Friday 15th April - what a day - my last day at Porter Dodson. It was always going to be emotional after all I had been there since 19th August 1991 fresh from our honeymoon and two weeks in Cyprus that sealed our fate. We fell in love with it then and have been in love with it ever since.
I felt slightly better today although if I was honest if it had been any other day I would have stayed in bed but I just had to go in. When I arrived at my desk Gemma had been busy decorating with banners, balloons and confetti.
The day then passed by in a blur of people coming in and wishing me well, sometimes people that I really didnt expect - you just never realise what effect you have had on people.
Gemma and I tried very hard to keep a stiff upper lip - but it wasnt easy as we have shared so many experiences together both good and bad! Even Horatiu seemed a bit emotional but that might have just been his eye infection!!!
Gemma, Horatiu, Alex and Deborah clubbed together to get John and I a digital photo-frame which Gemma had filled with some very very random photographs that she managed to find - I didnt realise that I had spoiled her surprise earlier in the week when I cleared my desk and notice board of photographs before she had got the chance to scan them which was probably not a bad thing thinking out it!
Andrea the IT Partner who has known me all my working days at Porters read out a little resume of my time with the firm and added her own personal thanks and I thought I would be ok but it all suddenly got to me and I blubbed like Gwynnie at the Oscars. I dont know if it was better or worse having John there but he leapt to my side so at least I wasnt stood there like a complete lemon.
John and I have spent a quiet couple of minutes looking through all the Good Luck cards - time for another little blub. An end of an era - but the start of a new one. I may not miss the stress but I will miss the regular pay!
I am going to see if my constitution is up for a small glass of wine. John and I will raise a toast to the RN and PD who have both played a part in making our dreams a reality. YAMMAS!!
I felt slightly better today although if I was honest if it had been any other day I would have stayed in bed but I just had to go in. When I arrived at my desk Gemma had been busy decorating with banners, balloons and confetti.
The day then passed by in a blur of people coming in and wishing me well, sometimes people that I really didnt expect - you just never realise what effect you have had on people.
Gemma and I tried very hard to keep a stiff upper lip - but it wasnt easy as we have shared so many experiences together both good and bad! Even Horatiu seemed a bit emotional but that might have just been his eye infection!!!
Gemma, Horatiu, Alex and Deborah clubbed together to get John and I a digital photo-frame which Gemma had filled with some very very random photographs that she managed to find - I didnt realise that I had spoiled her surprise earlier in the week when I cleared my desk and notice board of photographs before she had got the chance to scan them which was probably not a bad thing thinking out it!The five of us were joined by Nicholas lunchtime when we all went to the Green Room. I did manage my soup and a small bit of salad and Gemma took advantage of my pud - she is eating for two after all - and we all thought that 'the babber' should have its first taste of Green Room cheesecake which was lush apparently! (and John's favourite).
My final half hour working was filled with the joys of a conference call looking at sofware for checking the sanctions register. How much excitement can a girl take??? John had come up to the office ready for my presentation and was sat at my desk (my now clean and tidy desk) seeing exactly what sort of things go on in an IT department!
My presentation was at 5.00. I can't thank Alex, Deb (and Gemma I bet) for putting on a really nice spread and using the three line whip to make sure that people turned up. In fact quite a lot of people turned up, including Brenda who I know has been pretty poorly over the last few weeks, which was really quite humbling and I can honestly say I made a complete prat of myself.
Andrea the IT Partner who has known me all my working days at Porters read out a little resume of my time with the firm and added her own personal thanks and I thought I would be ok but it all suddenly got to me and I blubbed like Gwynnie at the Oscars. I dont know if it was better or worse having John there but he leapt to my side so at least I wasnt stood there like a complete lemon.
I am going to see if my constitution is up for a small glass of wine. John and I will raise a toast to the RN and PD who have both played a part in making our dreams a reality. YAMMAS!!
Don't know if I am supposed to do this but thought you & your PD readers would be amused to hear my dream from last night. Perfectly safe! I dreamed Jill launched a sort of coup at the firm and Dave Arnold was the staff rep. on the new management team. My mother always says Friday dream Saturday told bound to come true however so old. Just in case this one doesn't - do enjoy your new lives both of you. We're all jealous really. Good Luck. Nicholas.
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