I am in a happy place. It's called Retirement and even thinking about it puts a smile on my face.
I touched down in Washington DC on June 23, after spending a wonderful 2 days on the island of Santorini. Two days was just perfect to spend time unwinding from a stressful final 2 weeks in Karachi, where I prayed every night that I would be able to leave on time. The Taliban attacked the airport there 2 times and I was really afraid that it would happen again. I worried during the speedy trip to the airport. I worried while I sat for 2 hours in the airport. I worried when the plane was taking off. I quit worrying when I landed in Athens. I no longer worry.
While in Washington, I had to go through an extensive medical check up. I want to be added to the list of people interested in being contacted for temporary duty (TDY) assignments, so I had to update my medical clearance. After being prodded and stuck with needles and my departure date from DC looming, I said I would complete all the appointments when I arrived in Fort Worth. Tomorrow is my final appointment and I'll get a very thorough 'clean bill of health.' It's nice to know that at age 65, all systems are go!
I'm gradually getting settled in my new home. So far, I've received 3 of the 4 shipments, one being my car that was in storage for 2 years. There was some damage to the outside of the car, probably done when it was shipped out of Muscat, Oman, but my insurance will cover that. Apparently it wasn't tied down well and there are scratches all across the very front of the roof and a dent the size of my fist which is rusted. Once repaired, it will be fine. A word to the wise...while serving overseas, get Clements Insurance and don't drop it until all your things arrive in good shape!
The last shipment should be here this week. That shipment includes the items I was using in Karachi. What I have now are things I haven't seen in either 4 years or 2 years. Lots of clothes have been taken to Goodwill! Fortunately lots of them still fit me, but I really look forward to getting this shipment. It includes the Rosewood bedroom furniture I had made in Karachi. And since I am sleeping on my mattress on the floor in my bedroom, I am anxious to receive this shipment. My Keurig coffee maker, my Kitchenaid mixer, the rest of my rugs and so much more are in that shipment. Then I can get all the clothes put away and really get my house in order!
A couple of home improvement projects will keep me busy for a while. I want to take out a sliding glass door leading to the back yard and put a french door in instead. I also want to do a bit of remodeling on my bathroom. Projects are good things.
I still am not used to the fact that I don't have to go to work. Every day is now Saturday for me. I still have lots to do on my house but when that's all done, will I be bored? I don't think so. I want to start selling on eBay again and have a few friends who want me to sell their stuff. I want to find a good way to market my jewelry as I have over 400 necklaces ready to sell. I've had a website where I have photos of them but so far, not tried to really sell them. That website is www.designsbyyaya.blogspot.com in case you're curious. I also have over 10,000 photographs from my travels around the world that I would love to somehow earn a few dollars on. I have another website with some of those and it's www.debidemetrion.blogspot.com. I'm not sure if I want to market my photos somehow or get in some sort of business of taking pictures. Lots to think about.
But right now, I need to think about getting dressed and starting the day!
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