reticulated earrings

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Getting On With It & Moving Forward

I know, I know, it's been a while. The holidays came & went, here we find ourselves on Super Bowl Sunday (for some reason, this appears to be a national holiday...........someone who likes football, please fill me in....).  I have been very unproductive in the studio in the last few weeks, but I do have news to share. 

On January 13th (I know.. what was I thinking, Friday the 13th), I gave my notice to retire from my job.  I have been doing this kind of work for 30 years!  I guess I was anxious to see how my boss would react, and I have to say that he gave me the best gift possible in his reaction......he simply said, "O FUCK!"  And yet still I have wondered daily if I was doing the right thing.  Then, this last Friday, the gods may have spoken.

After a nurse's advice to monitor my blood pressure for a few days about a month ago I finally did. Now, note here that I have never had a BP problem but the side effects of a stressful life show up when you least expect them. It was a bit high 3 days in a row--all readings taken when I was at work--and through a series of events that took place SOOOO fast, I was led to believe that I was either having or had or about to have, a heart attack!  That scared the crap out of me.  I report today that I did not, have not, nor am I about to have, a heart attack, confirmed by the cardiologist.  I have been monitoring all weekend and so far, even after a scary report that Texas public pensions might be in danger, my BP seems to be fine, and without medication.  The lesson here is enjoy now; you really don't know about tomorrow.

So on March 30th, I will walk out of the place where I have been a fixture for the last 26 years (not ruling out the possibility of walking back in some day, for a fee of course).  Any of you who have known me for any length of time know that I am not much of a risk taker, but here we go!  More metal smithing classes, learning about being self-employed and trying to enjoy life more. I'm ready and anxious to move forward, getting on with this part of the adventure.


So please stay tuned.  I so appreciate all of your support.


Leave the light on when you go, I'll be in here working for awhile longer.

9 comments:

  1. Congratulations, dear sister! I'm so proud of you! It's going to be great. We call it "pro-tirement" around here.

    Love you!
    John

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  2. As you peeps say up there in DamnYankeeLand, Woo Hoo! Good for you, Krispy Maggie-Gonzo. That is a huuuuge accomplishment.

    Most of the rest of us will never (be able to) retire, so go ahead and turn out the lights when you leave. And don't forget to waltz around in your tiara!

    Much Love,
    Sharon and Greg

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  3. Does this mean we will see more of ya? Like for dinner and such????

    Congratulations! Your biggest fan,

    Carina

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  4. So happy for you, I know how much that place stressed you out. I think you will do great afterwards; keep on making beautiful jewelry and art! Can't wait to buy some pieces; love my leaf earrings;)! And maybe someday I will buy Sawyer a nose ring (you'll make those, right? haha). Lauran

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  5. YIPPEE!!! You're going to love it! You will be amazingly productive. It's not retirement, but reinvention. I'm telling ya, I can't wait to see what you do, and where you'll go from here!

    xo
    Dulcy

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  6. P.s. Relieved your bp situation is good.

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  7. John:Thanks - I love "pro-tirement", GoodyTwoShoes:I'm leaving the lights on anyway!, Carina:Thanks for your fannishness!;Lauran:getting to nose rings very soon!;dulcy:Thanks, hoping the BP really is ok, I am awed by your productivity, hoping I can keep up! Thanks everyone,your support means more than you know.

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  8. How great. You deserve it. Looking forward to seeing what comes out of that studio when it becomes a full time gig. Congrats!

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  9. Wow! Sorry I am just reading this! Many Congratulations to you. Working anywhere 30 years is a big accomplishment. I can't wait to see what Chapter 2 holds for you! You are right - life is short - enjoy every minute of it.

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