Tag: mum

I can write a book about Chris and it will still not be possible to capture his endless kindness, incredible sense of humour and impeccable taste in music, food (we love talking about food), travel, films, TV series.

Chris has been an amazing friend, especially in the last few years. He helped me move I don’t even know how many times, he put furniture together for me, he introduced me to some of my all time favourite music and series, he always made time for me and he was always there for me.

We had long and deep conversations on the meaning of life, mental health and life struggles as well as discussions on the best cuisine or dish we had, crime stories as well as random topics we both enjoyed.

When I first started thinking of what was the best thing to do, I told him about it, before I even made the decision. I always ask Chris when I can’t decide, I don’t have to explain much, he always gets me. Very few people do and Chris is one of them.

I remember a few days after I finally decided, we went out for a drink after work and told him about it. I still remember his reaction. He looked sad and happy at the same time and he didn’t even have to say anything. I knew he was incredibly happy for me but also very sad I was going away.

I knew because I felt exactly the same.

I miss our catch ups, long emails, Christmas party dances, random conversations but I’m sure we’ll always be in touch, no doubt about that.

So thank you Chris, not just for all your help and support this year but for always, always believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. You are truly one of the most wonderful, kindest, awesome humans I’ve ever met and I’m truly blessed to count me as one of my dearest friends.

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Eleni

I sometimes feel I’ve been extremely lucky (minus one unfortunate occasion) with the managers I’ve had so far. In all the part-time jobs I worked for they’ve all been great and the two (out of three) I had when working full time, well one of them, Chris is now a great friend and one of my favourite humans and the other one is also a great friend and one of my favourite humans as well as one of my career and life advisers over the last couple of years.

Suzanne supported me from day one, always believed in me and trusted me with huge responsibilities, always protected me and she knew almost from the start that I wasn’t made for an office so she used to send me other more interesting jobs to apply for, we used to talk about travels and business ideas and all sorts.

When I told her soon after I decided what I was planning to do, she was so happy for me and helped me with references, moving, getting rid of things and everything else I needed.

Sue Sue was not just my boss (coolest boss ever), she was and still is my friend, one of the original members of our little Culture Club, always up for a drink and a laugh, a truly awesome human with a heart of gold. I don’t think anyone will ever be able to be as nearly as an amazing manager as Suzanne.

So thank you Suzanne, thank you for believing in me and pushing me to follow my dreams and for always looking after me. Best boss ever!

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Eleni

I really don’t know how to start or end this post, there are not enough words to accurately capture the phenomenon that is Donna.

Mamma Donna, Mrs Allen, my second favourite Allen (after Darren of course!) the craziest, funniest most fascinating person I had the luck to meet in my life so far.

It all started three years ago around this time when she offered me a Custard Cream and the rest is history.

She taught me so much over the years, from cheese rolling festivals, to random facts, pranks and essential Northern vocabulary.

Despite the deceptive first impressions she gives, she is actually NOT at all scary, serious or tough or as old as you imagine (sorry Donna, I had to!).

IN all seriousness though she has a heart of gold and she’s been like my mum over the last three years, checking what I had for lunch, stealing my bananas, organising nights out, theatre trips, climbing up and down mountains and looking after me when I was not well (many a times).

She encouraged me to leave and go out see the world ever since she realised that the office and Southampton was too small for me and when I told her and Darren my plans though they were sad I was leaving, I know she was super happy for me. She helped me with everything I needed, hosted a party to celebrate my departure and made my last few months at work and Southampton more memorable.

So this post is for my UK mum, the crazy, prosecco loving, adorable, the one and only Donna. Thank you for everything. I wish the world had more Donnas!

I miss you!

(PS I hope you manage to read my post, I know you are struggling with technology and might take you a while to figure out how to read this on your phone).

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Eleni