Day 21

What a lovely day yesterday was. I got red roses and chocolate covered cookies from Tennessee and white roses with purple from my bestie. I had a divine massage. My mom cooked one of my favorite dishes for dinner. And I got lots of birthday wishes from all of my friends and many family members too. Even my son remembered without having to be reminded by his grandmother.

Because I took the day off, as I always do on my birthday, I got to sleep late and I’m only working a half day today, so I slept late this morning too. Such a luxury and another reason I’m looking forward to retirement–only 607 days left–maybe.

That is the first time I’ve officially acknowledged that maybe.

For a long time now I have been adamant about my retirement date being non-negotiable. But recent developments, that have nothing to do with my TSP losing an entire year’s worth of my salary last year (okay maybe a little to do with that) have made me start to rethink my plans to retire the day I am eligible.

My priorities have changed.. And I’m not even sad about it.

Milestones like birthdays often have me reflecting on what’s the same or different and wow, how much has changed since my last birthday.

Some of the changes are so drastic that I’m often fighting with the fear of it being too good to be true. I have to remind myself that I deserve to be happy. I’m allowed to savor the good things and bask in the light. I’ve done a lot of work with my therapist on this very thing, and I know that work will need to continue. But for now I’m going enjoy the fruits of my labor and savor my good fortune.

Happy Friday my friends.

P.S. No progress on my NaNo project to report, but my goal is to finish up this weekend. Look for a triumphant message either Sunday or Monday…and you can hold me to that!