I'm so glad we had this time together.

Well, that sucked.

I learned today that I'm a crazy emotional girl.

So I spent the majority of my day doing what crazy emotional girls do.

I figured it was my last day, so I had an excuse.

And I had this whole thing planned out to say. About how we're a family. Now it just makes me sad, but I should say it anyway.

The father (Glee-Loving Boss) who watches out for everyone, teases them about getting flu shots, jokes with you about Glee.

The mom (Sensei) who's a genius about family histories, and who you can joke about anything with, especially anything involving The Closer, Criminal Minds, or Jay Leno.

The cool aunt (Space Cadet) who you debate about things like sea cows and snow leopards. And bond over things like breadsticks, pizza, and morning shifts.

The older brother (Joe Studley) whose knowledge of movie and music trivia will make your head spin. Who'll do voice impersonations just to make you laugh.

The older sister (Queen of Awesome) who keeps you sane in times of crazy, who you can count on when you need someone to talk to or a night out for sushi.

The younger brother (the Quiet One) who makes you laugh and steps up when you need them to.

And now we've adopted another older sister (Trainee) who you can talk derby, basketball, football, booze cakes, library, practically anything with. Someone who's proud that, when a derby girl walks in and comes to the desk, you're able to remain professional and withhold going all fangirls until said derby girl has left the building.

Originally, I was the shy younger sister. Too afraid she was going to screw up to stand up for herself.

But, with the assistance of everyone listed above, I've definitely grown into something completely different. And I'm grateful for each one of them and their guidance and support for more than a year now. I will miss them all.

And I know, I'll still be around a few nights a week, but that's different.

Walking out of there tonight was different.

Tomorrow is my first full day as a 40hr professional.

But I'll always remember my first day as an Aide. Spent half of it in the back room, three-hole-punching the bottoms of plastic bags, because apparently tiny children might think it's fun to put them over their heads. I can still hear Glee-Loving Boss saying, "I know this is ridiculous, but..."

That was just the start of what became a crazy and exciting year-and-a-half long journey to where we are now.

And I'm grateful for the experience.

"This Time Together" Show Finale


I figured, for the night, I'd hit you with a collection of some of the songs I'd sing while shelving.

I'll call it "Songs of the Shelver" much like those collections you see advertised late at night or on Who's Line is it Anyway, except these have their actual lyrics.

"All My Ex's Live In Texas" George Strait


"6 Months" Hey Monday live/acoustic


"Where Oh Where" HeeHaw


Random assortment, I'm aware. But those are just three of the many. Perhaps tomorrow I'll post some more.

Tomorrow.

Big day.