Thinking On the Positive

Positive. I want to write a positive post this morning. This coming year my thoughts and words need to be more positive than in past years. My blessings are numerous and I need to give God praise and thanksgiving for all that He has provided to my family this year.

Kim was diagnosed with lymphoma at the beginning of 2010. He is now cancer free. Though there are a few health related issues with which he deals, still he is well. What better blessing could I ask for? A year ago, in 2009, we were blessed once again with a beautiful grandchild. Olivia was born on Kim's birthday, Nov. 16. Kim will forever share that day of celebration with his granddaughter. What joy we all felt that night at the hospital as our son, Kyle, rushed out into the waiting room to share his good news of Olivia's arrival! Kyle had such a look of happiness like none I had ever seen on his face before.

Our other two sons live nearby. We are so blessed to get to see our children often. Jason and his family are near enough that we can be with our oldest two grandchildren often and know their own unique personalities. Aidan and Regan are growing up and are so smart. It brings us much joy to be with them and listen to them talk and share the many things they are learning every day. Ryan and Amy live here in the same town. They have become involved in the community theater here where they both bring joy to audiences as they share their talents. We are blessed to be able to share in Ryan's life as he has embarked on the difficult task of educating middle school children.

This past Thanksgiving holiday, I was blessed to be able to see an uncle and aunt of mine with whom I spent many holidays in years past. They are nearing 80 years old and even though they have had some health problems, were looking good to me on the day. What a blessing for me indeed that I had that opportunity to talk with my mother's younger brother. I must do that more often in 2011.

No negative complaining or whining in my post this day for I have much to praise God for as I ponder my many blessings. Its easier than we think it is to count our blessings. That old habit of thinking on the negative has to change and I pray God can make that happen in 2011. God is good!

Just Like Riding a Bike

Yesterday I went back into the classroom after being retired for 3 years. It isn't permanent, just a long term sub job. After only 2 days, I find that it feels strangely natural. For one thing the school where I am teaching is the same architectural layout as the building where I taught my last 3 years. In fact I finished my teaching career in 3rd and this sub job is in 3rd. I am in the same hallway in the current school as I was in my old school building. Therefore, except for the school colors, I feel as if I am right back in the same school building.

I'm not going to say that I am thrilled to be back teaching. AFter all, I retired for a reason. It's a hard, tiring job to teach school. Standing on my feet all day, with a rare minute of quiet, I come home worn out just like I did those last years I taught. The students in this class for the most part are very sweet children. They follow the rules with few exceptions. They ones who mind outnumber the ones that push the envelope. Its not a bad gig, but like I said, I'm beat. Definitely feel the years in this body, especially in my feet and legs. Ouch!

This current sub job is one that I feel confident in doing. My first teaching position after college came one hardly a month after our wedding. This December, Kim and I will be married 36 years. I retired with 30 years of experience which doesn't count the 2 years I substitute taught while staying home with the boys for 2 years. When you work at a job that long, its what you know well enough to walk in to just about any teaching situation and pull it off fairly well with little preparation. However, it still doesn't make it any more desirable at this stage in my life.

My long term job will only last for 8 weeks and I am sure I will be glad when it is over. However, I am glad to have the chance to earn some money doing what I was trained to do best.

Going back to teaching full-time in a classroom after 3 years off is like riding a bike. And we all know that you just don't forget how to ride.

Hi! My Name is Sissy

Growing Old is Not for Sissies. You have likely heard this phrase before. That short statement resonates more meaning for me as fifty waves goodbye and sixty is seen up ahead. There is nothing silver coated or fur lined about passing the 55+ mark of life. The physical aspect alone is certainly not for sissies. Even fifty-something bullies beg for mercy when faced with the needle sticking, pill popping, early morning aches and pains our age has morphed us into. Though I'm thankful to even be walking, breathing and talking with some sibilance of sanity, it is clear to me that growing old really isn't for sissies.

All of those years of not sticking to my diet, has left me with little self control to eat healthy. Consequently, my body has grown comfortable and relaxed sitting 40 pounds heavier than my target weight. Alright, not so comfortable. Truth is my knees buckle under the added weight and anti-inflammatory medication now shares space with other over-the-hill drugs on my bathroom shelf. Wishing I'd climbed onto the health train a lot sooner, any energy I once had to exercise and eat right has unfortunately lost steam. There was a time aerobics classes was part of my weekly schedule. Now there is a Yoga book for people 50+ in years sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be perused. Seeking less strenuous forms of exercise that won't send my knees into permanent lock-down, Yoga seems to be the path to take.

In addition retirement is not for sissies either. Retirement is the oasis of growing old, tiny umbrellas in cocktails and all. We think we are going to do whatever we want, vacation, spend more time with friends and go to the Bahamas. Unfortunately, after the income is cut in half and the bills are not, those cocktails taste pretty bitter while the Bahamas becomes a fictional land far, far away. Having worked one profession for 35 years, searching for a part time job has now cut into my full time retirement. Nope, retirement is not for sissies either.

I wish I had great words of wisdom and answers to this plight, but I don't. Many jobs exist, though not in my field nor do I possess the qualifications needed. There are jobs I could take if I'm willing to stand on my aching feet 8 hours a day stocking shelves and pricing underwear, some evenings and weekends for an hourly wage. Office jobs available to me are either seasonal or pay below minimum wage. That's a big gulp after earning a master's degree and working 35 years in a professional career for a salary.

And to think, my mom used to nickname me "Sissy". *Sigh!* I'm just saying!