Touch of Pink

So today is my last day of work for the year. And it's really weird. Like, really. I'm giving away files, explaining what I'm leaving behind, cleaning off my desk and auctioning off my 4 year collection of really really cool office supplies. My pink stapler, of course, is coming with me. I have history with that thing - it's been my trademark and couldn't care less if it is company property. Bite me Tyco. You don't realize how much stuff you have at work before you're boxing it up and hauling it out to the truck. It's like a break up. What's mine, what's yours. Negotiating custody on things. Like any work environment, there are people that you literally cannot stand. And I obviously won't miss those people - but they are in different departments than me anyways and I never really have to see or interact with them. But my group - the Service group - in all honesty, are some of the best people that I've ever had the privilege of working with. Before my replacement came along, I was the only women in Service. I worked with a bunch of guys - some pretty rough around the edges and others that shouldn't be valve techs in all reality - comedy is their strong suit. I've been the shop Mom, I've been the little sister. I've been the daughter. It's been a great place for me to work. I've had a lot of fun and made some really good friends here. For instance, my friend Joe - he quit here after a few months of me starting - but to this day, almost 4 years down the road, we still go out for a drink (or now non alcoholic drink) every few months. It's going to be weird for me not to be walking in here Monday-Friday for 8 hours of slave labour. It's going to be weird to not see my friends. It's going to be weird not to see what drama ensues on today's episode of "As the Valve Turns" as it normally does. And I think it's going to feel like a big part of my life is missing... after I catch up on some sleep and have a moment to think for myself that is.

Another Chapter in life starts. And it's going to be a readjustment. I'm going to miss this place and curse it all at the same time. Will I be back? I don't know. I can't answer that right now. But, I think I've certainly left my mark here. There will always be a touch of pink where ever you look in the service department. :)