Susan
I started 2022 in partial retirement, supervising my final group of student teachers and seeing them graduate in May. After that, KU was in my past. I’m often asked, “Do you miss it?” My answer is always a rapid and resounding “NO!!!” My job was not my identity, and I enjoy not having to submit to a schedule made by someone else.
The question I’m asked most often is “What are you doing in retirement?” So I’ve crafted a clear and concise response: “I’m trying to stay physically fit, mentally fit, and spiritually fit.” I continue to take and to teach exercise classes, take walks, and workout at the gym to maintain physical fitness. Also, I briefly added new activities to my exercise repertoire: hula dance and tap dance. To exercise my brain, I continue to do program evaluation for the state of Kansas, for my professional organization, and for a national accrediting council. I’m also attempting to learn Spanish. To build spiritual fitness, I’ve consulted with my pastor to determine how my gifts can be more fully utilized in the local church.
There are a few more frequent flyer miles in my account this year with trips to New Orleans, Washington DC, Hawaii, Canada, and Spain. The best times are those spent with family and this Christmas will be no exception. After celebrating Christmas in Canada (2020) and New York (2021), the family will gather this year in Kansas where we will enjoy a modified version of the All-Night Christmas Party originated by Jerry in 2012. Fun will be had by all, and I will add more special memories to my 2022 scrapbook. Here are a few highlights from my year…
The question I’m asked most often is “What are you doing in retirement?” So I’ve crafted a clear and concise response: “I’m trying to stay physically fit, mentally fit, and spiritually fit.” I continue to take and to teach exercise classes, take walks, and workout at the gym to maintain physical fitness. Also, I briefly added new activities to my exercise repertoire: hula dance and tap dance. To exercise my brain, I continue to do program evaluation for the state of Kansas, for my professional organization, and for a national accrediting council. I’m also attempting to learn Spanish. To build spiritual fitness, I’ve consulted with my pastor to determine how my gifts can be more fully utilized in the local church.
There are a few more frequent flyer miles in my account this year with trips to New Orleans, Washington DC, Hawaii, Canada, and Spain. The best times are those spent with family and this Christmas will be no exception. After celebrating Christmas in Canada (2020) and New York (2021), the family will gather this year in Kansas where we will enjoy a modified version of the All-Night Christmas Party originated by Jerry in 2012. Fun will be had by all, and I will add more special memories to my 2022 scrapbook. Here are a few highlights from my year…