Monday, February 23, 2009

Week Number 2

It's sinking in. Little by little, it's sinking in that I am free. I still don't have a real routine, but I'm getting there. I was afraid I would wind up sleeping till mid-morning, slugging around the house till noon, and then trying to get something productive done by the time SR got home from work. But, I've been pleasantly surprised by myself. I am rising relatively early, and starting the day constructively. (So far anyway.) The weather hasn't cooperated enough to do any real yard work, but it's still February after all. What can I expect? I have transplanted a few things and am counting the days until I can start some real gardening.

SR has been happy to have supper almost ready each night when he gets home. His countenance has been much lighter, now that he's not worrying about my health so much. It's a relief to see that. I'm determined to stick to a more heart healthy lifestyle, exercising and making better food choices.

My Mom's 70th birthday is the 27th. We all celebrated this weekend, and Brother was able to attend. His gift to her, was a near heart attack at his arrival from Chicago, where he resides. SURPRISE! We also celebrated my nephew's birthday which was at the end of January. While Brother was here, we all discussed a sort of camping trip together in North Arkansas sometime in June. Hopefully, it will come to pass, and we can spend some real time relaxing and enjoying each other's company. If my teenage nephew and my son are able to participate, we will have more than enough entertainment. They are two peas in a pod and hilarious. I don't know where they get their comic genius, but it's always a wild ride when they are around.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

In the Beginning.....

My first day of freedom lacked structure and substance. (Gee Whiz B_Lines, what did you expect?) What I mean to say is, I felt a bit disoriented, and was disappointed at myself. Of course it was only the first day, and I can't expect to go right into a comfortable routine in one day. Also, SR was at home with me, as he will be each Monday, and our days together never do really have a pattern. I did accomplish a few things, but found myself a little lost. This will work itself out soon I'm sure.

Today I had plans. Most of which I have been able to accomplish or will by day's end. But, others I won't, due to the 46 degree temperature and intermittent misty rain. That's ok too.

I fear I will run out of blogging material. And I don't think I'm alone as I read the blogs I frequent. I agree with Sooz that whining is boring and I hope not to sound that way in the future. And it seems that LeLe has lost her muse. Are we all grasping for anything meaningful to post? Without work issues to think on, I'm not sure my brain will come up with anything worth posting. There are only so many pictures of jonquils you can post, only so many birds to mention, (although I did see a wonderful red headed woodpecker hanging upside down on my bird feeder two days ago.)

So, as I get used to my new lifestyle, I will have to do some things to sharpen my wits and bring out the blogger in me. And please forgive me if I offend, but those "25/5/10 whatever the number is, "things about me?", well, they are not my favorite thing to do.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Home, The Final Frontier

I am home. I have retired. I am relieved more than words can express.

Yesterday was my last full day of work. I will fill in on occasion for the staff in the future, but I will now be a full time housewife/homemaker, whatever you want to call it. The morning of my last day was full of laughter. The girls took me out for lunch, and they gave me this beautiful rose.
There are so many thoughts going through my head, but they are not ones I would wish to put on display for the entire world to read. Suffice it to say I am very relieved, as my facebook page states, and it's a little bittersweet for me. The office is slowly adding technology that I'm a little disappointed I won't be there to experience, but I will not miss the stress.

I will miss them, but this is something I needed to do. SR is in full agreement with me and he is happy to know I will be home to cook supper for a change. He gets home from work at 3:30 and I would sometimes work until 6:30 or 7:00.

Today, I took this shot of the birdbath for my yearly documentation of the jonquil blooms.
They don't seem as full as when I transplanted them, but it's early yet. I'm just tickled they are blooming on this dreary day. I'm looking forward to sunshiny days, and puttering around in the yard this spring.