Who am I?

I think I'm coming to a fork in the road. I'm wrapping up my career as Pro-Shop Manager at the local Golf Course. I've retired from any and all secretarial/clerical work. My days as short-order cook are over. I no longer cater to large groups. I admit I no longer have any interest in the local conservation district. I have long forgotten anything I new about schools, churches, credit unions, auction marts and trucking companies. I have raised my children and sent them packing. I've come to a place in my marriage that understands the importance of compromise and negotiations. So as I count the last of the golf tees and golf shoe spikes it occurs to me that I need something else to fill my time.

I know that seems exciting but at my age it's a little scary. For all the years that I was tied to a job I dreamed of having the time to exercise, do crafts, maybe make some homemade soap, have lunch with friends, clean and organize the house, landscape the yard, make friends with my inner child, get in touch with my spiritual side. All the things I've dreamed of are now possible.

BUT!!! After 29 years of cooking a supper in under 20 minutes, eating in 5, throwing in laundry while vacuuming, reading only while going to the bathroom, talking to friends for intervals of less than 2 minutes, cleaning the entire house in 10 minutes, pampering myself by way of a 4 minute shower, I confess that I don't know who the heck I really am.

It was easy to dream about cycling and hiking when I knew that time didn't allow it. But now with time on my hands how will I justify my flabby thighs, dirty house, and unbalanced bank account.

I'll either have to come up with new and exciting excuses or else really try some of this stuff. I don't know where to start. I'll have all the time in the world to get to know me but WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE ME?

I'm going to start with the promise to myself to clean the fridge and go for a walk. If I like the company I'll try it again tomorrow. If not I'll be calling you to entertain me. We'll see how it goes from there. Wish me luck!

Feeling a little like Frank Sinatra

And now the end is near ...... I did it my way.

And it turns out my way was good enough for me. However, there are 200 members who don't agree. And while almost all of these members hope I will come back to work next season "cause you're doing such an amazing job!" they all have hints on how I could do it even better.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard "ya know what ya should do...".
So I'm taking the 1st 2 weeks in October off. Yes, the clubhouse if officially closed September 30 and technically I will be unemployed, I am still taking 2 weeks off. From society. Because I don't think I can go on if I don't get some piece and quiet. Every minute I'm at work makes me fair game. People don't care if your reconciling a bank statement, frying eggs or on the phone, THEY WILL STILL INTERRUPT! Yes, even in the bathroom. I had one man stand by the bathroom door and ask me questions.

So for the benefit of those I love I will not be taking any calls, emails or visits from October 1 - 14. Perhaps by then I will be willing to rejoin society. In case of emergency you make slip a note under the door, but I'm not going to respond until October 15. Thank you for you consideration.