Heavens, it is May already. I have been quite busy this year. Huge changes in my life.

I have worked in aged care for 5 days a week for the last 12 years. I have been able to handle my poor old dears passing.away as it is a natural progression through life. But when my brother died last year after 10 years battling cancer. I felt as if I had hit a brick wall.

I decided to take 3 months long service leave to give me some time-out. Two days back at work I got up at night to to get a glass of water, not turning the light on, and I stubbed my toes on a chair I had moved earlier in the day. Next day I dropped into work to say I would not be able to work the rest of the week as my foot was so sore (my work involves a lot of standing). Next minute I am telling them I am retiring. Wow!

I don't know who got the most shock, it was totally unplanned.

I had the office workers coming from all directions saying you can't retire. All your clients would be so upset. The assistant manager suggested I get my foot x-rayed to determine if there was more than a sore toes and then make a decision.

The xrays showed I had fractures two toes, so I took 4 weeks sick leave. I hadn't changed my mind about retiring, the thought of returning to work made me anxious and unsettled. Then I found out if  I retired without taking the rest of my annual leave I would be taxed in the higher bracket. So, now, I am at the end of 3 weeks annual leave. Next week I go into the office to collect my papers and then I am finish.