Retirement Anniversary Day.

                                                                                 2021

                                                                                 2022

My annual retirement day check-in finds me just home from the Grade 8 grad bbq at JLA.  My second last year group of kids before I am officially obsolete.  And I am ok with that!  😜. Some of my favourite kids and their parents were still there (Propps, Simpsons, Quicks), so all was well.

I must confess, I feel a bit battered by the last couple of years-especially this one.  My resolve feels taxed and my enthusiasm has waned.  The recovery from my surgery has been slow…but steady.   Currently I am having a most unpleasant bout of tinnitus and I’ve been a little dizzy the last few days.  

But, I am safe and secure.

The world is so different than retirement day 3 years ago.  Between covid and the war in Europe, soaring gas and food prices and travel delays, life is definitely different…and not in a better way.

But on we go.  Hoping for the best, bracing for whatever will be…

 

Limping Toward Normalcy

 I’ve been making small steps to try and reintegrate.   My latest is starting to sing again.  I’m just home from my first rehearsal/time singing in 2.5 years.   I was nervous.  It was also the first time I’ve been in close quarters with that many people in just as long.   It felt good, but still odd,  to sing again and to be back in a familiar environment with people.  All but 3 wear masks.   I guess this is the new normal.

I also went to a yoga class and have been to a few movies and to Homequarter’s for breakfast a few times.   Next step is the Jan Arden concert on Wednesday night.   

The balance of being so cautious and alone has finally tipped to to take more risks.  I’m hoping that soon it won’t take such forethought and effort to mix and mingle.  My ultimate step forward will be taking a trip, perhaps a flight to Waterloo in September.  Dare to dream!  

So baby, (limping) steps as I continue to recover both physically and psychologically.  My back is coming along slowly but steadily.  It’s feeling much more limber and mobile, but it still has a ways to go.  

Limp on, Bob.  Limp on!