Great Expectations

As former educators (I am practicing saying that and checking the box that says "retired"), we know the importance of having high expectations.  So far this summer, my most significant retirement expectation has been about getting a decent tan because as a woman of leisure, I believe having a nice tan emphasizes my new role in life.

In about a week, we are leaving on our roadtrip adventure.  We have no real plan or budget other than knowing the order of states we will be heading into.  I EXPECT that we will:

• make each other a little crazy in tight quarters and too much together time
• spend more than I anticipate
• miss my soft bed, my kids, my friends and my granddogs - not necessarily in that order
• have some unique experiences and see some amazing sites
• make some great memories (but since our memories are both on the fritz these days this blog will help)
• change our focus from another school year to a whole different life together

Before starting on this big journey, we decided to take separate trips this past week.  Donnie traveled to West Virginia with his brother to visit his other brother and attend his first PGA event and play some golf (not at the PGA event but of course that would be some sort of dream come true for the boy!).  I went to the Gulf to hang at the beach with college girlfriends.  I can't speak for any other retired couples but I do think part of this transition will involve learning how to be a couple again with lots of time together but making sure to hang on to our individual independence and activities that we've always had.  He's my best friend, but I'd prefer he not be my only one :)