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Today as I sit here reading my email and contemplating my day.  I realize just how tired I am.  Over the last couple of months of caring for a precocious and over energized 8 year old granddaughter who I had to entertain or bribe non stop has addled my brain.  I am so exhausted to the point that I can barely think although I still had to work during her visit.  She is now home with her beloved "Daddy."  Quiet condo no signs of child infestation.

I have grown to appreciate the meaning of retirement.  Or, rather just plain rest.  My cousin and financial advisor suggested that I simply rest for a few weeks before I start to venture out of country or out of town.  Believe me, I have decided that it is a good idea. While talking to my financial advisor, first she asked me about my parents morality.  Then, she asked me how long did I plan to live?  You know, she said the numbers are coming in.... People in DROP only live 9.5 years, so do you want your money now and how would you like your money.  When I told her that I plan to live until I am at least 125 years old, she-- by her expression-- sighed--Let’s get real-- and said, "Let’s plan for 20 years."  I really have planned to outlive my money.  I just had a little giggle to myself. She introduced me to a new plan for boomers with 401’s so that you can start to receive money and still have a death benefit as well.  I really like the new plan... I will be able to use my money and/or withdraw it when I am ready and still have a little left for my heirs.  So, we are on.  Just another closing....

Here I am closing up my affairs at work.  I have a Supervisor’s list of all the things I have to do before I leave on September 30th.  And, every thing says delete.  Did you delete?  Did you close?  Did you talk with your financial advisor? Do you have a concrete plan? 

Closing up.... Today, I have a pile of books to sort through... some home, some to colleagues, and some to be shipped to the Caribbean. 

Closing up... just a stage in the retirement process that is very important because no one wants to go through your personal "stuff" after you leave.  I do know that I don’t want to come back to retrieve any thing.  I will just dump what ever is left.  My plan for years has been to leave on the last day with just my purse the same way I started so many years ago.  I have said most of my good byes.

As summer is coming to a close and the new students start to arrive, I will not be a part of the ceremonies of welcoming the new students this year.  I feel a little remorseful, but I really feel a great sense of relief.  That first year energy is so overpowering and it takes a lot to help the young ones to adjust from a high school mentality to the mentality of a scholar in an academic community, and I have done my thousands.

On the first day of September, I will get up early and go to the swimming pool for about an hour.  Then, I will go to Home Depot for the supplies I need to start to refinish the tile in my bathroom.  Or, I will go to lunch with Judy, or I will go to Aventura Mall to the early movies for seniors,  or I will just do absolutely nothing and just rest--my call.  I am just glad that I have a plan. Giggle, giggle.  Remember the Pointer Sisters... "I’m so EXCITED."  I am working it.