Retirement?

I'm ready to retire. Now, the reality is that I will not be able to do this for a long time to come - probably 10 more years, but I am ready not to have to go to work every day. When I was off for my knee recovery, I thought I would go crazy, that did not happen. Instead, I did some work with photo shop. I sewed. I read. I got in shape physically and I got used to having my time dictated by my own timeline instead of punching the clock. Alas, I made a deal with my life mate and it is my 25 years to work, so retirement is absolutely out of the question. I really have it good. I love my work. I have a lot of autonomy. I think I'm good at what I do and except for the crazy hours it is pretty fun most of the time. I would love to travel, spend time with my kids and grand kids and generally lead an unfettered life. However, no work, no pay; no pay, no food, house, car, or clothing, so I think I have to go to work. I remind myself that I am fortunate that I have a job that challenges me both physically and mentally as well as emotionally. I am adequately rewarded for what I do (most of the time) and in times of economic distress, I am lucky to have a job.

On another note entirely, I love talking with my children and grand children. I talked with my daughter yesterday and my other daughter and some of my grandchildren today. It is always glorious to talk with them and find out what is going on and how their lives are progressing. They blog and I read their stories, but talking on the phone is so much more fun.