In transit

Hi, it's Tania. Pema said I could guestblog, so here I am. Pema's on the road to her new home. The setting and cast of characters are changing (soap opera voiceover: "now playing the role of Pema's housemates are Gina and Regina"). It was sad saying goodbye to Pema, so I wrote songs. In case you missed the fabulous group performance at Pema's going away party, here they are...

So Long, Pema
(to the tune of “So Long, Farewell” from “The Sound of Music”)

There’s a sad sort of singing in Santa Barbara
And your friends are all feeling blue
And we think you must be crazy to leave us
Just a little bit coo-coo (coo-coo coo-coo)
Regretfully you tell us (coo-coo)
But firmly you compel us (coo-coo)
To say goodbye
To you…

So long farewell, auf weidersehen, goodnight
Despite the rain, your future will be bright

So long farewell, goodbye, auf weidersehen
Without you here, life will be so mundane

So long farewell, auf weidersehen adieu
We love you so with friendship tried and true

So long farewell, auf weidersehen and ciao
Brie and Zola say “meow meow meow meow meow”

So long farewell, you head to the Northwest
You’ve touched us all; with Pema we’ve been blessed

You have to go, we cannot change your mind
But don’t forget the friends you left behind

Your bags are packed; it’s time to wave and cry

So long farewell, auf weidersehen, goodbye
Goodbye...
Goodbye....
Goodbye....
Goodbye...


Pema’s Leaving
(to the tune of “Babe, I’m Leaving” by the most excellent 80’s band, Styx)

Pema’s leaving
She must be on her way
It’s almost time to go
Portland’s gaining a writer and a friend
Who’ll keep them on their toes
But we’ll be lonely without you
We’ll read your blog when we feel blue
Thanks so much for enriching all our lives
We’ll be missing you

You know it’s Pema
When you’ve had a bad day and you need a hug
She’s like cheerful drug
Oh, yes, it’s Pema
Knowing you can always call on Ms. Teeter
To go to the theater
Yes, it’s true
Pems, we’ll miss you

Pema’s leaving
This is our final verse
And then we’ll have to part
We’ll keep you close despite the long distance
Right here in our hearts
But we’ll be lonely without you
We’ll read your blog when we feel blue
Thanks so much for enriching all our lives
We’ll be missing you
Pems, we love you.