My Goodbyes via Email

Hi Andelita. This is going to be my last official email! I know you're happy! Lol. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed "working" with you. No, really I did! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have stayed as long as I did. You really made it fun working here even though I did most of the work! Pinch-eeeeeeee-weeeeee. I know we are going to be best of friends after here, but I can't help but feel sad that you won't be able to squeeze my love handles on a daily basis. hahahaha! No more PRC. No more Dolores Mission. No more H&M! Hahaha. You have my friendship no matter what and you know it. Take care and U.D.L.M.!

You know I had to send one last email, Genaro! You should know how much I love emailing (even though you never, ever respond)! Good luck, mini-Me! Hahaha! I'm so glad I was wrong about you! You ARE a sweetheart! Lol! I swear, I thought we were going to butt heads at first cuz you were such a smartie and you know only one brain can fit here and that was ME. But luckily, I realized that under such a tough exterior you are just a kind-hearted (but direct) darlin' and I am going to miss your lil' plants! J/K You too! haha. Take care, Bjork-A.


JAIMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this is my last email to you! Thank you for giving the opportunity to venture out and get my feet wet here at AltaMed. I know that even after here, you and I will always be friends. We've sure been through a lot, huh? First at AHF then here and who knows where else in the world?! I'm so sorry I didn't get to bug you one last time as an "AltaMed employee," but you know where I'll be. So, I'll bug you there.

Take care of yourself. And know, no matter what you mean a lot to me dear friend

Hi Jesse,

This is my official "goodbye." Jesse, you're the one that I feel most sad about leaving behind here at AltaMed since well, I did DO everything you wanted. Hahahaha! Seriously, I stayed as long as I did for a special few but I just felt I needed to move on. I wanted to do something else cuz any longer, I'd just burn out. And we all know how great a mood I can be in when I'm burnt out. I will always be here for you no matter what (even though I know you're rolling your eyes right now). I'm not being cheesy. You are a wonderful friend and even through the drama, the best thing out of it is the fact that we became friends. So, don't be a hater! You know how to find me so don't be one of those fake people I can't stand that are just my "friends" because we work for the same agency. I'm testing you (stop rolling your eyes)! I'll miss you. I do already.

Hi Mariano,

I just wanted to send my final farewell. I know it's been challenging here, but keep your head up. Your dedication to your clients has always been your priority and I admire your strength to stand up for what you believe in. Don't let anyone pull you down just make sure no one steps on your toes either! Take care, dear and I know we'll be seeing each other again.

Hey Kathy, I just wanted to take the time to send out an official "goodbye." I know we didn't get to work together too much, but it was still nice to see strong women taking charge the way we do! So keep it up! I've always felt that your passion to represent women and the need to skew more services targeting women was admirable. Take care of yourself and you know, I'll be seeing you soon!

Hey Susie, I just wanted to say goodbye. And thank you for my lovely cd. And thank you for being so sweet to me. And thank you for always making me feel beautiful, loved, and special. Good luck and take deep breaths because you're gonna need it here! Lol. Take care of you and please, don't be a stranger. I'm not just saying that either!

Hey Carlos,

I figured it's my last day so why not spend it doing what I do best: email. I'm sending the people I will miss most a "goodbye" email so you happen to be one of those people! I know you feel special. I know you've been quite a handful last year and through your antics (only I could tolerate), I know that a shy boy lurks within. So, shy boy enjoy your "present." And no, it's not for your many ladies so don't take advantage! hahaha! Seriously, you really surprised me with Betty Boop today and I really appreciate it. After all this time, you really do have a heart. Awwww.... Ok, that's enough. Take care and don't f*$k up!

Hi Connie,

I had to say goodbye via email. It's just the "Myrnelle" way! I know you'll follow in my footsteps cuz it's the best path to take! Haha! I have no worries that you'll take care of things from this point on. I have no worries that you'll succeed in life. I have every faith in you to carry on my duties here at AltaMed since you're probably the only one that really understood what I taught you! Hahaha! The guys would probably agree since they never listened to me anyway! It was so wonderful working with you, Connie. So don't forget me! You better My Space me, call me, keep in touch. You better!

Hey Joaquin,

I know we just met, but out of everyone you've been the one most "impacted" by me leaving! lol. It's sweet. Thank you for being so willing to learn from me and so attentive to getting things done. I know you and Connie will take care of things from here, but please don't be a stranger. You got me on My Space so it's on now! Lol. Keep striving for your goals and you'll never fail. I know it's cheesy, but I live by it. Take care!



With love, Myr-Myr

Farewell AltaMed

Saying "goodbye" is always a struggle for me and though I worked in several places, juggling numerous duties at one time, it saddens me knowing that soon it will all come to an end. It doesn't take long to adjust to a new surrounding filled with unfamiliar faces. Soon...it becomes routine. I know where I'm going, what I'm doing, placing a name to a face as I move along. I start making friends and building a bond that hopefully will last no matter where I am in the world.

Here at AltaMed on my last day, I remember my first day: Halloween 2006.

It was an interesting experience to say the least, meeting everyone dressed in costumes: a pirate, a nun, a devil, and of course a lioness just to name a few. A different language, an unknown environment, and I'm playing the outcast. The only one without a costume and I'm the one who stuck out the most. How will I ever fit in?

I had no keys, no parking permit, no pass, no access to even email and there I was with only a badge to show that, "Yes, I am an employee."

I was stationed at a clinic that cared for predominantly Spanish-speaking patients, stuck in a closet-sized office with below-freezing temperatures. Since I couldn't speak an inkling of Spanish (but apparently I look like I'm Latina), I felt useless. Too cold to sit still, I roamed the halls finding things to do. I took things with a grain of salt, knowing that I can't just give up because I feel uncomfortable. I had to roll with the punches and trust me, there were plenty.

As the weeks and months rolled by, I started thinking, "If I can't work with what I've got then why not change what doesn't work?" So, that's exactly what I did. I started cleaning house and writing protocols so that any future newbies won't feel as lost as I was.

Finally, at the beginning of the new year they moved me to a new location: Indiana (an old school house made entirely out of brick). Although the possibility of it being haunted was a little eerie, it had a warmer feel to it. I had a cubicle to call my own, and after a quick paint job and a few little add-ons it became my "home away from home."

I have made wonderful friends along my journey and know in my heart that the one thing I will miss the most is seeing them every day.

I write this, excited about where I'm going next, what I'll be doing there, and who I'll be meeting. I write this, saddened by the fact that I'm leaving what at first intimidated me, and proud that I didn't quit before I started. I kept at it until there really was nothing more I needed to do. I will leave knowing I did my part.