Another Farewell, Reunion

My old boss Jim is moving on to another assignment so we had farewell get-togethers for him (and it was a reunion for me, since it was nice to see everyone again after being gone for a month). This was taken at lunch at Beijing Restaurant. As is our tradition, we always take a normal shot and a goofy one (thanks, Kelvin, love how the black and white "gangster" one came out). It was also another "black and white" day so (almost) everyone wore black and white.

Jim gave me the hat he is wearing as a joke. It was a gift to him from one of our long-stay guests. He kept it in his office on the credenza. Every morning when we went in for our daily meeting, I knocked it onto the floor. Every single time! You would've thought I'd learn in two years not to do it.

Jim's such a fun guy and one of the best bosses I've ever had.

So funny how the things everyone tried to do for him this week didn't seem to work out (though everything was ok in the end). I ordered a photo book from Shutterfly, full of pictures from his years at the hotel (including lots of goofy ones). I actually ordered a second book for myself since it was great having all the pictures in one place. Shutterfly shipped the books separately. The first one came and it looked great, but a page fell out. No problem, the second book is coming so we can ask them for a replacement for the first book later. The second shipment comes, but it's not just the one book, but TWO books. Great, but it's NOT Jim's book! It's two identical books about someone's Ireland vacation! Oh, well, Shutterfly now has to send us two more books, but they won't get here in time for his farewell party; we gave him the defective book. Somewhere, a Shutterfly customer is looking at Jim's book and is thinking "who is this guy making all the goofy faces?"

Then, the hotel ordered a sheet cake for his last day for the staff party. Great, but instead of "Good Luck Jim," it says "Good Luck Chuck." Who's Chuck?? They had to scrape off the "Chuck" and spell out "Jim" in M&M's! Luckily he didn't even know about it until later. But somehow these mishaps fit someone like Jim, who has a great sense of humor.

We also went to karaoke the night before, something Jim really wanted to do. And, of course, a "nice" pic and a goofy one! Love little Ashlee sitting on Jim's lap posing for the camera in the first pic, then in the next pic looking at the crazy adults, like she's thinking, "what are they doing?!"

Miss you guys!