Da Big Night!
Last night was my retirement party, and a good time was had by all. I was really disappointed when I found out that no one else who was retiring this year wanted a party. I had been looking forward to one of those big old testimonial dinners where everyone gets to hear funny speeches about themselves. When no other retirees were willing to be roasted, I decided that I didn't want to have a solo banquet, so my friend Mary Ann volunteered to host a party for me at her house. I had to limit the guest list, so I invited just my closest friends from school. As it turned out, the place was packed.
Linda came up from Maryland and invited a few alums (via Facebook) to join in the fun, so there were several surprise guests. Rose, my supervisor, brought lots of Shakespearean props, read a poem she wrote for me, and brought in a couple of students, who staged a mock battle between Eddie de Vere and Willie the Shakes in honor of our longstanding debate. Renee gave me a bottle of German wine in anticipation of the next chapter of my life. Donna gave me a boa and a tiara to make me look like my favorite leading lady from the past. Linda and Rich sang parodies about my theatre productions. Brian and Mary gave hilarious speeches, and Kristine gave one that made me cry. Then we all sang karaoke and ate like little piggies. It was a wonderful time!
Mary Ann gave me a card containing almost $400 that they had collected, so it looks as if I'll be getting that new camera before my trip to Germany. Lots of people took lots of pictures, and Carolyn even took some videos, which will surely make me laugh, cry, and cringe. (I hope none of them end up on Facebook...)
It has been a wonderful 27 years at South (not to mention the six years before that spent in other classrooms) and I've made some terrific friends. Since we still have another five weeks of school, the reality of retirement has yet to really sink in. I know I will cry as I drive away on that last day. But last night was a time for laughter. I enjoyed every raucous minute!
Here are a few of the highlights:
Donna presents me with a tiara:
The gang singing karaoke... John always said I had a big mouth!
Mary's speech came with props, including a stylish hat to wear when we walk on the boardwalk next fall.
I was pretty choked up by some of the speeches:
It was a night to remember!
Linda came up from Maryland and invited a few alums (via Facebook) to join in the fun, so there were several surprise guests. Rose, my supervisor, brought lots of Shakespearean props, read a poem she wrote for me, and brought in a couple of students, who staged a mock battle between Eddie de Vere and Willie the Shakes in honor of our longstanding debate. Renee gave me a bottle of German wine in anticipation of the next chapter of my life. Donna gave me a boa and a tiara to make me look like my favorite leading lady from the past. Linda and Rich sang parodies about my theatre productions. Brian and Mary gave hilarious speeches, and Kristine gave one that made me cry. Then we all sang karaoke and ate like little piggies. It was a wonderful time!
Mary Ann gave me a card containing almost $400 that they had collected, so it looks as if I'll be getting that new camera before my trip to Germany. Lots of people took lots of pictures, and Carolyn even took some videos, which will surely make me laugh, cry, and cringe. (I hope none of them end up on Facebook...)
It has been a wonderful 27 years at South (not to mention the six years before that spent in other classrooms) and I've made some terrific friends. Since we still have another five weeks of school, the reality of retirement has yet to really sink in. I know I will cry as I drive away on that last day. But last night was a time for laughter. I enjoyed every raucous minute!
Here are a few of the highlights:
Donna presents me with a tiara:
The gang singing karaoke... John always said I had a big mouth!
Mary's speech came with props, including a stylish hat to wear when we walk on the boardwalk next fall.
I was pretty choked up by some of the speeches:
It was a night to remember!