Thanks guys. (meaning the collective, and not a perjorative on gender)

As I was filling out my exit questionnaire at work this AM, it gave me pause to reflect back on my time in Pierre. And as evident from the literally dozens of well wishers in person, via telephone, and e-mail, I need to say "thanks." I'm pleasantly surprised at how they've even come from people I might not have agreed with. (Maybe even one or two I've savaged). If anything, it gives myself permission to reassess my biases.

Then again, there have been a couple of people who have used the occasion to take a parting shot. That's great too. They've shown the quality of their character on more than one occasion, so I'm not surprised. I've spun gold out of straw before, and it just gives me more material to spin with.

Leaving was a really, really difficult decision, but every hour I get away from the gut-wrenching anxiety of making it, it was the right one.

I've have many conflicting feelings at the moment, so I hesitate to put them to paper (or screen) at this point. I will when the time is right. I don't see any reason this website won't be hanging around. If anything, I now have permission to make it better. A few things I might not have commented on before are now comment worthy. And when I do write, it won't be so lightning fast and haphazard.

Regardless, the main point I wanted to make was "thanks" to all the well wishers. You've made my day.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I sure hope you keep this site going as it is the only one I read daily anymore.
Anonymous said…
PP - good luck to you. You made the right choice. Brookings is a great town with loads of opportunities - even at the WalMart. Not to mention the positive green effect by not having you drive back & forth each weekend (or fly - as the case may be). :) Hope you find a position soon and in the meantime, find a good recipe for chocolate chip cookies and learn how to make them for the kids. They will be in shock & awe & will never forget it.
Anonymous said…
pejorative
Anonymous said…
Pat,
I'll miss your sly grin at the "peanut caucus" next winter, but we all wish you well in your new endeavor.

I realize this is selfish of me, but please don’t lose interest in this website, will you?

Best wishes!
Anonymous said…
What job are you leaving?
Anonymous said…
Children so NEED their Dad!
You have chosen the better "portion" and blessing will come with it. I agree with ike (1:23pm) so here is an old "secret" family recipe so you can create awe, shock, and life long memories.

(Kyle was 14 or 15 when he entered these in the adult class at the fair.)

Kyle’s Almost Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup oil
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups flour (apx)
2 tsp. soda
2 tsp. salt
2 cups chocolate chips (12 oz bag)
Cream butter, sugars. Add eggs, oil, vanilla. Mix in dry ingre-dients. Dough should just pull away from the sides of the bowl so add last cup of flour very slowly. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake on cookie sheets at 350° for 7-10 minutes. Chewy and soft! South Dakota State Fair Purple Ribbon 1996.
Anonymous said…
7:24 Yummy.
Anonymous said…
PP- Don't be surprised if your almost-compulsive interest in state politics fades as your time away from Pierre and State Government grows longer. I have lived in Pierre and worked for State government. You may soon learn that your interest in the machinations of state government will subside. Also, you may learn that the average citizen doesn't know and really doesn't care about what happens in Pierre. Thanks for the entertaining, "pot-stirring" blog.
Anonymous said…
There's your in with this thread - Bob Newland. Someone said "pot-stirring".
Anonymous said…
Bob got banned ... by Mrs. PP.

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