I had planned on coming in a little early so I could give everyone the little cards/treats I had made them but Dustin had to drop his car off at the dealership for some maintenance first thing, therefore I had to give him a ride home. I ended up pulling in right on time. The first thing I noticed was Michelle and Jennifer's cars parked out front which is kind of odd because I'm typically always the first one there. I walked in and set my things down at my desk. My cube was all decked out in streamers and balloons and I just smiled. Then I heard Jennifer and Michelle in the conference room. We all said hello and I peaked my head in to see what they were up to. They had so much food! Pretzels, chips, mini coffee cakes, mini cinnamon rolls, PEANUT M&Ms!, bread, and a giant 'Farewell' cake. I mean, what?! All this for me? They really went above and beyond. Maybe I can still enter them for the next Above and Beyond drawing!
I went around to everyone's desk, just as I had planned. I left handmade cards (with memorable photos) and cookies. It took me all week to finish the cards. It felt like I was writing in their yearbooks. It was quite an emotional experience. All these memories would rush to the forefront of my mind and I would start to get emotional. Dustin even said "Why are you doing all of this? You are the one leaving. They should get you stuff!". That's probably how it's supposed to work but it's just who I am. I want the important people in my life to know how much I appreciate them, how much I enjoy spending time with them, how much I cherish the memories we made, and especially how much I want to keep in touch. We only get one life to show and tell people how much they mean to us so why not? YOLO!
Jesenia came over with her card as I was eating the delicious spread in the conference room. She's like "Thanks for making me cry this morning!". HA! Obviously not my intention but I was happy she liked her card. Everyone seemed to which is exactly what I had hoped for. I received this 'Ashley' sticker book of different animals recently from my cousin Jodi. I immediately wanted to put them to good use so everyone got one on the back of their card. I didn't really think too much about it (except I made sure Michelle got a cat). It was just a random selection. Some people got a cow or pig or frog or sheep and so on. I made sure to draw little glasses on each one. Obviously. It was hilarious to listen to all of them discuss why they got a certain animal.
In between stuffing my face and all the pouty lips/hugs everyone was giving me, I helped Jenni as much as I could. I think she'll be fine come Monday. And if she gets stuck she has a very patient and understanding department to help her.
Michelle called me into Jennifer's office where everyone was congregated. I could tell something was up. They gave me the funniest/cutest/creative/saddest going away card. I teared up. They also all chipped in and gave me an H&M gift card! Not only that but then they bought me Chipotle for lunch. I am incredibly lucky to know these people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Later in the afternoon, I called Human Resources for my exit interview. I don't remember ever having to do one for past employers so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. She asked questions and I answered them easily. But then she asked the last question, "What was your favorite part of working here?" and that's when it happened. I lost it. I started crying so hard that I couldn't talk. I managed to get out in between sniffles "Sorry, I need a minute". She was very kind and understanding about my breakdown, which I appreciate. Ha! I finally pulled myself together enough to finish the interview. I hung up the phone and I sat there in the infusion suite and took a a few deep breaths.
We gathered in the conference room for cake. I was happy to be able to spend time with everyone for a little bit before I left. I appreciated all the well wishes they gave me. And the laughs. Oh so many laughs.
David had to leave early but I made sure to catch him before hand because he and Thomas had promised to serenade me with 'End of the Road'. They actually had already sang to me a few times within the last couple weeks (David - lead vocals, Thomas - back up) but I wanted a performance on video. I didn't exactly get what they had promised but it'll do.
I spent the last 30 minutes packing up my desk and cleaning it up. It was hard to put photos of Dustin and I in a box, to have to take down all of my drawings, and finally my name tag from outside my cube. By the end it didn't look like my desk anymore. It was just a desk.
I said goodbye to the guys in the warehouse and thanked them for all their help throughout the years. Hugs. Then I moved to the Pharmacy. More hugs. And then I went up to the front where I said goodbye to Karly and Erika. The tears started flowing once again. And obviously more awesome hugs. Then when I came to my department and I just lost it - again. Carole and Jennifer comforted me. I noticed Michelle didn't stick around for all my emotional goodbyes. It's cool though because we all had plans to meet up later. She can't get rid of me that easily. Jennifer helped me carry everything to my desk and I was off for the last time. (Sorry I didn't make it over to Reimbursement/Intake but I was kind of a mess.)
