LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES

Many changes have happened in my life since last I wrote. Well maybe not many, but a couple of HUGE ones, retirement and the birth of my grandson.

So here's the story. Tuesday August 17, I was OUTTA THERE! No more CRA ever! It's a complicated tale, but just know that I am officially unemployed by power hunger mongrels and control freaks. The moment I walked out the back door, I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders and I felt I could breathe again. I had wanted to leave for some time but kept thinking of reasons why I should continue. Finally there was no real option other than to leave, which I did with a happy heart. The timing was perfect, Cooper was due in a week or so, I am 62, can collect social security and I can spend time with my family more often.

On August 24 at 5:21 pm, our precious little man made his grand arrival. He gave his momma a tough time, but finally with a little coercion, we saw our beautiful little boy, weighing in at 9 pounds 2 ounces and 21 inches long.

I spent five days and five nights on a hospital cot in Niki's room so that I could help her when she needed it. Having had a C-section, she couldn't get up and moving easily, so I volunteered to stay. Holding my grandson on demand had nothing to do with it! LOL

Once Niki and Cooper were snuggled in their own little house with Josh, I returned home for the night, then went to Clay and Jenn's to take care of Laina for a couple of days. I was home one day, went to help Niki when Josh went back to work, and tomorrow I'll be taking care of Addison. The Clay Shuff's have all been ill the last couple of weeks and keep giving each other little gifts of illness just as they are almost getting over it. I don't mind taking care of my precious girls, just wish they weren't feeling sick.

I did finish Laina's scrapbook and gave it to Jenn and Clay. It came out so great. I also did a couple of pages in Addison's book and lead-in pages for Cooper's. I have minimally organized my scrapbook room, but still have much to do.

I also attended Lynn's surprise birthday party that her co-workers at Entergy threw for her. I was able to stay about 2 1/2 hours and not have to worry about going back to work.

I went with Niki to her doctor appointments before Cooper arrived, went to a couple of wine tastings, spent time with our service unit membership specialist talking to area schools about Girl Scout recruitments and just hung out at home for a couple of days. Haven't been home much to just "retire" but it's been a wonderful couple of weeks. I reallllllllllllllllllllllllllllly like retirement. The money will be greatly reduced, but the other benefits far out weigh that.

So retirment will be a good life for me!