The week before Christmas my two friends and I went to see the Geneva Amateur Operatic Society's production of the annual panto, The Little Mermaid. Well to be honest they talked me into it because since my kids grew out of it I have drifted away from the panto scene. It is a peculiarly British thing and I have to say that despite my misgivings I thoroughly enjoyed it. You know, all that "booooo, hissss, he's behind you" and in this case "no Queen Hypochondria, don't drink the coolaid"! It was lovely to see all the little kids dressed up in their sparkles and to recognize a few familiar faces from work with their children/grandchildren. A very good production so maybe next year will be a repeat!
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| Courtesy of GAOS |
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| Courtesy of GAOS |
I was adamant that I didn't want a party, mainly because of the reason why I resigned, but also because it's just not my scene. So what did my colleagues do - they decided to totally ignore my wishes and bring the party to me! The buggers! They started streaming into my rather small office with booze, ice and glasses and off they went! Then they presented me with the most beautiful gifts (they had had a collection for me despite my wishes). At this point, the one-who-should not be named (OK it was Ali) decided to put some rather loud music on and the dancing and singing started! All the while I'm trying to clean up my computer and finish up! But you know what, it was lovely and I'm so touched that they did this for me. As the booze started going down someone went and got pizzas, then someone else got the G & Ts flowing and off it went! And, again, it was exactly my kind of thing. They couldn't have done anything nicer for me. Now I suspect there were some sore heads the next morning (not me - two glasses of wine and I was done as I was driving a few hours later and, as I suspected, the police were all over the borders). So it was water for me after that, but it is quite funny to see your colleagues getting tipsy. Gawd I will miss them.
When I pulled into my driveway I bumped into my neighbour who was just coming back from walking his dog in the local woods and who had the most beautiful bouquet of holly in his hand. When I explained to him that I had just retired he handed it to me and said "happy retirement". They are Jehovah's Witnesses so don't celebrate Christmas, but I thought it was a lovely gesture on his part.
I've only been "done" two days so technically it is just like a long weekend so far, but you know what, just knowing I will never again have to do that God-awful commute has drained so much tension out of me it is unbelievable. I feel I cope easily with work stress, and as I say I didn't mind my work and liked my colleagues but I really am already starting to realize just how stressful that commute was! So in the space of a couple of days I've gone from this ...
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Anyway, I have no plans for this evening as my kids spend Christmas Eve with their in-laws or friends. That doesn't bother me at all as I enjoy snuggling up with a good read. In a minute I'm going to head down to the kitchen to prepare a few things for tomorrow when I will have my kids, their partners and one friend coming over (plus there is a standing invitation for my friend but I don't know if he will show). Other than that there's not much to do (for the first time in my life I have "not much to do" - and that feels great). So after watching the semi-annual spectacle that is my neighbours trying to load up their car to leave on holiday (next year I think I'll sell tickets and get the popcorn out), I wish you all a lovely day tomorrow. Merry Christmas and "health, wealth and happiness" in 2019!
Have a lovely Christmas! When I was single pre-hubby I loved nice quiet Christmas Eves alone (but then I enjoy that kind of thing). Others didn't seem to understand it. Not this Christmas though, we have an open house to attend in the afternoon from a neighbor then making supper for 4 (Mom and Kid #2 included) which is Ukrainian food today. Then tomorrow gifts and turkey with all the trimmings. By boxing day I vow never to cook again and we eat soup and leftovers for days. Now that you've retired the world is your oyster!
ReplyDeleteI have always treasured alone time, probably because I have always worked and been surrounded by people, but I must admit a "spontaneous" get together is great and I love it - just like my party. I think I hate planning anything formal. Enjoy your Christmas and yeah, I think by the time Boxing Day rolls around all I want is a piece of toast and a cup of tea!
DeleteMerry Christmas, Anna! Enjoy the day and the beginning of this wonderful new phase of your life! We are supposed to go to Switzerland this summer, Who knows? Maybe we can take a side trip for a little meet up!
ReplyDeleteI am anxiously waiting for TheHub to retire so we can enjoy some freedom too!
Wow Switzerland in the summer! If you are anywhere near Geneva let me know. I have your email address in any case. Be forewarned that it is expensive by any standards and with the $ being worth only about 97 Swiss cents it is tough. (The $ was worth SF 2.50 when I got married). But it is so stunningly beautiful it takes your breath away. And I'm sure it will be wonderful when you finally get the freedom to do things with your husband. It's a long road to travel isn't it but on the other hand your working life just seems to fly by (well mine certainly has - I still can't believe retirement's here). Merry Christmas Anne
DeleteMerry Christmas and I'm glad you enjoyed your send off. I'm about to get dressed, then have a final appetizer to bake and we are loading the car with the ham I made, appetizer, drinks to add tot eh bar, and more treats, and gifts. The thought of a quiet night for Christmas eve is lovely, but so again is a quiet Christmas day.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember right you have a large family don't you? Well I do too but we are spread out all over the place. Getting together with family and friends is a pleasure but I must admit that by the end of the Christmas festivities I'm ready for some quiet time. I suspect most people feel the same, truth be told. But have a lovely day and happy new year to you too. Anna
DeleteIf all on my side of the family came for Christmas Eve, we would be at 84, not counting (though they are part of the family but assume they are always going to have conflicts for Christmas but we see them other occasions, the families of two of my siblings step-children). It was a "small" gathering this year of only 44. There were 17 on my in-laws side yesterday. yeah-I'm peopled out.
DeleteYikes, eventually the family gets too big doesn't it. My ex' mom was number 12 and 11 of the kids lived in the Pittsburgh area. She used to host Thanksgiving for all the brothers and sisters but eventually, when the families grew, it just became impossible. She used to scrub the house from top to bottom beforehand … and then do it all over again the following day. No fun in the end but it must have been great when the family was that bit smaller!
DeleteHave a lovely Christmas and enjoy your retirement. I haven't worked for 27 months but will soon embark on paid employment again for a short while 😁Tx
ReplyDeleteThanks Tania. I saw that you are going to go back part-time. I think that's ideal until your husband retires. A little contact with co-workers, a little income but still the freedom to actually live. You have been an inspiration to me. Happy new year. Anna
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!! Retirement is a wonderful thing. There should be two times in your life when you can do what you want, when your a child, and when you're retired. You are going to have a lot of time on your hands, spend it wisely, enjoy it immensely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave, you're absolutely right about that. This is the first time in almost 40 years that my time is my own. No husband, the kids are flown and I no longer have to walk to the beat of someone else's drum. Since I started working at 15 it is going to feel pretty weird, but I'm sure I can get used to it. Happy new year to you. Anna
DeleteFreedom! Owning your time! That I think is the thing I will most look forward to.
ReplyDeleteWe don’t do pantomimes in Australia. I never really understood their attraction. The men in woman’s clothes held no charm and the overacting seemed just silly to me. Funny how, despite being largely settled by British, it never became a thing here.
I love owning my time - it's fabulous. And I always had mixed feelings about panto but it really is more for the atmosphere. But I have to admit I always LOVE the ugly sisters/principal dame characters!
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