Final Day ...

I tried to think of a clever name for this post ... which, of course (if you know me at all ... ), isn't the final POST. Just the final day in the office.That's a bit too final for me ... but ... as my brother Scott's sign reads: It is what it is. (With the implicit following statement ... so deal with it!) 

I'm not big on crying ... frankly, I am reminded of the movie "Same Time Next Year" ... where she admits that she looks terrible when she cries. Me, too ... and thus, I expect to look pretty terrible throughout the day. We (whatever staff are available) will convene at Barrymore's about 4:30 to have the last "after work" drink. While we don't "convene" much anymore, there were times during the first few years at EducationQuest that the bartenders could greet us by first name. Unfortunately, the staff dynamics changed ... one of the integral members resigned ... and so we all now rush home to our various abodes and miss all that wonderful "debriefing"! 

A slight digression about Barrymore's--when I started at EducationQuest Foundation, the tv show Ally McBeal had just wound down. If you watched it, you may remember that the law firm was strategically located ABOVE a bar. (Hey, it was Boston!). EducationQuest has its own building with no room for a bar. However, if you step outside if our loading dock door ... you will be greeted with the Barrymore's sign -- and yes, access is from the middle of the alley. Barrymore's is the reclaimed space behind an old theater ... once used for vaudeville ... so the bar is filled with pulleys and other bits of "back stage" paraphernalia. It's pretty cool. 

See how easily I will digress when I don't want to talk about the elephant in the room? Back to the elephant: saying goodbye is not easy ...  so I'm going to adopt the Rob Denicola approach to it all. He brought me to work this morning (because he will be part of the Barrymore's crowd tonight), leaned over, kissed me and said, "Have a good day at work." He's said that every day for the past nearly 26 years ... and by saying it  .. provided the bit of normalcy that I need throughout this tough day. 

I'm not sure that this music accompanying this blog post is appropriate to anything ... other than to the Christmas spirit and ... to the notion that you need to believe ... in yourself and in those around you who provide you with sustenance ... spouse, children, grandchildren, the broader family and friends. I have been fortunate ... I have believed in myself since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. So listen now to ... the Polar Express!

The Road Not Taken

And here it is ... the FINAL week ... although employed through December 31 ... I have some time off ... and my last day in the office in Friday, December 20. It has been a long 14 months ... as plans were made and re-made ... as discussions were held and then re-held ... all to get me to this particular place in my life ... where my roads once again diverge. I will no longer be on the professional track ... but throughout my life, I've had so many choices ... and have usually taken the one less traveled. I am a firm believer in my mom's brand of optimism ... be a good decision maker ... consider all the consequences ... but once a decision is made ... do not look back and know, from the bottom of your heart, that it was the right decision. Others may quibble about some of my decisions, small and large, but all of them brought me to and through this wondrous life that I've had ...   both professionally and personally. You will likely hear from me again this week ... but for now, I leave you with the entire poem by Robert Frost ... the one that I believe defines me.  The Road Not Taken

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;      Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,        And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.     I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

What an amazing day~

Yesterday's all-staff meeting didn't make it any easier to say goodbye to my colleagues but it certainly did tie a bow on my leaving! And in a most wondrous way. 

We began our day in the normal fashion .. .when suddenly we were interrupted by a "Christine Moment" ... and passed a box of tissues. The video began to play ... and it was Nebraska's Governor ... thanking me ... personally ... for my good work. I was speechless. And that was just the beginning ... I heard from Sabrina ... and Rory ... and my good friend Valerie with whom I've worked professionally, too ... and from staff members who were so kind in their accolades ... and finally ... from the Chancellor of the University (but a personal friend of Rob's ... so that's likely how that one happened!) I can't play all of them ... I'm sure that the Gov and Chancellor Perlman don't want a stream of "please do one for us" coming to their door. But I can provide two for you ... and really, weren't these the most important two? 

I was an emotional wreck after the day ... but also a very happy person that my colleagues cared enough to do a farewell for me! 

So here are the comments from the peanut gallery!

 

Less than two weeks ...

