This friendly girl and I will restart the R.E.A.D. program at the Smyrna Public Library in about 3 weeks. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was to receive the news from the children’s librarian that all systems are go. This begins a new chapter for me with a different therapy dog partner in the R.E.A.D. program.

One good thing that came out of the recent side gig is a better understanding of InDesign and a rudimentary knowledge of Illustrator. I’ll continue to take advantage of professional learning opportunities at the day job to hone my skills. I will not take on any major projects like the recent side gig again as long as I am still working full-time. Does.not.work.

Most of the time, it’s a good thing to stretch yourself so that you can continue growing.

I may have taken on a project that is simply too much for me to do while I am still working full-time. The learning curve has been much steeper than expected. Being exhausted when I get home from work everyday doesn’t help either.

So, I’m being proactive. I’ve reworked my library schedule for Monday and Tuesday (essentially closing the library except for scheduled classes) so I can finish redoing the nonfiction section. I had hoped to get this completed during Conference Week since the kids start informational writing next week, but no, I was pulled to babysit students who didn’t ride the bus home or to stuff data notebooks every afternoon.

Weary, but I need to hunker down and power through the learning stage of my current project. It’s an ongoing collaboration that’s going to provide a needed sense of purpose once I hang up my teacher librarian hat.

UPDATE: So, I hunkered down and powered through, feeling good about the work product I submitted. Feedback was not quite what I expected, which was fine. However, after thinking about the next steps and the limited amount of time I have available for extra projects, I trusted my gut and made the decision to bow out now. The other party wasn’t too pleased, but I’d rather tell them now than let it drag on.

Seven months ’til freedom. I can’t wait.

It helps me keep my sanity. I like to track major deadlines and tasks that need to be accomplished. I use a customized classic size Happy Planner. On most Sunday mornings, you’ll find me with my planner, laptop and a mug of tea as I map out the upcoming week. I tend to pay bills, review sale flyers, make out shopping lists, write notes/cards, etc. during this time, as well.

In earlier posts, I mentioned that we’re looking forward to some exciting changes in 2022. Of course, there’s a lengthy list of things to be done in connection with all the anticipated changes!

This week’s must-do:

1. Get both of us on the same health insurance plan during open enrollment. IN PROGRESS. DONE. He’s been added to my plan and I’ve uploaded the necessary documentation to prove he’s eligible to be covered under my policy. Now, we just wait for the official coverage email.

I’ll rest a lot easier once I have confirmed health insurance coverage for hubby. This is a non-negotiable.

Update: 10/20/21 – Received official notification of his being added for coverage effective 1/1/2022!!!

Other items on the list that need to be done before existing benefits expire:
* Eye exam and glasses for me. (deadline 12/31/21)
* Open new joint checking account. (deadline 3/1/22)
* Update wills and advanced directive for healthcare documents. (deadline 4/1/22)

These are the only hard deadlines I have for now. Other items will be added to the list as we head into Spring 2022.

Why all the planning you ask? Health insurance coverage going with me into retirement has to follow a very specific set of steps. It gets even more complicated if I leave employment prior to being old enough to even receive my pension. If I screw it up, I can’t get it back unless I go back to teaching full-time. Not really willing to do that.