Bon Voyage

I've worked with Phil for 14 years. He's retiring today, the lucky bum. Next up on his agenda: A Caribbean cruise. Phil is one of those guys that really makes you laugh. He's smart and witty, and thinks deep thoughts (under all the clowning). He's known for his 'Philisms', perfect quotes in the moment. My personal favorite, uttered during a staff meeting when a coworker stuck his foot in his mouth (again) and tried to undo his faux pas, is this: "You can't stuff the shit back in the horse."

We almost couldn't be more opposite on political topics, yet we routinely had good conversation on that very topic. He's big enough to appreciate my views, and make every effort to understand them, even when they are diametrically opposed to his own. That civil political discourse has been pretty rare these last seven years. Of course there was a bit of "You lefty, pinko, treehugger." thrown in to keep it light. Heh. He's right. And I'm left. And it's been good.

I'll miss you, Phil.