Do I Miss It?

It is hard to believe, but this is now the ninth year that I am retired and not heading back to school. And actually, I spent 55 years returning to school - 12 years in elementary and high school, 4 years in college, and 39 years as a teacher/administrator. That's a long time. Yesterday somebody asked if I missed it. I did really miss it the first year that I was retired and there are still some things that I do miss. I miss the computer in-service sessions where I was able to keep current with new technology and software. Now I must teach myself. I miss the excitement of new classes and new students each semester. New beginnings were always fun. I miss the excitement when vacations neared, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. I actually miss grading tests - it was fun to see my students progress, although not all did. I miss many of the kids and the fun of supporting them in their activities, especially sports, music, drama and contests. Believe it or not, I miss Parents' Nights. I always enjoyed meeting the parents, some of whom were my former students. I enjoyed sharing with them my goals and expectations. And I do miss teaching in-service sessions for elementary teachers and working with my elementary math committee. They were always so gracious and appreciative. I also miss some of the staff members, especially at Central Manor Elementary School where I had my office for many years. I miss math conferences and conventions where I learned so much and met so many key contacts. But there are many things I don't miss. I don't miss leaving for school at 6:45 in the morning. I don't miss many of the required in-service programs, or the faculty meetings, or department meetings, or administrative meetings. Meetings, meetings, meetings! I don't miss assemblies and other duties supervising kids. - in the cafeteria, study hall, or parking lot. I don't miss evaluating teachers. I don't miss all the reports and paper work. I don't miss budget times with the usual required cuts. I don't miss having to make up snow days which always shortened other vacations. But considering all of the pros and cons, I was fortunate to have really enjoyed all of my years. But, alas, that was a different lifetime. Now I am enjoying retirement, even though I seem to be busier than ever. So in answer to the question that I was asked. Do I miss it? Not now. I saw a shirt that sums it up, "I'm retired, and you're not, na-na-na-na-na-na!" Enough said.