Lamenting and Appreciating

You ever notice how marketers encourage us to be the envy of our neighborhood and urge us to keep up with the "Jones" at all costs when spiritual and financial leaders encourage us not to. What a dichotomy in our society. No wonder we feel pulled. What I have learned in my 62 years on this earth is that I've gone through the whole spectrum of this conundrum and am now on the other end. The end where I'm very comfortable not keeping up with the "Joneses" and I buy nothing on credit. If I can't pay cash, I can't afford and half of what I thought I had to have 30 years ago no longer interests me. Here's what I find most meaningful and satisfying to me now:

1.  good health

2. family vacations

3. happy, healthy grandkids

4. high quality (and a bit expensive) yarn

5. a patient husband

6. absolutely no debt

7. good friends

8. shoes

9. comfortable clothing

10. peach Schnapps in my fresh brewed iced tea on a hot summer day

note: I reserve the right to add to this list as needed.

Don't Complain

This is very interesting and takes less than a minute to watch. Plus, I believe it! ;-)

#Complaining...affects you more than you know! #thruththeory #betteryou #makeachange #itchangesyou #today#VRPC#BeMore #BeBetter #BeNext pic.twitter.com/rTA1rS6ZQx

— Dr. Vernice Richards (@VerniceRichards) May 27, 2017

RETIRED

It's not official until June 1, but my last day of school ever was Thursday, May 25. I've taught 38 years and am looking forward to a lot of enjoyable, healthy retirement years. Yay!

My Little Rant on Writing

Why do some feel it necessary to use big words when little ones work so much better. Why do some write long boring paragraphs with too many words and very little substance?  Not all will agree with me but here's my opinion on word usage and writing in general.


1. Don't use the word "component" when "part" works just fine.


2. Always get to the point the most direct way possible when writing. Good practice for this is to tweet. If you can't say it in 140 characters or less, write a book. If you can't get to the point, then you probably don't know what you are talking about. Think about it!

The Countdown Has Begun!

Nine weeks and counting! That means I need to work on my post-retirement daily schedule. So far I've come up with the following:

1. Rise early

2. Do the crossword puzzle in the paper while I enjoy my coffee.

3. Get part of my walking in for the day before noon.

4. Knit

5. Make dinner, if it's my turn.

6. Knit

7. Go to bed by 10.

This is not set in stone by any means but a partial guide until I actually experience true retirement for a while.

I might add that even though I'm enjoying counting down the days, I'm just as much enjoying my last trimester of teaching. I feel very fortunate that I am able to leave the working world still enjoying what I do, even after 37 years!