[Blessings2You]

and sobbing. I'd run screaming down the road, but those days are way over.

A month or so ago, with 14 months to go until retirement, I'd finally dug in my heels and resolved to do whatever I had to do to make it. Quit everything else. Go to bed at 7:00. Whatever. I think I can, I think I can.

Then...could it be?? Rumors of an "early out" opportunity! No monetary incentive, but the opportunity to be retired a few months early! Then confirmation! It's true! An answer to prayer!

But wait! It's not for Postmasters (me) but for other positions. *sigh* Serves me right for getting my hopes up.

Once again, make peace with the idea that I now have 13 months to go. Okay, I can do this thing. Don't think about "I wish" or "what if", just go to work and do my job, and I'll get there, one day at a time.

And then! And then! A few days ago, a rumor that, YES! There MIGHT be an early out available for me after all! An official request has been made to the Office of Personnel Management to offer an early out to Postmasters!! Woo hoo! It might happen!

But read the fine print. It "might" happen. Over the next couple of years. No promises. Balloon popped.

I feel like a big fat ping pong ball. It's easy to say "Don't get your hopes up", but you know what? It's easy to say.