“So long, farewell, auf wiederzen, eh” to an amazing person

I wish that I had the where-with-all every day to add a new product or tell you about the coolest thing I saw or ate or heard.  I wish I had the time!  Running a business takes a lot of time and so does restoring a home and so do friends and family.  And seriously, it’s ALL enjoyable.  My balance has just tipped a bit to the work side lately.  We’ve been going through some transition at the store with staff – and we’re always transitioning with displays and product!

So back to the staff.

We have been so blessed with great staff throughout our years and there’s one in particular on my mind that can’t go unmentioned.  She’ll be embarassed that I mention her because she’s like that – never wanting to call attention to herself.  Christine Klimek has been with me since the beginning of the store in some capacity or another.  For a long while she was just a friend of the store and she helped out for “fun” when I needed her – but she became a full fledged employee a few years back and will be sorely missed…I keep banking that family & Canada aren’t as fun as us, but I think I’m fighting a losing battle there!  I keep telling her she won’t like it – but she grew up there. So she and her husband, Bertrand and son Paris have set out on a trek to reaquaint themselves with parents, siblings and cousins.

Christine’s job was jack of all trades and master of so many.  She was the queen of organization and always wanted to clean and sort.  One of her strengths was her ability to be Energizer bunny like and work late.  She could keep up with me – and i’m the queen of late night – we would often work til 3am together or all day Sunday to set up something or other.

I also appreciated all the smiles she brought our customers, the friendships she formed through them and with our staff.  So if the placemats are askew or the dust is piling up, it’s all her fault!  And if we look sad, it’s because Christine has taken part of our hearts with her!

christine & andrea

I am so thankful that I’ve been able to surround myself with people like Christine.  It makes running a business a little bit less harried.  Below, a picture of Christine with Andrea – who I also hope will never leave.

Christine – best wishes, great travels and happy family.  Someone will LOVE to have you on their team up in the cold white north.

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