I've never been one to 'wish my life away' but lately, I've been counting the days down to wheels up on June 19th, my last day to serve in the Foreign Service. For the past 6 years, I've served in Honduras, Oman and Pakistan and my days as a Diplomat are rapidly coming to an end. I am now 19 days to the end of one chapter and into another...the status of Rowdy Retiree.
My first job was when I was 15 years old. I got a job at our local department store in Coronado, California where I grew up. I worked as one of the 2 gift wrappers during the Christmas holidays. When I got my first paycheck, I went around the store spending the entire check on Christmas gifts for my mother. The owner, who knew my mother, was so, well, upset, that he called her. "Fae," he said, "Debi just spent her entire paycheck on Christmas presents for you!" I guess he thought that maybe I wasn't being very fiscally responsible. Of course my mother was crushed that I didn't keep any of the money for myself. I did what I wanted to do and my gift was seeing her happy with what I bought for her. Since then, I've worked nearly all my life except for 5 years when I had my kids and stayed home with them until they were both in school. It's time for a change.
I'm really excited about returning home to Fort Worth. I can't wait to get settled in my new house and knowing I won't have to pack up again in 2 years is a big plus. I see lots of trips to the nursery in my future, buying plants for my back yard. I want perennials and a vegetable garden and a patio and a cover for it and...so much to do!
With all my travels, I've bought lots of things...artwork, rugs, furniture. I hope I have enough room for everything. I've also framed several of my photographs from my trips. And as for my rugs...I'll be changing out rugs with the seasons!
So tomorrow I will say 18 more days. Then 17, then 16...and before I know it, I'll be zipping up my suitcases the night of June 19th. Saying goodbye to this job will be hard, but welcoming a completely new lifestyle will be easy.
My first job was when I was 15 years old. I got a job at our local department store in Coronado, California where I grew up. I worked as one of the 2 gift wrappers during the Christmas holidays. When I got my first paycheck, I went around the store spending the entire check on Christmas gifts for my mother. The owner, who knew my mother, was so, well, upset, that he called her. "Fae," he said, "Debi just spent her entire paycheck on Christmas presents for you!" I guess he thought that maybe I wasn't being very fiscally responsible. Of course my mother was crushed that I didn't keep any of the money for myself. I did what I wanted to do and my gift was seeing her happy with what I bought for her. Since then, I've worked nearly all my life except for 5 years when I had my kids and stayed home with them until they were both in school. It's time for a change.
I'm really excited about returning home to Fort Worth. I can't wait to get settled in my new house and knowing I won't have to pack up again in 2 years is a big plus. I see lots of trips to the nursery in my future, buying plants for my back yard. I want perennials and a vegetable garden and a patio and a cover for it and...so much to do!
With all my travels, I've bought lots of things...artwork, rugs, furniture. I hope I have enough room for everything. I've also framed several of my photographs from my trips. And as for my rugs...I'll be changing out rugs with the seasons!
So tomorrow I will say 18 more days. Then 17, then 16...and before I know it, I'll be zipping up my suitcases the night of June 19th. Saying goodbye to this job will be hard, but welcoming a completely new lifestyle will be easy.
