But I don't have to go back to work. It's disorienting. I just sit here and process photos, write something on my blog, go for a walk with the dog, and then think about making lunch — holiday or not. Happy Sunday to you too.
04 January 2015
A church for a Sunday
I still forget that I don't have to go back to work or to school. For years, school was my work. At the end of the holidays, I get this nagging feeling that I'd better get myself organized, psyched up, and ready to return to life out in the world, with colleagues and bosses.
But I don't have to go back to work. It's disorienting. I just sit here and process photos, write something on my blog, go for a walk with the dog, and then think about making lunch — holiday or not. Happy Sunday to you too.
But I don't have to go back to work. It's disorienting. I just sit here and process photos, write something on my blog, go for a walk with the dog, and then think about making lunch — holiday or not. Happy Sunday to you too.
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ReplyDelete"But I don't have to go back to work. It's disorienting."....
DeleteYES... it is very difficult...
I thank the Gods we bought this place...
it means that there is always the cats to feed...
and the boiler to maintain every second day...
and the potager to manage...
the meadow to look after...
and now the chickens....
all things to get out of bed for...
otherwise, on days like yesterday and Friday...
well..
"Stay Abed"...
would become my middle name!!
Sames as wot I just deleted... but there was a bit of floating text down here!
Even then...
the bedroom window overlooking the millstream and meadow...
it is sometimes a while before we descend properly!!!
So you are a lucky person but I have to come back school on Wednesday. It is my work until retirement it means 67 so great future!!
ReplyDeleteKen, How I long to have that feeling. 65 on April 1, will work to the end of the year and then I'll join the senior/pensioner brigade.
ReplyDeleteFrom one who does have to go back to school tomorrow, I can understand how that feeling can be disorienting. I remember when we first moved to Aveyron in 1995, I hadn't found work yet for "la rentrée", and that was a very strange feeling too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that I have to get back to work tomorrow :^¨) ... I almost forgot! Not looking forward to getting up before the break of dawn again and driving on a slippery roads. However, it will fun seeing (some of) my colleagues and catch up on the latest news. Bon dimanche à toi aussi!
ReplyDeleteHi Ken,
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog thanks to Harriett Weatherford, who found me online. I was in the UI French Dept as a grad student and completed my PhD in '77. I can't believe it's been that long. I had several classes with B Bowen, E Talbot, H DeLey, B Price, and a few others, and was good friends with Bob Frye, Monika Van Rest,Djenat Ghazi, Steve Foster and others. Enjoyed reading your blog entries. Glad you're doing well living in France.
Best wishes from So Cal!
DR
Hello DR, nice to hear from you. I remember you (unless I'm mistaken about your identity). Are you still in the teaching profession? I lived in SF for about 18 years. Happy 2015 to you.
DeleteI retired in 2011 but I'm still teaching. From UI I went to Auburn U., then to CA where I was in administration for many years before returning to teaching.
DeleteOn my side, after 3 years in Paris (1979-82) I ended up working as a translator in DC for a few years and then moved to SF with my partner now spouse Walt. I worked in the software business. We spent many good years there and then moved ourselves to the Loire Valley and retirement in 2003.
DeleteOk, cannot figure out who you are, DR. Ken has a better memory than I do. I knew all those people you mentioned in your post, including Harriett and Tom. I'm living in Silicon Valley. I moved on from my French studies to become a computer programmer.
DeleteYes. I know. A retiree's life is some kind of hell, but not so warm according to those people who've been there!
ReplyDeleteAre you casting aspersions re: the Loire Valley climate? LOL
DeleteThere has been some interesting studies on the period of adjustment for people who leave the workforce. Some people don't adjust well. I don't think I will,
ReplyDeleteMost of the retired people I know have adapted well, but not all.
DeleteI still remember the great feeling I had the last day of school, both as a student and then a teacher. The teacher one was the best! Retirement gives a person lots of time to reflect and remember the stories of our lives AND to read your story, Ken which keeps me entertained. Carry on!
ReplyDeleteWelcome DR
Evelyn, I just spent an hour or so on the phone talking to MA about Morehead in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s -- all our relatives including Mendora, Aunt Liz, Aunt Ethel, Uncle Gene, my aunt Litha, her husband Ronal Earl and son Ronal Jr. and daughter Ronetta, and on and on. What good memories, and how nice that we can share and enjoy them.
DeleteWell, you have so much to do, with your blog and your food growing & cooking, that you must feel like you never do get a break :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I like to say is that retirement is 7/7 and 24/24. It never stops.
DeleteThat's what my hubby says, Ken :)
DeleteI know what you mean. I still get anxious on Sundays, a feeling that seems more of a holdover from school days than from work. I *love* retirement.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Chris.
ReplyDeleteDuring summer vacations I used to wake up in a panic, because I had not done my homework (something that *sometimes* happened!). Then I would realize I was an adult, and only had to go to work.
ReplyDeleteRetirement occasionally brought on those nightmares, too, at first. Then life took over, and now it is just fun to wake up and realize I *don't* have to face the traffic/politics/dumbells, etc. A often remarks on this, especially when there are significant traffic snarls on the news....
But you and Walt keep very busy with Callie, Bert fights, baking and cooking, and thankfully your wonderful blogs that I read *almost* every morning.
Oh, I forgot to mention your generosity towards your many visitors....
DeleteC. in Cal., I feel that way most Sundays and Mondays. There's something about the Christmas holidays that gets old memories going, though. I like staying busy.
DeleteWhen I first retired in 2006 (high school librarian) I would see a school bus go by and have a moment of panic: OMG, I'm not at work and I did not call in! I got over it pretty fast.
ReplyDeleteOnce when I was teaching in Paris, I went back to the US for the Christmas holidays. I flew back to Paris, arriving on a Sunday, and I was supposed to be in class, teaching, on Monday morning at 8:00. I got back to my apartment, went to bed, and didn't wake up until noon on the appointed day. I was so embarrassed, thinking about my students who were there for the early morning class but with no teacher! Jet lag is a terrible thing.
DeletePsyching myself up for tomorrow morning ... I teach a class which starts at 8:30 am. The alarm going off will be a bit of shock to the system!
ReplyDeleteBon courage, Antoinette. Sois prudente sur la route. Il n'y a pas de neige ou de verglas — c'est déjà ça. Bonne semaine, et bonne année.
DeleteI love the end of the holidays. Life returns to "normal"". You can go to the grocery store and Target (among others) with impunity.
ReplyDeleteLiving in a rural area with very low population density, we don't have to worry much about crowds or traffic jams during the holidays, or any time, really. I like it when the routine kicks back in after the holidays too. It's been very confusing having two Thursday holidays over the past few weeks. Since the holiday feel like a Sunday, I never know what day of the week it is. Is Friday Monday? Why another Sunday so fast? Very confusing. Happy New Year.
Delete