Well, Thursday was my last day on the job and my last day with the health system where I've worked for 25 years (this time around). I may have mentioned that I worked there two other times back in the 1970's. My mom worked there as a Registered Nurse back in the 1940's and I was born at the main hospital. Today doesn't feel any different because I normally have Friday's off. And people have told me it will take a couple weeks for this all to sink in. The first couple weeks will just feel like I'm on vacation, after that...then I'll realize that I don't have to get up at 4:45 every morning and drive 10 miles across town to the job. No more worries about snow, ice, fog, rain, etc. I've noticed the last couple months on these dark mornings that my night vision is getting worse...and that has concerned me. Anyway, no more worries about any of that stuff.
I went in at my usual time Thursday, then I had to have my yearly evaluation at 11am. Weird I know but it was due and the boss said we have to do it. So we sat in her office, I looked over the paper work, she signed it and then I signed it...then she said something about there going to be a surprise and she really wasn't supposed to tell me but my co-workers were planning a surprise buffet luncheon. The boss said when we go out of my office, don't look in the conference room...so after I stole a quick glance (into the conference room) I went back to my desk, put my headset on, ready to work. Just a little before 12 noon, one of them came and logged me off my phone and said you need to come with me. So away I went into the conference room, acting surprised and thrilled...actually I was thrilled. You should have seen the food....they really went all out. Everything was so good and there was even Costco cheese cake for dessert....yummy ! The rest of the afternoon, I tied up a couple loose ends that I'd been working on and then finished packing up my stuff. It's amazing, how much stuff you can collect when you sit in the same spot everyday for years. Now I have to figure out what do with all the "stuff" here at home. It was suggested that I should have had a "cubicle sale." There's still the retirement party on February 23rd at a local restuarant. Already a host of co-workers and former co-workers have called in their RSVP for the evening. By then reality will have sunk in. LOL
Today I'm off to Costco and then this afternoon friend Bob is taking me out to eat (along with his brother and sister in law) to the Red Wing Casino (http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/entries/2006/07/05/july-5th/1038) for their seafood buffet this afternoon.
Well, I'm off to Costco so until next time..............Linda
P.S. I must add that I had mentioned being hungry and that I was going over to the hospital and buy some lunch, so that's why the boss mentioned the surprise.
16 comments:
And not a single picture of you on your last day????? Someone should have gotten a picture of you at your cubicle with your flowers!!!!!
I do hope you have a very happy and long retirement Linda, I think you deserve it after all the years you did! I'm glad they put on a spread for you so you couldn't slink quietly out the door! Enjoy yourself now, no more waking up before the sun comes up, you're a lady of leisure now! Jeannette xx
Hello Linda, I wish you much happiness for the future, now you can do all the things you wanted to but never had the time. How lovely of your colleagues to arrange a surprise party, you are obviously well liked at work, and you even have another retirement party to attend. :o)
Love Sandra xxxx
You will feel strange for a while ,sort of lost ,wondering if you have done the right thing etc,then afterwards you will begin to feel great ,and enjoy your freedom and all that 'you 'time ...love Jan xx
Congrats Linda, in about 6 months I'll be right there with you. Although I cleaned out my cubicle when I left my store, so I don't think it will be hard to leave where I am now, it's just a temporary job to me.
Anyway have fun tonight, Floyd and I have been out there too, it's pretty nice. It was nice of the girls to give you the party and now another one too, Wow!
Have a great weekend I'll be back at work tomorrow. Joni
You will be amazed at how fast you will love not having to go to work. Before long you will be wondering how you managed to fit work into your life. Really! Enjoy!
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy each and every day!
Hugs, Kathy
Happy Retirement! May it be all that you hoped it would be!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/
That was nice of them to throw a party... but why did your boss blow the surprise? You will enjoy your retirement. I was semi-retired when my son started first grade, after working a mere 9 years for the state.... but after the first year, I had to get out and do something, and so became a volunteer, and joined two art organizations. I volunteered at least half of my day every day for some cause. Usually I'd find myself at school as a volunteer in the reading program, helping kids improve their reading. Had no training, just mom training. Felt very good about that. The teacher told me what to do and I was prompt. The kids benefitted from one on one time, just like they would have gotten if they were at home. Alas, too many kids don't have someone to read out loud to them, or someone to read out loud to. They loved the extra attention. Have you thought about giving some of your time to the schools, to the children who are lacking in reading skills? It'll make you feel good about contributing to a great and worth cause!! Congratulations again! Bea
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I am sure you will be happy not to have to work long hours now. My hubby always says he does not know how he ever found the time to work! Believe me you soon fill the time with other things.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/
Nice touch from your co workers but phooey on your boss for blowing the surprise!
Enjoy your shopping and seafood!
Lyn
How nice of them!!! I am sure you will enjoy every single morning that you do not have to get up at 4:45! Enjoy your party on the 23rd! And congratulations on your freedom! Jae
I'm glad they did that for you! You deserved it, you've done so much there and really supported that department in ways people don't realize. At least you are now free of the boss!!! No more games, and that's got be good. Enjoy the retirement!
Monica
Now the fun begins!!!!
Linda I do hope you have a long and happy retirement ~ how lovely your co~workers arranged a surprise buffet for you ~ and you still have a retirement party on Feb 23rd ~ hope you enjoyed your afternoon out with friend Bob ~ Ally
Hi, Linda! Wow, this was so interesting to hear about your last day at work. Retirement .....I'm still a few years away...hoping only 3.....I need to get my act together! Like you I have worked at a big company for a long time...it will be 30 years this year....it is amazing how much a person can accumulate...I need to get rid of the old org. charts and old stuff....some has sentimental value but some is just history....needs to be roundfiled. That was cool that they gave you a surprise lunch! Sounds like they will really miss you! Take care.. Maria
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