Friday, November 07, 2008

the windmills I don't mind


One big step toward retirement today. I transferred one of my major speaking projects to colleagues.


Every quarter, we present a summary of the administrative and appellate cases to our company's adjusters. It is one of my favorite parts of my job. It lets me write and perform -- in addition to passing along information to my fellow workers.


We present four sessions -- two on Thursday, two on Friday. We just finished up the last presentation. That means I will never be doing that function again -- ever.


I thought I would feel a bit melancholy about giving up something I liked so much. But I don't -- I don't even feel sentimental. Maybe a little. Somewhere between the neighbor's goldfish dieing and forgetting Kim Jong-il's birthday.


But I did get something valuable out of the transfer. My colleagues brought in two pies -- apple and pumpkin -- to celebrate this small part of my retirement. The gesture was extremely thoughtful; and the pie was tasty.


Who could ask for anything more than that?

14 comments:

Croft said...

Just plug your nose, close you eyes and jump in Steve! The water's fine.

Steve Cotton said...

Croft -- That day is coming. Soon.

GlorV1 said...

That pie looks delicious. Sounds like you are in relaxation mode and finally looking at the bright picture straight ahead. Take care. Give Mr. Jiggs a hug.

1st Mate said...

I remember some of the things I did for the last time before we made that big move to Mexico.What I was saddest about was leaving the jazz choir I had been singing with for five years. But as it turned out, the director retired the next year, so no hay jazz choir. My point is that we tend to think of the things we leave behind as unchanging, but often they aren't the same after a while anyway. Time to make new memories.

Nola Kim said...

I must say that the pie picture looks yummy - glad you enjoyed the real ones.

Congrats on taking that step towards retirement - I'm very jealous!

Steve Cotton said...

Gloria -- Both pies were great. I shared them with my colleagues -- the only proper thing to do.

Bliss -- Nice to see you back as a commenter. Your perspective is correct, of course. There is a danger of focusing on the past during these transitions. I am just considering them as mileposts to a great future.

Cairelle -- About 5 months to go, and then I will be gone.

Unknown said...

Pie? Pecan, sweet potato, coconut are among my favorites. Enjoy your last months in Oregon.

Billie Mercer said...

back in May and June 2006 I was writing about some of the issues of letting go. I really have never looked back. I don't think you will either. I'd like a piece of apple pie if any is left.

Steve Cotton said...

Laurie -- Good point! I am not going to get so focused on moving that I forget to enjoy each day right now.

Billie -- I suspect I will have plenty of posts about this process. I will enjoy each moment -- but they will then be gone.

Islagringo said...

From this and other accounts, it sounds like you work with a great bunch of people. Consider yourself fortunate in that. Like the play on words in the title!

Steve Cotton said...

Wayne -- They are a great group to work with. I know that is a cliché, but it is also true. And thanks for noticing the twist in the title.

Nancy said...

You'll be noticing many "lasts" from here on out. Then start the many "firsts."

It's all good.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the big step Steve. I bet you will end up missing your colleagues more than the work. You are lucky to work with such amazing people.

Steve Cotton said...

Nancy -- I return to your early posts now and then -- and notice quite a few parallels with what I am now goin through. Thanks for the fuideposts.

Bobo's Mom -- I actually enjoy both the work and the people. It is a joy to work where I do. But I will soon move on.