I’m retired.  And I like it.  That doesn’t mean I don’t work though.

I volunteer with the Phoenix Chapter of the Project Management Institute where I am a credentialed Project Manager and the Director of Member Services.  I keep my hand in just to stay in touch with the business world and stay abreast of changes in Project Management.  Anyone who knows me understands how much being a Project Manager fits me.  All of that organization!

I also am a 4-H leader.  I spent until my 18th birthday in the 4-H when I was a kid.  It gave me all kinds of skills I use to this day.  I also enjoy showing kids how to do something so I have a club that does cooking, sewing, crafts and gardening.  They learn and have fun and I learn and have fun.

Another volunteer role is as a member of the Northern Gila County Fair board.  The fair is the 6 – 9th of September. Yep, just a few days away.  My week is going to be very busy.  I enjoy doing it because I love going to the fair.  The kids and farm families showing off their livestock, country women showing off their jam, jelly and baking skills, backyard gardeners sharing the exotic varieties of produce.  My husband is entering 3 pictures in the Photography Department this year.  All sorts of wonderful talent coming out from all over the county!

I do have a small paying job; I’m a GED test examiner for the Gila County Education folks.  Nothing tickles me more than people who have decided to go ahead and finally get their High School diploma.  It takes a lot of guts and the test is hard!  Don’t let anyone kid you.  My mom got her GED when my third brother (I have 4!) graduated High School.  We all joke that they graduated together.

But I’m retired, it’s not all work.  I go hiking, backpacking, I garden and do crafts.  First Friday is a time for my husband and I to join friends at the local art gallery, meeting other friends and looking at all of the fantastic artistic talent in town.

Of course, I spend a couple of hours a day writing, or at least engaging in some sort of writing business.  If anyone remembers Maslow, I’ve reached the self-actualization step in his hierarchy of needs.

So here is to everyone, enjoying their Labor Day weekend or who have to work.  May you all be able to reach your self-actualization goals
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