On the way out

[rthstewart]

No, don't panic (if you're still here and reading) not out, out as in dead. but on Tumblr someone commented, essentially, whoa, rthstewart is retiring? I didn't know she was that old. Yep. I'm old. Yep, I'm retiring 12/31/26 and will return to fic and chasing wolves and bears in American national parks. I am reminded of the Bujold quote, "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards". None of those really apply. In my field, reputation probably matters more than honor and if I don't stop soon, I won't outlive the bastards.

I admit the last year or so has been way too uncomfortable health-wise -- heart, blood sugar and pre-diabetes neuropathy, sudden hearing, blood pressure, bone loss, cognitive decline, and severe bone fracture risk, GERD so severe we're looking at surgery.

And of course, the insane Trump Administration has been doing everything it can to kill of us even quicker and, unfortunately, given work, I've had to work on and catalog and help clients deal with every miserable food and drug policy and regulatory matter they've released. So I can't just, you know, stop reading political news.

The many many many docs I've seen are unequivocal that "psycho-social factors" are causing most of my ailments and funny but when I took off time between Christmas and New Years, I was able to sleep better, exercise more, plan better meals, and reduce my symptom-related meds. Though there's still no explanation other than random virus for the sudden near total loss of hearing in one ear, other than establishing after many rounds that it's not a brain tumor.

Once you reach a certain age, I think we'd like to think there will be parties, balloons, and celebration of a 40+ year career. That there will be some sort of capstone. But, that doesn't seem to be the reality. We did reach a milestone in November 2025 after 13 years of regulatory and policy development involving pharmaceutical security. Final implementation achieved and prescription drugs continued to move to patients and law enforcement has found a new tool in keeping people safe from counterfeit drugs. I had no small part in that and, unsung, unacknowledged, but satisfying.

So that's all the news here.

In other news, I realized I never shared a particular highlight. I finally made it to Normandy! It was magical. I'll post some pics of my time (2 DAYS) at Pegasus Bridge, Bénouville.

Here are two pics of the doggos! Kili and my Christmas present, Big Book of Bread, which is fabulous


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And Kili and Komo at Christmas

Comments

[senmut]

Hey, congrats on an end goal in sight!

[rthstewart]

Thank you!

[brokenallbroken]

Congratulations! I think we're all feeling the health impacts of psycho-social factors, so I'm glad you will get to reduce yours. Hang in there!

[rthstewart]

I was doing so well over the Christmas hols. And now, ugh. What a week, and it's only Monday.

[brokenallbroken]

It was quite a year last week. Sorry to hear this week isn't getting any better for you.

[petra]

Wishing you the fortitude it will take to endure, and the joy of knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[rthstewart]

Thank you so much, friend.

[oracne]

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement!!!

[rthstewart]

goddess yes, cannot wait. it's going to be a long year.

[adaeze]

Sorry to hear about the health issues, but best of wishes for impending retirement.

[rthstewart]

yes, the hols were very good for regular diet, sleep and exercise. Back into and the wheels are coming off the bus and I'm back to the super heavy duty meds for one thing that significantly worsen the risk associated with another thing. Blergh.

[yalumesse]

Congratulations! You deserve a peaceful rest and the ability to fully block bad news. Can't come soon enough :)

[rthstewart]

The news, Yalu, is just always terrible. I want to not have to engage with it for a bit.

[yalumesse]

Over the XMas break I blocked and turned off everything, preemptively told everyone I didn't want to hear a scrap of news, and it made a gigantic difference to my mental peace. Then I got back to work and really noticed the difference.

Point is, I can't wait for you to not have to deal with it <3

[rthstewart]

Yes. This so much. Good for you!

[watersword]

I'm so happy you are going to be getting your life back! And hopefully your health! PLEASE outlive the bastards.

[rthstewart]

It's just.... really hard. Now that I'm back at work full throttle, I have had to take more of one drug because the symptoms are so bad but that drug is significantly worsening my bone fracture risk and the neurologist thinks it's responsible for my cognitive decline. Or maybe that's just the "pyscho-social issues." It's all just very unpleasant.

[watersword]

I'm so sorry, that really sucks. Please feel free to vent here, so we can cheer you on -- I wish your retirement date were tomorrow! ♥

[grey_wonderer]

Your dogs are adorable! I was offered early retirement this past year and was actually afraid to take it. With everything going on I honestly didn’t think my finances could withstand my retiring. At this point in time, I plan to work until I die.

[rthstewart]

THAT is miserable. My spousal unit is already retired and two other colleagues are making for the exits this year too. Our manager nearly started crying at the executive meeting today. I'm so sorry that you feel like you can't yet get a break. I hope that changes.

[beatrice_otter]

Congratulations on reaching that age, and yeah, take care of yourself.

[rthstewart]

thank you!

[pru]

to someone else who I know loves stories from WWII, I recommend Operation Mincemeat the musical, but I especially recommend the song 'Useful'. all of it, but every day, I think "I imagined the medals they'd give me, when this was all through.."

congratulations, hope the year passes v swiftly for you.

[rthstewart]

Pru, I keep thinking, Operation Mincemeat? A musical? What? But yes, no medals, but if there were, I'd rather not have them pinned on my corpse. Unlike the poor man washed up the shores of Spain.

[pru]

And yet!

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/magazine/operation-mincemeat-obsession-broadway.html?unlocked_article_code=1.EFA.sp12.F6t7xLR0DwE8&smid=url-share

They do a good job honoring Glyndwr Michael.

[generalleia]

CONGRATS! Oh how marvelous for you!

And awwwww Kili <3