March 31st was my 1 year anniversary of retirement from 30 yrs. of teaching. Time has flown by with many interesting happenings:
Moving back to Dallas area full-time with Mark and the white girls, Vanessa going to S. Korea, Kyle working out his mess with UT and waiting for his turn to join his bride, DeeDee joining PopPop and friends in Heaven - including Leroy, new surprise addition to the Rogers' Clan - Cody Fink, Jessica is becoming a nurse, Austin graduated from Baylor, Travis is graduating from high school, Blaine is becoming a trumpet super star, Dalton is growing like a weed and holding his own in Kindergarten while getting to know the Principal, following in his fathers' footsteps :), David is excelling in school - pretty much excells in whatever he puts his mind to, and Elizebeth is finding her own path in drums and band. Celebrating my 56th birthday and Kyle's 25th birthday, rescuing a Ridley turtle... Exhausting to think about, and I'm sure I have missed many milestones...
I have discovered that I don't miss getting up early and having to drive far to get to work. I enjoy not having a schedule some days and going with the flow. I enjoy meeting friends for lunch eating and visiting for a couple of hours vs 20 minutes I use to have at school. I also enjoy just going out for lunch by myself and reading an engaging book or magazine or going to a movie all by myself. Just because I am at home now doesn't mean I have to do house chores all day - I probably should be doing more than I am now, but the balance will come - eventually.
Here's what I have added to my schedule so far:
Coppell library once a week for my reading materials.
Knitting every day (I have a stash of scarves, a purse, several shawls, and an afgahn that I plan to sell to make $ for Christmas.
Volunteering at the Unity Bookstore on Tuesdays.
Joined the Coppell Aqua and Rec Center where I am going to take water aerobics.
Riding my bike around the neighborhood for additional exercise.
Knitting group - we get together once a week to knit and bitch :)
Faciliting P3 at Pathways one weekend a month.
So far I'm liking my Second Chapter and look forward to more events, milestones, and happenings.
