Saturday, April 12, 2008

Retired ... finally

Yesterday was quite a day, my last day at work. The morning went by pretty fast as I had several things to do and the team took me to lunch at Cafe Rio at 11:30. But time passed so slow after we got back waiting for the retirement party to begin at 2:00 PM.

Cindy, our daughter Emily, son-in-law Brock, and granddaughter Taylee were there when I walked into the room. Both conference rooms downstairs were set up for the "party" and most of the IT department was there along with a number of people from other departments. Jim Jensen, my boss, called Cindy and I up front and briefly outlined what I had done for the company and laid some good praise on me. The large whiteboard behind us was filled with beautifully written lines on it that listed all of the systems that had been implemented during my 8 years there, essentially everything that SkyWest and ASA are using today to run the airlines.

There were a couple of presentations, Jim gave me a 35th anniversary CRJ900 model and a GPS, then Eric Mitchell gave me an iPod Classic with $50 in gift certificates as going away presents from the department. I was doing fine until Jim handed me a thick scrapebook with pictures and inscriptions from the team and department. I opened it and got to the 2nd page and had to close it as the emotion and tears started to come. None of that. I briefly thanked everyone for everything they had done, etc. and then it became a reception and everyone went for the goodies that were spread out on several tables. By 3:30 PM, only a few people were left and Julie Imlay was finishing up adding pictures to the scrapebook that Jennifer Peters had taken during the reception. Love digital technology.

Later, Cindy and I and Emily, Brock, and Taylee went to dinner at the Texas Roadhouse in Washington. They got me on a saddle and I got a yeeha from everyone for retiring. It was a fun, but emotionally tiring, day that started pretty early for me when Cindy presented me with a "card". It was a posterboard she had made with candy bars and some beautiful sentiments about retirement and me. I'll get a picture of it along with some of the party added here later.

Rode my bike for 20+ miles today and boy am I out of saddle shape. We'll see what happens Monday when my first official day of retirement is a reality. Weekends do not count because nothing seemed different at all today.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the blog idea Dad! I wish I could have been there to share in your "special" day - but we will celebrate when you get to AZ!! If you need any good recommendations for downloads to your new iPod just let me know! :) Love ya!! Nan

Jennifer Peters said...

I am glad to see that you started a blog. I will add it to my list so that I can keep in touch.

Mark T. said...

Congrats Dad!! What a wonderful feeling it must be to complete a successful career. We look forward to seeing you. Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you. We wish you and Cindy the best in your future endeavors. I look forward to a lot of golf with you. Love Ya! Mark

Julie said...

Congrats Dad!
To a fun and fulfilling retirement~
Excited for you and Cindy on your forthcoming
mission call- hope to see you soon
Love you
Julie

Julie said...

Dad,
Dwight D Eisenhower said: "How has retirement affected my golf game? A lot more people beat me now."
So maybe now I have a chance to beat my dad at something. Ha ha.
Congrats to JB-good luck to may the force be with you.
The Turleys