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(Almost) Free at last: Week Two

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It's been an interesting week.

The chair of my department offered to "rehire" me in a new university process that would allow me to work two more years. I said "How kind of you to consider me as a candidate! No thank you!"

I was able to change my summer teaching schedule to an 8 a,m, class instead of a noon class, thereby allowing me to watch my grands on Tuesdays and Fridays while their Mom works. Thanks, Dan!

I went to Florida over Memorial Day and really enjoyed watching my dear friend Nancy (who teaches at a private K-12 school)  grading research papers and creating tests while I read mysteries and napped. Nancy could retire, too, but I do believe she will hold out for at least another year, and maybe two. She thinks about money and health insurance; I think about how much I don't want to be in the university system. Retirement can't come soon enough for me, even if I will be poor. Well, not really poor, just in the same boat the other 99 percent are.

I have decided to start saving all the Medicare notices I get in the mail, usually about two a day. Few of them give me the vital information: how much will it cost? I have finally figured out that parts A&B are about $105 per month, but I also know I have to have a supplement, and the university is not keeping its retirees on the GSU plan. So I have to get out there one the "exchange" and find my choice. So far it looks as though AARP will be the choice, but I still have a month or two to make the big decision.

I had a meeting this week with my TIAA-CREF representative to see what my options would be. That's a relatively easy choice, and it makes me feel "retirement-ready." A good feeling.

Lily's first dance recital takes place this afternoon, and I am looking forward to cheering on my girl. Even if she's not the best dancer, I know she can read the socks off all the other kids; no matter what, she's great!

Mrs. B 


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