Thirty years of life was devoted to a professional career that defined me – like an anchor that keeps one grounded so they can’t float away. The majority of those years consumed an administrative position to help others accomplish THEIR careers so that the dictates of the state were justified. That doesn’t sound nice, but it is a true assessment. Planning and research won honors and praise across the state, and it was in that environment (statewide not local) that encouragement was received for the work. However, down deep, stirred “Wanny,” the nickname given by my paternal grandmother, and the name did, indeed, define me – not unlike the career. Wanny - a free spirit who never liked nor approved the norm – fought conformity and was “shot down” ad infinitum! The “career” did teach a valuable lesson: One CAN follow rules and find a way to achieve accomplishments. I didn’t say it was easy!
Before the professional career, there was marriage, a full-time career that can definitely define all aspects of a woman – if she unwittingly allows it. The pay grade for a young Wanny was deplorable, and again, chances for advancement were constantly shot down. “There but for the grace of God, go I;” both grandmothers said this to me many times in my youth. What is that … some sort of Southern biblical mantra that mother’s say to their daughters to encourage them to be little ladies so that they will accept their lot in life and whimper lightly?! However, with the advent of motherhood, the fringe benefits were “soully” unlimited. Once again, spirits soared; motherhood was and still is JOY - a fringe benefit that truly blesses. And, there’s something about becoming a grandmother that ensures the circle of life and the promise that this “job” will continue – a beautiful truth.
So, how does one retire? I don’t FEEL retired! April and May, 2011 define the initial monthly parameters of retirement – for me. So far, so good; only, can’t put my finger on it, but something does not feel quite right – like I’m naked – not fully clothed – missing my armor. Hmmm…withdrawal symptoms from an 8 – 5 schedule, no authority figure to dictate my routine or actions, flashbacks of baby bottle feedings from when I used to be a stay at home mom, the need to “take care of business” before pleasure … what is it? Time consuming is the reading of all the parameters regarding insurance for health (i.e. vision, dental, cancer, …), mode of payment deductions, car and property taxes – I mean, I’ve studied so many supplemental policies that it doesn’t feel any different from previous research – except, this time, the research is for my long-term benefit. Stats depict that I’ll live past 90. OK, I admit to some confusion; this is learning to live a different way, but down deep, Wanny is really feeling like a busy piece of flotsam floating up and down the mighty Pee Dee River. I have projects that I want to tackle! I.E. clean the house, get rid of stuff, paint the bay windows of our Victorian home, install a fence for the front yard to keep the dogs off the front porch, plant a herb garden – and MORE – so many things I plan to do in retirement! As a type A personality, I’m used to having many irons in the fire, but where is all the free time? For now, I am not going to worry. I’ll just take each day as it comes and do what I can for that one day. Hmmm…sounds vaguely familiar. Retirement is NOT synonymous with leisure, and there is much more to learn – not just with literature and numbers, but with family and friends.
