Procrastination

Did you know that "Procrastination" is my middle name? I've thought of updating my blog but that's as far as I've gotten. Finally, I made a list of things I could blog the other day. Procrastination was #1 on the list!

Procrastination...Merriam Webster says procrastination is "to put off intentionally and habitually". When I found this definition, the "intentionally" part surprised me. In my mind, I don't "intentionally" not do things. I just don't do them! As I think about it, I guess it is intentional, but I would categorized it as unconsciously not doing things. Well, maybe not unconsciously but consciously but not on purpose. Uhh, I think I'm rationalizing!

Whatever, I'm back and I'll try to do better. See you soon...uhh, if I don't intentionally and habitually put it off!

Valentine's Day

My husband is so sweet! He surprised me on Valentine's Day while I was subbing in the 8th Grade at St. Nicholas with flowers and a balloon. Everyone thought it was gorgeous. And what he said on the card was so sweet. It said, "To my wife. You're my night and day. You're all my seasons. Love, Jim."

It was also romantic because it had tulips in it. On our first Valentine's Day, 1984, he brought me a pot of tulips. We will be married 22 years this coming June 30 and he still remembers the tulips. Love is grand!

The Tale of the Freezer Plug

Housework. Yuck! It is not the highlight of my life! I thought it would be better after I retired and had more time. Not! I have the desire to do it, but I don't. But I try at times.

I've been "thinking" about defrosting the freezer in the basement for a long time. Actually, the last time was 2000! Not buying a self-defrosting freezer was one of the more stupid things I've done in my life. Defrosting it is really not a big deal if I'd do it at least once a year. But, as I said, housework is not my thing!

Anyway, I finally got around to doing it this past Saturday. I was running the hair dryer on it and when I turned it off I heard a crunching sound. I turned around and there was Jack, our Jack Russell/beagle mix dog, chewing the plug to the freezer! Luckily, I got it from him before he swallowed it. But, it was destroyed. So I called Sears and ordered a new one. The Sears guy told me it was only $2.16. I was relieved until he added $5.99 for shipping and handling! Oh, well, I guess it could have been worse.

It seems like weird things happen to me when I try to do things like this. An example is years ago when I decided to clean my oven. I sprayed the oven cleaner on it and then remembered it was a self-cleaning oven! It didn't ruin it, but it didn't help it. I cried for three days because I felt so stupid.

Now, I'm "thinking" about cleaning my closets and drawers. Of course, I require a lot of thinking time!

Eight Months Into Retirement

A question I get from a lot of people is, "Do you like retirement?" Do I like it? I love it! Life is different now... a lot less stress! I've been subbing a couple of days a week. I wasn't sure whether I would like subbing, but I really enjoy it. I get to work with kids, do what I've been trained to do, go in with nothing, leave with nothing, and not deal with all the other stuff that causes teachers so much stress.

I was concerned that I would get bored, depressed, etc., but that hasn't been much of a problem. I've heard others say that after retirement they were busier than ever. I could never figure it out, but it's true. I have to admit, I'm not a morning person. I'm usually awake between 8:00 and 8:30 but don't really get going until 10:30 or so. Between subbing, working at church, helping my mother, and spending time with my husband, the days fill up quickly. I thought I would get my house cleaned and organized but that hasn't happened. It's hard to break old habits!

I do miss being with my friends from school. I talk to Tina and Julie every week or so. Crystal's life has changed with the new baby and now moving, so I haven't been able to talk to her much. I get to see the gang at Hopewell when I sub, but it's not quite the same. I'm kind of "out of the loop" with what they're doing, but I enjoy hearing about what's going on. And...they still ask my advice/help at times, so I guess they still need me!

We've always been a family at Hopewell. The retirement party they threw for me was so awesome! The love that was shown to me that night will always be special in my memories. They're a great bunch of people to work with!

Although I miss seeing my Hopewell friends, I'm blessed to be able to see and be with my church friends more. I'm able to spend more time at church and feel so much more peaceful when I'm there. It's so neat to not have lesson plans, standards, indicators, papers to grade, problems with my class, etc. on my mind. I feel so FREE!!! "Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty, Loee is Free at Last!!!" :-)