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March 19, 2007
I wonder what they'll Say about me at My "Retirement" Luncheon
Not too long ago, I attended a retirement luncheon for “Judy,” who, for about a dozen years, served as the personal assistant to “Henry,” a man who is definitely one of the higher ups at work. Midway through lunch, Henry stood up to say a few words about Judy, and let’s just say, he had a hell of a time maintaining his composure towards the end of his speech.
Henry: “You know (looking at all of us - about 80 people), my father used to tell me that you could count your really great friends in life on one hand (putting up one hand), maybe two if you were really lucky (showing us both hands). Well, Judy (looking at Judy), I consider you one of my really great friends (starting to sob), and I’m so sorry that you’re leaving us because I’m (really breaking down) losing one of my best friends (crying even harder, hugging Judy as she stands to comfort him).”
At this point, as you can probably imagine, the room was as quiet as a room can get. In fact, it was so quiet that it was really uncomfortable. That’s why I thought it’d be a good idea if I lightened things up a bit.
Thinking Fool: (Yelling from across the room) “Hey Henry, your dad sounds like he was a total idiot.”
As that joker from Harry Potter would say, “I shouldn’t have said that!” You win some; you lose some. Such is life. And no, I didn't actually say that, but I sure as hell wanted to! Probably best that I didn't.
Comments
I have a similar anecdote. I was at a retirement party last week for my firm's outgoing office manager when the former managing partner told the following story:
"Many of you don't know that Betty (outgoing office manager) was hired by Colleen (the office manager before Betty). There's a funny story behind that... before I became managing partner, I went to Colleen to ask for an electric pencil sharpener because, as many of you who know me are aware, I like sharp pencils on my desk every morning. Well I went to Colleen and in typical [Firm name] fashion, she said 'no' to my request. . . Well I became managing partner shortly thereafter and fired her. [awkward silence]. . . and now Betty is leaving us as well. [awkward silence]"
Posted by: wiseazzz at March 19, 2007 10:39 AM
I am confused, was the higher up saying he had slept with the woman and would miss having easy access to intercourse at the office?
Shouldnt he see this as an opportunity to hire a new, younger, more attractive woman to fill the position? He is at a place in his career now that he should really take advantage of these opportunities.
Posted by: pretty at March 19, 2007 01:24 PM
Yup, probably a good thing you stayed quiet ;-)
Posted by: LisaBinDaCity at March 19, 2007 08:17 PM
Why are all of YOU PEOPLE hanging out with old people?
Why not go to some engagement parties or keggers?
Posted by: CM at March 23, 2007 03:26 PM
