Thursday, April 09, 2009

Things I have Learned

The past three weeks I've learned a few things about myself.

For instance, life is going to happen no matter what I think or feel. I can sit and pout or I can get motivated. That's simple enough, isn't it?

I love having "Perfect World" visions. You know where you envision how things would go in a perfect world and would just work out to your advantage with no tears- just smiles, lollipops, and rainbows. P.W. visions keep me sane some times when I get overwhelmed.

My family and I are going to survive this retirement. We really are. I don't know where we are going to end up when all is said and done, but I have faith that God knows and He will reveal it to me in His time. God also knows I'm a planner and I just know He won't let me suffer too much. Maybe just enough to be a touch frazzled and call on Him a little bit more, you think?

My husband finally gave me a tentative retirement ceremony date yesterday. It's going to be around mid-September. The date isn't set in stone, but it gives me a day. A day to plan somewhat. That date grounds me. Even if it changes, it will only be the week before or the week after. I have peace in knowing I have something to work with.

I also know my children will be okay. My Paige is a good kid. She has had to plan her classes for next year this past week. This is hard for her since she doesn't know where she will be finishing up 10th grade next year. What did she do? That girl got all proactive and looked at a couple of high schools where we *might* end up. She studied their requirements and compared them to what she can take here and finish there. She has a plan for next year for her classes. I never had to do a thing. She took care of it so that she, herself, could have peace of mind. She is just like her mother, that one. Give her a plan and she's set. She has reconciled herself with the fact that she has to leave this school she loves. I really hate having to do this to her- more than she will ever know. But, she's going to be just fine.

I have learned that I have amazing friends here where I am. The past two weeks have found me helping Neighbor Debbie with getting her homes taken care. Carla and I helped her clean the one she was leaving and we painted the one she was going to. It was back numbing work with long hours, but it's done! I would do it again in a heartbeat. That's what friends do, you know. They jump up and help without a second thought. I feel lost now, like a part of me is gone because we've been next door to each other for almost three years. Neighbor Greg had it pegged right when he said we needed to wean from each other a little bit. I have to say I agree with him. At least I can still see her on a regular basis and our dwindling group can stay intact for a few more months.

Ultimately, I have learned that I'm going to be okay. I say that now, but the closer it gets.....the more I'm sure I'll need nerve pills of some sort. I will plan what I can as I go and let God handle the rest. Now, if I could just follow my own advice, I'd be good to go!

8 comments:

Krys72599 said...

I SO understand, Miss Hope!
The older I get, the less I like change and the harder it is for me to adapt to things.
I used to say I could handle anything, and even though I still can, I need quite a bit more help from Him and it's just not as easy anymore...
You will be fine. Your family will be fine as well.
Personally I'm hoping for a relocation to the Northeast to be in your future (smile!), but I'm not thinking that's too likely, so I'm *praying* you all get all your plans in order soon, so that you can move on with the work that needs to be done to get ready for the move...

Stefany said...

You will be fine. There is life after retirement . . . I hope? We are on the brink of things changing for us as well. I's just such a cruddy time to get out . .

Busy Texas Dee said...

Girl you'll make it through all of this. You didn't know if you would like it in GA and now look at you. The way you talk about your friends there and how much you have gotten involved is great. It has helped you be a stronger person and that should be a great feeling. YOU CAN DO IT. I have no doubt in my mind. Love you

Unknown said...

It's so hard being a "planner" in the Navy. I'm sure everything will pull together when time draws closer. The retirement will be fabulous and we'll definitely miss you. But no matter where you go...you can at least keep the blog. I love reading it!

Monogram Queen said...

That is one valuable lesson - and one I still have to remind myself of. "Let Go - and Let God".

I hope you are trying to move closer to SC.......

ronee said...

I love you..and you are on my prayer list! Through every struggle you will survive. Cling tight!
xoxo
ronee

Jill AKA busymom said...

LOL Oh Ms Hope.....I think God has a chuckle from time to time when He watches us planners in action:)

I feel your pain, but you are right we will all survive retirement and will grow and go to another level in out faith as we do:)

DaBlairs said...

well I hope God's timing doesn't make you resort to those nerve pills too often. I was believing that everything was going to happen in God's time, but I also knew that my pastor told me a date, bless that man. He told me by December 5th, God was put His plan in action. That was the EXACT day, and honestly I didn't think I was gonna make it to then, but I really do believe Romans 8:28 and I believe it for you too!