I found out today that 2 more people from the computer center are leaving. That’s three in as many weeks, I think. Both are hard-working, bright, and engaged in the success of the division and the University. The best kind of co-workers – and friends.
We’re shocked – but not surprised. Happy for them – and sad because they are leaving.
It wasn’t that long ago that I looked at the whole division as unstoppable. Impossible task? Check. Unreasonable deadline? Check. Brilliant solutions and hard work? Check and check.
Now? I’m not so sure. Those that remain after the devastating cuts and the voluntary exits have an uncertain future. How will we get everything done just to keep the lights on – much less innovate and more forward? I don’t know.
Our group is moving to a new division and while I will miss my friends and co-workers, I think it’s a good move for us.
So, I’m feeling a little down tonight.
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The only really enjoyable thing about the long drive back from Hilton Head – besides the company – was watching the time readout on the GPS compress.
The GPS estimated our arrival time based on the speed limits in the areas where we traveled. By exceeding that limit – shhhh – by just a little bit, we rewound the arrival time.
Not by much, mind you. We weren’t going that fast. And we would “lose ground” when we stopped for food. Still, it was a little empowering to make time and space bend to my whim on a macro scale. You usually don’t get that unless you approach the speed of light.
And we weren’t going that fast.
Of course, the reverse also holds true. If you go slower than the speed limit, time gets added onto the arrival. We had this once driving back to Akron in a snowstorm last winter. For a while, it looked like we might never get home. It was like some kind of freaking Tau Zero or something. (Look it up, I’m not going to do everything for you)
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Finally, one of my video game characters died. It was in Hardcore mode and while she was a bad-ass, we got in over our heads. The voodoo priestess and I had some pretty great adventures and logged a lot of hours together, but in the end the Angel of Death was too much for her in Torment level 4. She, and her amazing gear, are gone to the Unformed Lands.
Eheria, you were great and you will be missed.