The final curtain...

Gee... it was fairly hard to walk away but I know that I will still be able to go back and visit the wonderful people that I have worked alongside for the past few years.
Lorraine Rimmer and Des Johnston are two of the most amazing Aquarians I could ever have met! When I was told that I could move into the office they shared (I worked out of a shoe box at the time!) I thought - Oh hell! I really didn't know much about either of them - Lorraine had always scared me (she doesn't put up with crap) and I didn't know much about Des at all. Well I couldn't have been more wrong about Lorraine. Far from being the 'Dragon' I was told she was, I think if it wasn't for her and Des I would have left sooner. I shall miss the company of these two but will take with me all the memories.
Then there are the processing staff - what can I say! Some of the kindest people - Francis, Paula, Alice, Ma - the backbone of the place and such laughter (Paula!!). I shall even miss the guys - Julian 'scare the hell out of me' Verran. Then there is Richard and Anup - my clinical wizzards, Matt - my QSA safety net, Colleen - the best boss I ever had in the Blood Bank. I am not going to bleet about the bad stuff because at the end of the day it will not change anything. The end of the story has not yet been written - I am just left with a sense of sadness for what could have been if not for the actions of a few bad apples. Still - to thrash the old saying - When one door closes another one opens. If not another door then a window and I am also fond of saying that to take a step forward sometimes you need to take a step backwards.
To other news: I am flying out to Rarotonga for 8 days to help out my Dad. He lives alone and at the age of 71 does not really look after himself very well. The house is falling down around him and he needs a bit of help. I shall also be taking the opportunity to chill out and sort out my head now that I am at a cross road in my career. I shall be posting a few photo's when I update the blog next so watch this space!
I am also really really excited!! Shannon booked our Europe tickets a couple of days ago!! Oh boy I am really looking forward to the trip. I had better get a job quick smart as I still have a mortgage to pay! Aunty Mary has insisted on replacing the roof as the recent storms have caused a few leaks. That lady is an amazing person - Mum and Antione are so lucky to be right next door. As soon as I come back from Raro I shall go up for a visit. It will be great to be able to take off for a few days and not have the responsibility of running a Tissue Bank to hold me back!
Well - sorry it has been a bit boring but I promise that the next blog will be dotted with tropical photos and loads of exciting news! I am going out to buy an underwater camera to take some fish photo's.
Until next time - live life like it was your last day!