Today was the CMG staff offsite. We went to a colleague’s house in Walnut Creek. I dominated the impromptu ping pong tourney.
The man in the hat in this photo, John, is retiring. This is his last week, and our staff is hosting a retirement party for him. It’s a whole thing - catering, wine, etc. The entire school is invited.
My last day is next week. John has worked there for 15 years, so I didn’t expect (nor did I want) a big party like what he’s having. My manager, Pat (the woman next to me in black) said that I needed to stop asking about what we were going to do for my going away shenanigan (I was asking because I planned to Irish exit…) So, I stopped asking.
Today, Pat called everyone into the kitchen and handed us all champagne glasses. She said, “I’d like to make a toast. This is a very special day.”
As she spoke, I saw another colleague emerge from the dining room carrying a large white box. Pat continued.
“Colorado State’s colors are green and gold, so we wanted to make sure we honored Shana by giving her a sweet send off.”
Enter: this thoughtful cake. I was so surprised… I sincerely didn’t expect this and, oh man, did I appreciate it. Pat said I was like a niece to her. Such a special compliment, a special moment.
Thank you, CMG.
