Friday 16 August 2013

one door closes…….

This week saw the end of my 23 year career as a primary school teacher.  That’s nearly half my life!!!!  And although I haven’t been in the school for 2 1/2 years now after my knee replacement surgery, it did hit me like a brick wall, knowing that I’m now ‘unemployed’/ ‘retired’/ ‘resigned’ or all of the above!  You see, my surgery went well, but after many, many years of surgery on the one knee, there’s not a lot left in there……and the constant demands of a primary school teacher (no…….we don’t AND CAN’T just sit on a chair and teach!!!) would have worn the joint out far quicker than it should….the doctor had to sacrifice stability for flexibility when he inserted the joint, so although it’s the best it can be, and you wouldn’t know I had a problem if you saw me, it doesn’t cope well with constant use, swelling and causing pain like you wouldn’t believe!  So……retirement was my only option.  (photo used from http://rozkwalker.com/identifying-strengths) It’s sad, considering I started ‘teaching’ when I was about 4 years old……lining up the dollies on the floor in front of my chalkboard easel………I have done other jobs since then, but it’s been in my blood and heart for a very long time!!!!  But when you’re told by a specialist that the joint will wear out in a couple of years with all that added pressure and more surgery could lead to the loss of my leg (I have big scars that have killed off nerves and skin tissue so the skin could die), no ‘career’ is worth the risk. So, it was with sadness I resigned on Wednesday and closed the door on that chapter of my life…. BUT…. one door closes………another opens…….. and on Wednesday…… 002 (Medium) My very first ‘published’ design arrived on my doorstep in this magazine…….. 003 (Medium) So there’s no sadness….it’s onward and upward!  My skills as a teacher won’t go to waste…….more designing in magazines and in my Craftsy shop……..and who knows what else is in store!!!!!  All I can say is I’m excited to open that door and walk right on through …..can’t wait to see what’s in there!!! BDR Roses_thumb[7] Don’t forget it’s FNSI tonight….if you haven’t already signed up……you can sign up HERE.  And I forgot to mention in all my excitement……the prize!!!!  004 (Medium) My good friend Anthea over at Hibiscus Stitches has donated the four, gorgeous fat quarters for this month’s prize and I found the sweetest (hee hee hee…pardon the pun)  little notebook and clipboard to jot down all the plans you have for FNSI’s to come!!!  So make sure you’re signed up and ready to go…..I’m starting early today….got soooo much to do!!!! And just remember…..it’s Friday Night somewhere in the world *wink*, so you can join in whatever time/day it is….so long as you post about it by Sunday!   I’ll do the draw on Monday to take into account our participants overseas! Soooooo looking forward to it! Sugary hugs :o) xox my signature

26 comments:

Cheryll said...

I'll be there too! and congrats and welcome to retirement... you'll LoVe it! Better get your autograph before you become even MORE famous! lol :)

Anthea said...

Got my name on for FNSI - perfect weather here for it too - cold windy and rainy...
Wendy, I am so pleased for you, published in this great mag - I am sure this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. Your designs are sure to bring a lot of stitching & sewing pleasure to many people... WOO HOO FOR YOU!!! xo

Susan said...

A great positive attitude Wendy - good to see your first published pattern - clink glasses - hers's to many more!

Sunshine & Fabric said...

Beautiful post Wendy.
Great you could do all those years of teaching!
Congratulations on the pattern release. Well done.
Ready for FNSI....

Susan said...

Congratulations.....on your career as a teacher, and your enthusiasm for the future. Good luck designing.

Allie said...

Wendy....first, congratulations on your retirement, because retirement ALWAYS calls for that. *G* Even if you love your job. Second, congratulations on your very first published design! I love that design, my brother still has his pillow with it. I know it will be the first of many. And I must say that I think instead of a primary school teacher, I think you would make an awesome quilt teacher....even if you did it in videos, from home! Lots of love, my friend, and prayers for a very bright future for you!

Noela said...

I'm sure you are already filling the void of not teaching with your quilting. Congratulations on your published design. Hugs.......

cq4fun said...

I started some tonight and will finish tomorrow night. =) It's about half done and I love it!

How wonderful that you have your first published piece on the very day you quit teaching children. That's how I spent 28 years, K-6 grades, but the last half in K-3, which was always my love. I thought I would miss it much more than I have. I guess I was ready to have time for me and the things I want to do - many of which revolve around quilting!

You're going to need those teaching days for designing, stitching, and teaching grown ups!

Jeanette said...

Congrats on being published. No migraine(so far cross fingers) so i'll be here tonight. Hugs,xx

Marilyn said...

Hey, Sweetie, you have EXCITING times ahead. Cant wait to see what you get up to in the future, but it will be just right for you. The skills you gained in those 23 years will not be wasted, thats for sure. Here's to the brightest future anyone could imagine.
Big hugs xxx

debbie said...

Big Congratulations on being published! I have been off work nearly a year due to my health and my resignation will be any day now too, so I can relate. I have a long list of things planned for today and tonight to sew. xx debbie

Narelle said...

Congratulations on your new direction :o)

shez said...

enjoy your journey in life Wendy and congrats with getting in the mag,i fore see many more coming up in the future.xx

Fiona said...

A change is as good as a holiday... you will be busier now than ever... see you tonight and under no condition do I say redraw if my name is called out (of course that's not going to happen now I've said that!!!)
Hugz

Jennifer Reynolds said...

****SO**** proud of you!!!!
Love and hugs
Jen
xxxxxxxxxxxx

Sharmayne said...

Congrats on the publishing and enjoy this new chapter in your life! I've had a great time at FNSI! hugs Sharm

Charlie and Wendy said...

I hope you (and your knee!) enjoy and benefit from your retirement!! Congratulations on having a pattern published, it looks lovely. xx

Michelle Ridgway said...

A lovely positive post Wendy and I am so happy for this new door having been flung open wide....congrats and here's to much more to come xxx

Lin said...

Congratulations on getting into print Wendy and good luck with your new career! Enjoy. xx

Emily C said...

Congratulations!
Have you considered teaching older students?

Val Spiers said...

Wow, retirement is a big step. Clearly you had to take the option best for your knee. Great that you already have something on the go. I love your design in the magazine.

valspierssews@gmail.com

Maria said...

Enjoy your retirement Wendy and congratulations on your design publication.... Good luck with anything to do in the future

Sue B said...

A well earned retirement, and wow wow wow, a big heartfelt congratulations for being published.

Joy McD said...

All the best Wendy! Well done for being brave to go into a new area of life, and such a fun one too! xxx

Vicki said...

Congratulations Wendy. Life is exciting with lots of twists and turns. I hope your new designing career gives you a lot of satisfaction and happiness. How exciting to see your very first published pattern. Vicki

tich said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! You are an inspiration!! Despite having so many problems with your leg, you have not let it get you down and you have started a new career. You should be so proud of yourself!! Well done!
http://islandhamecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/