Oh, my ... less than two weeks left on the job although I'm employed through the end of December. But on December 20th, I'll be packing my office and headed home for the final time. I'm trying to stay as busy as possible ... to put some distance between my emotions and the "day of." Tomorrow is my final all-staff meeting ... where our staff gather from Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney--and that's likely to be a tough one. It's not like this is a "there's no crying in baseball" kind of place. We have shed tears here ... and I can only describe us all as grief-stricken for the days we struggled to understand Tammi's ... one of my directors ... untimely death. 

But the sadness that I feel is upon retiring is so one-sided. For the most part, my staff will miss me but they also understand that one reaches a "certain age" and that retirement is the natural course of events. I could have stayed, had I wished to stay longer. And while I will miss EducationQuest, I can actually look at my work here and say ... good things were accomplished.

It is more an "end of an a" kind of sadness ... professionally, not personally! And yes, it is the end. I do not intend to spend time volunteering ... however worthy the cause. Had I wanted to stay engaged in the "helping" industry, I would have stayed put ... with the remuneration just a bonus! Because helping people is what EducationQuest does ... or it helps people to help themselves by accessing higher education ... two OR four year! 

This morning I had breakfast with my "old" (meaning previous boss) and that was fun. She's a bit older than I am and plans on retiring soon herself. The more the merrier is what I say ... and, of course, some of my "merriment" will be with my friends who are teachers ... and have been retired for a few years ... and one of my good friends who retires on the same day that I do!!

Yes, I'm counting on my friends to see me through these transition days ahead ... so in their honor, I offer Garth Brooks  ... who is the king of C/W as far as I'm concerned!

            

Who DOES know where the time goes?

I'm switching it up today ... music first. (To make sure you listen to it? :) Ha.) Again ... a serious favorite is Eva Cassidy ... too long gone from this world. This song really captures it for all of us ... especially at Christmastime and particularly as we grow a wee bit older. 

If you listened carefully to this song ... you know that she captured oh-so-well the melancholy of time passing before our very eyes. One of my favorite aunts ... Aunt Mamie ... told me (the year that she turned 90) that, "The older you get, the faster the years go ... but the slower the days go." So far, I've only experienced the faster part ... but I'm getting a glimpse of what she means by the days going slower. 

Yesterday was my first day at home with no "social obligations" in close to a month. Don't get me wrong ... I thrive on those "obligations" and they start again tomorrow in earnest. But sometimes a quiet day ... with only our perpetual errands staring us in the face ... is what we all need. Especially in the hectic pre-Christmas rush ... presents to wrap, boxes to mail, and houses to decorate. (For once, the cookies were baked and frozen last month!) Still have much left to do ... but our house is nearly the Christmas house that it is meant to be. And today ... if you were to walk into our house, you would be surrounded by Christmas ... and then you could look out onto Plum Pond, where the water is frozen and now covered with a few inches of light, fluffy snow. Life is good at Plum Pond! 

PS ... Someone thought "Plum Pond" was its official name. No, sorely, no. But I call it that for several reason. Number 1 ... it has no name so mine seems as gooa as any. Number 2 ... we live on Preserve Lane (Plum, Preserve ... yeah, you got it). Number 3 ... and likely the most important ... Laura Ingalls Wilder's books were an integral part of my growing up, of Becky's growing up, and hopefully, Sabrina's growing up ... and, of course, "On the Banks of Plum Creek" reminds me of ... on the banks of Plum Pond. 

Bassoon It Will Be Christmas ...

Yes, that terrible pun was part of the evening's performance last night by the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. But the music was fun ... interweaving the undersung (or underplayed) bassoon into some lovely Christmas carols. I'd never been to this particular concert ... for one thing, it's very family driven and Rob and I are generally a twosome (but perhaps we'll have Sabrina or Rory with us some future year!). But we've been missing out ... about 75 very young Suzuki students ... made tears come to my eyes. And excerpts from the Nutcracker definitely reminded me of Becky's many years in ballet ... 

But as I sat listening and thinking (because really ... is there a better time to think than when surrounded by music?) ... I thought that my life has definitely come full circle. Although we had little-to-no money when growing up, both my parents encouraged us to enjoy music ... of all kinds, even symphonies! My dad loved opera ... and my brother Scott carries on that tradition. (He also loved the twangiest of Country Western music ... which I know I've mentioned ... and while we don't necessary enjoy the twang, all of us enjoy C/W!) 

