Starting Today!

Today is an In-Service day when we pack up our rooms for the summer. In my case, I'll be packing up permanently because when I walk out of the building at four PM, I will officially begin my retirement. It's been an incredible teaching career.

But what I'm most looking forward to is this:

35 Years in the Making

Today was the last day of school. It is also the end of a 35-year teaching career. The school held a retirement party for me and a fellow teacher.

Of course, the question I'm asked most often is, "What do you plan to do now?"

Was there any doubt? I plan to WRITE full time!

What I Have To Look Forward To When I Retire

WHOO-HOO! It's Official!

I'm retiring! After 35 years of teaching, I'll be retiring to be a full-time writer as of June, 2014!

Depression Doesn't Begin To Explain It :~(

For the past year and a half I have been anxiously awaiting retirement. This year is my 31st year teaching. I am 54.

According to my calculations, I would be able to retire at the end of the 2009-2010 school year, and be able to devote full time to my writing. My house would be paid off by then, and my reduced retirement check would pretty much equal what I'm taking home now minus my house payment.

I received the news today that the Texas legislature has changed the rules. I must wait another 4.5 years before I can retire with full benefits.

Oh, yes, I can retire next year with partial benefits, but after 30 plus years teaching, I'm not going to settle for less than 40%.

FOUR AND A HALF MORE YEARS.

I'm not just upset. I'm devastated.