I felt very eager to begin the first of my retirement projects, the "online coffee table book" on under-represented regions of Minnesota, and I was looking forward to a field trip to northwestern Minnesota, where I would see and photograph the headwaters of the Mississippi River for the first time. However, heavy snows across Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, precluded such a junket until later in the spring. Instead, after finishing the day's snow shoveling, I began to organize papers and online files, with a view to creating some order and sequencing projects.
I found myself longing for the predictability of a work routine, even as I enjoyed the freedom of being outdoors for several hours a day and the opportunity to capture some good shots of Minnesota wildlife right here in St. Paul and Minneapolis. One afternoon, I went with Bob on a business call to Cretin Derham Hall High School, one of his customers. The familiar, reassuring ambience of a school made me long for some kind of job there. I learned that "they're always looking for staff in the media center". I'm not even sure what a media center is -- a library, perhaps? However, it has to be full of devices (desktops, laptops, printers, audio-visual apparatus) that would be familiar to me.
I'm not going to rush to a part-tine job, but it was good to know that I might find a few hours of "meaningful work" some time next fall.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Snow Daze
It's almost shocking to wake up in the morning, knowing that I don't have to go to work. Fortunately, for 5 of my first 10 days I had plenty of work to do, with a number of major spring snowstorms that dumped over 17 inches of snow on the Twin Cities. The first day I was thrilled to have physical work to occupy my body and mind; by Wednesday, April 24 -- our last snow day till next season, I think -- the thrill had receded and I trudged through clearing the deck and sidewalks. Bob did the blowing (not an easy task with thick, wet, heavy spring snow) and I shoveled. Tons of snow.
Today we should see our first temps above 60 since November 10.
The Decision
Email to co-workers at the Department of Commerce (Friday, April 5, 2013):
It’s hard to believe that 40+ years in the workforce have flown by, 23 of them with the State of Minnesota, where I began as a “session only” legislative staffer in 1990. I’ve had the privilege of working in several agencies but have spent more than half my state career at either the Department of Commerce or the Public Utilities Commission. I’ve participated in a number of challenging projects and initiatives over the years, and have especially enjoyed this last assignment with MNIT at Commerce. I’m going to miss the daily challenges and, even more, the colleagues who’ve become friends.
I’m looking forward to indulging my love of the outdoors and pursuing some of the interests that require time I haven’t had until now. One of my first projects will integrate my love of Minnesota, writing, photography, technology and social media tools. The idea is an “online coffee table book”, with photos and some text, on Minnesota’s varied topographical regions, particularly those I consider to be under-represented. My own collection of photos is heavy on the Brainerd area lakes, Lake Superior and the Twin Cities, so my husband and I are planning excursions that will include the headwaters of the Mississippi River this spring and southern Minnesota late in the summer.
I’m very proud of my years of state employment, enriched by your support, example of public service and, above all, your friendship. At my request, there will be no retirement party, but I hope to visit with some of you before I leave, and am grateful to live in an era that allows us to stay in touch.
Thanks, everyone, for many happy memories.
Catherine
Cell 763-807-4395
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