I can't believe nearly a whole month has gone by since my last blog post. A lot has happened in that time. I suppose the most momentous event was my retirement at the grand old age of 61. It wasn't my choice. I was in a batch of 50 amazing staff who have spent the last 10 months rejecting the offer to apply for jobs on lower grades and with time sheets completely unsuitable for anyone with an actual life. It was a no-brainer for me. I have been working since I was 13 and have earned a rest!! I am now....drum roll....
That should mean that I have lots of knitted and crocheted items to show you. Not true. I am working on a blanket that has a bit of a deadline. So I can't leave it to make something small and photogenic.
I celebrated my first week of freedom by doing a lap of honour through Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. I enjoyed it so much that these little mini-breaks are hopefully going to become a regular feature of a less stressful life.
I have also started volunteering for a charity that converts books to alternate formats more suitable for people who are partially sighted or have dyslexia. I will be proof reading and changing formats. This suits me more than any other voluntary job I have done in the past. I have already completed two books and learned a lot about using the intricacies of various computer programs.
The voluntary job will keep my brain ticking over. Regular gym visits will hopefully do the same for the rest of me.
Nothing but happy news. Go for the gold!
ReplyDeleteI'm going.....
DeleteCongratulations and I hope you'll enjoy your retirement to the fullest, it seems to me that you really, really deserved it! I'm looking forward to all your new creations :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week, Sigrid
Thank you. I deserve and need this change. I will appreciate every moment of ti.
DeleteCongrats. Enjoy the freedom.
ReplyDeleteI will. Thank you.
DeleteCongratulations Una! and how strange I have just heard that I will be retiring at the end of the year as my Unit is closing down because they are withdrawing the funding. I could get hours in the Nursing Unit but I feel like you that it's time I stopped, I started work at 13 too as a Saturday girl in woolworths. Your voluntary job sounds great, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my time yet but I'm sure that I'll find something :) xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a big change, Linda. But I have no regrets. It's the start of something great. I'm sure you will enjoy retirement as well, though that word "retirement" seems a bit odd because it can be as busy as you want it to be.
DeleteCongratulations on being retired! it is nice that you will be volunteering and have more time for crocheting and knitting :)
ReplyDeletetake care,
Lisa
Thank you Lisa. I'm enjoying the volunteering so much that it is eating into my knitting time. I have to get into a better routine.
DeleteWishing you lots of happy adventures in your retirement and time to enjoy your hobbies too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirement Una; now's the time to do what you enjoy!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you Una, it sounds like you are going to be very busy and hopefully much less stressed. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYour retirement seems off to a great start. I love the sound of this volunteer job you've discovered!
ReplyDeleteHi Una, congrats on your retirement. It's so great that you are doing volunteer work and your knit/crochet projects. Wishing you happiness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the congrats on my blogging anniversary. The time has gone by so fast! I enjoy visiting your blog and looking at your wonderful creations.
Hugs, Julie
Thank you for your comment Una. Always lovely to receive your donations for SIBOL.
ReplyDeleteLove Sue x
MANY enthusiastic congratulations to you, Una! I'm a little bit jealous :) You will have a great time without working. And your jaunt through those counties!!! Since watching "Escape to the Country" quite a lot, I actually know where those counties are, and the landscape you were enjoying. Sounds divine :)
ReplyDeleteYou are right Una! It is time for a new beginning. Many congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy a little more travel and a lot more crafting :) x
ReplyDelete