Let's see . . .

I work with a sincerely great group of people. I don't mean to sound sappy or over-done about it, but upon the departure of two of them this week, and thinking about my own departure that is set for the end of the year, I have been thinking of how much I appreciate each of them. In different ways, so much so, they are truly friends rather than just people I work with.

There are people that I have worked with in the past that have been fine co-workers, however I have never been able to reflect on them and feel any real connection. I wouldn't even think of them outside of work or tell stories to my friends or family about them. With this group, I can think of many things that I appreciate about each of them and I am so glad and thankful to have them in my life. I believe that everyone in your life is there for a reason, whether it is to make you stronger, give you a certain experience, make you question something, or even just make you laugh.

A is genuinely a great person. He is kind and sincere in all he does, and always keeps things fun. I think he would be our clown. He is also great at giving advice and offering help, work-wise or other, and I think that he really cares about each of us.

T is fun and is always up for a concert! She surprises me with random acts of kindness, even if it is something as small as going on a coffee run, offering to grab lunch, or a Diet Dr Pepper from downstairs when she knows I can't and would really appreciate it.

D is such a fun person and we get along great. We are on the same wavelength about many things and I can talk to her about anything!

J is quirky (but in a good way, most of the time) and clever. He actually reminds me somewhat of an ex-boyfriend of mine in his approaches to things, very analytical in his perspectives.

B is always a gentleman and is very kind. I appreciate his courtesy, as it is not all that common.

M is just a awesome guy all-around! He is smart, kind, and his sense of humor is killer. He makes me smile.

K is really put together and is a great listener. She is very considerate and warm.