Retirement Life

I am enjoying retirement life. It's not that I've done anything amazing - it's that I haven't that makes it so nice. (Can you tell I'm an underachiever?!) The first week of retirement was when Bekah came home from South Africa, so of course it was nice to have time to spend with her before she went back to Arkansas. The next week was one of the laziest weeks I've spent in a while. I did just what I had to around the house - nothing more and nothing less. Last week was a little more work but I still didn't set any records. Both weeks I've managed to find time for friends and have enjoyed being able to do things on a shorter notice than in the past.

This week is a little packed. Before retirement I had committed to doing our Water Day for the kids. We have done this the past 2 years and the kids have really enjoyed it. We set up different stations, the kids get soaked and we make a mud hole out of the church property and then go home and collapse. It is usually the last hurrah of the summer after weeks of meeting together on Thursdays to do fun things. This summer is a little different as it is our only activity. I don't know how that is going to affect the number who come, but large or small crowd, we'll have fun.

Whew!

The past week or so has been packed. I spent last Monday and Tuesday tracking airplanes to figure out when Bekah had made it back to the states. Tuesday morning while visiting with friends out by the pool, my phone rang and it was Bekah back in Atlanta. It was so good to hear her voice and know that she would be home the next day. Tuesday evening our airport trips began as Jack and I drove to New Orleans and picked up Luke. We were glad that he was able to arrange his work schedule and be here for when Bekah got home. The next morning we headed out to the Baton Rouge airport and were all happy to see Bekah's smiling face. After coming home for a little bit, we headed out for lunch. Jack had to go back to work afterwards and Bekah and Luke headed out to the Apple store and to tour some of Baton Rouge.

Wednesday evening Justin and Melissa came over and we all went to eat at The Little Village downtown. Jack and I went there last month for our anniversary and had really enjoyed it. This time was a sort of combination celebration of Bekah's birthday and her return home. It was another good meal and fun to be together even if Bekah and Luke missed out on dessert because the jet lag was really catching up with her.

Thursday was beignets, state capitol,LASM and getting ready for our trip to Arkansas. That night we took Luke to Boutins. It was pouring rain and the band was delayed getting there so we didn't get to dance, but otherwise it was a nice meal. Bekah was still feeling lagged, but getting a little better.

Friday morning we headed to Arkansas to help Bekah get things moved into her new apartment. The plan was for Luke to drive her car and I'd ride with Jack. Luke was having dental problems though and so I got to drive Bekah's new car while Luke and Bekah slept most of the way. The time in Arkansas was quick. We helped move things in and Saturday night ate out with Bekah and Luke, their friends, Michelle and Jeff and my brother Doug and his wife Noreen. Sunday was the trip home and the start of another week.

Last Monday was also my official retirement day so I am now in a little more control of my time. I must admit that this week I've been a little lazy. It is nice to have Bekah home and have the lines of communication open again. She's started summer school and is slowly unpacking. Now we will just need to get Justin moved into his new apartment this next month and then they'll both be settled for a while - hopefully.