The normal leaving presentation occured late in the afternoon where my boss, Nigel, walks into my office followed by about 20 smiling work colleagues. Nigel duly gave words of thanks and handed over the card and gifts. I gave an short response with which I thought hit the right note and grabbed the gifts. To anyone who contributed to these -many thanks.
The evening Christmas Party was a good event to say goodbye to lots of friends I currently work with. Last night I felt quite sanguine about leaving but maybe I was affected by the occasion as the quantity of alcohol consumed didn't seem to have too much effect.
Most missed will be Maria who had been my assistant for the last 19 months and Una who had been a close work colleague for five years, albeit not so conspicuous in daily life since I moved to the Wandsworth office last May.
Not to drag out the leaving too long I decided to leave the party about 11.20pm . It took me over half an hour to retrieve my coat as the hotel staff didn't seem to know where they'd moved the cloakroom since my arrival. I eventually got to the tube station and Maria, who thought I'd left ages ago, turned up on the platform with partner, Jeff who was well oiled by his night out and very talkative. Then Ken, another work colleague, arrived which made for good half hour banter and laughter on the journey home and a good end to the evening. Eventually I got home after 1am bedraggled by heavy drizzle. Made myself a late night cheese and tomatoes on toast. a big mug of tea and went to bed.
This morning I'm feeling mournful for a life left behind, but not hungover, and equally excited about the future and glad I've got a busy few days ahead with Porgy and Bess, the musical, this afternoon and off to Holland tomorrow until Tuesday to collect Owen's possessions for his move back to Ruislip. Which reminds me why I logged on in the first place; to find the ferry details.
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