TBWITWW likes to cook, and for the last year or so, she's been assisting with the culinary program at a store downtown. Ben, the chef who was the coordinator of the program (and a really fun guy), had his last day on Saturday. Last night a few of the "regulars" got together at Suite Lounge to send him off in style. Now, as any respectable chef will tell you, bacon is the perfect food. So in keeping with that, all of the gifts were bacon-related including a nice selection of actual bacon, a bacon air-freshener, bacon mints and, even Mr Bacon vs Mssr. Tofu Action Figures. During the course of the evening, it was determined that henceforth the group would be refered to as the "Baconites."

And it was good.

Sunday was Katie's last day at work. While I was sad to see Jackie go 2 weeks ago, Katie's leaving is rough.

Katie started only a few weeks after I did in 2000. In those 6 1/2 years, she has become one of the people I'm closest to at work. Just showing up was easier, knowing she'd be there. She borrowed books from me, cat-sat for us, made me laugh, made me cry and made me laugh again. The place I work this week is not the same place I worked last week.

All of the sadness, is just for me however. Katie's moving on, and moving up. I envy her for that. She's pursuing her dream, and she's taking a huge step to do so. So, while I'll miss her at work, I'm proud of her. I'm proud that she's braver than I am, and that I can count her among my close friends.

Unbelievable SorrowI don't know skippy well, but I still count him a friend. I've said goodbye too many times of late, and many have been there to help me. Any thoughts or prayers you can send his way can only help.