Come Stitch With Me

As I added Boomer’s books to the school library catalog last Friday, I knew without a doubt that I would not be returning next year. I finally felt a sense of peace after weeks of “waffling” as my mother calls it. For nearly 25 years, I’ve worked as a librarian. I will certainly miss sharing new books with my students and co-planning lessons with teachers. The fact of the matter is there are way more things about the teaching profession that I won’t miss than the ones I will. Suffice it to say, this year has been a dumpster fire – probably the hardest one I’ve ever had. Next year is shaping up to be more of the same. No, thank you. My mental and physical health are worth much more than any job.

So, I will exit the schoolhouse doors for the last time on May 27th. I have a summer and fall of fun activities to look forward to. Hubs and I have some big trips penciled in on our calendar, but we’re waiting on the mask mandate to be rescinded before we take them. I have no desire to wear mask for 14 hours a day while riding on the Rocky Mountaineer through the American Southwest.

As for the rest of it, we’ll see what the future holds. I really do like the area where we live, but everything has become so politically divisive. It’s no longer about what’s best for the residents, businesses and taxpayers – it’s all about equity, race and political party. My hopes that our recently elected commissioners would get past this were dashed when the chairwoman pulled the race card in response to a recent event. The citizens deserve better than this.

Not much sewing going on around here!

The past couple weeks of retirement have been REALLY good for hubby. The color has returned to his face, he has more energy and seems much less stressed. Hopefully, this bodes well for his scans and bloodwork next week. Stable is the desired outcome.

At least for now, I’ve learned that me still working with him retired (and home) equals no time to myself. I’m surrounded by people all day at school. I come home to hide and recharge my batteries. Was not able to do that one evening this week. It’s all new as we navigate tying up all the loose ends leaving a job entails and planning to make sure things are in place as we need them to be. One of the unexpected surprises as been learning that we can use his HSA funds to pay for COBRA insurance premiums. That’ll help immensely!

Some of my coworkers have picked up on subtle cues that I’m planning to exit soon. I deflected being put in charge of the in-house summer reading program and finally had to ‘fess up to the coworker in charge what my potential plans were. Turns out, she’s trying to get out, too! That’s why she wanted me involved. 🙂 The more I try to pull back, the more they try to engage. Not gonna work, I’m afraid.

I decided to donate Boomer’s library (the sizable picture book stash in my office) to the school library collection. I spent today cataloging and processing all the books. It seemed only fitting that the books stay with the school. Boomer’s R.E.A.D. legacy will be able to live on for many years to come.

The next 30 work days are going to literally fly by!

I can’t wait for what’s ahead!

Disclaimer: This post will be retirement planning related.

In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that health insurance would be driving the early retirement bus. So far, everything’s worked with switching hubby to my health insurance coverage. Doctors are in network and claims have been paid. For me, the true test will be his visit to MD Anderson in a couple of weeks. The patient finance office at MD Anderson signed off on the new coverage, the facility and doctors show as in-network, but I was still holding my breath until we received the official pre-approval letter for all of his tests. Today’s mail brought the official approval and a big sigh of relief on my part. I am so glad I chose to add hubby during open enrollment instead of as a qualifying event. This simple action alleviated so much stress for me.

Now to the next item on my list – switch our checking account from our existing monster megabank to the credit union. Our free checking will cease the month after direct deposits stop. The credit union offers a much better package of services for its 55+ customers – and the price is certainly right – free.

Hubby reports that he has thoroughly enjoyed his first 10 days of retirement. I have to laugh, though, because he decided to cut his trip short and come home two days early. It’ll be interesting to see how things go over the next 7 weeks with him at home while I’m still working.

As far as planning for quilting in retirement, I’m buying specific things now (while I still have a paycheck) that I know I will use (for example, replacement Sizzix dies and a wheeled sewing machine tote). Yes, the retirement budget has quilty dollars in it, but I’m trying to save those for quilty travel and quilty treats! Our financial advisor has tasked us with keeping spending in check the first six months of retirement. This is the trade-off for retiring a year earlier than planned, but one we’re happy to make!