newbuzz...One of the best things about working in an office is the inevitable "food day". While the events that inspire a food day are as vast as the potluck menus that appear on them, my personal favorite is the "sad you are leaving" food day such as the one held in our office today. Having it on Friday is an added bonus as there are no calories in the food when the weekend is so close at hand. People pull out all the stops on a farewell food day. You should expect bad karma if you to cheap out on this one. You will find sweet and salty treats as well as seasonal fare and decadent desserts. In the upper mid-west, there is no greater send off than a really good food day. The amount and variety of dishes are directly related to the love and well wishes bestowed on the one who is leaving. I hate to see a good colleague go, but if she must, then bring on the food. There is sure to be a week of excited chatter in the planning, with a carefully monitored sign up sheet to make sure there are no duplicate dishes served. While the anticipation builds, there are many discussions among neighbors to make sure the food will be plenty and the plates, napkins, and utensils will appear without a hitch. At last it is time to eat and the conversation is truly en captivating: "Did you make this?" "Yes, I got the recipe online and then I added some fresh basil", or, "No, I always stop at the little deli near my house on the way to work, they have the best salads". After everyone is full and groggy from the sugar and salt, the focus returns to the one who is leaving. There will be jokes and funny stories, but in the end, it is a sad occasion and she will be missed. And this is why we need the food.