Mum

Today I rang from Emma's in the USA to hear that Mum had died in her sleep.  She was in hospital and had ordered me to come on holiday.  Despite feeling really guilty and despite the reassurances of the nursing staff I did so.  Steve took me to the beach in San Diego and we sat and felt the wind and sea.

Leaving

Well, it's been a long time coming, but I have finally "officially" left my previous post. Had a visitation from some colleagues which was nice and a lovely digital camera which should spark my enthusiasm. Thank goodness I didn't live in the days of the gold watch or gold clock. Just designed to watch the rest of your life tick away!!
Anyway, still very busy with all kinds of things. Some still connected with work that I really need to clear out - what an astonishing amount of paper - and therefore trees - I have wasted. Feel a bit guilty about it really. Good job we have recycling here is all I can say.
Also keeping an eye on my elderly mother who is in a care home and has taken to not eating. That's not doing my stress levels any good. I thought the stress got less when you stopped work? Apparently I have that wrong. Hey ho!

Daytime TV

Partly because I can, and partly because I am emotionally drained after the funeral of my dear sister-in-law I am watching some Daytime TV.
It's not the programmes really, but the adverts! Clearly directed at the retired population and very depressing on the whole.

• Chairlifts
• Baths with doors in
• Medical insurance

What's wrong with exciting stuff? Where are the holidays, the books and games you could be involved with?

Need to think carefully about what I watch otherwise I will sink into complete depression!

Shock

Last night we heard that my husband's sister had collapsed and died by her husband's bedside. He is recovering from a cancer operation. Terrible shock for everyone.
Made me think..................... might retirement include more awful things like this? We all get older and of course friends and relatives do too. Dreadful thought

Wednesday's the day!

My working life has been long and very varied and has included:

• shop work
• estate agent work
• general office work
• being a mum
  
• painting lead soldiers
• making bows for chocolate boxes
• working nights in a children's nursery
  
• teaching assistant
• teacher
• deputy head
• headteacher
• education adviser

and all that with only 3 'O' levels. Actually, now I've written that it looks like like I've done a lot.
So, I'm over 60 now. I've worked all my life and didn't really intend to retire yet at all. Sadly I have ME so the decision has really been taken out of my hands. My "official" retiring date is the 1st July - and that's only on Wednesday! Astonishing. Old people retire. I'm not old and I don't feel it either. Wonder if I'll feel any different on Wednesday? Hmmm...