Retirement

So, the contract has been ratified. Twenty-one months of grueling negotiations resulting in a little pay raise, some improved insurance benefits (which cost a little more), an unknown job change and retirement language that releases me from district 205 at the end of the school year in 2010. Yesterday I attended a retirement meeting. I watched many of my colleagues question and argue and grouse and I watched the union leadership sit and squirm and look as if they had just caught one in the gut. Needless to say, the environment was pretty tense...but not for me. When I left the meeting I wanted to jump for joyand shout, "I'm outta here in 2010". As I got in my car I called Mary and told her that I finally felt good about the contract and the reality had sunk in that I am retiring when I want to and pretty much under my o0wn terms and that I am happy about it.
So that's it. Today I am going to write my letter and take it to the district and walk out with a huge smile on my face.
Peace to you and to those you love.
Rob