Happy Monday Indeed

Celebration is a kind of food we all need in our lives, and each individual
brings a special recipe or offering, so that together we will make a great
feast. Celebration is a human need that we must not, and can not, deny.
It is richer and fuller when many work and then celebrate together.

Corita Kent and Jan Steward

Good Monday morning on this, what I consider, the first full day of my new life. I woke up this morning thinking about the job and wondering what kind of reactions there will be when the first thing everyone sees is my empty seat. 

Friday was day I shall remember the rest of my life. Such an outpouring of love.  Old clients visited or called, old co-workers from my last job showed up as a surprise, workers from our other programs showing up on their day off. I told hubby that retirement is something one does only once in their lifetime, and mine was simply amazing.  From the time I got there until the time I went home, the day was amazing, just amazing. There were tears, yes, but there was just as much laughter as we sat back and reminisced the good times, before it got so crazy.

The clients in my early recovery group chipped in and bought me the above cake. I mean, we are talking about people on a limited income.  How special was that!!!  I was so touched.  They had some laughs when I left and came back with my phone to take a picture.  They told me my it was obsolete, and I should seriously think of getting an upgrade.

The menu included all my favorites: macaroni and cheese, homemade chicken lo mien, rice and beans, roast beef, tossed salad, avocado, sausage, and pizza with pepperoni.  I did take three small pieces of sausage and a bit of everything else, but was strong enough not to touch the pizza.  It was way too high in sodium. For dessert we had homemade chocolate cake, brownies, blondies, mini strawberry cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies.  Needless to say, I ate no dinner that night.

After we had all had our fill, the following arrived....

Followed by...

I am still overwhelmed about this. I wish the picture were better so you could see the details, but my phone is 'obsolete'. They are real Italian Euro coins on a 14k gold over sterling silver chain. They weren't sure I would like it because I rarely wear bracelets, so they left the receipt for me to exchange if I want.  I didn't look until I got home.  $450. I screamed for my husband when I saw the price.  I never expected it. There is no way I will exchange this.  It is a gift that came from the heart. I guess I was more appreciated by everyone than I thought.  I just wish I had known how much.

It still hasn't really hit me, I am retired, that is.  As for the first weekend of my new life, I found it so hard to slow down.  I am still on that mentality that I have to do everything at once. Cleaned out some of my work clothes and then went out early to drop them at the drop box, went the fruit stand, and then hit the 99 cent store.  Came home and was ready to go back out and look for some kitchen curtains when I stopped myself.  The day was hot and humid, and it's really not like I don't have any other time to go.  So, I stripped and stayed in.  Sat for a few minutes and then went to begin decluttering the bottom of my china closet. It's best to start on the inside and work my way out.  

Finally, we are in for another heat wave.  Made me breathe a sigh of relief that I don't have those long walks to the subway and that wait in a hot, stinky subway station.  No more subways for me. Yippee!!!  Another perk of retirement.

So, I am off now to enjoy a nice leisurely breakfast and plan my day. My future awaits.  Have a great day.   

The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths

offered by the present, but a place that is created--created first

in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not

some place we are going to, but one we are creating.

John Schaar