The retirement parties are over, all of the marbles in my retirement jar are gone, and I am sitting in a hotel room in Los Angeles ready for my first day of class Monday morning. This is not the first time I have passed from one working life to another. In 1993 I left teaching and took on the role of director of Capital Camps. As much as I loved that job and Capital Camps, when the position became too "big" for me -- more of a fund-raiser and executive rather than hands-on director -- I moved back to education. Both times I had the same experience: it was easy, yet surrealistic. I believe I have a good sense of self; I know my strengths and limitations and each time I made such a transition it was based on the fact that I had done what I could in my current role and I needed new challenges. This transition to tour management from the central office in FCPS is very much the same. Moreover, I am at a time in my life when I have no responsibilities -- children are all grown and doing magnificently well, the ex is happily remarried and our children have a stable expanded family, and my father is holding his own. In fact, this new job might give me more time to spend with the New York family.
January 17th was the date of my "big" retirement celebration. Recently I discovered iGoogle, and I put the horoscope on my page. My father and I were taken aback by my horoscope on that day: You are standing at the threshold of a new adventure as auspicious Jupiter enters your sign today. Although great changes may not occur overnight, your horizons will begin to expand and new opportunities for growth could appear at your door. Keep in mind that your attitude will make the difference between succes and failure. You must be willing to risk a bit of security in order to begin your incredible journey.
Perhaps my becoming a tour manager is not only in my dreams, but in the stars. As I was flying to LA yesterday, a day earlier than planned in order to miss the forecasted snow, I looked out the window and felt nothing but
serenity.
serenity. 