Karean
 
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AARP Member
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Background
Gender: Female
Status: Single
Location:
MIAMI, Florida
United States
Hometown(s):
Pittsburgh, PA
El Paso, TX
Homestead, FL
Miami, FL
Quote:
Those who give love gathers love
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About Me

As of August 31st, 2009, I have been retired for a whole year. I did not get my full time position until I was 54 years old. For more than sixteen years, I was a stay at home mom. I was married to a career soldier, so we moved around a lot. I never had an opportunity to put down roots or to establish a career for myself when the children were young. After the divorce, I decided to tough it through school so in my late thirties I started obtaining the degrees I needed to obtain a decent job with decent wages, so that I could care for my children. The irony is that the children were grown and gone before I had obtained my upper level degrees; as a result, I am the one who has benefitted the most from my work and degrees. However, I have been the role model for my four children and thirteen grandchildren. It has been a year now since I retired and I have enjoyed every single day of my retirement.

Interests:
Right now, I am so excited about my life and grateful and excited about my place in the world and my accomplishments. I am thinking only thinking about returning to work so that can save enough money to take a trip around the world, or buy a motorcycle or buy a college education for one of my grands or take a Grand Tour with my nineteen year old granddaughter or one of my 5 sisters or 3 brothers or one of my 3 living aunts or one of my 9 neices or 6 nephews--the greats are too young or my favorite cousin Patricia or one of my favorite friends or students whoever has the time to play with me. Whew, I hope I didn't miss anyone. I am full of stories and I hope that I will be able to use this forum to share with others who are of the same generation as I. Hopefully, I can encourage others to return to school or college or to pursue any dream they desire. It has been a really enjoyable trip. I would not change any of my life lessons
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Ramble...Rough

It has been a long time since I have seen it so rough in the US.  The first time I lived through a recession was in the 50's there were so many strikes by the steel workers and other industries that every one was always preparing for another large lay off or strike.  It seemed as though every one pitched in every way to make life comfortable for each other.  I remember my grandmothr use to have "socials" at the house on Friday evenings to pay our rent or help to pay some one else's rent.  If some one died, every one would pass the hat to make sure that the person got buried.

 

Then, again in the late 70's and it seems the entire 80's; I had a hard time making ends meet and keeping a job.  Every time I seemed to get a toe hold on a job it ended just as it started--quickly.  Then, I was fortunate enough to get a full scholarship along with the federal grants to attend college.  Thus, I formed my attitude and work resolve that if I am out of work, I go to school.  It use to sound foolish, but every time I got another degree I could fill all the spaces on a job application--a real wish come true.  Next, I was over qualified and scared the "behebees" out of prospective supervisors who were afraid that I would take their jobs. They would yell, "She knows more than me.  She can run the whole company let alone my department....get her out of here."  My feelings weren't hurt, but I still had to pay the rent and buy food for the two kids who were still at home.  How I remember those short nights of constantly scheming and dreaming of ways to just make ends meet.

 

I decided not to finish my PhD because I would or could price myself out of the job market; especially, since I was in my early fifties when I finished my upper level degrees. Now, I am so thankful that I took that attitude toward gaining even more education because I can always be an adjunct and there is an acute need for instructors at the colleges.  You see when people dont have work they go to school--right.  Well, it must be in the stars because this time around I did every thing on time, and so I have retired in a comfortable state of mind.

 

However, my family is a little stressed, so I have encouraged every one who is unemployed to go back to school.  My granddaughter who graduated from high school last year is now in her second year of school.  She has made her mind up about the course with which she wants to take her education.  I knew that she would find her way and to see her pursuing the courses she needs to enter law school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. It is her constant endeavor.  Needless to say, I am very proud of her.  While my adult children are doing much the same--getting more education--nursing, accounting and work with computers, it becomes difficult some times for me to have to pick up on some of their financial responsiblities because refunds for school are slow or unemployment checks are late or slow to arrive.  However, I keep encouraging every one to keep their chins up.

 

Recently, I decided to take on a couple of adjunct positions.  Then, as I past the mirror an old lady looked at me and said "Hell No."  "You don't want to go back to work."  "For after all those years of working, it is time to simply enjoy your "lazy" days off doing whatever, whenever you want.  My teacher's pension states "Payment for thirty five years or until death" which really means for life, so I have nothing to fear I hope.  As I start my second year of retirement, I have decided to do some of the medical and dental and vision and cosmetic surgery types of things I have always wanted to but just didn't have to the time to pursue.  Then, I intend to complete the house projects I want within the next five years.  Hopefully, it wouldn't be too long before than the economy and my family is back on an even keel--and every one else.

 

I am just proud of the faith that they have maintained throughout all the upheavels and discontent that they have suffered over the last few years.  I just know that all will be well.  As for my going back into the classroom right now I don't think so.  However, if I change my mind--again--my journals will be the first to know.

Added: September 28, 2009
Views: 35 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
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  Comments (217)  
spoodabus
spoodabus says:
Posted: November 15, 2009 6:01PM EST
RockyMountainGirl
RockyMountainGirl says:

What's happenin', Girlfriend? Hope all is well
Posted: November 12, 2009 10:07AM EST
jen43
jen43 says:

Hello my friend, Hope this finds you well and happy, Can you believe we are almost in the Holiday season,
?, Time passes so quickly, enjoy your weekend, Jen
Posted: November 7, 2009 6:46PM EST
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