Wasn't sure if I was actually going to make it.  Long year.  I often wondered what the hell I was doing with this self-imposed obligation--with what seemed like little point--but I also couldn't just quit.  Started with lofty goals and ended up just trying to get something on paper. So I squeezed the drawings in around a very busy life and made myself just a little more crazy. And now I am done. I will be doing some debriefing when I have a little more time but for now: Yahoo!

I have been madly trying to finish the project while trying to pack up to move.  Today I am lucky to have gotten this last batch drawn and posted.  Most of my art stuff is packed.  My photo lights and tripod are packed so the the pictures for this week are a weird color and blurry--but done!  One more to go...

I did finish "59" on my 60th birthday--just in time to start "60".

This has been a crazy year between retiring, turning 60 and moving out of the home I have lived in for 20 years--not to mention that the new house is three and a half hours away from my kids and grand kids and dearest friend. But it is such a beautiful and peaceful place. A new chapter for sure.

December!  Just a few more weeks and I will actually complete this project.  Should be easy to find things to draw as I pack to move. We have been up north the past five days roughing it without any internet--not to mention sleeping on an inflatable bed.  The satellite guy showed up yesterday and got us hooked up with the caveat that service may be spotty out there in the boonies.  Oh well...the price of privacy.  

Tossing, boxing, cleaning up...getting ready to move.  Exciting and a little daunting--cleaning out the house after 20 years.  But our new home has lots of space and no neighbors visible from the property.  Mt. Shasta in the front yard means an incredible view! 

Thought I would have more time for the drawings after I retired but I am still so busy. I am grabbing the sharpie more often.  Just 5 more weeks...

I am starting to lose track of what day of the week it is.  I totally forgot that yesterday was Sunday and did not post my drawings for the week.  I am loving retirement...

All of the items this week came out of my office.  It feels a little weird...UCD has been a huge part of my life for the past 27 years.  I am very happy to not have to go there tomorrow but still...weird...

Finally made it!  I never have to go to work again.  Now I can stay home and play at being an artist full time...and UCD will still send me a check. Cool.

But...another week and another month.  Three quarters of the way through the year!  And three more weeks of work...

September is here and I have changed the picture on my pain face/retirement advent calendar.  I started the calendar in January, changing the image every couple of months as the count down continued.  The calendar is hanging on the wall in my kitchen. At this point I am starting to see the smile as I have only about 7 weeks left of work!  It will be quite an adjustment after 27 years with UC Davis.  Just hurts a little bit...

Half way through both the project and the last year of work!  While it feels like I am slogging through on a daily basis it does seem like the first half of the year has flown by.  The project has become part of life.  Habit is a powerful force.  Doing the drawings is now just another item on the "to do" list and I am constantly looking for things that I can draw and toss.  I am hoping that when I have finished this project I can redirect the strength of the habit towards actually doing art work--the work that I have been neglecting while I am drawing and tossing.