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The Big "R"

This is a somewhat different post from our tour up and down Broadway, but I've been waiting for "R" to share my big news. As of the end of May I will be retiring from my job of nineteen plus years with our city agency that runs the New York City mass transit system. I thought I would be leaving with unmitigated joy, but it's a sweet feeling mixed with some sadness for the people I won't be seeing on a daily basis. I've had great colleagues and I will miss them very much.

Whenever I tell anyone my news, the inevitable question is, "What will you do?" I think my blog buddies know the first answer to that question, which is blog more often. Blogging is at the top of my list and I am looking forward to much more frequent commenting. I hope to take a study class offered by my synagogue, learn to crochet and volunteer with a local arts center. I also hope to put in a good faith effort to write a mystery novel. I've talked about this last for years and this is my opportunity to do it. There's a trip to BlogHer this summer and the St. Lawrence, and in the not too far distance a trip to England.

As Robert Browning wrote, "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be, the last of days for which the first were made." Thanks for being with me on this journey. I am so grateful for your company. The best is yet to be.

Wishes for a Scrumptious Monday! 

16 comments

Barbara F. said...

Carol, first congratulations. I have never regretted my decision for early retirement. I have had health issues where I would not have been able to keep up with a job the last couple of years. People still ask me what I do all day, it still irks me for some reason, I say, I am living my life, honey. You will find a lot of people are jealous! Seriously! Blogging keeps me busy. I have time to garden and read, cook healthful food for myself, and enjoy my pets, and most of my friends are retired, too. I have three still working, two are much younger than I, one is in FL. I volunteer, something I could never do when working and commuting to the city. Relax, breathe, take one day at a time, think of all the things you never really had time to do, and ENJOY. Tomorrow will take care of itself. xo

Terra said...

Carol, congratulations on retiring in May. I hope they throw you a big shindig at work. Your plans sound fun and you can always add an activity or two.
I volunteer now visiting a homebound senior who tells me I am young, as she is 91, and I get together for lunch with friends from work, some retired and some still working; I imagine you will do that too.

TARYTERRE said...

Can't wait to read the mystery novel. Congrats on your retirement.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Congratulations! I'm sure you will love retirement. I've been retired for 3 years now and think it's wonderful. It looks like you are really going to enjoy it with all the things you have planned.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Congratulation!

I had some problems when I first retired and my plans for starting a new life got stuck in a depression. I missed the people; I missed the purpose;I missed having someone say good morning to me. After I got through my pity party, I pulled myself together and with gusto, moved on. I now tell people to never retire in the dead of winter, but wait until spring time and start anew while your surroundings are doing the same.

Ms Sparrow said...

It's good to retire with a solid plan. The hardest thing seems to be the lack of structure in a week that was formerly tightly structured. It takes a while to adjust to that.

Nellie said...

Retirement has afforded me the opportunity to engage in activities that I enjoy - things that I had no time for while I was working. It has been ten years now, and I haven't regretted it a single moment! You have some great plans to anticipate! That will make it fun!

Kate @ Another Clean Slate said...

Congratulations! This is a big, exciting step! Yay!!!

Paula said...

Congratulations, Carol! I have loved being retired! As a matter of fact, I had a dream last night about being back in my next to the last job, and I was stressed out when I woke up! Imagine my relief at discovering it was only a dream.

You will have such fun in retirement!

Sharon said...

Congratulations, I am so excited for you. As one who retired VERY early (age 48) so hubby and I could travel during his breaks from school (he's a college professor), I highly recommend it! As for an answer to the question, "what will you do all day," I've found that it works beautiful to look incredulous and simply say, "the bigger question I often ask myself is how in the world I ever had time to WORK!!"

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Such exciting news ~ I know you will accomplish much and live many of your dreams :)

Melinda said...

It all sounds Really Stunning!

M :)

Grammy Staffy said...

I am happy for you. Congratulations. Retirement is great.... but we are still so busy. I don't know how we managed to work all those years because our days are filled up to the brim now.... I bet you will be amazed at how many things pop up to take up your time. I think you should plan a trip to CA and stay at the Staffy Spa after the big R.
Hugs, Lura

Jarm Del Boccio said...

Congrats on your retirement! Sounds like you have al lot planned to keep you busy. Happy A to Z!


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Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

Wow, a mystery novel! I love those! Hope you do make one. Also, looking forward to more blogs from you. Congrats! :)


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Francene Stanley said...

How good that you realize your next years can be filled with activity. Best wishes.
Francene.
A - Z Challenge
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/