Bertie On The Way To Retirement

Following on the heels of a restful vacation in Italy, Hurricane Sandy made its appearance.  

Harried, harrassed, attempting to catch any train chugging its way to the city, the serenity from the Italian vacation rapidly fizzled.  At the crack of dawn, with a blinking flashlight running across Sunrise Highway which had also lost its traffic lights, the LIRR commute became a nightmare to and from work.

After almost two decades at Jones Day, it was time to go. 

Barbara, New York Office Administrator of the Firm, hosted a luncheon at CIBO.  It was a lovely gesture and one of the better moments of my JD work life to look back to.  

Marianna, who became one of my first new friends in New York City, half a lifetime ago had extended a helping hand to join the Firm in June 1995.

Not only a kind friend, Marianna is a very supportive manager.

As the only biller for the first five years, I participated in the evolvement of the billing activities which had its start with the word processing system and calculator to the now high-tech, leading edge software used by major law firms.  

Over the years, the department grew, and technological advances made work more efficient.  Most of my time in the Firm was a pleasant experience, owed in large part to the kindness and professionalism of the people I came in contact with.

The Amazin' Trio -- Karen, Valerie and Shoni, book ended by Lynne, another friend from half a lifetime ago    

Karen, the Hostess Queen 

Valerie, the Lehman Queen

Hard working Thakoor

Sweet Jane who never looses her cool, and Ritalyn, with whom I often share LIRR and subway rides, going and coming from work

 Jeanne who quickly become a friend, sharing the hair splitting moments of remembering when to use today's rates or yesteryear's rates.

Sally of HR always kind, Lynne and Ellen, who without hesitation, helped with a PowerPoint project, despite her busy schedule.

 Gilda, masterfully choreographs her busy desk with peals of laughter; Lorena with whom I once shared a challenging Brazilian personality.  

With Irene, cajoling contacts to accept LEDES that were unlike any normal LEDES files. 

Susan and Irene

Julie and Larkia, both with a passion for vibrant jewelry.

 Syd and Sandra

Michael, the Excel guru

With Lena, a co-retiree

Jeanne, Abigail soon to make a splash in the fashion world and Sally

Ellen and Susan, my 3:00 p.m. cafeteria time-out buddy 

Miguel, Chrome River expert, Thakoor and Michael

After Barbara gave me THE CLOCK, I read a short prepared speech.

With everyone, there were wonderful moments in shared conversation and light-hearted banter, spurts of laughter and giggles.  

Thank you all for the memories and for being here. I wish all of you the best, and hope we keep in touch.