They say grown men don’t cry. I’ve been agonizing over this post for quite some time. I knew I was leaving but I didn’t know how to say it without tearing up. I started the post then became really emotional so I stopped. Two weeks later and I’m still staring at the screen not because I didn’t know what to write but how I should write it without leaving anyone special I’ve met in Portland out.
Living in Portland, Oregon has been an amazing experience and is a place that will always have a special place in my heart. Being in a big city thought me how to grow up quick, really quick. I went from shy and immature to an outspoken and brash individual with reason. A trait my bosses cringe when they hear about what had happened with me the night before. I know what you’re wondering. What’s he talking about?
My transfer went through and I’m headed to Huntington Beach, California. Hi David! Retail grocery is a great place and environment to work in Portland and all but I really gotta finish school and get my degree in web design and multimedia. I figure schools cheaper down there and I’ll make more money per hour with time and half on Sundays working as a grocery clerk.
I don’t think I will have to adjust much to a faster pace of life in Southern California. I’ve always been somewhat nomadic. The only hard thing I will have to adjust to is working in a new environment. I’ve been working for the same store for the last 10 years and my co-workers have been like an extended family to me. Unable to go home to the closest family in Bend, Oregon. We’ve spent many holidays working together, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years, etc.
I would like to say Thank You to my boss for believing and giving me the opportunity to be part of the management crew. I never thought about joining management as I was content with my position as a checker but boss motivated and encouraged me to try something new. Who saw the potential and entrusted me with running the store. All boss wanted was respect and loyalty. Boss taught me how to be responsible and for that I am forever grateful. Boss is one of those rare people who I have a huge amount of respect for. I felt I can never let down, no matter what the circumstances are. I won’t call in unless I’m going to die, there’s just no question…
- Torn ACL didn’t stop me from limping into work.
- Broken nose, hard to breath but hey I can still stand.
- Concussion, as long as I can count.
- Sprain ankle, standing on one leg isn’t too hard.
- My god father’s funeral, that was tough but nobody to fill in.
- The giant hickey on my neck, borrowed make-up from one of my co-workers to try to cover it up (Thanks Manis) didn’t work out to well. Customers must have thought I was a freak.
I would like to thank my assistant boss. Hasn’t been with us long but in assistant boss short time, thought me the importance of life and consequences. Assistant boss is a straight shooter, dry but does the job when called upon and is always there when needed. Assistant boss has compassion for people and I think my co-workers acknowledge that and show a lot of respect for assistant boss.
CD always kept it real. Had a lot of fun working with him. Never complained much, just did his job and always talked about Mexico.
Pizzle, hard worker and never wanted to let anyone down. So much to the point where she would exhaust herself but I think that’s what sets her apart. I try to bring the same intensity to work everyday like she does.
Irv, self proclaimed best checker alive
, congratulations on your promotion. I always knew there was something special about you but you won’t be as good as me until you take off that clip on tie and tie your own.
To all the store departments:
I cannot go into much detail about you guys and but I want to say thank you for showing me the respect and backing me when things go wrong. I would not have accomplished the many tasks we’re given at work without you guys. Thank you for being patient when I mess up your lunches and breaks, thank you for spending the holidays with me, and most of all thank you for being my friends.
They say grown men don’t cry but on my last day, I looked at the schedule and my name was no longer on it. I cried, standing there looking at the schedule made me realize how much I will miss you guys. Thank you for the cake.
To all the regular customers who came to visit me on my last day, I tried holding back tears as I hugged each and every one of you.
- Deborah, I should have gotten to know you a lot sooner. I don’t know why but for some reason I wanted to know your first name and I’m glad I did because you always had something funny to say. I always remember to ring up your medium soda.
- Rich, your arms are massive. Rain or snow, you still wear sleeveless shirts and sometimes I think you do it just so I can say, “sir, there’s no guns allowed in the store.”
- Julie, thank you for the card and chocolates. I will never forget the day you told me, “if I wasn’t into girls, I’d be all over you.”
- Seth, your canolies are awesome man. Keep it up brother.
- Terry, sorry for calling you by your ex wife’s name for the last few years. You were a good sport about it.
- Jeannie, I enjoyed being your personal checker and your friend. You always had something nice to say.
- Celia, you always win playing keno and then donating some of it to whatever cause we have. We need more people like you.
- Samuel, great attitude every time you come in. Even though you work in a funeral home, you summed it up best, “work is work, home is home, don’t mix it.”
- Patty, always concerned when I’m going to graduate. Thank you for caring.
I know I left a bunch of you guys out but please forgive me. Just seeing you guys smile is enough to make each hour better. It’s been a pleasure serving you.
To S.(Esther)SJ.L without you none of this would have been possible. You are my inspiration and my heart, thank you for helping me realize my potential and encouraging me to shoot for the stars. I love you.
Portland usually has something going on and my most memorable moment was the naked bike ride. I remember going to the food carts with my friend who was going away and ordering a chili dog. Sitting down with a bunch of naked people is something I don’t think I can ever get used to. Penises and breasts were everywhere and people were just walking around like they were in the comfort of their own home. My buddy looked at my chili dog and said, “hey, dude you really going to eat that with all of these penises standing around you?”
Just because I’m gone from Portland doesn’t mean I don’t have anymore stories of Portland. Stay tuned.
