 |
| On my recent walk through Hammersmith |
Every Monday afternoon, when the school day has ended and many kids have gone home but I still have a crowd in the library, the school tests its fire alarm. It's an agonizing process week after week -- a pre-recorded announcement of the test (featuring the voice of someone who hasn't worked at the school for years), followed by an ear-splitting alarm. I have often wondered about the long-term effects on my hearing, being subjected to that test week after week.
Well, yesterday, after the test, I texted Dave: "Last time I'll ever have to do THAT!"
I'm having a lot of those moments. It's a nice feeling.
I've also had several more kids drop by my desk to wish me well, and a co-worker brought me a package of shortbread cookies that she picked up in Norwich over break, so little I'm getting little pre-retirement boosts here and there. I still can't quite believe I have only two days of work left.
Dave and I had the dog conversation again last night. Part of me wants to start looking for a new one to adopt, but we have a two-week trip coming up in July, so we're thinking it might be better to wait until that's past. The problem is, there will always be something like that on the horizon, won't there? I don't want to delay indefinitely, waiting for the perfect moment that never comes, and I know the minute I open up a dog-adoption website I'm going to want to re-home all of them. At least we're thinking and talking about it.
The mysterious floral arch is back at McD's on Finchley Road. I guess it's just a marketing thing -- not in celebration of any particular occasion or event. You know, I haven't eaten at a McDonald's in years. The last time I can think of was in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, on our way to the Seychelles. Every once in a while when I'm away for dinner, Dave will order a McDonald's delivery to the flat. I used to love going there as a kid -- I specifically remember going in 1977 with my mom and brother and sitting outside on the patio, and then going to see "Star Wars" in the nearby cinema. And as I've mentioned, I worked there in high school. But it just doesn't appeal to me now.
Fire alarm tests every WEEK?! Goodness! Is that mandatory for schools, do you know? In my school time (we're talking mid-70s to 80s), we had a fire drill once a YEAR! And to my knowledge, there never was a real fire in my school, so we were probably just lucky...
ReplyDeleteDo you plan on bringing something in for your last day at work, like a good-bye gesture for your colleagues? Here, it is the custom that some people, especially those who have been working for a long time at the same company, through a veritable feast for their colleagues. I have been invited to two such parties this spring; one I can attend, the other one is when I have more important things to do (such as getting married) :-)
Macca's doesn't appeal to me either except about once a year I feel the need for a two-cheeseburgers dinner. Referencing The Librarian above me here, in Australia when someone is leaving after a very long time in a job, usually management and/or co-workers all chip in a few $$$ and put on a goodbye feast for the one who is leaving.
ReplyDeleteGrandchildren love a Maccy's as a treat now and then, I never eat in there, the coffee is not to bad. It's great ticking off all the last things in the next couple of days at work. Oh a new dog how exciting.
ReplyDeleteI’d be angered by those weekly fire alarms tests. I do wonder about the damage that causes, like the alarms in computer stores. McDonald’s seems to miss the connection with their flower arch. I would think it should be all golden-yellow flowers.
ReplyDeleteWhat you need on your retiring day is a presentation. Handed formally to you, might be a watch, or great favourite of the past, a clock. Or maybe they will just treat you to a meal, though not at McDonalds.
ReplyDeleteApart from the fire alarm it is good to know that your work is appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how another dog would affect your garden wildlife?
On my last working day I took in a couple of boxes of cakes and pastries for my colleagues. The whole day was very low key; there was no farewell speech or acknowledgment of my past 15 years' service (the boss went off for a meeting) but my workmates did gather round to give me a hug as I left.
ReplyDeleteMcDonalds? No thanks - the nutritional content scares me off!
When we sailed along The Nile, some of the banks were devoid of reeds - completely reedless. I guess that's just the way of things. But when your St John's Wood school library is Reedless, it will seem like a forlorn and empty space. The pupils will say things like, "That's where he used to sit, grinning at his smartphone" or "Remember when he got very red when berating us about fooling around and eating snacks?" or "He was always kind and helpful".
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed, but I am excited that you are thinking about a dog. I received nothing for my retirement, aside from one huge card, signed by my workmates, half of which I did not know. After 40 year of service, I did receive a Longines watch, sadly engraved on the back, so I can't hock it.
ReplyDeleteNice to read that students come to say good bye and to wish you well. I suppose you'll stay somewhat connected to some events via Dave anyway
ReplyDeleteI've trying to remember when I last was inside a McDonalds and I think it was at some child's, a preschool friend of my daughter, birthday thing complete with Ronald McDonald visiting, sometime in the 1980s!
But as a teenager and later a student, it was a regular thing to go there after a night out before catching the night bus home. I think the bus must have reeked of the fries.
Sweet that the kids are coming in to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteThere will never be a right, perfect time to get a new pet so you just have to do it.
I think if you wait for the perfect time, you'll be waiting a long time! For a dog, that is.
ReplyDelete