Last week I travelled to Dallas, Texas for my last-ever North American Lab Managers meeting. Over the past 14 years I have been able to travel to places like California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Minnesota, New York and Maine to meet up with my fellow lab managers to discuss various topics related to our jobs testing milk for the purpose of dairy herd improvement.
The usual suspects appear at these meetings year-after-year and you get to know and respect them soon enough and look forward to catching up with them at this annual conference. So this last meeting was bittersweet, for me.
I was pleased to hear from so many of my colleagues that I will be missed. A couple of my partners-in-crime at this meeting have promised to drop in on me at my new home on Vancouver Island. I may wake up one day to find an RV full of these rascals parked in my driveway. Which would be way cool, as they are a fun bunch, and we had a lotta laughs after the first day’s very full agenda of speakers and discussions, when we headed to the hotel bar to kick back and shoot the you-know-what. 😉
The second day of this 2-day conference is always a tour day. I didn’t know where we were going until the day before, so had low to no expectations as to what we were going to be treated to. The agenda said we would first tour a Federal Milk Marketing Order lab (always cool to see someone else’s facility), then after lunch we would visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and then the Fort Worth Stockyards before having dinner in Fort Worth. (George W. Bush was not exactly my favourite American president and I had no idea what we would see at the stockyards so my expectations remained low.)
I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed at the quality of exhibits at this museum, and I would encourage anyone visiting the Dallas area to take the time to visit. (I didn’t have time to check out the library portion so can’t comment on that.)
There was of course a large part of the museum dedicated to 9/11 artifacts, as this occurred during Dubya’s presidency. It was very moving to see this, especially as we visited on September 10 – one day before the 18th anniversary of this horrific day.
There were many exhibits (including short videos) on the Bush presidency – all aspects of their lives and the initiatives undertaken by the Bushes – as well as a recreation of the Oval Office, as it existed during that time.
Like I said earlier, I was not a fan of Dubya. Although after seeing the projects he and Mrs. Bush championed during his terms, and contrasting and comparing that to who is in charge now, I’ve decided he wasn’t really all that bad. In fact, he seems like a bit of a moral and mental giant to me now, considering…a-hem! 😉
An American I was with at the time said much the same to me as we walked through the halls of the museum. Said he’d like to shake Bush’s hand NOW as he didn’t realize at the time how much worse things could get. See, all you need to be remembered kindly is to have someone come later who’s a complete villain/moron.
Gosh, part of me very selfishly hopes the next lab manager makes people remember me fondly too! 😉
After seeing these artifacts, and an exhibit across the hall on presidential retreats (also hella interesting – so interesting I forgot to take pics, sorry!), it was “Back on the bus, people!” to get to the Fort Worth stockyards just in time for a CATTLE DRIVE!
I flew home on September 11. Didn’t notice any heightened security or anything like that, and at the airports it was just another day. As it should be.
Then on September 12 – the day I had been eagerly anticipating for weeks – I went to Thrive Studios to meet with Angela McDonald to get a major piece inked onto my forearm. My first large black and grey tattoo!
This piece has multiple meanings for me. One is that is symbolizes my future, surrounded by the ocean on Vancouver Island.
The other, larger meaning is that it is in honour of my mother (mostly) and representative of my family. My mother (the mermaid) loved the water, loved to swim, was a lifeguard, taught water aerobics and supervised a therapy pool at a retirement home before she retired. My dad (the damaged anchor) was also in love with the sea and worked for a bit for the Dutch Merchant Marine as a young man. He would have kept with it, but the papers came through for immigration to Canada soon after joining, so that ended that dream for him. The cracks in the anchor speak to the demons that plagued him (and that the family bore the brunt of), especially as he got older. The three little fish are me and my two sisters. When I mentioned to my daughter the tattoo she reminded me that this was initially her idea for a tattoo many years ago, minus the cracks in the anchor and the little sister fishies. I had forgotten about this and obviously had stolen (unknowingly) her idea. Sorry, kiddo!
Speaking of stealing others’ good ideas – just before I left for Dallas, I received an order from Vistaprint of “business” cards, for handing out to friends and such once I am retired. (Really, what do you call these damn things when you aren’t working anymore??? They need a better name than business cards!)
I know of several retired people who have gotten cards done for this purpose, and I was especially inspired by Janis of Retirementally Challenged, who designed a beautiful card with a quote on it! So once again I stole (knowingly, this time). Behold:
I’m back to “normal life” for the next couple of weeks until Joanne and I hit the road for a weekend adventure. Sixteen weeks left at my work. Time is flying now.
And how are you all making out as we head into Autumn? Do tell!
Rock on,
The WB
Wow that tattoo has a story. It’s not a “I like margaritas” tattoo! It’s good that your work “lasts” are going so well. Slipping out on a high note is best!
Thank you Kate! My tattoos must have deep meaning for me. Obviously, since I only get them sober 😜
🙂 Trust me it’s better that way!
