I’ve always thought of my blog as a place where I share information about writing, books, teaching, storytelling, and the like. But now that I’m in this precarious phase of life called “semi-retirement,” I have to figure out what I’m all about. Things change. I mean this statement in the best of ways…it’s weird to be in this place, for sure. And I haven’t really flushed out my thoughts on it until now.
I’ve been a teacher since 1993 when I taught my first college course. At that time, I was still working in baseball.
Since then, I worked for a newspaper, had children, created my own business (twice), and then became a full-time faculty member at Stevenson University. I got an MFA in Creative Writing in my forties. I’ve written 8 fictional books during my tenure at Stevenson University and one textbook.
We’ve raised two kids—one who graduated and is working full time, and one who is in her junior year at Towson.
I’m teaching part-time as an adjunct at Stevenson now—a graduate course, and I’ll teach one in the spring.
In Annapolis, celebrating our anniversary (which we were supposed to be celebrating in Italy). Soon. We. Will. Get. There.My husband and I are essentially empty-nesters. He works in baseball (Orioles – what a season!), and I attend a lot of baseball games now, which I love. I’m living vicariously through his work with the Orioles, the place where we met, and the place where I spent 13 years working.
My semi-retirement from teaching doesn’t mean I don’t have goals and things I want to accomplish in life. I do. There’s so much more I’d like to tackle. It’s just that it’s on my terms now.
I’m still writing books, still promoting them. I’m also in a pretty serious writing critique group with lovely women who meet once a month.
I’ve joined a church Bible study, something I’ve wanted to do for YEARS. We meet on Wednesday mornings, and I’ve enjoyed making new friends.
I’m dabbling in some crafts.
I was looking forward to traveling with my husband, but my back went all wonky on me again, so we’re trying to fix it. But soon, we’ll take that trip as we intended when I am healed.
I’m writing freelance travel pieces for MarylandRoadTrips.com.
I’m about to tackle projects around the house, as we’ve been in this one for nine and a half years.
I’m reconnecting with friends, playing in a neighborhood Pokeno group, getting ready for the holidays, and dabbling with my piano again.
Some people might not know what to do with themselves in retirement, or semi-retirement.
For me, it’s just the opposite.
I’m enjoying doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I worked really, really, really hard for many, many years. I’ve worked ever since I had a job at the age of 13 as a full-time babysitter for a neighbor. I also know I’m blessed to be able to do this.
Semi-retired doesn’t mean you’re done, finito, or almost dead. It just means you’re re-evaluating. Taking a pause.
Or better yet, freewheeling.
And it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Seriously.
