My Last Day

Well, I'm just finishing up my last day at Stagedhomes.com (SHC as we all call it). It started at 7am and is just now finishing around 11pm. It's been a long, but wonderful day. It actually feels more like the end of the school year, than the end of a job; I didn't do a stitch of work, I got lots of sentimental well wishes and we had a pizza party! After work, several of us went to La Piñata for margaritas and appetizers. It's our usual place to gather every time someone leaves SHC. At this point, of the 7 of us there tonight, only 3 are current employees. The ex's are the majority. I think it's a testament to the friendships we've made. I still get together with people I worked with in Chico 7 years ago and I hope I can say the same about these girls 7 years from now.

A few days ago, Tonia reminded me that just before I left our station in Fresno in 2003, I told her "it's easier to leave than to be left." I still believe it to be true. Julie was especially teary this evening. But while I AM going to miss everyone, I concentrate more on looking forward to learning new things, having new experiences and meeting new people. I have so much more to look forward to, that I don't focus on being sad about what I'm leaving behind.

I remember so clearly on my last day at KCRA when two different guys said to me; "well, have a nice life!" At the time, I thought it was the oddest comment. I thought it was harsh and so final. Now, I think; yep, that's about right. I'll never see them again and they knew it, so that's the perfect send off. Someone said that to me again today. It's still hard to hear but I know for some, it's the truth.

So, as I close this chapter and begin another, I thought I'd go through my pictures and pull out a few of my co-workers taken during the times in and out of work that we spent together. These are just a few of the cast of characters I've worked with day in and day out for nearly 3 years.

The original marketing department: Me, Ann Marie, Lateisha, Shell, Hilary and Julie - company Christmas party 2005

All that's left of the marketing department; Julie, Hilary, Me and Ann Marie - Hilary's daughter's Quinceanera 11/07

Priscilla and Alison - the original accounting dept. and faithful La Piñata revelers - Christmas party 2005

Top: Shell, Me, Julie, Alison Bottom: Darcy (receptionist), Shauna (part time help) Felicia (tech dept.) at our company convention 5/06


Me and Julie dressed for the Black and White Ball at our convention - 5/06

Julie, "Captain" Kirk (owner), Me

Barb (owner)

Me and Alison (aka: my golf buddy and ongoing partner-in-crime)

Julie, Me, Gina (office director)

BJ (Seattle office) babysitting Barb's dog Roxie

Me and Julie on our Segways, working Las Vegas Blvd. during the National Association of Realtors Convention - 11/07

Top: Kirk, Jane Ann (trainer), Mark (trainer), Dan (Chicago office), Me, Bob (Chicago office) Bottom: Bette (trainer), Jeannie (trainer), Gina, Barb, Julie after dinner at the Venetian during NAR Convention