next chapter ~

It’s time.

My sabbatical is coming to an end.

Like my fictional favorite, Travis McGee, I’ve enjoyed the first installment of my retirement. February 2014, I grabbed the golden ticket and turned the page to a well-earned and much-needed break. I shared the news here and here. Now some 22ish months later, I’m rejoining corporate America and returning to work. It was always planned as a temporary interlude, and now I will be working for many more years!

Though Bluwaterguy would say I’m going back to work to have less to do. I’m always adding to my project list, reading list, social list, travel list ~ and these many months have been busy. I’ve gotten lots done at home, though there are more things in progress. I’m finishing painting my stair railings this week. Boy, has that has been a tedious project! Oh, and the reconstruction continues at Bluwaterguy’s house. This week we’re trying to work out paint colors. Good thing Lowe’s doesn’t charge for paint chips, or I would be completely broke. 

We traveled the Keys end-to-end last year to celebrate 20 years of visiting the Conch Republic. Bluwatermom got a bionic knee {and we both lived through it} and had a milestone birthday {and a surprise party!}. I finished my “perfect beach cottage“, and refreshed the look here on the bluwaterlife site this year for my blog anniversary. I spent time in some favorite places, with some favorite people, and had some new adventures. And I’ve tried to be consistently “present” and it has been a great time!

I’m ready to return to work, feeling more human and definitely more present. I hope things will continue to grow here on the blog and on the social media pages. It’s great to share things, and I appreciate all your comments and ideas.

I’m excited now about my new opportunity. The photo is a clue for where I will be working. This desk plaque sat on my grandfather’s desk, given to him by a friend. My grandfather always liked it, and I did too. It came to me after my grandparents passed on, and it sits on the bookshelf in my home office now. I like the symmetry of it all. 🙂

There’s one more “non-working” Monday before it all starts again, and I plan to spend that day doing whatever I please ~ a project, a movie, a visit, or nothing at all ~ then back to work.

Now, on to new chapters ~~~