Work is Done

Stix n Brix, NC

This week was my last few days at work.  It felt odd to turn in all my uniforms and other property and walk out feeling naked.  It sure emptied out the closet quite a bit.  Friday was the last day so there was one last bit of formality to tend to.  A party at the Downtown District.  It was a very hot, pretty day.

 

I showed a few pics from the stationhouse the other day but I like this one too.  The badge is painted on the wall in the locker room.

Chief Dolan presented me with my retirement badge (yes he’s 6’8” tall) and Deputy Chief Deck-Brown presented me with a plaque.

 

Captain Craghead gave me a nice card that included a very generous collection from the District guys.  The note said it was for RV gas.  It was a heartfelt thanks and a surprise.

I had an opportunity to express a few words of thanks.  There was more that I wanted to say but I had to make it short and sweet so that I wouldn’t get choked up.  After the formalities, it was time to cut the cake.  It’s neat how it’s decorated with the badge.  I love the bouquet of flowers.

 

I’m glad Gin was able to join in on the fun.  She was behind the camera, but she was there along with about 50 folks.  I got lots of hugs and handshakes.

 

Those beautiful flowers made it home to our dining room and they smell so good.  Maybe they will bring us luck because Saturday was another house showing.  The house has been on the market since the beginning of June and this was the third showing, two of which look promising.

Thanks for dropping by, and enjoy each day of your life’s journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.

Last Few Days

Stix n Brix
Clayton, NC

It’s getting really close now.  It really hit me about a week or so ago.  I only have a couple more days in uniform so I’m savoring it.  I can already tell that when I get ready to put it on again Thursday morning for the last time, I will have mixed emotions.  When I take it off that evening, I won’t.  I’ll only be relieved.  It has been interesting to know that this will be my last Sunday of work.  I’m just not good enough with words to describe how I feel.  I will miss a lot of aspects of the job certainly, but I can hardly wait to shed many other aspects.  The people I work with are fantastic.  I know that I will probably never see many of them again and that’s sad.

I’ve been assigned to the Front Desk of the Downtown District for the past year and a half.  I’ve spent most of my career working in the office instead of on patrol.  No it’s not as glamorous as the real cops and robbers game out there, but it’s a job that not everyone can do.  Here’s a shot of the desk and several cars lined up for a biannual inspection.

 

Raleigh is known as the City of Oaks sort of like New York City is the Big Apple.  On New Years Eve, the count down drops a big Acorn.  This is the view from the front door of the station.  There is the new Downtown Arena and the Civic Center with a shimmer wall depicting an oak tree.  They have a few concerts there during the summer.

 

It’s really pretty at night when they have different color lights reflecting on it.  Often times, people will just pull their car over and take pictures of it.  Raleigh really is a nice city to live if you like an urban environment.

But I’m ready to move on to the next stage of life.  I’ve come to realize that you spend the first 20 years or so learning about living, your next 30 years or so earning a living, and the rest of your life living with gusto.  Now it’s gusto time!

Thanks for dropping by, and enjoy each day of your life’s journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.

Another Milestone

Stix n Brix
Clayton, NC

Just a quick post to say Whoo Hoo!!  I have worked my last night shift...ever!!!  Sure, I still have 5 more weeks of day shift, but only 4 of those weeks will be in uniform.  My last week (only 3 days of 12 hour shifts) will be devoted to clearing out my "stuff" and final paperwork.  I still can't believe that I am this close to that finish line.  It won't really hit me until a few weeks in to retirement.  Until then, I'll just do a little "happy dance" instead of an all-out "skip and go naked". :o

Thanks for dropping by, and enjoy each day of your life's journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.

It's Official...Sorta

Stix n Brix

You know it's gonna be a good day when your main chore for the day is to go to the Personnel Office to fill out your "intent to retire" paperwork.  Today was a good day!  Only four more months!  I really feel sorry for those who can't talk about their approaching retirement because of possible repercussions at work.  It's an exciting time, and it's nice to see your workmates happy for you.  It's kinda hard to decide what payment options to make though.  If only I knew how long I'll live.  No, that may not be good to know.  When the first retirement check comes in, you can still back out of retirement if the amount is not enough.  Once the check is cashed, it is truly official.  I don't foresee that happening though.  I've got other plans!

The pine pollen has been turning everything yellow so I know it's about time to get Wanda ready for the road.  Luckily, we've had wind and rain to rinse a lot of it away.  Is it yellow everywhere in the Spring? 

We put the jon boat on Craigslist last night and had several calls on it in no time.  It was sold this afternoon.  We'll wait to put the waverunners on sale when we get back from the RV-Dreams Rally.  I seriously doubt that they will sell within a month but who knows.

I want to say Hi to our newest followers, nantucketbreezes (cool name) and FOSJ (sorry I can't figure out your name).  Thanks for joining us at this exciting time in our adventures, and remember to enjoy each day of your life's journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.