I'm retired!

It's official---I'm retired!!! Yesterday was my last day of school. It was pretty surreal...I know I have been anticipating and eagerly awaiting this day, but when I looked around my empty room and closed the door for the last time, I must admit, I actually shed a tear or two. I don't think I'll really realize any difference in my life until September when it's time to go back after summer and I don't have to. For the first time, I may actually enjoy Labor Day!

A BIKE ??!!!

The kids surprised me with a fantastic retirement present. Amy called me out front to watch the kids play when suddenly, Todd came riding around the corner on my new bike! My first thought... can I even ride a bike? Yep! I'm happy to report, I can still ride. We even took it to the beach later that day and I took it for a spin there. So fun!

It's definately official--retirement party

When I found out that I was the only one from San Joaquin retiring, I asked if I could have the kind of retirement party that I wanted; low key, casual, in a backyard, and kid friendly. My party was all that and more. Katy hosted it in her backyard with a beach theme. (My friends really know me well.) It was beautifully decorated all in turquoise and lime green with shells, buckets, and shovels all over the tables. We had a taco man cater it and dessert was, my favorite, strawberry shortcake. The best was that my mom, kids, and grand kids all attended. It was so fun to show everyone off. For a retirement gift, the staff gave me a Kindle and some gift cards to start my electronic library. I understand that travel is much easier when you only have to take the small Kindle instead of several books. I'm hoping to try out that theory very soon.

It's official--continued

This week the district and SVEA hosted a retirement reception for those of us who are retiring in June. There are 20 of us through-out the district, but I'm the only one from San Joaquin. Many of my friends from school came to help me celebrate. We individually went up to receive our plaque and a really cute "bucket list" pail. I guess I'm one step closer to the reality of being a retired person! I'm really excited, but, surprisingly, have actually shed a few tears. I've realized that I'm going to miss my friends at school and seeing past students coming back to share their successes with me.