As I look back on the past year, I am very thankful for just about every single day. However, a few stick out more than others.
* Of course, my last day of teaching comes to mind first. I loved teaching and I think that is what actually made it easier to enjoy retirement to the fullest. I have never regretted retiring at 62. I'm young enough to pursue other interests and old enough to appreciate them to the fullest.
* This last summer was great. We were able to enjoy the grandkids several times during June, July, and August. And yes, we successfully entertained and (refereed at times) all seven of them here at the same time. Great memories being made!
*I ran for public office for the first time ever....and won. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I am pretty excited to sit on our local school board. What makes this even more interesting is I'm sitting on the board of the school district from where I retired in May.
*I started doing some volunteering that I never (or thought I never) had time for when I worked. We have a local food pantry in our small town and I man the pantry two to three times a month for a couple hours a day. Some days I feel good about what we do and some days I feel more than some are taking advantage of our generosity. That is why it is so important for me to read the sign on the door to the pantry, "Judge not, lest you be judged." It's tough sometimes but like my neighbor says, "You will have to give to the greedy to reach the needy." I will continue to volunteer at the food pantry.
*Two things I've found I love most about retirement are not having to live by an alarm clock, and not having to decide what to wear to work everyday. I don't sleep late by any means, but I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn either. I also don't need as big a closet. I'm continuing to purge and hope to soon have all my clothes (all seasons) in ONE closet.
This last year has been great!
Happy New Year!
