I would like to say “On this, the last day of my corporate employment” period, but I can’t make that proclamation right now. I’ve made it before and then I failed to follow through on that promise to myself. So on this, my last day of my current employment, I would just like to say, “Hallelujah!”

Actually, I just wanted to prove that I could spell that.

But seriously, it’s good to say goodbye. There are a few people that I will miss, but I must make the concerted effort to do something besides settling for a paycheck and a half-life. Hopefully this time the change will be a real change and not just a change in venue.

But now, an homage to the deserving –

To the park across the street, for the good times and the lovely duck pond

To the men on the streets near the office, who had some interesting ideas about what a girl like me really needed

To the ghost who haunts the ladies restroom, because I hate to urinate alone

To Dorene, who provided me with the internet so that I could spend part of my day not working, which is really a basic human right

To Bill, who always had an encouraging word and possibly a slight Cheez-It addiction

To Duane, who shared my love of the Fresh Prince episode where Will was shot and would actually participate in a conversation about it

To Squire B & Lady Trista, who got me out of working on claims for several hours a week and then rewarded me with a gift card for it

To boss man Dennis, who always wanted to discuss politics and, for some strange reason, really didn’t want to fire me

To my Stinky, Bitter Cubicle Neighbor, for giving me the best reason to quit a week earlier than was actually necessary

And to me, for sticking it out and paying off a substantial amount of debt instead of giving into my serious desire to screw this work thing and spend all my time writing, and for getting rid of most of my material possessions to prepare for an even more nomadic lifestyle than the one that I have lived thus far.

It’s called preparing for battle.

This war has raged inside long enough. Time to take it to the streets.