"How many haters does it take to change a light bulb? None. They fear change, even if it can make the world a brighter place." ~ Unknown In what way are you embracing or resisting change?

Well, rather than answering either "a" or "b" to this question, I would like to answer "c" -- all of the above. In this phase of my life, heading down the road toward retirement, I'm both avoiding and embracing change, whichever suits my present needs best.

For example, in my job situation I find myself avoiding change and simply waiting it out. Even though I'm frustrated and unhappy much of the time with my present situation, the thought of "learning new tricks" at this stage of the game just doesn't appeal to me. Change seems like more trouble than its worth. I'm constantly telling myself, "You can hang on for just a couple more years."

On the other hand, I've consciously been making many changes in my personal life. I've planned more activities, trying to find common ground with my husband and striving for more feelings of togetherness. This change first started a year ago when we took ballroom dance lessons together in preparation for Michelle's wedding. Rich has never been interested in dancing, but he admitted he didn't want to look like a klutz at his daughter's reception. To my delight, he thoroughly enjoyed the lessons. Someday we will start them up again. I initiated entering a motorcycle poker run which culminated at The Big House in Macon, the former home and now museum for the Allman Brothers Band. I plannted a trip to Charleston for our 25th wedding anniversary, and a trip to Gulfport/Biloxi to visit Brianna and Ryan and attend the Cruisin' the Coast car show. Those turned out to be fun activities for both of us. On my way back from the Bike Fest in Columbus, GA last weekend, I noticed a directional sign pointing toward a covered bridge that I never knew about before. I've suggested a motorcycle ride to check it out.

My barometer for judging the success of these endeavors has been in the reactions of others. Rich himself has mentioned that we've done a lot of things together lately and he's been having more fun. Other interested third parties (my mom, our kids, friends and co-workers) have observed that we've been busy doing fun things and we seem "more together." I'm heartened to see the improvements these changes have brought to our relationship. When one of my co-workers/Facebook friends (she's a lady a couple years older than I) came into work the other morning, she said, "I want to be Sharon when I grow up!" We all laughed and I had to smile. Life has been pretty good lately!