I was also introduced to music ... composers ... by our valiant music teacher at Hawthorne ... whom I've also mentioned previously: Mr. Volin. I wish he knew what a profound reach he actually had on some of us. 

When I was in the 6th grade, we had a chanced to buy a season pass for next-to-nothing to attend the Sioux Fallsl Symphony. And so I did ... and went until the Beatles were so much a part of my life that there was no room for classical music. I went by myself ... walking to the Washington High Auditorium or cadging a ride from my parents depending on the weather. (Didn't we all walk in "those days?" It was so safe then!) 

Two years ago I was asked to come onto the Lincoln Symphony Board. Rob was surprised that I wanted to do so ... but when I explained the symmetry of it ... how once upon a time, a long time ago ... a little girl from the North End of the Sioux Falls found joy in music ... he got it and has been encouraging of my participation. 

A final thought ... as part of the Board, I got to hand out candy canes to the children who attended the concert. The last part of the concert consisted of Christmas carols ... sung by the audience, accompanied by the Orchestra. I had to step back inside from my post by one of the doors ... because WHO could miss a chance to sign with a full orchestra. 

This clip is not from the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless! 

The Party's Over ...

... well, at least the party that my boss and EducationQuest gave me at the Country Club of Lincoln. I was honored by how many people came and how much work went into the "event." Most of our "retirees" here in our building get a cake and a room where staff can stop by and wish them adieu. Instead, there were fancy invitations and then wonderful food and free drinks for all the attendees ... about 60. I didn't choose the guest list but it was a good balance of staff, board members, professional colleagues, and former work colleagues (also professionals but friends, too). Rob may provide a follow-up party for just friends ... but we shall see. We are both so worn out from the past few months of celebrating that the party does need to be over!! Perhaps in January, we can celebrate again ... when I'm well-rested and ready for this new chapter of my life that begins in just a little over 2 weeks! 

As the title song goes ... the party's over and it's time to call it a day. BUT ... not quite yet. Oh, no, faithful readers ... not even close. Tonight we go to a cocktail party for University of Nebraska Law College alums ... and when we get home our friends John and Tom may be there. Then there's tomorrow night ... big night at the Symphony where Rob and I will be working during the intermission (almost called it half-time!) for a fundraiser. Maybe on Saturday ... we will rest. Maybe. 

This little clip (bear with the 1970's humor ... ) shows two remarkable singers ... talking about  how their party is over ... as was mine from last night. But the new party will begin soon!! Stay tuned. 

 

Robert Frost ...

... and well you may ask ... what in the world does Robert Frost have to do with retirement. But, as we all know, the man was nothing if not pithy and, according to our "message of the day," he once wrote: "In three words I can sum up what I've learned from life ... it goes on." 

And so it does ... so if "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is all you know of Robert Frost, you may want to acquaint yourself with some of his other work. The man GOT life! Still ... even that well-known poem has greater meaning to me this month as I contemplate the last lines: 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

And that I do ... have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. Short-term ... working until December 20 ... although on the payroll until December 31. Long-term ... well, we'll get to that after December 31! 

For today, Daphne and I will be conducting another superintendent visit ... to Beatrice. Best part ... riding with Daphne and catching up on her family and also discussing what's going to be happening here at EducationQuest long after I'm gone! I will be listening carefully to hear of their successes because I know that they will be many! 

By the way, listening to Sirius radio this morning (yes, I'm addicted!), I heard "White Christmas." I wonder ...  yes, it's time to roll out the Christmas music!

 
 

 

No rest for the wicked ...

... or is that the "weary?" Well, makes no "nevermind" since there is simply no rest. But in a good way! We talked with our good friend John last night and he and his friend (and now ours!) Tom are driving from Minneapolis to Denver and would like to overnigiht at Chez Denicola on Thursday. So happy to have voices back in the house (not that either Tom or John are noisy guys!) ... but as I told him ... "The kitchen is closed." Not because we don't have food galore but because we're going to a cocktail party on Thursday after work for Nebraska Law College alums. I offered our leftovers ... again ... the "galore" part. 

