As I’m transitioning into retirement, I’m finding that the guilt baggage follows me. I wake up at night worrying about problems from my old job that are over and done with, things I should have done better or people I could have treated better. These demons love to cavort at night and to remind me of all my shortcomings and inadequacies.
Transitioning to life with children
Nothing changes life more than bringing home a tiny bundle who does little more than eat, cry, poop and sleep. Even for those over the moon happy with the prospect of parenthood, stress is part of the equation. Sleeping, eating, going to the bathroom or watching a TV show — all become juggling acts.
Time for Everything
All good things must come to an end, and with sadness I pulled up the remnants of my tomato vines this morning. I dug up the long poles that they were attached to, carried them to the shed and put the bed to sleep for the winter. May through July is such an exciting time… Continue reading Time for Everything
Transitioning
Life is changing Under the Magnolia Tree! Now we have two retired folks living here and we have not killed each other yet, although there are days when we just keep out of each other's way. Transitions are not always easy. But despite the adjustments, I am loving retirement. I love the freedom and the time. I love that my… Continue reading Transitioning
You Got This
About this time last year, I was out shopping and enjoying one last day of freedom before pre-planning started for the school year. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t shake the “back to school” anxiety that had kicked in and my stomach was already twisting into knots. I knew that no matter what I… Continue reading You Got This
There’s a Gorilla in the Library
This past week I retired from twenty years working as a school media specialist. I had accumulated lots of stuff in my "second home" over the years and for the last months I have been bringing home my books, pictures, and extra sweaters. I gave away many of the cute knick-knacks that teachers are… Continue reading There’s a Gorilla in the Library
In the Garden
I am on spring break this week and having a ‘staycation’. I’m loving time at home to write, sleep, cook, read and relax. Wednesday was finally gorgeous and warm, so after spending the morning working on a magazine article, I headed out to my flower garden. It’s a mess. I have to admit I’m a… Continue reading In the Garden
New Traffic Pattern Ahead
I turn 60 today, a milestone in many ways. Decade birthdays are always a time to reflect — at 30 I thought I was old (not), at 40 I thought I would quit worrying about what others thought (didn’t happen), at 50 I was finally starting to feel empowered. Conversely, 60 doesn’t feel old. Maybe… Continue reading New Traffic Pattern Ahead
The Year I Skipped Christmas
Let’s be honest - how many of you would love to skip Christmas? Just flip the calendar from December 1 to January 1 and be done with it? No decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking or stress. I've been there. Christmas and I have not always gotten along. We began having our struggles after I married and… Continue reading The Year I Skipped Christmas
A Place for a Tomato
Some women love clothes. Some have a weakness for jewelry. I can’t resist summer vegetables. I stopped by the Farmers Market at the Calhoun Depot on Monday and went a little crazy. I left with three kinds of tomatoes, including a purplish heirloom variety and the most wonderful sweet cherry ones that are like having… Continue reading A Place for a Tomato
