted!

House 2.0. I can't believe we've been in our "new" house over two years now. It's totally home. and I'm finally learning my way around this new part of town.

Working out. I have time for walks with friends (taking a break from running...maybe a permanent break?!) and yoga classes at the Y. In the spirit of managing my calendar, these are all appointments. in purple :-)

Katie moved back to Atlanta and married a wonderful guy. They had a baby last September. Sara graduated high school and college (with highest honors) and got a great job...in Wisconsin. I got a dog.

I've had time to spend with my parents (hey, Florida in January and February is not a bad thing!) when my dad's had surgery. We are so very grateful there is nothing in the plans for 2015... not that I wouldn't welcome a week of sunshine...or even temperatures above 40 degrees.

...and maybe the only things I could've imagined and wished for. Marc and I are still happily married. I still knit. and occasionally...I write about all of this. apparently way less than I did when I "worked". which still amazes me!

*I wasn't actually retirement-eligible when I left... Marc says I merely quit a very well-paying job. He's right. But I had good reasons!

Labels:

8 Comments:

Blogger Carole said...

Makes you wonder how you ever had time to work, right? I'm glad retirement has been so fulfilling for you. Here's to many more happy years!

Friday, 16 January, 2015  
Blogger margene said...

You look very happy in your "retirement" photo! Of course, you're leading a very full life and you are very generous with your found time, which is what we should all work towards when they retire.

Friday, 16 January, 2015  
Blogger Bonny said...

What an interesting glimpse into your post-"retirement" life! Your life is certainly full, as is your heart to give so much. My husband's boss just retired, and he expressed some concern about whether he would be able to be happy and fulfilled because his career was pretty much his life. We're attending his retirement party in a few weeks and I'm going to tell him about you as an example of how to happily leave your job and start the next chapters in your life!

Friday, 16 January, 2015  
Blogger Vicki Knitorious said...

I had a preview of "retirement" when I quit working to be a stay-at-home mom after my youngest was born. I was 34 and had been working since high school. I *wanted* to be home with my kids, but what an adjustment after all those years! I managed to find my groove, of course, and eventually wondered how I ever found time to work. ;) I expect there'll be a similar period of adjustment when I retire someday... but I'm sure it won't take long!!

Here's to many more years as full and fulfilling as the past 5 for you!!

Friday, 16 January, 2015  
Blogger Debbie said...

I retired two years ago and at the time I had no idea how I would fill my days. I am so busy now that I wonder how I ever had time to work. I can't believe how much joy I have in my life now compared to two years ago. Wishing you many more years of happiness!

Friday, 16 January, 2015  
Blogger Patty said...

You're living my dream Mary! Hopefully only 6 more years!

Tuesday, 20 January, 2015  
Blogger Lydia said...

5 years seems so long ago! I wonder how Steve really feels now that he has less than that before he takes the same step?!

Wednesday, 21 January, 2015  
Blogger alexa said...

What a richly textured life you have :). No wonder your smile is so radiant!

Wednesday, 28 January, 2015  

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