1. My husband retired. After 30+ years in law enforcement Ronnie decided to hang it up and retire. I'm so very proud of him. His job in Addison was taking its toll on him...physically and mentally. I know how difficult it is to say "goodbye" when there are people there that you still care a great deal about. But we have to do what is right for us and Ronnie finally made that decision. In the four weeks since he has retired there is an obvious sense of relief and relaxation about him. He smiles and jokes more. He has already undertaken several projects that he "just didn't have time for" before his retirement. It was a good decision and one that I am happy he made.
2. I am "un-retired" (if there is such a term). I took a sub position at the alternative school in Rockwall and it has turned into a semi-permanent position. I will finish the year out there. I love being back in the classroom and enjoy the close-knit staff at this campus. I can always retire again next year ::chuckle::
3. We've been "Winstarring." We have developed a newfound interest in traveling to Oklahoma about once a month to play the penny slots. I can play all day on penny slots and have a great time. One time I doubled my money...one time I broke even...and I've only lost about $40 at Winstar on the two other visits (total...not each). Don't get me started on Choctaw. Won't go there again...hated it and lost $150 in less than 3 hours!
4. Concerts by the lake have started up again. Every Thursday night we picnic at the Harbor and listen to the band of the week. Even when the band is bad...which doesn't happen often...we have a great time. Hey, how could you go wrong with light up necklaces and margaritas? Hhhmmm???
5. I cut my hair short again. Don't really understand why I keep letting it grow out when I LOVE it short.
6. We're prepping for an ll day Amtrak trip to the northeast. We leave next Saturday for two nights in Chicago, three nights in New York and two nights in Washington DC. We're going to the Sears tower, a Cubs game, ground zero, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and all the monuments in DC. We're excited to be traveling by train...never done that before.
7. Carlene and I had a rather productive garage sale. I cleared about $500 over the two day period. It amazes me that people will garage sale shop in the rain. Go figure.
8. I am participating in the Breast Cancer 3 Day event in November. I will walk 60 miles over the course of three days in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer research and education. I am so very excited about this. I can hardly wait for the big event. We will camp out for two nights and walk twenty miles each of the three days. I'm walking with a friend who just hit the one year survivor mark. What a truly humbling experience.
9. I gave in and created a facebook account. Enough said.
10. My daughter and I are planning to begin a photography business together where we will photograph special events (weddings, bridals, engagement pics, family reunions, family photos, etc.). Actually, this has been a dream of mine for several years. I even named it "Everybody Smiles" with the idea that everyone gets to be in the picture. So often I photograph family events and if there isn't a video it doesn't look like I was even there because I am always behind the lens. Thus the name. Kristin has way more contacts than I do to bring in the business and together I think we will make a great team. I have even schedule the first wedding for this summer! A new path...
So, if you thought that I was sitting on my duff doing nothing...think again. I swear that I was way less busy before I retired! Still...I am loving my life.
