Like a big sneeze, I’m outta here

THIS will be my last column for the Addy, for better or for worse.

Like many before me, I’m going to take the opportunity to reflect on my time here and marvel at the fact that over the past 18 months, I (hopefully) haven’t repeated myself.

The thing that makes a workplace is undoubtedly your colleagues. It doesn’t matter how much you talk to someone, you get to know people just by being around them.

First of all, I’d like to put out a big thank you to the impressive sneezers in the office. There’s a few that stand out — you’d be surprised what an adrenaline rush you get after a nuclear sneeze mushrooms over your shoulder.

I’ve seen grown men duck for cover. After everyone has regained composure there’s generally a slew of bless yous, or, impressed wows. Once there was even applause.

It’s things like this — little as they seem — that keep a smile on your face.

So what does it say about these people? Well the sneezers are unabashed, unembarrassed — and everyone else? Incredibly caring. Amazing. Sometimes the subeditors have fevered cravings for fast food — midweek burgers? Someone will be walking around, ala highway collector, asking for partakers in a greasy after-5pm feast. And Food Truck Friday in the CBD? Just try and get between those guys and a burrito — you’ll be missing an arm before you can blink. It creates an amazing active discussion on the benefits of the pulled pork vs shredded beef Korean burrito that only comes by once a month — or whether it’s better to snag the trio of tacos and have a selection.

Subeditors: foodies interested in the gastronomical delights, and possibly the stress relief from high doses of salt, fat and protein.

Then there’s the reporters who make 12 trips a day to the coffee machine and water cooler, presumably for some liquid motivation, and then to hydrate from the diuretic properties of said liquid motivation.

Casual chats from two passing ships in the night often lead to story ideas, collaborations, or just a warm fuzzy feeling because you had a palaver with someone. Thanks guys. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m glad my time is coming to an end, because I really don’t think I’ve got another column in me.

Ciao Geelong!