Knowing When to Say When

This whole new adventure begins with a decision.  We have friends and former colleagues who assured us that we would know when it was time to retire.  I looked for the signs but since I tend to live at the speed of light, I probably missed them like I do the speed limit signs that get me into a little trouble from time to time.

In my younger years, I was known to throw back a few drinks.  On occasion, I overdid it and regretted it the next day because hangovers aren't my friend.  I learned along the way that after a few drinks if I tapped myself on the forehead and it was feeling a little numb, that meant I had hit my limit.  Ok, I realize that isn't very scientific, but it worked for me! 

Neither one of these approaches was very helpful in making "the decision".  For years, when people would ask when we were going to retire I always said it would be when Donnie said so.  I battle with an addiction to the job and I just knew that he would be dragging me out when it was time.  I pictured him as my bartender saying "Lisa, this is your last one.  You've had enough".  Two problems were inherent in my thinking.  First, I worked as a bartender some years back and when you try to cut someone off, they tend to get angry with you.  I don't believe going into retirement alongside someone you are angry with is a good start.  Plus, people who know me personally can attest to the fact that I'm not easily told what to do by anyone (a bit of anti-establishment backlash kicks in - ironic since I am a school administrator!).

So instead, I reminded myself I've always been a "rip the bandaid off" kind of gal so early this year, I went ahead and decided for myself.  I tapped my forehead and thought "yep, this will be my last one".  Funny thing is for months I have been waiting around for Donnie to decide if he is retiring too.  It became my personal definition of purgatory.

When I announced it early in the school year people wondered why I didn't wait until later.  My only answer to that is I kept thinking how much I enjoyed every bit of birthing and raising my youngest child because I knew he was going to be the last.  With the last one, you don't tend to fuss over little stuff; you recognize what is important and you savor the moments.  That is how I wanted to spend this last year!

And so it begins!

For those of you who wandered here based on the title (or those of you who are scared off by the title), it isn't what you are thinking.  There will be no references to female biological changes here!  Donnie and I have made the decision to retire from our careers as public school educators at the end of this school year and so the change begins.

As we "ready" ourselves for what comes next, it occurred to me that like many people, we did what we needed to do to prepare ourselves financially for retirement.  We paid off things, we met with financial planners and got things in order, and we determined we could make this work.  HOWEVER, we never took a minute to prepare ourselves for the emotional and social changes that come with this decision so I have decided to chronical the coming year as we make this transition.  I assumed it could be entertaining for friends and family as well as potentially educational for others - after all, we've spent our entire lives as educators!

So without further adieu - here goes nothing.