Today I met up with some old work friends (now retired) for lunch at Skates on the Bay in Berkeley. They talked about how wonderful it is to no longer go to work and to be able to sleep in. Although they admit sometimes, they forget what day it is. My former boss says she is amazed at how she was able to hold down a forty-hour work week while being in charge of a division of people. She can’t believe that in the 1980s, while having two young kids, she managed to dress up in pantyhose and heels and was at her desk by 9:00am.
It’s amazing what we can do when we have to, especially when we’re younger.
I can certainly feel myself looking forward to not having to work full time anymore. Part time might be alright. I would like to think that I would be able to keep myself busy with creative interests. Although sometimes I do crave structure. Not too much though- that can kill the creative spirit. I think I need to get better at setting creative goals though. I know I want to get more specific on my genealogy research and then travel to all the places my ancestors lived. Some locations are within the city I live in, and some locations will take me out of the country. #bucketlist
Speaking of specificity with my genealogy research, tonight I focused on a descendant of my Great Great Grandpa Jeremiah’s sister, Kate Connolly. Eleanor Sullivan was her granddaughter and lived in Oakland for most of her life.
2nd Cousin, 2x Removed
I chose to focus on Eleanor because I had enough information about her in a letter my Grandma Gerry wrote.
“Eleanor was born with only one hand. She was a very accomplished graduate from Cal, was in Social Services, and did more than most two-handed people, including raising a family and playing the piano. She married Estie Vanek.”
I was able to confirm her information with the online records I found. I also find that some other peoples’ family trees on Ancestry.com are not terribly accurate. It’s like they are guessing. I try not to do that. I have “receipts” for most of my choices, thanks to Grandma Gerry and Great Grandma Katie.
Sunday, February 16, 2025:
Theresa Donahoe 