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Edging nearer retirement but still enjoying the work and contact that the job brings!
Lots of interests outside work, mainly involving sport of various types but particularly swimming and cycling, both of which are going slower despite my best efforts. Cooking and travel are both fulfilling. Trying to go slowly through new places to understand them better is one of my priorities if time will allow. So much still to explore and learn, great.
The genetic competitive streak is in full flow, particularly with cycling but able to give a decent show at squash, running and skiing amongst other sports. As well as work at the practice I am a part time lecturer at Liverpool University, hopefully helping to keep the next generation of orthoptists coming through. Sport, books, sport, socialising, sport, cinema, sport seems to be a fairly accurate summing up.
Still hands on and helping but hoping to have more free time over the next few years. Yoga, squash and cycling seems to take more time to recover from now but still enjoyed. Trying to keep up with our daughter’s itinerant lifestyle gives us lots of travel and new experiences and doesn’t look to be slowing down, unlike us!
Tony talking about optics so much, with Andrew (our son) doing the same since he qualified as an optometrist it seemed I may as well join in. It’s a real change from my previous work life at Salford council, different challenges but the opportunity be part of a small team moving things forward is great. Trying not to just talk work at home takes some control but cooking and baking helps me distance things, as well as walking our dog Ronan whilst putting up with Tony’s infatuation with sport.
Pilates, running and gym keeps me fit enough to spend time walking my lovely dog Ruby. As a big dog lover along with Gaynor, I make sure there are plenty of treats in the practice for all our canine visitors who love to come in with their owners.
Man City are making me smile so much more now which is great and a welcome change to a near lifetime of frustration. Away from work still swimming and keeping in touch with my old GB team mates. I am managing to run a few times a week, but I’m not sure another marathon is on. Reading crime books and eating Janet’s cooking fills most of the spare time after City has been watched at every opportunity.
Feel as if part of the furniture now after working here over 20 years. My girls are growing up so quickly and the free time that I look forward to never seems to arrive, holidays seem even more of an escape than before. Spending time with friends and family are really special.