Change is in the air.
In less than a year I’ll be retiring from my corporate job. There will be a change in my routine, my finances, my home, even my country of residence will change. I’ve been thinking a lot about these changes and how our life will be different next year at this time but today I was reminded that a whole other batch of change is coming my way.
I had an appointment with my hair stylist today and she informed me that she’s changing careers and this would be our last appointment together. I wanted to plead with her to wait eleven more months before embarking on a new career, but of course that would have been selfish of me, wouldn’t it? Instead I congratulated her on her decision, thanked her for the years we’ve been together, and wished her well on her new journey, and all the while inside I was panicking.
A hair stylist is worth her weight in gold–more really, in the case of my slender stylist. I thanked my lucky stars when I found her. She get’s me–she get’s my unruly hair and double crown–and she’s worked magic with it. The thought of starting over with someone new is not something I look forward to. All of her clients are being directed to another stylist in the salon so I’ve got my regular appointment set up for six weeks from now. Stay tuned for a report out on that experience.
This unexpected and unwelcome turn of events got me thinking about the plethora of other changes that are on the horizon for me in the next year.
A new doctor, for instance. Just weeks before we moved here to the Pacific Northwest, the doctor I had been going to for almost thirty years retired. That made the transition a bit easier; I had no choice about changing doctors whether we moved away or not. That transition has worked out relatively well, although I’m still amazed by the way the Canadian and US health care systems differ, and that’s all I’m going to say about that.
Then there was finding a new dentist. Shortly after we moved here I chipped one of my veneers and asked co-workers to recommend a dentist in the area. I lucked out on this one. My dentist and his staff are stellar and it will be difficult to find another one of their caliber.
One change I won’t be faced with is finding a new optometrist. I couldn’t bear to leave the one I’ve had since 1978 and so every year I make a trip back to see him for my annual eye exam. I fully intend to continue that routine for as long as he continues to practice optometry so I’m good there.
There are so many practical things we need to consider over the course of the next eleven months. I feel blessed that we’re able to take the time we need to make plans for our next phase. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time but I’m certain it will all work out just the way it’s meant to.
I just hope I can find a good hair stylist. .
I’m wishing you luck with finding that perfect hair stylist. My life changed when I retired from teaching. Much as I loved teaching, what a glorious thing to do what you want to do when you want to do it. It’s truly lovely.
All of the retirees I talk to say the same thing. I can’t wait to join the ranks!
Good luck finding a new stylist…every time I find a good one, they move on. In retirement I’ve given up worrying about my hair. You final year before retirement will go quickly. I am grateful everyday that I have been able to retire. It is wonderful to live life without the stress that the work environment creates. You have much to look forward to!
Living a live without the stress that work causes is one of the things I’m looking most forward to. No more “Sunday night knot-in-the-stomach” feelings!
I’m with you there on the hair stylist. I know how hard that can be to find someone you like. You will.
Lots of changes for you on the horizon, but some very exciting ones too. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Hi Christine, nice to see you here again. Yes, there’are lots of exciting, and probably stressful, times of change coming. These are the kinds of change I can look forward to though.
Ah, yes, Linda, the grand and glorious countdown has begun. And while change always feels a little scary, there will be many exciting things in store…letting go of what you are to become what you want and need to be. And I totally understand about the hair stylist. You will be amazed how smoothly it will all work out eventually. I’m excited for you and enjoy your updates along the way!
Best wishes,
Kathy
You’ll love retirement! Changing practitioners is hard, isn’t it? Hairdressers… that’s the most difficult change!!!
We women have a complicated relationship with our hair stylists, don’t we?!
The countdown to freedom, an exciting new time with lots of new doors about to open. And the hairdresser – after years of losing mine, I’m still looking for a good one LOL
Hi Ryshia! Thanks for stopping by! And good luck with the hair stylist search. I feel your pain!
Dear Linda, when I moved here to Missouri after living in Minnesota for 36 years, three things gave me trouble: finding a primary physician who would take Medicare patients, learning where stores were and how to get to them, and getting on-line through a local company, The latter took me nearly a year of calls and visits from the company’s personnel.
I did find a physician; I learned the roads and the stores; and I’m “fine and dandy, like sugar candy” with regard to the internet! So all turned out well for me and I trust it will for you also. Peace.
“Find and dandy like sugar candy”. What a great phrase, Dee. Mind if I borrow it?
How exciting for you, Linda, less than a year to retirement! I get the anxiety about the hairstylist. Here’s hoping you’ll find someone that will give you a great new look for your new life ahead!
Now there’s a good thought, Karen. A new style for a new life. I’ll have to ponder that. 🙂
At least you don’t need to find a new husband. 🙂 Sorry I couldn’t resist being a little humorous. 🙂 Change is always a bit scary but kind of exciting too. I’m looking forward to watching that chain get smaller and smaller.
Well yes, that’s one thing I can be thankful for Grace! Thanks for making me smile today. 🙂