Holiday Greetings from the Stress Pool, where we look out on the actual pool, which is covered in snow and ice, longing for the days of fun in the sun. Remember those really hot days we had this past summer? I would be happy to go back to those days!
You may be wondering about the title for this blog installment - nunc coepi, a Latin phrase that means I begin. DH had looked it up and told me about it yesterday, and it stuck with me. He's been quite wonderful about this whole retiring thing, but I'll let you know in a couple weeks how he's feeling!)
T.S. Eliot wrote:
What we call the beginning is often the end.
And, to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from.
Today marked the end of my teaching career, which lasted twenty-seven and a half years. I have taught more than 10,000 students in that amount of time, made numerous friendships, and truly, just had a lot of fun. There were also some tough times, difficult schedules, tears and frustrations, and things that happened that you would think had been made up! (We've sat it at least one hundred times at meetings and in text threads: you can't make this stuff up!) The kiln breaking down after 100 kids had finished their projects and were waiting to be baked; out of a certain color paint; someone cut their weaving off the loom and now it was coming apart faster than it had been put together.
I begin.
People ask, "What are you going to do?"
My response, "Whatever I want, whenever I want."
So much that I want to do! No alarms; travel a little; spend time in my studio; spend time with family, not necessarily in that order (except for no alarms!). Drink a mug of coffee without gulping it down. Use the bathroom when I need to, not when someone can watch my class. Decide I really don't need to go out and clear the snow and ice off of my car, because I really don't need to go anywhere. Cook a nice dinner during the week. Read. Spend time with friends. Take Zumba for active seniors (I'm a senior now, you know!).
I begin.
There have been many ends and beginnings in my life, but the anticipation leading up to today has been overwhelming, to say the least. It was bittersweet, with lots of hugs from colleagues and students, a rousing bit of applause from the kids after their volleyball fun this afternoon, followed by more hugs. My name was added to the retirement plaque in the front lobby, with a nice send off from faculty and staff. It has been a wonderful two weeks, filled with well wishes for the future, and it will stay with me for all of my days. But now,
I begin.
Wishing you all the most joyous Christmas and New Year - may they be filled with brightness, good health, and love. And, if you're in the mood, stop by the Stress Pool - I am now at my leisure!
