Marti's Musings: Adjusting

Well, here I am 24 hours into my first full retirement day.  Everyone asks me how it feels.  Hmmm.  Sorry to say, it feels the same.  Here's why:

Yesterday, although it was my last work day, there still was much work to be done, not counting trying to clean out my office.  I had been trying to do that all week long, amidst the normal busy days - add to that a constant stream of people stopping by to say goodbye - and well?  Let's just say, I have already had to contact a friend at work and ask him to go grab the briefcase I forgot.  *sigh*  Yup, he will be mailing it out.  So, it was very hectic, very emotional last day - 5+ years is a long time in my business, and because I opened that building, it kinda felt like 'my baby'.  I must admit, with embarrassment, that the office was left rather a mess.  My replacement was there on/off during the week - and as she is rather new in the job wanted several items I left behind.  I am sure there are things she didn't want, too, but she can pitch whatever, with my blessings.  (except the briefcase! yikes!)

So, after getting a later start than we planned on (don't tell me you are surprised at that); we headed to NJ, via PA.  The beltway around DC, especially on a Friday afternoon, is horrendous.  Paul affectionately calls it 'the evil road'.  So, rather than sit for hours (been there, done that) on the beltway, we took a longer route and ended up overnighting in PA at a Flying J.  Conveniently, there was a Denny's (yuck, breakfast was awful) and a Dunkin' Donuts right there.  yum!  Love, love, love DD coffee, kinda made up for the bad food. 

We got to son, Corey's, house and had a quick burger before we headed to the party for Paul's Dad's 90th birthday.  It was a great time, and ALL 6 kids made it.  A rare treat.  Tonight, we are 'mooch-docking' in Corey's driveway.

At this time, all are asleep except me.  As usual.  Last night, after the emotional and crazy day, I was so wired I couldn't sleep.  Technically, my license covered the building until midnight.  All I could think was:  what if there is a fire?  I left the (dreaded) cell phone with the new girl, they can't reach me.  I finally went to bed at 11:45 but saw the clock at 12:01.  Then again at 1:30, when the guilts kicked in.  sheesh.  So, up I get - go read, play my DS and surf the 'net.  Back to bed at 3am, awake at 5:45, and we get up for breakfast and hit the road by 8:30.  Guess I know why I don't feel any different yet.  Sleepless nights.  Still. 

Tonight, I am looking at MORE stuff that needs to find a home:  stuff for in here, trash, donation, or store at Corey and Amanda's.  I finally found a home for almost everything from the house: (oh, where do I put my craft stuff??) and then we emptied my car to sell it - more stuff; and then my office stuff.  Good grief!

On top of that, I have Christmas presents, as we are carrying gifts to the west coast family, from the east coast family.  Shipping packages can cost more than the actual gift! Plus, some Christmas paper and decorations we will use, once we get to OR - I want our home to be festive, at least a little bit!

I asked a seasoned FT RVer, Linda, how long it takes to settle in....  I understand from her, and some other folks that have been at it a while, that it is a continual process as you weed out, move around, and settle in.  I would just like to have more than one place to sit!

Tomorrow, we go see Corey play a soccer game, and I hope to use my talented DIL Amanda, to organize the piles I am looking at.  She is really good at keeping me reality focused:  "how many (fill in the blank)s do you need?  pick one, or two" 

So, as it nears midnight, I am hoping the melatonin will kick in, and I can get some sleep....  maybe in a few days it will feel like I am retired, when Monday morning rolls around and I don't have to turn off the alarm, and head to the office.  Maybe it will be when we are midway to South Dakota, or in Oregon.  Sure will enjoy it, whenever it hits.   For now, I will enjoy the time with Corey and Amanda - despite the piles - and try to learn to relax.

Thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment.   ~Marti