That’s a nice tattoo and how good is it that you found a design that matches your story. I like your “business” cards, too. You’re on your way to a wonderful phase of life.
Thanks Natalie! I didn’t find the design though – I sketched out my idea for the artist on a piece of paper and she transformed it into something much more beautiful.
Wow, that’s a very cool collaboration.
Love the tattoo and the story to go with it! Ironically, I just bought some mucha tarot cards….I had a reading for the first time last weekend with this deck…I loved it so much, I want to learn more about it!
I bought a Mucha deck too, Pam. And then I was gifted another, different Mucha deck. A gal can’t have enough Mucha, I say! 😁Thanks Pam 💕
I agree – Love the Mucha! I can’t wait to start digging into the cards a little more. They are beautiful and love all of the symbolism associated with them – much like your tattoo 💜😎 🧜♀️
I suspected there was a story behind the mermaid and that eventually I would get to hear it. I love the symbolism. Both you and your daughter have talent 🙂
Looking forward to our road trip. It’s been waaaaaay too long!!!
Thank you Joanne! 💕 All this emailing about next summer and now our little adventure coming up fast…bring it on, I say!
Me too {barely containing my excitement!}
Texas is such an interesting place place to visit. I, too, have warmed up to Busy over the years.
Business cards were called Calling Cards before they morphed into business cards.
Your tattoo is very much inrtestind, Deb.
Calling cards! Perfect. Thanks, Jean 💕
Hi, Deb – Your tattoo is absolutely stunning…with such an incredible story behind it.
I look forward to seeing you soon. Time is truly flying!
Thank you Donna 💕 Yes, I’ll be seeing you again before we know it!
I’ve been to a few presidential libraries myself (Nixon & Reagan). They were both very interesting, with great exhibits. I liked Nixon’s the best. It was very frank and candid about Watergate. Unlike Reagan’s, which made no mention of his infamous Iran-Contra scandal.
Like you, I thought W was a lousy president, until Mr. Orange came along. How I now miss the good ol’ days of the W administration. I’d love to see his library, and I think the 9/11 exhibits would be sobering to see.
Only 16 weeks, eh? Do you have a countdown calendar?
Thanks TG, for the comment. I would definitely make a point to check out other presidential libraries after this experience.
My countdown calendar only exists in my head, at this point.
Enjoy your retirement!
Thank you Sheree!
It looks like you had a full/fun week in Texas. I’m a big fan of presidential libraries and have seen some great ones. Both Bush libraries are very nice. I’m a transplanted Texan, going on 9 years. I’ve got to tell you, it wasn’t until you know what/who that I came to realize what a really good person W was, even though I didn’t like some of his policies/decisions. By the time he passed, I’d become one of those people that stood watching for the 42 Train to come rolling through town. It would be so great to have some class back in the White House.
I really do love your new tattoo and it was nice to see a little bit about your working side….soon to be over!
Thank you Tracey💕 I don’t talk much about work on ye olde blogge because I don’t want to get “dooced” because of some commentary I make about work. But I suppose that will change come next year 😜
Hi Deb,
Not a tattoo girl myself, but I admire the gumption and meaning behind your newest.
And, with retirement in your sights, you are going to begin having a lot of “lasts.” Enjoy them, though they are bittersweet. Focus on the new adventure; try not to look in the rearview mirror.
Yes, “W” looks a lot better now in comparison…think he was pretty thoughtful overall, regardless of whether you agree with his politics. But I used to cringe every time he tried to speak intelligently.
Thank you Nancy 💕 There was a cute video at the library about Bush Jr’s funny side. He certainly was able to poke fun at himself – which I admire in a person. Something the current President seems way too insecure to ever do.
I LOVE your tat and those cards. I follow you on Instagram so I always feel like I need to double check if I read and commented and where! 😀 – Those final countdowns always give me butterflies in my stomach. Your vision is clear but letting go is sometimes scary. 🙂 I can’t wait to read about all of your retired shenanigans! You have so much fun and it’s a joy to see and read about.
Thank you Mimi💕 I’ve had many years of my life that were not fun at all so I work consciously toward (and gratefully acknowledge) all the fun I am having now. I’m glad it brings you joy. That doubles the joy I make sure to find in each Badass day! 😁
Neat tattoo Deb. Retirement is something to enjoy and I’m sure you will. Do you paint?
Leslie
Thanks Leslie💕 I do love to play with art supplies and hope to do a lot more of this in retirement.
You’ll love it….
Yep, GW never looked so good. We used to live in Fort Worth and always took visitors to the so-called “Cattle Drive.” We renamed it, “The Cattle Meander.”
😆 Meander is so right! But can you blame them? It was 100F that day. I was meandering myself, in that heat. Thanks Donna!💕
I’ve been to the Dallas Art Museum and, like you, was pleasantly surprised by how interesting it was. When in Dallas I missed all the President Bush stuff, though. I like your business cards. I have some for my blog, but I’m about out of them so maybe I’ll shift to having a card for me. Just me, who writes the blog. Your tattoo is something amazing. Meaningful and unique. What could be better?
