Still working

But Geof retired last September.
And so many of my colleagues are retiring in July!!

Not ready yet!!

116 days

What will help me make this decision?  As of now, I'm not going to retire. I am really liking the Chromebook project. But who knows what's around the corner???  I think teaching a class at Towson will give me a glimpse into a different experience

I wish I had more trust in Kara.  She certainly seems to support me, but given the history, I am always braced  and I think that stresses me out.

And of course there is the concern about money. I like having the freedom of treating myself to things (which I rarely do).

SIGH. I need to decide in just a few weeks.......

What to do? What to do?

145

It's February.  Apparently, if I am going to retire, I have to make my decision in March - not sure exactly when - but it is soon.

I just don't know what to do.  On some days I wonder, "Why would I stay?"  Other days, when things are going well I wonder, "I don't want to retire."  Geof is so sure, but I'm not sure he's sure for the right reason???  I just don't know!

145 Days

180

Today is New Year's Day.....January 1, 2014

  It is another day after New Year's Eve.  Jack & Kris and Don & Anita spent the late afternoon, night, and breakfast with us (it was out year to host).   Here we are at Ziki:

  It was a fun time, but Geof and I are both ready for the holidays to be behind us. 

New Year's Resolutions:

• drink water, at least one bottle a day
• enter points, beginning January 2, 2014
• make a decision about retirement

   According to our financial planner, we can afford to retire. I can do this in 180 days.   I am not convinced that our lifestyle won't change, and I'm not ready for that to happen!  So that is what I need to understand.  Everyone I talk to says retirement is the best thing EVER and that we should just take the plunge.  And Geof has decided to do that!

  What will help ME make that decision?

180 days to go.

281

Under 300 days - hard to believe.  

But so much has changed in just one short week.  With the Navy Yard shootings, what is important has taken on a whole new meaning.  I still cannot believe what Geof lived through - the key word is "lived".  Stephanie, Eric and I have hovered over him - probably more for ourselves than what he needs, but that's ok!

So now the question is, should Geof retire early.  He talked about that before "the incident" and now, even more so.  I don't think any decisions should be made for awhile - I don't think this is the time to make life changing decisions, but we will see.  I know that I don't want to retire in January, like he is considering; and I think it's okay if he stops working before me.  Maybe I will be able to see how he likes it, and then I'll be ready, too!

I'm just so happy & thankful that we still have each other.

317

Today is the first time I am posting to my 

Countdown to Retirement blog. 

317 days until I am eligible to retire. 

Kind of an out of body experience. Here is my feeling about retirement: 

1. I'm not ready 
2. I am ready 
3. I have so much more I want to do. 
4. I'm tired and don't want to do anymore.

I'm told that one day it will just hit me that I've done enough.   Sa says he is there already.  That he has done enough.  He's had a taste of what it will be like because of his "I'm on unpaid furlough leave" experience.  I'm not convinced, based on his behavior on those days, that he's as ready as he thinks he is.  So we will see.

317 days until I am eligible to retire.