"I Demand a Date!"

Brain cancer is...

 ...so demanding!

Despite the fact that we went out for five meals in a row and that we had a very enjoyable morning in the company of Kim N., Darrell demanded a date for lunch today.  (He's a little spoiled.)  Above you see that it is just easiest if I say yes when he gets like this.

Fortunately Darrell is easily placated.

I'm not sure if it's the bacon wrapped filet or the bears, but I'm glad he's happy.

May all of your demands be met today.

"Click Here to Sign."

Brain cancer is...

...not the only retired Guillaume.

Maybe you recall the day, about two years ago, that Darrell retired?  (If not, click here for the post.) Today Andi hit "click here to sign." My official retirement date is 8/17/18.  I will participate in the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP), whereby I am allowed to work up to half time for up to five years before exiting, stage left.  My current plan is to teach one semester each year, for as long as it's fun.

First the Hard Stuff

People want to know how I feel about this decision.  First I cried.  (Andi crying? Weird! Not.)  I love my profession.  I love my students.  I love my colleagues.  I love CSUF.  

And then I stopped crying.  

Darrell and I feel like GBM forced our hand.  He maybe would have chosen a different retirement date.  Maybe so would I.  But given the awesome [except for brain cancer] two-plus years we've had together post diagnosis, we know that retirement is a good thing.  We play the hand we're dealt.  We are not our work.  Life is short.  

Now the Great Stuff

As I say, I will continue to participate in the profession of teacher education as long as it's the right thing to do.  I am working some now, and I'll work fulltime in fall 2018.  (Side note:  Darrell and I are so happy that we have options.  Please, Next Generation, arrange your lives so that you have options.)

Today--starting yesterday-- is a perfect example of why I am far too busy to continue, unretired.

• I awoke to the oft heard words:  "Thanks for making my life interesting."  Darrell was drowning wine bottles in the bathtub:

(Inquiring minds want to know:  Yes, the Mayfields were involved [thanks Christine!].  No, it wasn't happy hour.  Yes [I swear!] the bottles were empty when they came to us.)

• I ran five miles, including hills.

• We had our wonderful regular date with Melanie and Gail.  Geez!  Bottomless mimosas on Tuesday at Grits are real!
• I had my fifth meal in a row out:  1.  Yesterday's birthday breakfast with Hallie and Ruth.  2.  Yesterday's lunch with K and Little K.  3.  Last night's dinner date for two at Fratellinos.  4.  Today's breakfast at Grits.  Geez!  I forgot the pics for 1-4!  5.  Lunch today at Islands.  Yuss...Finally a pic!

So that's that.  For the first time ever, Darrell kisses a woman who is a breath away from retirement:

Selfie kiss for the future, Team D!  Click here to sign. 

Cruise Shoes

Brain cancer is...

 ...sooo on top of the cruise shopping!

Darrell picked out these stylish and comfy Rockport loafers for his suit.  Yes, I will paint my toenails.  But about his socks:  Do you want to tell him, or shall I?

Darrell also took his suit pants in for alteration today.  Moving and shaking!

Happy Monday!

ZZ Top Was Right.

Brain cancer is...

 ...ready for the formal night on the Alaskan cruise.

Yes, ZZ Top, in my case, Every girl crazy for a sharp dressed man.

Maybe he'll change out the hat, shirt, and shoes.  Maybe he won't.  He had me at the suit.

Squirrel Whispering

Brain cancer is...

  ...very popular with the squirrels at Yorba Regional Park.

As is the case each time we visit Yorba Regional Park (click here if you like), the squirrels ran up to Darrell today during our walk.  They probably recognize him from the blog.

It was a gorgeous day, and we got lots done.

We hope your Saturday was gorgeous too!

Q: What's Better than a Photo of Darrell Looking Dashing at His Wedding?

A:  A photo of Darrell getting fitted for the wedding of his younger son.* 

Brain cancer is...

2018

 ...looking pretty fly.

*Just to emphasize the point:

Darrell looked dashing at his own wedding...

1984

...at his older son's wedding...

2014

...and now preparing for his younger son's wedding...

2018

It's hard to be Darrell.  Good thing he's up for the challenge; it's so much better than the alternative.

Happy Weddings.  Happy June.  Happy Friday.

"Six Crunchy Tacos and a Large Iced Tea, Please."

Brain cancer is...

...winning everyday victories.

Everyone works.  I'm doing some curriculum development for my department, so Darrell worked hard on home projects like getting the car smogged.  (Yes, Christine, I know you'll be considering this information as a re-opener in upcoming talks.)

Darrell came home with Del Taco for lunch.  Everyday victory:  He went through the drive through. He made himself understood via that speaker, which I surmise none of us holds as an "easy exercise in clear communication" activity.

It's the first time Darrell's taken the drive through solo, and it strikes me as a very brave thing to do. 

Thanks, Darrell, for continuing to try things that seemed impossible for us a couple years ago.

(No pressure on the rest of us, right Team D?)