Today I retire from my long career of two years. I know it doesn't sound like a long time for a career but it is relatively unheard of to work consistently for so long in a purse's life. And have I ever worked! Casey is not generous with the vacation time for her purse employees! Don't get me wrong - I have loved working for my employer but she really grew way too dependent on me during my career. I tried to convince her several times to hire at least one other bag. And she tried other employees. She really did. We bought at least four new bags during my time as an employee but she claimed no purse worked as well as I did and she would always return to me. So all the other bags just served as temps when I got the occasional day off.
I know I sound ungrateful for the consistent work but I am tired and I want to accomplish other goals in my life before I find myself in a garbage can. It is time to rest my handles, hang out with the other bags, and give my zippers an occasional mani/pedi! Plus, just between you and me I think I am becoming an unwelcomed third party in Boyfriend and Casey's relationship. I know you think I am just paranoid but I have heard him complain about how big I am and how I interfere. She takes up for me and says I am her statement bag but I believe Boyfriend is ready for her to make a new statement! You can see how uncomfortable all three of us are in the below picture. I think Boyfriend is just in the way but he thinks I am and really I need to retire before I cause any more problems!
However, I retire with wonderful memories. I have had a career that most other purses would sell themselves on Ebay for! My career has been filled with numerous opportunities for travel and meeting interesting people along the way. I was hired right before the 2009 Southern Miss's Homecoming game in Hattiesburg, MS. I was quite the star of the day with my gorgeous golden coloring. I come by my color naturally because it runs in the family which makes all the other bags so jealous.
Casey quickly became attached to me, claiming that I was her trademark bag. We went everywhere together. We went to work every day, numerous football games (both Southern Miss and Ole Miss), dinners out, and vacations. Everywhere we went women complimented me which only made Casey use me even more. Casey even took me when I wasn't right for the occasion or clashed with her outfit. Poor thing sometimes looked like a traffic light with her bright red coat and me as her bag with my natural golden coloring. All she needed was some green and she could have had a second job directing traffic! But none of that stopped her devotion to me. Bless her heart.
I told her I had to retire a few weeks ago. She was not happy at all but I thought it was a good time to let her know. I comforted her telling herI have heard that the new purses coming into the job market are quite remarkable. I reminded her that getting into a fashion rut, even with a fashionable piece, is just a ghastly problem that would soon make her bait for one of those reality make over shows where they would force her to separate from me. Also, Boyfriend is growing increasingly frustrated with not being able to hug her without me in the way. And I will admit I purposely slugged him a couple of times when Casey wasn't looking.
After I assured her that I would not go far and we would stay in touch when I retired, she agreed to let me go try new things. So now I am headed to her closet to have more "me" time. Sweet girl even surprised me with a retirement party! The party had wine, food, presents, and toting (which is dancing in the purse world). For my retirement gift, I got a beautiful handmade scarf to accessorize my handles. All the purses are accessorizing these days. I made a speech that brought tears to her eyes and we toasted to new adventures. So I got my way, I am free. Boyfriend will be happy. Casey will adjust to a new bag. But after looking at my pictures, I am not sure now just how long I will stay in retirement. Given how gorgeous I look for my age I may have a few more good years left in me after all.
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| There I am with Casey at the MACE Conference she chaired in Biloxi...good times! |
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| Us together in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. She toted me all around that huge hotel! |
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| Us girls had to visit the ice exhibit! Merrill and Casey forgot to put a coat on me too! Brrrr that igloo was cold. |
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| She loves this picture but it looks like Boyfriend doesn't want to touch her but it is just because I am in the way and he can't put his arm around her! |
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| My retirement party! Wine and my new scarf! I was so proud of my decision to retire but now seeing at how good I look, I may have to rethink my decision. |
