The day has arrived. Retirement day.
After almost twenty years of being a trial attorney, an appellate attorney, a managing attorney, and assistant counsel for legal services for our company, I am taking down my shingle to be just plain old Steve Cotton. (Hanging up my cape would be just a bit too grandiose -- even for me.)
Yesterday was surprisingly busy. I ran from meeting to meeting to tie up loose ends while simultaneously trying to clean up my files for their new owners. I can honestly say that the fact that I will be leaving the building for the last time today has not yet sunk in. It will, most likely. during the very generous retirement ceremony my colleagues have planned for me.
Last night, as I left the building, I was the last person on our floor. I took a quick look around. The structure is the same as it was two decades ago, but the place is filled with a good portion of my life (one-third of it, to make a fine point of it).
I have a tradition when I cruise to walk the decks of the ship on the last night of the cruise. It helps to build memories, and to release me to head off on the next level of adventure.
I will be ready to take that last walk later today around what has been my two decade cruise.
After almost twenty years of being a trial attorney, an appellate attorney, a managing attorney, and assistant counsel for legal services for our company, I am taking down my shingle to be just plain old Steve Cotton. (Hanging up my cape would be just a bit too grandiose -- even for me.)
Yesterday was surprisingly busy. I ran from meeting to meeting to tie up loose ends while simultaneously trying to clean up my files for their new owners. I can honestly say that the fact that I will be leaving the building for the last time today has not yet sunk in. It will, most likely. during the very generous retirement ceremony my colleagues have planned for me.
Last night, as I left the building, I was the last person on our floor. I took a quick look around. The structure is the same as it was two decades ago, but the place is filled with a good portion of my life (one-third of it, to make a fine point of it).
I have a tradition when I cruise to walk the decks of the ship on the last night of the cruise. It helps to build memories, and to release me to head off on the next level of adventure.
I will be ready to take that last walk later today around what has been my two decade cruise.
Good post Steve.
ReplyDeleteYou brought back memories of my last day of teaching before I retired and the last walk in the school and then that walk into a new life.
Have a great last day, Steve! Keep a stiff upper lip - your upcoming adventure is going to be great but today is going to be a little tough.. Suerte!
ReplyDeleteGo with God, and sunblock. And in a sense, we are all going with you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Steve on a fun filled and great retirement. It will amaze you how quickly you can adjust to not working. And, I think I was also amazed at how quickly each day went. I think I thought the days would dray. Have lots of fun and I hope someday to share Christmas dinner with you again.
ReplyDeleteA good percentage of the people who are with you on all this (here on the Internet) have already done this. Some more than once ;-)
ReplyDeleteI remember when I 'retired' from a job after ten years. The checks I had been receiving for those ten years were so much like money (negotiable) that it was strange the first few weeks I no longer had one (yes they actually paid by the week in the 70's ;-)
The change in life is thrilling, frightening, challenging, thought provoking and comes with an inevitable peace about it.
After all tomorrow will be the first day of a new life. You have done an enviable job getting to this point. You are well prepared and set. So go forth young man and enjoy it all!
Congratulations Steve, enjoy your last day and may you have a retirement filled with adventure and joy!
ReplyDeleteSavor the moments! In my case, I just folded up the tent and left. The advantage of having your own business......no goodbyes. I like it that way.........
ReplyDeleteSteve, congratulations on your retirement day. May your future endeavors bring much happiness. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSome wise man said " A vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work" So don't disappoint your readers, after all we are part of your experience, at least we are interested in your journey. We anticipate your chronicles, and cheer your new life!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
Finally the day has come, enjoy it and look forward to all the new adventures to come.
ReplyDeleteWHOO-HOO!!! You made it! We remember you started your blog in Dec 07 - right after we launched ours. We've been reading about your dream for a looonnngggg time. And now it's about to come to fruition. We're all set to read Part II. Godspeed, our friend!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Steve, your smile in the pictures says it all...you are one happy man. I am very happy for you and look forward to reading about all your fun filled times in the months ahead. Thanks for sharing, Corrinne
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! And may fascinating adventures await you.
ReplyDeleteAnd we are all looking forward to your southern blog posts.
¡Buena Suerte y que dios vaya contigo!
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we are planning next week in Puerto Vallarta, and can't seem to be able to choose a hotel.
I just finished watching The Office episode where Steve quits his job. Some parallels with Steve Scott of the Office may make you laugh. It's called "two weeks," and it's on itunes. You might like it. Maybe you can watch it on NBC online.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Steve. Welcome to the land of the living, growing and real world. The Block building on High will simply become a memory that will fade, but the next few weeks will be like a chick coming out of the shell and seeing the real world. Enjoy and savor each and every last minute with the old crew but know that the future will be a treat to behold. Enjoy and be JOYFUL!! Alan
ReplyDeleteHonestly, it seems like just yesterday that I got an email from Andee telling me to go look at your blog. She said I would like it and you. She was right on both counts. Happy future trails, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, all. It wasw a great day. Details to follow.
ReplyDeleteBuena suerte amigo. I remember waking up a couple weeks after I retired, the first few weeks I think I was in shock, and suddenly panicking when I realized... I didn't have a job! It just gets better after that.
ReplyDeleteJonna - Gracias, amiga. The shock will probably set in after two months when I try to figure out what is happening to my bank balance. I suspect Steve Cotton, counsel for legal services, is already in a box on my life shelf.
ReplyDelete