Retirement Thoughts Coffee Share

Good morning, Everyone. 

Join me for coffee and a catch-up chat.

If we were having coffee together, I would tell you that it was a whirlwind week as my official retirement date approached. Although I had been a teacher and speech therapist for 40 years, most of my career was spent in private service within early intervention and preschool programs, and as an assistive technology school consultant. Pension and health care options were not available. I had accrued sixteen public school years—enough to qualify for an adequate pension and health insurance plan. I did need to wait until I was “of age.” My incredible administration at Remsenburg Speonk Elementary allowed me to retire on my birth date, which was Friday.

Last Tuesday night was the party at the Sayville Yacht Club overlooking the Great South Bay. Family friends and colleagues celebrated this important milestone with me. On Friday, I wore a special sparkly crown and was honored by staff, administrators, and students all day. My last day was in kindergarten (my favorite grade). I read my popular picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup, to this new audience of kindergarteners. Hugs, laughs, and yet more hugs filled the day and my heart. RSE is a special place. I have been so fortunate to learn, grow, and teach in this little corner of the world. Now it’s time to start a new life chapter. I plan to travel during off-peak, see my grandkids often, walk beaches, sail with my husband, and write. The stories that have been playing out of my head are so excited that they will soon be told!

If we were having coffee together, I would report that the Women On Writing blog tour continues. Each day, Hug Everyone You Know is featured and reviewed. So far, the reviews have been very positive. I have also been busy keeping up as a guest blogger with articles on journaling and positive mindsets. It’s a bit out of my comfort zone, but I am learning along the way.

Tomorrow is my first day as a full-time retired person. I know I need to establish some form of a schedule. I do not want all my have-to-dos to overshadow what I want to do.

Here goes!

That’s it, folks. Thank you for reading.

As always, BIG THANK YOUs go out to, Eclectic Alli for managing Weekend Coffee Share.

Have a good week, Everyone. Make it great!

Antoinette Truglio Martin is the author of Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer. The memoir is a wimpy patient’s journey through her first year of breast cancer treatment.

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