Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Sometimes things get in the way

     It's August 13th, I have started to receive the paperwork to process my retirement. I took one look at it and put it back in the envelope. It's been a rough week, last week. On August 7th, we had to have your sweet little dog, Angel, put to sleep. She was almost 16 years old and she was suffering. The Vet, Dr. Berry, said there wasn't any more that he could do for her. Even though we knew it was time it sure was painful and still is painful. I miss her terribly.
     We also found out on August 8th the rules for transplants have changed and it looks like it might take longer to get Eldon's transplant. We move forward though and keep our chin up.
     I have talked with my husband and he's still on board for me to retire the end of this year. He agrees that I need to get enrolled for a photography class and start preparations for this as a potential profession. I am so grateful that he remains on board the "Retirement Train". I feel so much relief and I know that life will be just fine. There is life after State Employment.
     We are having a Boutique on September 7th that I want to invite everyone to, I am working to raise money for Eldon's health care and I want to get an idea on the possibility of opening a Boutique in the future. The time is 9AM-2PM, address is 11000 South on 40th West. Hope y'all can come.
     Talk to you soon.

Friday, August 2, 2013

The Retirement Process

The retirement process can be very time consuming and frustrating. I wonder why it's so difficult.

   So I have begun the process of talking with the Utah Retirement System. I have also contacted our state HR people and the insurance people. They all sound so excited when you tell them about your plans to retire then they lower the boom on you for what you are going to lose. It's the insurance that's the hardest. Eldon will check to see if he can add me to his insurance policy and how much it will cost. I am checking into AMAC, the Association for Muture Adult Citizens. It's an option other than AARP. I have over 400 hours of sick and annual leave so I get some monies there that can help with medical insurance or needs. That's my only concern is the insurance, it might be dicey for a bit. However, I will not let that discourage me from taking the plunge into retirement.
     I asked y'all in the post before this one to suggest some jobs that I could do, because we all know that I can't just sit at home. One person suggested being a school crossing guard, having that huge sign, swatting bad kids or swinging it at a rude driver could be fun. Someone even suggested I check out my hobbies to see if that could be profitable for me. Another suggestion was to work as camp hosts, since we both like camping. We could combine camping and traveling together. All the suggestions sound pretty good to me 
     Here's some ideas let me know what you think:
-Photographer, I just love to take pictures. Scenery, people, pets, it doesn't matter. Salt Lake Community College is offering a 6 week course about how to properly use your camera, how to set up shots and be a better photographer. I think I could do that. Would it be profitable immediately? Naw, but I do intend to continue working for some time.
-Meeting/Party Planner, again Salt Lake Community College offers a 12 month course on this potential profession. I love to plan parties and if you came to our Fund Raiser in June it was quite a blast. I could have my own business and then when I complain about management I would only be complaining about me. LOL!
-I could get my teaching certificate renewed, lots of work but I do enjoy teaching. I would teach for maybe another 8-10 years.
-I could be a foster parent. I have been through the training before and it's not hard but it sure isn't that lucrative financially. I love kids and I feel bad when kids don't have a place to call home, especially where it would safe for them.
-I could work at a hospital or a medical office. I would love to be a PBX Operator..."Doctor Hunky, please, report to the nurses lounge." Dang, I am cracking myself up.
-I could really get working on my home based businesses, Thrive Life and ShirleyJ, they are great products and I think I can talk to peope about the need to eat. Oooops, there's another funny one. (aren't you just loving reading this crazy ranting of mine?)
-I could be a tour guide, I could take people around Salt Lake City or Utah. Maybe I could be the hostess on the LeBus to Wendover. Bazinga! No, really I could.
-I could do my own reality show. Seriously, they have Honey Boo Boo on TV. Not to mention the Swamp Guy who chases after rodents. How about those guys who go around seeking "Big Foot". Or those whiney spoiled women who spend thousands of dollars on a bridal gown. Some suggestions here, what kind of reality show?

     So what do you think my friends? Your opinion is important, not the final decision, but certainly important. I will keep you up on how things go and what's happening.