I will never forget going in for an interview two years ago. I had just been laid off and Dustin and I had decided it was best that we move to Orlando. So I looked for jobs in Orlando. I actually had several interviews set up that week but this was the first. I remember going into Barbara's old office. I was so incredibly nervous but I thought it went well enough. I called Dustin while on I-4 as I made my way back to Palm Coast to tell him all about it. It wasn't too long after that Barbara offered me the job. In all honesty, I took it because it seemed to be a decent position at a good company and I had been out of work for a month. Basically, I just needed a job. Any job. But I am so thankful it turned out to be so much more than that. I ended up canceling my other interviews and accepted the job. The weird thing is I started on 1/11/11 and my last day was on 1/11/13. Exactly two years. The position itself was challenging at first but I got the hang of it, and little by little I learned so much (with everyone's help of course). As time went on I got to know my co-workers more and more. At first it was just us being friendly but then it turned into real strong friendships. We were able to talk to each other about everything. They made it easy to get up and come to work each day. So a big thank you goes out to all of them for that.
I know everyone says "keep in touch" and blah blah but I am the kind of person who actually does. This is only goodbye to working together. This is not goodbye to friendships or hanging out or making new memories. OH NO! You guys are stuck with me. You sucked me in and now there is no going back. So just get used to it.
I came home from work and the minute I walked inside, Dustin ran up to me and gave me a hug. It was one of those hugs where you just don't want to let go. Neither of us did. We just stood there in the entry way. He knew how hard of a day I had. He knows how much I care about people, especially them. He just knows. And that's one of many reasons I married him. He gets me. He just got it without me saying a word.
Once again, I pulled myself together and headed out for some awesome Food Truckin'. Dustin normally goes with me but he didn't go this time around. He wanted me to have time with all my co-workers/friends alone. I would have loved for him to join us but I also appreciate him giving me that time.
I got there right at 6PM. I found a comfortable spot on a curb and waited for everyone to show up. Of course Kevin got there first. Then the rest of the gang showed up not too long after. We all walked around trying to decide which truck to order from. Michelle, Carole, and I ended up getting separated from the group. Carole decided to go with some kind of brisket truck when Michelle and I got distracted by the Firetruck. We saw kids getting a tour of the truck and then I said to Michelle "I want to get a photo with the firetruck or maybe one of the fireman can just pick me up." I was half joking. Then Michelle was all like "come on, let's do it!". Then we realized a fireman had actually been walking behind us and heard what I had said. I was really embarrassed. He was super nice and offered to show us around. He even let me take a photo in the driver's seat with the giant steering wheel AND he showed me how to turn on the lights. It was a lot of fun actually. I felt like I was about 10 but I didn't care. Thanks Gene!
I sent Dustin the photo in an iMessage.
Dustin: Hahaha How did that happen? It's like you're 5 years old.
Me: I don't even know!
Dustin: Am I going to have to fight a fireman?
Me: Haha no way!
Dustin: We've got a flame he can't put out.
Me: Hahahahahahaha
And that's another reason I married him. He cracks me up and makes me go "awww" all in one sentence.
We met up with the rest of the group as they were enjoying their food. I went up to them and said "How did you score this table?" and then not even a minute later the Food Truck kicked us all out of the table because we didn't buy from them. Well, shit. Ha.
I went to order my flat bread (so good) and we all moved to the fountain. I was so excited that Lindsey, her husband, and their pup Oliver came out. They even treated me to a cupcake. (Side note: Totally went to order a bunch of cupcakes later in the night and all but one flavor was gone. Lesson learned!) It was so nice just eating and chatting and laughing. We also made plans for some paintball in a few weeks. I hope they make a mask that's big enough to fit over my glasses!
All and all it was a wonderfully sad day and a really fun night with friends. I drove home with the fullest of hearts.
And lastly, these songs have come on my iPhone at random times this past week. Hmm.
If nothing else, I am myself
That's all I have to give
Everything's changing now
Oh we could live like kings
If we take a risk
Or we could live in doubt
Everything's changing now
This, this is, this is is the last time, it's the last time
This, this is, this is your goodbye
-Third Eye Blind
This is the last time, so be here, here now.
This time is the last time. Somehow make it through.
You've got to get away.
Oh, I get lost in the thought of losing you.
You've go to get away,
I know it's a dream but it must be true.
Wave now goodbye. It's the lesson that you've been given.
You can always move on to better things.
-Mae