Farewell Carpenter!

After 8 years, it is time to move on from Carpenter. I transferred to the aquatics department of the Tom Muehlenbeck Center on 3/29/10. My fav coworkers threw me a party at the Texas Roadhouse in The Colony. The service of the Texas Roadhouse sucked and they ended up giving us all coupons for free meals. But that doesn’t matter to me. I had a great time hanging out with my work fam one more time. John Finley made me a “1st Aid Kit” full of stuff to remind me of Carpenter: English Muffins, crosswords, peanut butter, and toothpaste. And a nugget of poop for something to look forward to at the pool. Just kidding, it was Baby Ruth. Yummy!

I am very sad to leave. I always said that just seeing Jodi and Sandy was the best part of my day. John’s little songs, like “We’re having a heat wave” and “…Walked into Carpenter and lost my mind” still play in my head. I will miss Patrick spending a whole day throwing a racquetball through the hole in the wall. Thursdays won’t be the same without Super, Steve, and Bryan. And, more than I care to admit, Cindy taught me everything I know about Plano (well, almost). I feel like my friends there have been through so much with me. They helped me up when I have been beaten down, laughed with me, and celebrated milestones with me. Even if we lose touch somehow, I will never forget you all.

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Seuss

Steve and Bryan make my Thursdays pervy.

Table Uno!

Table 2.

Cindy & Jon.

John's 1st Aid Kit.

Crosswords!

Peanut Butter for my sandwhich.

Toothbrush and tootpaste, in case I forget.

Poop!

Yummy!

The Crew.

Gotta love them!

Sandy says, "Deuces!"

I made a crossword as a farewell gift.  This is the easy one.

This one is harder.  It included everyone I have worked with at Carpenter except for one person.  Who is it?

My Bridal Shower

I had the best Bridal Shower anyone could have asked for. My friend, Jodi Burley, is the most creative person I know. She put the whole shindig together with another friend of mine, Sandy McKinley. It was at Sandy's house. Jodi and her husband, Elbert, did all the food. He even made green punch! My favorite! We played a few games, like All About Sara. And then we opened presents. I got some great stuff. Especially the much needed knife set and curtains. I didn't get too many pictures on my own camera. When I get Tommie's pictures I will post them on Facebook. Thank you so much Jodi and Sandy!

Welcome tree.

Two love birds.

Green hydrangea centerpiece.

The spread.

Chocolate cake.

Vanilla cake.

Chocolate covered almonds.

Green punch! You gotta be really special to get that!

Carribeaner favors.

The Trees Ball! Cheese ball made into a tree. Get it...

Jan won a game for being married to John for 37 years!

Everyone playing All About Sara.

Tommie and Stephanie only got 2 wrong!

The single ladies search for the garter.

Coffy won!

Averi and Jaxon cuddle on Heather's lap.

All my moms! Natasha, Pat, me, and Tommie.

Me and Blythe.

The coolest invitation ever!

Inside of the invite.

The envelope was cool too!

Dick Russell 11/7/38 - 7/22/09

Dick Russell was a coworker of mine for the last 4 - 5 years. Recently, he has been having health problems that lead him to reduce his hours, then finally resign a week ago. He was supposed to have surgery this past Wednesday to improve the circulation in his legs. However, he passed away Wednesday morning from congestive heart failure. He was 71. His memorial service is today at 4 PM at Turrentine, Jackson, Morrow in Allen.

I liked Dick. He was a nice guy. Before he worked at Carpenter, he was a patron. He would walk everyday. He would hang out by the counter and talk. When he got the job, we all got to know him better. He went to Penn State and has a Master's from Harvard. He was a football player, a soldier, and a CEO. There were many interesting things about him. Dick always played (and won!) in the Carpenter Football Pool. And this year, during "Mary Gate," Dick continued to play the Football Pool with me and Stephanie after everyone else quit.

Dick and I clashed about work stuff every once in a while. Sometimes the kids at the center got on his nerves and he wasn't afraid to show it. The computer work we do was a little confusing for him too. I now regret how mean I was to him. I would get so frustrated sometimes. I'm sorry Dick.

He are some of the pictures I could find of him. I have one at work that I really wanted to scan. Hopefully I will remember on Monday.

Dick at Steve's Going Away Party 2007.

Halloween 2006

Dick is former Cowboy coach, Bill Parcells.

Always in character.

Christmas 2006

Goodbye Again Coffy!

Coffy got another promotion! We are all very happy for her. She will be the new Recreation Supervisor of Oak Point Recreation Center. So we celebrated at Manny's Uptown. I finally got to try the brisket tacos. They were good. It was nice to get everyone together. We will miss her!

The girls!

Chocolate for Coffy's new candy jar.

A beautiful frame made by Candice.

Coffy opening presents.

Isn't she cute?

The manly men.

All the guys from Carpenter.

Carpenter chicks.

The whole gang.

Jodi and Sandy.

Sitting pretty.