I just re-read the first post I wrote over a year ago. I still believe in every word I wrote. Retirement is coming this May and I am both nervous and excited. Nervous to close one chapter I know like the back of my hand and excited to begin a new one. Retirement means making sure I will be able to live within reason and not have to eat cat food. It also means looking for health insurance, redefining my role in the family, and having meaning in my life. Everyone needs a purpose - where will I find mine? I honestly think opening my tiny farm is the answer. I continue to have chickens and plan to start bees and meat rabbits in the spring. I could write curriculum for homeschool students because my teaching license is active for another few years - so instructing on a small scale is a real possibility (and attractive after years with 20+ littles). This new lease on time will give me the opportunity to rediscover myself. My cortisol levels have been increasing as the teaching yea...