Yesterday was the last day of one of the sharpest techs I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I learned a great deal from him - but in seven years he's never had a vacation and he completely burned out. So, he's leaving to go back home to Romania for a while, and then figure out what's next. The brains quotient here at work is now about 50% lower.
We had a going away party, and everyone stood around in the conference room with a serious spread of food, beer, cake, baklava, fruit - you name it. Folks who used to work here but have since moved on dropped by, which says a lot about what a charismatic, good-natured boss we have. After a while it was down to just a few of us, and drinks were shared. We de-camped to El Torito for more drinks. I can honestly say that I've never before been out drinking with two extraordinarily beautiful Russian women before...but having done so, I can only urge you, gentle reader, to be acutely aware of the way their eyes light up when someone says, "martini".
The night ended late, but well - with fond farewalls to our departing coworker. This morning can not be said to have been so convivial. Owe. Russian women should come with warming labels.