So last night I washed sheets and got the bedrooms ready for the next guests ... but was also working on my LAST memo for the office. I think that my lasting legacy to EducationQuest will be memos. :) When I started 12 years ago, most reports were verbal. As a good attorney, I couldn't understand why we weren't memorializing more ... and so now, memos ... well, also galore! Mine this time was a philosophical one ... Is College For Everyone? Well, of course the answer to that is no ... but the caveat is ... if you say no too soon, which students are often left behind? And that's what EducationQuest is all about ... keeping expectations alive. 

Tomorrow night, my boss and EducationQuest are feting me at the Country Club of Lincoln with a farewell reception. It will be small ... professional acquaintances and staff only. Rob has promised a much bigger party sometime in January ... we shall see. We have so many irons in the fire for January already ... starting with our New Year's trip to New York City. We haven't been to NYC since we took many of the famiy with us ... for my mom's first trip to the Big Apple. She seemed to love it ... she certainly loved the Rockettes as did all of the girls! (The "boys" went for Johnny's Pizza in Times Square!) So this is for you, Mom, and for Cathy ... who got us such wonderful tickets! 

"I love you, GeeCee"

Sabrina's birthday celebration ... Thanksgiving ... my 65th birthday celebration ... and in-between ... family fun!! I'd thought I'd be able to write DURING the time that the family was here but alas, that time never materialized. 

By 8:00 last night, the last guest was on a plane bound for Denver ... and by 8:30, I'd crawled into bed, feeling pretty tired ... but mostly just sad! It is hard to have family live so far from one another. On the other hand, it makes every opportunity to be together one of celebration ... whether it's a holiday or a birthday or NOT! And celebrate we did. 

Rob and I made a conscious decision to try to cook in as much as possible ... provides a lot of flexibility for other events and also accommodates a darling little three-year old a bit better. Luckily, we both love to cook ... and have learned some tricks of the trade over the years ... like make something homemade but fill in with some items from our friend Mauro, who still caters his wonderful food from Caffe Italia! By the end, it was difficult for my family to know what we'd cooked and what Mauro had made ... but it was all good! 

Enough of food (although always a prime subject for discussion in my family) and onto the other memories ... memories that will keep me warm through this 65th year and my first "winter" of retirement. 

•  Picking up my mom and my sisters from the hotel on my birthday morning and being greeted by a rousing rendition of "Happy birthday." 
• Enjoying "pedis" with all of the girls on my birthday ... minus Sabrina ... and hoping that she can go with us next year. 
• Planning the next "Girls' Weekend" because we can never get enough of family!
• Having both my sisters and my daughter pitch in and help with dishes, salad making, setting the tables, and cleaning up. Really ... what DID I do? :) 
• Sharing the genealogical chart that my friend Barb made with my mom ... with a room full of Christensens to enjoy it, too! 
• Introducing Sabrina to her second cousin Cole ... and because a three-year old's ears aren't quite that discerning, her response of "Hi, Cole ... BRRRRR ..." :) 
• Taking pictures with  my sister and my Becky ... and saving them forever. 
• Taking pictures with my mom and her girls ... and saving them forever and a day. 
• Getting txt messages from family and friends near and far. 
•  Receiving more Facebook posts than my years ... not an easy feat! 
• Having so many of the people that I love around me on my birthday ... what more can a girl ask! (No, being 16 again would be highly over-rated as the other wish!) 
• Sitting on the deck, in the early morning, wrapped in blankets with Sabrina on my lap ... waiting for the birds to fly by.
• Having Sabrina say, "Sh sh sh ... don't frighten the birds" when I spoke when we were on the deck! 
• Having Rob find just the perfect gift to keep me warm at night. (No, don't go there, people!)
• Giving Sabrina her good-bye kiss once she was bucked into the "black car" for her journey back to Texas ... with her "I love you, GeeCee" ... ringing in my ears and in my heart.
• And in keeping with the memories of JFK and of birthdays, I bring you ... Marilyn Monroe, singing, "Happy Birthday, Mr. President!"