Agreed, Ally – what could be better? Thank you 💕
There was a billboard off I95 in Florida with a picture of GW and a caption, ‘ miss me yet?’ for years. I can imagine his library was interesting, he faced a lot of challenges early on. For all his faults,he and Laura were a class act (still are) and I miss that. Can’t quite picture the Widow Badass with a calling card, so we have to come up with something more appropriate. Thanks for sharing the story behind the tat. Very nice.
Hah! I’d love to have seen that billboard. Calling card sounds very Emily Post, doesn’t it? Yeah, not me. Let’s think of another name, shall we? Like Crime Scene Evidence. Has a nice ring to it 😜 Thanks Suzanne 💕
I remember the feelings I had as I experienced all my “lasts” in my countdown to retirement. Definitely bittersweet.
I have visited one presidential library (Truman’s) and really enjoyed it – much more than I thought I would. I’m sure I’d have a similar reaction to W’s that you did. I never thought I’d look back at his presidency with fond nostalgia.
Your cards (thanks for the shoutout) and tattoo are beautiful! I have no desire to get a tattoo but I’m sure having one that is so meaningful was worth the pain.
Thank you Janis💕 And thanks again for providing me with the inspiration for my own whatever-you-call-it, non-business card!
Cool tat. In 2 hrs. Wow! Thats impressive.
Yup. 2 hours of steadily increasing pain as Angela kept going back over already tender areas 😫😜💪
What a gorgeous tattoo with so much history to it.
I am sure you are looking forward to ‘retirement’ and totally agree it is a time when life begins, at least in a totally different format. New opportunities, new adventures… Life starts all over again: it is very exciting. I can’t wait for the day I can hang up my teaching boots and have that unlimited freedom, although I will miss the fun of the classroom…
Lieve
Thank you Lieve💕 Starting a new adventure is often bittersweet I find. Exciting beginnings and grieving a bit what will be left behind.
I love your tattoo. Very nice, Deb.
Thank you GW💕
I don’t think I will be able to retire. I always joke that I will be working right up until the afternoon I drop dead. Well, it’s not really funny cause it’s true. LOL
It’s not for everyone, GW. I am aware that I am highly privileged to be able to choose retirement at all, let alone at 60.
I have to be honest, it kind of freaks me out that I won’t be able to.
Sorry to hear that 😞
Such is life, I guess.
I had no idea “milk inspectors” could be interesting — you know like real people. But I must confess, my prejudice makes me believe you have little to fear if the “rascals” show up at your door in Vancouver. What are they going to do, leave a gallon of sour shit, ring the bell and run?
Badass tattoo, and an excellent story behind it.
In retirement, maybe you can just call it your “personal card” or “your card.”
Bwahahaha! You crack me up Kieran 😆 Never has anyone referred to me as a milk inspector. I don’t inspect milk but I do test it, and report back to the customer (the farmer). I have it on good authority that at least a couple of people alive think I am interesting 😉.
“Here’s my personal card”
“Here’s my card”
These work.
Yup, as usual I was overthinking things. KISS principle rules the day yet again. Thanks! 😁
Also, party with a bunch of scientists if you (dare) want to go hardcore 🤘👩🔬👨🏻🔬🤘
While I’m not a tattoo person myself, I love the symbolism you’ve entwined into yours. And it’s beautiful also. I hadn’t considered a quote on a calling car – neat idea. Someone suggested to me to have both of our addresses on one (each side) but I could not find a good VistaPrint template for that. I do have cards for my blog as people often ask me what it’s called… and it’s easy to hand them a card to remember it & hopefully check it out!
I do recall how bittersweet some of those “lasts” were…and mine were only 3 months of time (from knowing I was getting an early retirement to going out the door). I created a scrap-book of all the notes I received from folks – many sent them to say goodbye … it helped when some of the early retirement lows happened (the who am I now moments). Just a thought for you. 🙂
Thank you Pat 💕
I’ve been getting some nice emails and having some lovely conversations with people since announcing my departure. If everyone shows up on Vancouver Island who has promised to, I think I’ll need to open a guest house 🤣.
The scrap book idea is a lovely one although I don’t think I will have any early retirement lows, my situation being different from yours. I think the lows I could experience would be more related to moving to a new place, so far from everything and every one I now know. I’ve been thinking a lot about that one and I’m going to put those thoughts on ye olde blogge at some point…
Love the ink!
Thank you CG 💕
The term “Lab Manager” conjured up all sorts of images. Thanks for the explanation, Deb. No words for the steel beams photo. Sad. Impressive tattoo. Intricate and poetic details. Nothing wrong with Mother/Daughter tattoos. Thanks for sharing:)
Well, I wonder how the real deal will compare to the images when we meet, Erica 😜. Thanks! 💕