Short-timer!

My time with my company is getting very short now.  As of today, I have 8 working days, of which 2 of those days are in Sedona at a Board Retreat.  And I have 6 vacation days.  I have a lot to do in those work days!  I have started putting down what meetings I am in charge of and who is invited to them.  I have sent out meeting invites to some meetings through the end of the year just so that they are 'done'.  I still have other things to write down so that whoever follows me can complete them.  And they haven't started interviewing yet.  I understand that the posting was  up only a few days and they got so many in (THAT many people want my job?) such a short time, they pulled the posting.   So how do I feel about all this process?

Not sure.  I know, that is a vague answer.  Part of me is sad, for I do enjoy most of the people I work with.  The work isn't hard, but you can get stressed.  It feels funny thinking about it for I don't know what it will feel like to not have a  job to go to.....yet.  I have had people come to me today and tell me I can't leave, they need me here.  I tell them to 'make me an offer I can't refuse'.  LOL 

I am looking forward to just a little 'me' time.  No, I'm not being selfish.  I love having extended quiet times with God, and I am really looking forward to that.  I'm looking forward to getting control of my life, working out at the gym, taking long walks, and getting a dog!  Yep - we decided we would get one after vacation so will begin seriously looking when we get back.  I want a dog I can walk with - like a Doberman. I love dobermans, just can't afford them.  But, would like one to walk with me so that I can go walking whenever I want.  And alone if I want, knowing my dog will take care of me.

I'm also looking forward to getting to do a lot of cooking again.  Tom does a good  job at it, but I love to cook and over the past 4-5 years I have not had much opportunity due to work.  I love to experiment and try new recipes.  I'm looking forward to spending some time with my kids, and my grandchildren.  Tom, don't get upset, you have me all the time. :-)  I want to renew relationships.   I had to work when my children were growing up - I'd like to get to know them better.

I do need to look for another job, one with medical benefits, before the end of the year.  I have asked God to prepare one for me, and I am trusting Him to do just that.  I want to be with people, I want to have fun, I want to enjoy what I do.  I know what my ideal job is - but don't see that happening.  God may have other plans, so that option is always open.   I tell people I may end up at Starbucks - don't you think that would be such fun?!  I want to LIVE.  I want to LAUGH.  I want to LOVE.  I want to have FUN the rest of  my life.  I think I can look forward to retirement.... at least for a little while.  I can't wait to see what God has planned for me!

Sad news today brings it all "home" as to taking early retirement.  I got word this morning via an office email that a friend at work, near my own age, died unexpectedly last Friday.  She hadn't been sick, that I know of.  I just talked with her a couple weeks ago.  She never got the opportunity to retire.   She never had the opportunity to not go to work.  I feel so sad for her family.  My prayer is they have memories to hold on to during this time of sorrow.  My prayers are with them.

What are you doing with your life?  Are you in a job that you just go to?  Are you wishing you could do something you really enjoy and want to do?  What is keeping you from it?   Start taking online classes while you decide.  Make your mind up to have fun and learn. Maybe you just need to make a change.  Ask God to help you find your way.  He is just waiting for you to ask Him.  He will never pressure you nor push you into something - He is just waiting for you.  Will you ask Him?  I will. 

Blessings!