In reality as we make this transition, there is a calendar date where we all move from working to not working, but I find it isn't that simple. One friend told me that when the date hit for him, he woke up feeling completely stress free and relaxed. I suppose it hits us all differently - or he is just full of crap! Reminds me of when I was having my first child and people said when the baby is born and it cries as the mom you'll "just know". RIGHT!!!! One more example of how incompetent parenting can make you feel. Ok, maybe it is just me!
Storms hit last week and the power was off when I woke up. My first thought was "I wonder if the power is off at school too". It took me a second to realize whether it was or wasn't, it wasn't my concern and I don't have keys to go check anyway any more! If you've been a teacher, you'll understand when I say that July 4th rolls around and educators start thinking "summer is almost over and I haven't done everything I wanted to"!!! Donnie mentioned this the other day and we both started to giggle - summer is NEVER over now but our heads haven't quite made that leap.
I know it will be a process for us to think of ourselves as retired. Rationally, I understand there will be some slow moments but they haven't started yet so I haven't faced the reality of completely letting go. I have friends expressing concern about my long term emotional health without "more stimulation and challenges ahead". We plan on playing so hard this first year that it will be an easier transition from work, structure and schedule to "something else" but we don't think we'll ever be those folks who rock on the porch and just relax. However, I can't say that for sure. No one really knows what their future holds.
Speaking of baby steps (and with apologies to my journalism teacher who taught me NEVER to bury the lead), we recently learned we will be first time grandparents in February. What a great adventure for our retirement! I'll be practicing those rocking skills after all.
