Farewell, Mr. Trinka

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/26/plaza.doorman/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

I used to walk past this fellow every day that I was lazy and took the NRW from Times Square to work instead of walking from Columbus Circle. I've been walking more frequently now that it's not snowing or raining every day, so I haven't seen him in a while. But for a time I walked past him every day and every time he was there he would give a little salute and say "good morning, young lady" or some other such pleasantry.

The first time he did it, I was surprised, having expected the doorman for the illustrious Plaza Hotel to be just as snooty and austere as I assume the patrons to me. More like a Queen's Guardsman than the toy soldiers outside of FAO. I recall immediately considering what I was wearing that day, to see if I had perhaps been mistaken for a guest at the hotel. Then I realized that was stupid, and figured he probably just made the friendly greeting because I'd made eye contact. After a few days, I saw that that was the case and I always smiled and said "good morning" back.

He retires tomorrow, which is also my last day at FAO Schwarz. I was thinking that maybe I should take the NRW for one last walk past Mr. Trinka (now I know his name!), or at least go a block out of my way if I walk tomorrow, but then it occurred to me that with his retirement celebrations, I'm sure they won't have him outside doing his regular duties.

While I've never entered the Plaza Hotel (and probably never will) and so have never had him greet me coming in or going out, it's still closer than I've ever gotten to getting bowed into FAO. Employees aren't allowed in through the 5th Avenue entrance, so I've only seen the soldiers saluting, waving, greeting, and opening the door from the inside or sometimes walking past. Some might give a wave from the door if they see me on the sidewalk, but it's from further away than when I walk past Mr. Trinka. Even if you're not working, you're always supposed to enter through the 58th St. entrance until you are no longer working for FAO Schwarz.

Well, tomorrow is my last day of employment there and Marilet (yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!) comes to visit this weekend, so I may take her on Saturday just so we can take pictures near the giant stuffed giraffe going "I am an evil giraffe. I will eat more leaves than I should. I will eat all the leaves on this tree and then other giraffes may starve." I wonder if that's too early to start using the main entrance like a normal person. I should ask HR. It would be very embarrassing to have LP stop me and give me shite for walking in through the front door.