bon voyage

My office friends were so sweet yesterday. People made me promise to come and say goodbye (I don't say goodbye) or check in with them before I left. My friend A brought me a beautiful cookie another pal was sad to not be there for lunch, it was all very kind.
But I, as you may well imagine, had that anxious day-before-the-big-trip feeling all day and couldn't shake it. My boss has been traveling for weeks (which cuts my daily workload considerably) and I had accomplished everything I needed to to tie up loose ends by about 3:00 and I started to go a little crazy.
My pals at the other end of the building kept me company for a bit, I did my away voicemail and out-of-office note for my email, I briefed my fill-in assistant on the week ahead.
Meanwhile, it's Poetry Month (more on that later) and we are having a haiku contest. (As I am leaving, I have not entered.)
I started to make the rounds to see people before I left.
The Art Director was cute and overworked and demanded I return to the office as soon as possible.
Another friend told me she dreamed I left for six months. (Do I really have such a presence at my office?)
I went to say see you later to my friend C but her door was closed.
D was scooting out the door and stopped for a hug...Don't forget to wear red underwear on the plane! she admonished.
My anxiety ratcheted up a notch. Maybe two.
I don't own any red underwear. I panicked. I am not one to take these things lightly and D has authored a book about luck and superstition. She knows her stuff.
I ran across the street in a frenzy, hit three huge stores and found a pair.
Back at the office, I cleared my desk and made my escape.
Settled on the train, I received emails.

from C:

Conversation: A haiku

Subject: Re: A haiku

I came to see you

Five euro in my pocket

Lost their chance again.


to C:
I came to see you! 

Your door was closed!

Miss you already.  

from C:
A phone interview
ruined our chance at 
goodbye.
Mary Tucker* who?


I've left the office before but never for this long. It's bittersweet and I need the time away - though this isn't meant to be a relaxing trip, it's a touring trip (and more on that later too).
I'd like to close my eyes and be there as it's going to be a very long day/night/day and I have the aforementioned pre-trip anxiety.
Fear not - I've got it covered.




















*a pseudonym for the woman filling in for me.