On New Year’s eve this year, I’d rather not put a big gold star on 2013 and praise its glory. Truth is, this year has been mediocre if not dull compared to some years prior. And if you can guess, I still put this year in the win column. It’s kinda like Nick Swisher, who incidentally made a big move in 2013 by leaving the Yankees. There’s a saying in sports, “The boring players win championships.” Consistency is the hallmark of good major leaguers and the same can be said for my life. For every home run, there have to be some bunts, walks and even some strike outs. Like Swisher, I made some big moves in 2013 including moving apartments and changing jobs. The Earth changing element of those moves is the change itself.
They say that if you do something consistently for three weeks, it becomes a habit. Sometimes it’s refreshing to break good habits and replace them with new ones. And that is what defined my 2013, consistent change. I leave “First and Ninth” and this year with the same note I left my colleagues when I left earlier this year.
On one hand, it seems like any other Friday, whose arrival brings with it a certain amount of relief, knowledge that the solace of the weekend is just a few more ticks of the clock away. But this Friday is different from the Friday before it, and will certainly be different from the next Friday to come. Today is my last day.
There’s a certain bittersweetness to it. Walking away from a place where you have spent a good chuck of time for the past 4.5 years is an unsurprisingly multifaceted emotional thing. I am so sad to leave colleagues that have become fast friends and I can’t thank some of you enough for making my time here more productive and enjoyable. I found a family in the Specialty Finance Group and a true camaraderie with members of the Marketing Department, past and present.
It’s truly been something special and I take many fond memories of the firm with me. I’ve also taken with me 4 computers, 3 fax machines, 12 toner cartridges, most of the phones on our floor, a suitcase full of staplers and a box of white-out from Steve’s office. (to make sure you really miss me)
All the best,
Sandra
To 2013, thank you for a good life and for the opportunity of a better one. -S
First and Ninth 