Where's the Story Today?

Brain cancer is...

...having trouble picking the story today.

Writing the blog has been a great lesson in thinking about the story of our life each day that we have the privilege of living it.  

Sometimes the blog just writes itself, the story is that clear.  Such is the case whenever any sort of bear is involved.  (Side question:  Team D., what's with you and how much you like the posts with bears?  Not judging, just wondering.)  

Other days, it's harder to find the story.  That's today.  

Maybe the story is the absolute honor of saying "cheers" with Gordon for breakfast weekly?  

We know that every one of us is longing to clink the glass of someone we miss.  Cheers, Gordon!  Thanks for showing up every week.

Or is the story having lunch with my mom at a new place in Pasadena, after she took the train in?

La Grande Orange Café at Del Mar Station?  Three thumbs up.

To LuAnn, who is always up for an adventure:  Cheers!

Or maybe the story is the ever-growing population of varied birds now congregating in the front yard?

From the safety behind our window screen, we ask, is there a reason they call it a murder of crows?

To our dear, dear neighbor who said something like, "All I wanted to do was feed one injured crow!":  Cheers!

Today's post seems to be a Choose Your Own Adventure.  To the story you choose:  Cheers!

"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.