The Retirement Watch

by Heather

Traditionally, in most industries, when one retires after years of service, that person is given a retirement watch (although how that got started, I don't know --- why would you need a watch once you're retired?).

 Nordstrom's orange and cream color-blocked sweater; Chico's tan crops; Nordstrom's gold and cream striped tank

In education, that doesn't usually happen.

Any money given to a school or district almost always has the stipulation that the money can only be used for the children, which is probably how it should be.

However, that means when an educator retires, he/she doesn't expect anything other than a pat on the back.

 Chico's gold and orange bangle; Alexis Bittar cream, orange, and gold bangles; Michael Kors watch and purse; Juicy Couture gold and orange bracelet; BCBG gold and orange ring

But, when you have dear friends such as I have, that's just not enough in their book.

As my time as an educator came to an end in May, the FACS (Family and Consumer Science -- formerly Home Ec) teachers in my district held a tea for me.

It was an unexpected honor that almost moved me to tears

(not quite, though, since I'm really looking forward to retirement!).

 Vince Camuto orange, tan, white, and gold sandals (Macy's)

Technically, I retired years ago from my job as a high school principal but returned to work as a high school teacher. I wasn't ready to stay home,  but didn't want the  24/7 hours of being a high school administrator. This time I really am retiring and making a commitment to myself not to work full-time anymore, anywhere.

Diana O., a long-time friend,  colleague, and co-coach with me of the cheer team back in our younger days (what were we thinking??), along with two of my former bosses, Chris E. and Sara H., hosted the most beautiful tea last month at Diana's lovely home. The wonderful ladies who attended (all current or former FACS teachers) chipped in toward a most generous gift card and other thoughtful presents and cards.

Co-bloggers Ann and Sheila were also there as great friends and former FACS teachers. 

Juicy Couture gold necklace and gold/orange necklace

Now, back to that gift card.

You know that I couldn't let that sit in my pocket too long --

it was burning a hole.

What to spend it on that would bring me

happy memories of those ladies and my time spent in education?

A watch, of course.

And the perfect watch just happened to show up on Pinterest -- an orange (my favorite color) and gold Michael Kors. I tracked it down and then, magically, it appeared on my doorstep several days later.  I've been wearing it like a badge of honor for the past several weeks.

Michael Kors orange and gold watch (Macy's)

I still have money left over (I told you they were generous!) and I'm waiting for inspiration.

Clothing, jewelry, chrome for my motorcycle? Decisions, decisions...

What does a retired lady need?

I have everything already that's most important:

great friends, wonderful family members, good health, and a husband with whom I want to grow old (and a gift card still burning a hole in my pocket).

Love,

Heather