Author Archives: bakrawiec

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About bakrawiec

Grateful 2 God 4 His continued blessings. Honored 2 have DJT as our POTUS 2 #MAGA. #ProLife, US Constitution. Definitely #StandWithIsrael Pl. #Pray4DJT every day! Share prayers and memes at #Pray4DJT

Labor Day Celebration–still in?

Posted on September 5, 2015 by bakrawiec

It’s my first Labor Day weekend since the big Retirement day, just four days ago, and I’m wondering…Am I still entitled to celebrate it?…Is the idea, once a worker, always a worker? Or it this day just for current workforce … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Retirement, Work | Leave a comment

former commute start time–early or late?

Posted on September 4, 2015 by bakrawiec

Liberated from the daily commute, I now have time to indulge myself in looking back at my work life vis a vis my retirement life—e.g. time and energy gained – through the lens of what working folks without such time … Continue reading →

Posted in Commute, Retirement, Transitions, Travel Time to Work | Leave a comment

If “a penny saved is a penny earned,” how much is saved time worth?

Posted on September 3, 2015 by bakrawiec

One way I’ve gained time in Retirement is by eliminating (Yes!) my daily commute. How much time? Morning commute: about 30 minutes. Afternoon commute: 40 minutes. That’s 70 minutes per day/round trip; 350 minutes per week. That’s nearly 6 hours—almost … Continue reading →

Posted in Commute, Retirement, Time, Transitions, Travel Time to Work | 2 Comments

Here’s to the start of the “er” years

Posted on September 2, 2015 by bakrawiec

Struck me yesterday on the first day of retirement. I’ve entered the “er” years. You know: sleep late(r), move slow(er), take long(er). Okay, so maybe the move slower and take longer are nothing to brag about… Ah! but consider, too, … Continue reading →

Posted in Retirement, Transitions | 1 Comment

this is the day!

Posted on September 1, 2015 by bakrawiec

So much to think, to say, to feel…the long-awaited (and oftentimes dreaded) retirement day is here… Today, for however long it takes, I will sit quietly so that I can process and ponder, with gratitude, my work-life journey, pausing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude, Retirement, Transitions | Leave a comment

shall we dance?

Posted on August 31, 2015 by bakrawiec

“I’m dancing as fast as I can….” How many times I heard that polite delayed workflow explanation from my beloved editorial assistant, who amazed me with many of her long-learned tricks of the trade, including her policy of giving me … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Employment, Retirement, Transitions | 5 Comments

what to do with the last paycheck?

Posted on August 30, 2015 by bakrawiec

Like some—but not all—workers, teachers are paid bimonthly, on both the 15th and last day of the month—but, typically, only during the school year. Most teachers need to fend for themselves during the summer when school is not in session. … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Paycheck, Retirement, Salary, Transitions | Leave a comment

surprised by grief

Posted on August 29, 2015 by bakrawiec

When my father died, a close friend, whose mother and father had died–just two weeks apart, and about eight months before my father’s death—gently counseled me. “Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions,” she said. “One minute you think … Continue reading →

Posted in Death, Dying, Grief, Retirement, Teachers, Teaching, Transitions | 4 Comments

to rise & shine, or to sleep in & lazy around ?

Posted on August 28, 2015 by bakrawiec

Over the years, some retired folks I’ve known have flaunted the opportunity to sleep in and to lazy around throughout the day. Decidedly a morning person whose day (or at least the best part of it) feels done by 8:30—that … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Retirement, Transitions, Work | 2 Comments

school bells about to ring, but not for me….

Posted on August 27, 2015 by bakrawiec

Here in the East, next week, they’re ringing bells for school, but not for me….I’m retiring! I surprised myself in the last post when I explained why I chose to celebrate my retirement on three days–instead of just one–spread over … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Retirement, School, Separation anxiety, Teaching, Transitions | Leave a comment