Thank You!

Thank you to those who so kindly expressed sympathy over the loss of my old friend, Indy. Your comments were much appreciated. Last week I picked up his ashes, and it gives a bit of comfort to have him back home with me again.

All around things keep changing at a breakneck pace. I've said good-bye to Indy, and now Bogey has taken over my lap. I wonder if Indy whispered in his ear or if Bogey senses an empty lap is simply not a good thing. In any event, he keeps me occupied. I supply the petting and he supplies the purrs.

Meanwhile, Daughter and her hubby have put their house up for sale. I've forgotten what a monumental task it is to prepare the house and then try to keep it spotless each day because you never know when an agent will bring a potential buyer. I have a corner in my basement filled with items they are storing to make the house appear more open. Removing items and neutral paint schemes are apparently critical to making a sale. At least we hope so. Fingers crossed that all goes smoothly. Of course a sale is always followed by the joys of moving, so I see some hectic days in their future.

Speaking of days, I'm at the point where I'm counting down days instead of months to retirement. Four months ago it seemed a glacial age away. But now as the finish line approaches, things have started to move at a much faster pace. I've worked full time nearly all my adult life so retirement will be an adjustment. But it's one I'm really looking forward to making.

Change brings about all types of consequences, some happy and some not so much. Yet whether we want it to or not, change most certainly will occur. I suppose it's the way we respond to change that makes the difference. Just like a tree, we can bend with the wind or let it snap us in two.

I'm working on learning to bend.

One Nap at a Time

I hear that in many countries employees are expected to take a little rest during the work day. The time spent relaxing helps keep them happy and productive.

Indy and Bogey siesta frequently. Like most critters, getting plenty of sleep is mandatory in order to have sufficient energy for leaping to refrigerator tops or chasing pesky squirrels.

Years ago I'd never even have considered taking a nap, but now I realize the concept is brilliant.

What if we went back to having daily nap times, just like we did in kindergarten? You roll out your mat and I roll out mine. Then we can all have milk and cookies and be best friends. I'm pretty sure the world would be a much better place to live in if we were all best friends.

I haven't heard it mentioned by any of the current candidates (though goodness knows they have enough to say on every other topic), but my vote will go to the one who endorses daily naps.

Because that's the kind of change I can really believe in.

New Tricks

Are you the type of person that embraces change, or dreads it?

I tend to be a creature of habit. Routine is comforting to me. When I know what to expect, I know how to respond. It's a comfortable way to live, though perhaps not all that exciting.

For several decades (yes, decades) I've worked at the same place, doing the same job. And for the most part, I've been happy, with absolutely no desire to look elsewhere. Over the years, I've even passed up various opportunities within my office. No point in fixing what isn't broken.

Well, starting on March 1, that's all going to change. After wrestling with the pros and cons, I took a leap of faith and interviewed for a newly created position within the office. Last week, I got the job.

My first reaction was excitement. Then I started to think about it. How long will it take to get the hang of things? What type of tasks will make up my day? Will I like what I'm doing? Oh, how thinking along those lines can start to drag you down. I began to question my decision. Perhaps I'd made a mistake. It would be so much easier to stick with my old job. I could do it in my sleep.

But then I realized that perhaps I've been sleepwalking long enough.

So my mission now is to focus on the positive. I'll be taking over much of the office grant writing responsibilities. Writing is something I enjoy. I'll be doing research and planning. Two more things that appeal to me. Some travel may be involved. Seeing a few new places doesn't sound bad either.

Adrenaline and excitement are powerful fuels. I'm beginning to percolate with ideas. Explore different options. Get ready for another chapter in my life.

And like any other old dog, I'm going to prove that I can still learn a few new tricks.