Now that the school kids have been gone from the building for over a week, it is STARTING to feel a little bit real. People keep asking me what it feels like to be retired but since I'm still putting in a few more weeks of office time, it hasn't truly hit just yet (at least not for me!). Now Donnie - that's another story. There is no secret among the people who know us that we approach just about everything in different ways, so why should this retirement transition be any less bipolar?
Now don't get me wrong - Donnie loved the job, the kids, the coaching and I'm certain he'll miss it (or at least aspects of it) but he has made this move like the true competitive champion he is. After the students were gone on the last day, he cleared out a few personal items, turned in his keys, and headed home to have a beer. He got up the next morning and made a Bloody Mary. His week looked like this - a barbecue with friends, a trip to KC which included several different stops to see old friends and share a toast or two, golf at the Lake, the Cardinal game, and shopping for his new retirement wardrobe - nothing but shorts! The man is impressive. Never look back! I have always said that Donnie is the kind of guy who works to make a living, not a life. He never let the job define him, but I think retirement will :) I know the research says that it is important as we age to continue to exercise your brain, so I think he'll be pouring liquid intelligence regularly to stay in shape!
Me on the other hand - I'm still doing some end of the school year things at the office. Right now, it mainly feels like just another end of the year. I made a point of not saying goodbyes. I've never really been too good at them anyway. I did go shop for a new camera so I can start to document our adventures and post some fun pictures on this blog once we start our travels in less than 2 months! Bring it on.
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