I’m a handful of months into this new job, and I’ve attended more retirement parties in this post than I attended in my all my previous 20+ years of working. Office parties are often pretty similar. Showers, birthdays, and promotions all get cake and well wishes. Retirement parties, however, are a whole other level of office gathering.
For one thing, there are speeches at these office parties. These speeches border a commencement address in that they look back and they look forward. They offer words of wisdom and maybe a joke or two. But the retirement party speech elicits a palpable sense of wistful envy. There’s a longing to be in this person’s shoes tomorrow morning and every morning after where alarm clocks are only for early morning flights. And paperwork is occasional, not constant. And in-office politics are contained to the TV screen.
This week, one of my favorite colleagues was due to deliver his retirement speech, but a broken AC system in the building—coupled with triple digit heat—is keeping us at home. It will be sad to not greet him in the morning., usually wearing something stylish like a linen blazer or vintage corduroy trousers. And I’ll be sad when I realize I won’t see him put on his hat (I told ya, he’s stylish!), and say, “Goodnight, Elisabeth” at the end of every weekday before heading home.
I suspect his speech to us, over cake and cans of Waterloo, would have mirrored the advice he freely gave. “Run your own race,” he’d say, “and take time for yourself while you’re still able.”
So, it wasn’t you who won the Irish cottage in a raffle, after all. Bummer.
Speaking of charming cottages, I would not be upset one bit if this stunning cottage was raffled off. It’s wonderful in so many ways. (minus the creepy heads-as-wall-art).
How a side project went to a cult favorite notebook (in a digital era, no less).
The original photograph superimposed with Jack Nicholson’s face for the thriller film The Shining has been unearthed after 45 years.
To mark the bands 50th birthday (what???), Talking Heads released a new music video for their classic hit Psycho Killer that stars Saoirse Ronan. It’s really quirky, but in all the right ways.
Maybe the cutest keychain?!
I finally got to visit the Big Night store in Manhattan, and gosh if it wasn’t absolutely perfect. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who entertains or cooks, this place is for you. I highly recommend their glitter for salads and fish and well just about everything!
It seems like so many people are going to Italy this summer! This guide to Puglia makes me want to eat outside as soon as this heatwave leaves town.
Do you need a dopamine menu?
This incredible Airstream with major Frank Lloyd Wright vibes is making the rounds, but it is still worth sharing here.
Printfresh is offering 40% off their super-cute apparels. I’ve thought of the company as more of a pajama kinda place, but it’s fun to see their bright whimsical patterns adorn shirts and dresses!
Have a wonderful weekend!