Kiss Me, I'm a Floridian

I didn't have the feeling when we sold the apartment, on my last day at work, or driving down the Jersey Turnpike. But when the nice woman at the DMV tore up my NYS drivers license, and handed me my shiny new Florida license, I experienced a strange sense of loss. At least she saved the old photo and gave it to me.

We've been here just over a week, with just two more to go. So far, we have explored Sarasota on bikes, riding everywhere - to the grocery store down the street and through the downtown area and over the causeway to the beach.

Earlier this week, Stu came to visit for a couple of days, and we enjoyed time by the pool, dinner at the local Amish restaurant (strangely, Sarasota has a sizeable Amish and Menonite communities), a barbeque at the beach, and yes, even Bingo at the Meadows community center.

The weather has been great so far, but they say a tropical storm (Gamma) is heading our way. I hope it doesn't interfere with anyone's Thanksgiving holiday travel plans, or worse. At least we're already packed for any evacuation orders.

On the Road

I always loved the reaction people had when I told them about our travel plans. “You’re traveling around the world? How wonderful.” And then, “WHAT? You’re driving down to Florida with your PARENTS?? ARE YOU CRAZY?!”

Actually, there’s not a lot to report on the trip down. The drive went smoothly, even with the 20+ year-old trailer carrying the motorcycle and bikes following behind us (each creak made me nervous.) We also didn’t get to see my uncle Lou in Maryland because he was in the hospital undergoing tests, but we’re all grateful that he is on the mend and planning to come down for Thanksgiving. We did get to see some nice foliage all the way down to the Carolinas. This picture is of a sculpture on display at the Sarasota marina, not particularly interesting in itself, but we passed it twice on a trailer on the way down here. Funny that it ended up in the same place as we did.

We’ve now been in Sarasota for two days. My parents’ apartment is nice and – at least for the time being – seems to be big enough for all of us. I'll see if I can find some interesting things to write about. I know, it’s not La Paz or Tierra del Fuego, but it is our lives.

The Big Send Off

I can’t believe it’s been a week since I left work. I’ve been meaning to write about my last day for a while – it was fantastic. My friends at work gave me a great party, said some beautiful things, and made me feel really special. Seems like everyone should resign now and then, just to get that kind of boost. We already do nice things for people’s anniversaries at work (5 year, 10 year, etc.), but maybe if we thought about what it would be like if that person left, we might use those occasions to say them.

Anyway, many thanks to those who made my last day so special, with gifts and sweets and fun! I can’t name everyone, but particular thanks to Cynthia, who orchestrated everything and completely floored me with her speech; Diane and Vicki for their poems (included here – to prop myself up even further); Keith for lunch and some great parting words; Ruth for her thoughtful gift and for being Ruth; Amy for the scarf and for making a special appearance (I’ll still never forgive myself for her lack of a fitting send off); Angie for the wine, and everyone else for everything. The book is hilarious and made a great read during the ride down to Florida (more on that later), the chocolates are delicious and I already used part of the gift certificate to buy clothes for our adventure days in S. America. I’m saving the rest for shoes.

Congrats to Steve for running the marathon. Even if he didn’t win.

And here are the poems:

Diane's masterpiece:

Ode to Judy Rose

Our darling dear Judy, whatever shall we do?
You’re leaving us soon and we sure will miss you.
But let’s put in perspective your journey from here,
And give us this chance to reflect most sincere.

Your fundraising skills will surely be missed
You get us our grants without getting us dissed.
You’re early to rise and sometimes the last one to leave
While you work mighty hard, you must have tricks up your sleeve
Because everyone loves you, your our JUDY ROSE
And you’re such a good writer you might as well snub your nose
We’ve all learned so much from your humor and grace
But your jokes on Keith Corso sure do take the cake.

I hope you’re so proud of the good work you’ve done
To help us protect the rights we’ve fought hard for and won.
We are blessed to have such a warrior on our side
Thanks for taking us on this wonderful ride
For sharing your kindness, your fairness, your smiles
For being our teammate through hard rocky miles

And speaking of which, exciting adventures await!
You and Mathias are bound for a glorious fate.
You’ve shared with us all your desires and dreams
We see them unfolding like sparkling streams
I picture you perched on ancient paths in Peru
Biking up trails toward a sky clear and blue
We see you breeze by on a sailboat at sea
Or picking ripe fruit from a near kiwi tree

Awaking to songbirds on Mongolian plains
Boarding buses and airplanes and sexy old trains
Backpacking wilderness, canteen in hand
Be sure to bring fruit ‘cause that trail mix gets bland
Drink plenty of water and don’t forget a hat
Bring matches and compass and learn to cook bat
Take pictures and send them to us here back home
And remember we’re thinking of you wherever you roam

If I end on a sad note I know that I’ll cry
So I’m going to give it the old college try
We wish you all the happiness in the whole wide wide world
On all your adventures that are yet to unfold
Life takes us on journeys from the day we are born
We applaud as you grab it right by the horns
You better keep us appraised, I mean, what else would you think?
And the next time you’re in town we are meeting for a drink.

Mine (cleaned up for the "g" crowd):

I’m really quite bad at heartfelt farewells
So get ready for silliness and rhyme
As I prepare myself for my new vagabond life
And leave you all a second time

Though this time it’s different, from the last time around
When I used to work on the fourth floor
Though I knew lots of people, you development folks
Are the ones that I knew least before

But getting to know you, has been great fun, although
I’m still wary to take a real stance
To the question Ferraro would ask now and then:
Who’s cooler: Devo or Finance?

Such an intimate group, full of style, class and charm
And also, need I mention, such pride
So in saying goodbye, I’ll address each of you
Then who’s coolest? Well you can decide.

Diana I wish we hung out more, but with
your commute that is no easy trick
But it’s been fun doing mailings and dishing with you
About Carly and Sonny and Ric.

And Sylvia, so wise, so friendly and kind
Though, to some, you may seem quite aloof
I’ve loved our chats, your cakes, your advice, and more but
Most of all what I love, is your roof!

Summer, we didn’t have much time to bond,
But we did have an instant rapport
And with new staff coming on, you’ll be glad not to be
The new kid on the block anymore

Now Ferraro, what a riot, a real freaky chick
you’re fun but can be prone to panics
but our friendship was bonded when I brought you the cure
whose name is Satina Von Sanex

Dear Carmina, so sweet but now tired of dealing
with donors and all of their wealth
but I’m sorry to say you’ll think that was a breeze
When compared to the Department of Health!

And Steve, you’re my favorite at whom to poke fun
Such a quirky and affable bloke
I’d like to be kind, but because of your ego,
ifI say something too nice I’ll just choke.

Vivian, my dear, you’re so special to me
Some advice, while retirement’s near
As you look forward to leaving, till then don’t forget
To enjoy the time with your friends here

Cynthia, with writing and style you’re the best
Who better than I to report
So why not use your well crafted words to stay thanks
For your stalwart and steadfast support

Now Keith, what to say, you’ve taught me so much
You’re a strange one, but real fun to know
And I know that behind all the tricks and the jokes
Is the ultimate fundraising pro

A transition’s now needed, but I’m out of ideas
My mind spins with anxious confusion,
Just like writing proposals, the hardest parts are the
Damn Introduction and the conclusion

Now I’ve got the answer, I just won’t conclude
No need for all this frustration
It’s not like I need to use this to get funds
Or a performance evaluation

But I do have to say, you’re a fantastic bunch
And as a department, you rule
You are special, and fun, and brilliant and sweet
And yes, Diane, way freaking cool!