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It's 8:31 a.m. on Monday Morning...

...and despite what I thought yesterday it doesn't feel like being on vacation. Last month, last week, as late as yesterday I thought that it would feel like I was on vacation, but I realize that it's not vacation. Another job or a volunteer commitment aside, I'm not going back to the job I held for nineteen years. There's still a party for work friends on Thursday, but I'm not joining the folks with umbrellas who are heading to the subway, and I'm not worrying about meetings, phone calls and brochures that need to be printed.

Instead, I'm blogging, I've brewed a pot of coffee and I'm enjoying the beautiful flowers that K and Jess sent to me on Friday.

My official last day was Friday and it was a wonderful day. My staff gave me a beautiful breakfast, with an array of delicacies. Donna made her fabulous whoopie pies -- with my favorite lemon cake. I thought there might be bagels and coffee, but it was so much more than that.

  Whoopie pies are front and center and they share the table with a red velvet cake and a cake with fresh fruit and whipped cream. All delicious!

 This is my motto. It's a gift from Brandon, who was our unit administrator and my dear friend. The cake, from a bakery in Brooklyn known for red velvet cakes, was fabulous. 

The day was lovely, touching and one to long remember. I don't think I could have felt more loved or appreciated. Many people stopped by to visit and I received cards, email, gifts and phone calls from colleagues past and present. I had a few work things yet to do and my office needed a final packing up, but I left the packing until Sunday and just enjoyed spending time with friends. I finished packing (and discarding) yesterday in about an hour, but the visiting couldn't have waited.

And today? I've got a list of things I'd like to do and this is one of them. I'm going to Michael's -- thank you note supplies! -- and going to Whole Foods in the middle of the day, which has been a goal of mine.  There's chicken to cook and a friend to meet for a drink this evening. I'm hoping to walk a mile, which I am making a goal for every day. High on my list is to unpack three shopping bags of things I brought home from the office. I think a lot of things will be discarded, but that's very high on my goals. 

I'm also planning to read one of the books I brought home from BookExpoAmerica -- an extraordinary day on Saturday -- but that's a post for another day. 

24 comments

Stephanie said...

Hi sweet Carol! Your flowers are beautiful! I'm sure they smell heavenly :) I just finished my cup of coffee - I would love another cup, but it's now time for me to get going with the day. Have fun at Michaels (I could spend all day in that store).

Hugs and blessings to you!

By the way, thank you for your sweet comments on my blog, they always brighten my day :)

Denise said...

Congratulations. Mornings with my newspaper and coffee are something I treasure. Not having a schedule and being able to adjust to the weather are others. I hope you find great joy in this new adventure in your life. As for what you brought home in bags, I still have a few bags in my basement that need to go and it has been 4 1/2 years. No rush anymore.

Maggid said...

Happy New Life Adventure!
Thank you for sharing all along the Way.

Beautiful Flowers!!! Beautiful YOU!

I'm looking forward to stories as you grow along in this New Expression.

Love & Love,
-g-

Lynda said...

I am sooooo very excited for you!!! You have a variety of interests and will stay busy enjoying life. Keep those goals. I am making progress on my fun and my projects - - the days are flying by - - - there is still so much ahead to complete - - - but no rush to do it and no deadline for it. God is good to us!!!!
Praise God for your coworkers and friends who made your last day so special and memorable. I am glad you took pictures!
Looking forward to hearing the smile in your writing each day as this next phase of your life begins!

Theresa said...

Congratulations on this first day of your NEW life! I know that you are going to enjoy each and every minute of it! Have a blessed and beautiful day dear friend, HUGS!

Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

Such beautiful blossoms and everything looks delicious. Congrats!

Chatty Crone said...

Girl I am so glad you are having fun - looking forward and not behind - you are really living and I love it! sandie

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Carol, Congratulations on your retirement.... now you have the time to do everything you have ever wanted to do, but at your own pace.
I loved the words on your cake "Retire from work but not from life".
A perfect motto.
How did that cup of coffee taste at 08.31am this morning.... I bet it was lovely.
Best Wishes to you,
Daphne

Crystal Collier said...

Yay! My mom said her life only got busier after retiring. Enjoy your freedom, eh? (And use it wisely.) ;)

Sharon said...

And now it's here....enjoy today! One of my still most valued and never taken for granted luxury is the ability to do errands (i.e. Whole Foods, bank, post office, etc.,) in the morning hours when everything is well-stocked, clean and employees aren't tired. It's a totally different experience than doing those things at night and on weekends!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on this new adventure! Wish I could join you on your trip to Michael's. Have a wonderful week, Carol.
p.s. those flowers are gorgeous!

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

I'm sure you'll always remember this day and how good it felt not to be going off to work in the rain. From now on it's going to be your choice. You'll be deciding where and when you want to go! Enjoy your 1st day of retirement and may there be many happy days ahead!

Melinda said...

Well, today is a new start--yipee!
Now you can do whatever you want whnever you want. Like go to Whole
Foods in the middle of the day.

:)

TARYTERRE said...

CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement. I love your motto. Now you just have a different set of priorities.

Nellie said...

What lovely flowers! The goodies look scrumptious! Were there even any crumbs remaining? Going to Whole Foods in the middle of the day will be a new experience for you! It sounds as though you have many things on your schedule! Wishing you happy retirement days ahead!

Living in the In Between said...

(En)JOY!

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

Those flowers are gorgeous! *hugs* - Lauren

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Happy for you... After I worked fulltime ALL of my adult life --my friends and family said that I'd be miserable if I retired.. HA---I love it. I can do anything in the world that I want to do now... It's fabulous. AND--I can do things which I never had time to do while I was working. You will be busier than you were when you were working.... AND--you'll love it. Congrats.
Hugs,
Betsy

Susie said...

Dear Carol (Buttercup), Big hugs for you. I have been wondering if Friday was your last day. I wish you the best retirement, with lots of travel, fun times and quiet times too. xoxo,Susie

Deanna said...

Oh happy days for you. You have so much zest for life that I know retirement is just going to be great for you!!

Ms Sparrow said...

One of the nicest things about retirement is choosing your own times to do errands. You don't have to dash around after work or try to squeeze it in over the weekend. You have limitless hours to do things whenever you darn well feel like it!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh, happy retirement and all the wonderful things you are now able to do. Hope every day is filled with all that makes you happy!

Julie B. said...

I join with everyone else and wish you a very happy and fruitful time in your retirement Carol. It sounds like you are well loved and will be missed. Blessings to you and yours!

Grammy Staffy said...

I'm so happy for you....congrats! Enjoy every minute of your new found freedom. I'm glad that you had such a nice retirement party at work. Hugs