Friday, February 22, 2008

Too many hours, too little life...

Once again far more time has slipped away than I would like here...

Something I won't miss when I can put an end to these 10 hour days and 6 day weeks!

I printed calendars last night and added up hours; with what I know of our schedule as long as nothing happens, I'll be +19 hours at the end of shift on June 14. I still have to wait and see if there are any odd details in the buyout when we actually get the package, but things are looking better. Since I had never dreamt of being able to do this so young, I never took any of the "retirement classes", though I had planned on it this next time around. I've checked on some things (once I'm actually drawing retirement if something happens Dottie gets to keep drawing it, though they cut the amount by 2/3. If I die while still working she has to wait until 62! Either way the amount ends up the same...) and have more questions for the benefits rep when I get to see her.

When I hired in I was 22, our oldest was 5 months old and Dottie was pregnant with our youngest. This year the boys turn 29 and 30 and I'm a grandfather 3 times by the youngest...it doesn't seem possible sometimes! I look in the mirror at my eyes slowly retreating behind saggy hoods, and at my silver hair and wonder how I got here.

I work tomorrow and Dottie is keeping the grandkids overnight so John and Noel can have an anniversary date. By the time I get up on Sunday most of my weekend will be gone, and I won't be here again until after Dottie goes to bed on Sunday night.

May you all have wonderful weekends!

alan

9 comments:

Chandira said...

Thanks Alan! I hope yours flies past until Sunday, and Sunday magically stretches.


You're only as old as you feel. I feel about 16 most of the time, not 36, and am ignoring the gray under the blonde I cover it with. ;-)

JLee said...

Time does get away from us, doesn't it?
Have a wonderful weekend, Alan :)

robin andrea said...

I'm so glad that you might be eligible for that retirement buyout. That would be such great news. There's so much stuff to do after retirement, and you have so many interests. Life will begin again. Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Barbara said...

I'm really hoping that your buyout comes through because I'm looking forward to reading more of your fishing stories and trips to Bass Pro. (grin)

fineartist said...

Looks like June 14th is going to be your new mantra. I'm so pleased that you figured out a way to retire Alan, Lord knows you'll keep plenty busy, so I'm not going to worry about you when you do it, I'm only going to be doing a happy dance instead!

Lord knows you've earned it, and then some.

xxoo

mckait said...

They make it so complicated!

Imagine! time on your hands...

KellyNerd said...

I love how time is getting away on me.

I love the age I am now. I love that my daughter is almost grown and that I have earned the lines that are showing around my eyes.

I've been away busy ... missing you and blogland.

Hope you are well.

dragonflyfilly said...

yikes, does anyone have TIME for retirement classes!!!??? -- the mind boggles...heh heh...

anyhooooo...back in the world of the living I am now (or should I say world of the Blogging?)...

sounds like "no rest for the weary" applies to you eh?...

by the way, did you happen to see the eclipse of the moon on Thursday, i think it was?

cheers for now,
pj

Dr. Deb said...

Amazing how fast time ticks by....