Friday, January 15, 2010

Finally the Countdown Begins!

Don gives notice today. Not going to work anymore. Last day to get up at 5:45 am, grab his lunch box, warm the car and head out the door will be February 26 - that's 43 days from now.

So we're going to dinner tonight to celebrate - a nice, quiet Italian restaurant where they let you test the wine (a treat when you're used to wine from a box), the waiters have white towels draped over their arms and everyone speaks in hushed tones. Perfect for dreaming and planning and looking ahead together.

I'm giving him this little present (found at Bed, Bath and Beyond BTW),

to take to work Monday and put on his desk. A good reminder we're in the countdown mode and that's something to celebrate for sure! He told me last night he cannot really believe most women look forward to their husbands retiring. I assured him that's not the case with me - hurry up, be done - we have things to do, places to go, people to see and countless adventures ahead of us! I want to be sure he knows I can't wait for us to get started together.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

I am so excited for you. I have had just a tiny little taste of what it is like to be retired TOGETHER (our weekends have become, for us, like a mini vacation since the Butler is no longer working every Sat and Sun). It has been so fun to see you go through the first part of the preparation; selling the house, trudging through year of accumulated "stuff", buying the new retirement home on the lake, etc, etc.

I cannot wait to see you through the rest of it.

Congratulations to Don for taking the big step today and giving his notice. Yay!!!!

Now ... when do you actually MOVE to Texas for good??

Bev said...

He's done the end of February, we head to Mexico for a week's celebration vacation two days later, and when we get back home from there we'll have 3 weeks to sell stuff, give away, then pack up what's left and head south. We should land in Texas just in time to celebrate Easter, and should have all five of our grandkids there together for an Easter egg hunt!

Leah said...

Cute little gadget! Wonder what he'll think about every time he sees it? You've had a plan since way back when - so glad to hear things are falling into place. Sounds like such fun!!

Robin said...

This sounds like such a fun adventure! I have loved following your "story". And what a perfect little gadget - I have never seen one of those before.

I think my hubby and I will LOVE retirement - we are already counting down the days (years really). I wonder if those gadgets countdown years? If so, I may need to get us one!

Have a wonderful celebration tonight!

Bev said...

Robin, it can be set for several years ahead (at least) and came with a lot of covers on it. As soon as he retires I plan to have him switch it to ______ days til next fishing trip! At $15 and then using their coupon it was a fun gadget to let him count down the days.

Deidre said...

Congratulations Bev (and Don)! I am so happy for you both. Sounds like you are going to have so much fun together. I can't wait to jump on here and read about all the adventures at that lake house. My most favorite post I'm looking forward to: You, your Mom and Barb sitting on the back porch looking at that beautiful lake. It just has to be!

Glenda said...

Best wishes for many happy days of retirement adventures! "It IS a wonderful life!"

Karen said...

What a milestone! Enjoy your celebration dinner tonight--dream away!! It will be fun when the day comes that I can read your blog and know we are in the same state!! Love and blessings, Karen

secondofwett said...

I'm with you...I can't wait for my hubby to retire....even though it wont be for another nine years! Enjoy!

FaceforGrace said...

Oh how exciting! We are in our mid 30's and it's hard to imagine that the saving and socking away we do each month into that 401K will actually pay off one day so that we can do the same thing. What fun times y'all have to look forward to!

Jen said...

Very sweet.

Susanne said...

Congratulations to Don! And many blessings to both of you at this thrilling time. I'm looking forward to all the forthcoming stories.

Gretchen said...

Can't tell you how blessed I've felt to be on the sidelines cheering you on. So happy for this phase, the Mexico phase :), and the phase to come in April. Guess I'll just have to visit TX sometime.