Last Day of Work

July 8th was my last day of work (and I was a 10:15 to boot)!  Linda was our manager, and she let us pick our sections!  The Northwest Territories (easiest section) was already taken, so I chose Nova Scotia (another three 4-top section).

After getting the restaurant ready, we sat down for our last pre-meal.  Instead of the typical pre-meal, Linda decided that we would each write down the reasons why we're going to miss those of us on our last shift.  It was such a kind gesture, and definitely made me cry!

My last shift went really well, with amazing Guests.  It could be that I was just plain lucky, or I was seeing the job through rose-coloured glasses because I knew how much I'd miss this.  The best table, however, was my last table.  Since the restaurant was slowing down I got to chatting with them, and they asked how long I'd been working for Disney.  I ended up telling them that they were my last table on my last shift, and they were honoured!   I mentioned that my "sing out" would be soon, and they decided to stay (past their dessert) as a show of support!

A sing-out is one of the most difficult things.  Everyone who is working their last shift is asked to stand on the fireplace, and say their name and where they are from.  Then, the entire restaurant sings O' Canada, our national anthem.  Typically, many other CRP's will come into the restuarant to sing their friends out, even if they aren't working.  For our sing-out, as there were five of us leaving, there were two lines from the fireplace all the way to the exit ramp with other CRP's there to show support.

I look like I'm smiling here, but it's really self preservation.

I didn't just cry, I balled.

After the song, everyone comes one by one to say goodbye, and often more tears ensue.

 

(Notice the red eyes)

Oh yes, then afterwards you have to finish serving your Guests, and bank out.

Usually this is accompanied by more tears and hugs.

Then we changed out of our costumes, returned them, checked out of our lockers, and returned to Le Cellier for dinner with friends.

  

After dinner we headed backstage for some more photos and to see the beautiful sunset.

  

After sunset, there was only time for the Canada movie (and more tears) and Illuminations.

As we headed out of Epcot that wasn't the end of the tears, as I still had my throw-out to do!

You'd think that because I was driving home I wouldn't have much to give away, but I had almost a full car load full of stuff!  We just started giving away things, as fast as possible, but then took time for the important things.  This "Minnie" was for F&B Heather.

 

(Note: I'm wearing the T-shirts from our throw-in)

At the end, as we always do, we sang O'Canada... this time we got everyone leaving to join us.