Today may have been my last day in the office. Ever. After 18 years with this company. After more than 40 years as a writer. After more than 45 years of full-time white collar work.
I went through my stuff and threw much of it away, which made me sad. I always figured when this time came, I'd leave my files to my successor. Since my client severed the relationship, I won't have a successor. It seems a shame that I won't be able to share what I've learned.
I also found two brand new pair of socks. One lightweight, one heavy. I hate it when my boots leak. The lightweight were to replace my wet socks when I changed from boots to shoes. The heavy ones were to get me home through the snow. I guess winter 2019/2020 -- the last before work-from-home -- must not have been that sloppy because the socks are unworn.
The socks reminded me I'm proud of how little work I've missed due to weather. I made the commute no matter what. I was ready for it. I dressed for it. I knew how to navigate it. Yes, Chicago winters (and springs) can be brutal. But I have friends and family in South Florida and I'm reminded we aren't asked to evacuate our homes annually. I'll keep the snow, thank you.
I dumped the last remaining swigs of cheap vodka but brought the bottle of whiskey home. Hell, yeah, I had booze in my desk. No, I'm not embarrassed. As with the weather, I know how to handle work stress.
Bruce came home. This Rolling Stone cover graced my every office since 1986. Bruce Willis has been smirking for me for 36 years. His all-purpose bad attitude has been as comforting as the booze. Now he's retired and I'll soon be hanging it up.
7/10 of a mile. I've worked for seven different employers between South Wacker Drive and North Michigan Avenue. Except for that year in the 1990s when I worked out by the O'Hare, my entire life has been in The Loop. Ping ponging between my comfortable little neighborhood and the exciting city has given me the best of both worlds. I love downtown. I wonder how often I'll be back.
I don't think I've absorbed all this yet. I'm so worried about the lithotripsy on Thursday that I just can't right now. Also, I'm worried about severance (management still hasn't told me when my last day will be). Then there's insurance and Medicare. I think I'll have a nice breakdown next week.
