Skip to main content

Keep Smilin' Alex

In this episode – Keep Smilin’ Alex  . . .



Welcome back to this week's On the Fly. The Cenergy Team wants to recognize the dedication, steady hand, and contributions of our Senior Accountant, Alex Shoushtari. As he takes the next step in his life's journey to serve others and fulfill his mission, we want to express gratitude for his hard work, integrity, and commitment.


This special tribute episode features lyrics to the iconic Dion Warwick song "That's What Friends Are For” by Burt Bacharach. Click the link to listen to the original song "That's What Friends Are For" as you read the lyrics.
Music by: Burt Bacharach - Lyrics by: ChatGPT, Kevin Osborne, & Patrick Ball 



Keep Similin' Alex


Verse One


For years, you’ve always led the way,


Shuffling checks and books each day,


I’m so glad I got the chance to say,

                 

With every balance, every call,

                 

You stood tall and gave it all.


And if I should ever go away,


Well, then close your eyes and try.


To feel the way we do today


And then, if you can remember . . . 


Chorus


Keep smilin’, keep shinin’ knowin’ that it’s time to celebrate–for sure.


That’s what friends are for.


Your journey’s been so truly great,


At seventy-nine, it’s your time to shine,


In this time of life, it’s time to unwind.


That’s what friends are for.


Verse Two


You kept our finances all so clear,

               

With every audit, every year,

               

Balancing books with a steady hand,

             

You’re the rock, the steady man.


In good times and bad,


And then, if you can remember . . .


Chorus


Keep smilin’, keep shinin’ knowin’ that it’s time to celebrate–for sure.


That’s what friends are for.


Your journey’s been so truly great,


At seventy-nine, it’s your time to shine,


In this time of life, it’s time to unwind.


That’s what friends are for.


Bridge


From balance sheets to cash flow streams,

                     

You brought to life our biggest dreams,

                   

Now it's time to chase your own,

                       

The world is yours; the seeds are sown.


Verse Three


Your legacy will linger on,

                 

In every ledger that you've drawn,

                 

Here’s to the memories, to laughter and cheer,

               

Thank you, Alex, we hold you dear.


Chorus


Keep smilin’, keep shinin’ knowin’ that it’s time to celebrate–for sure.


That’s what friends are for.


Your journey’s been so truly great,


At seventy-nine, it’s your time to shine,


In this time of life, it’s time to unwind.


That’s what friends are for.


Outro Music


So here’s to Alex, CPA,


May your retirement bring brighter days,


With gratitude, we sing this song,


That’s what friends are for,


For in our hearts, you’ll always belong.


I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. Until next time, Keep smilin’, keep shinin’. 

Labels:

Comments

Don Hanley said…
You and he are real poets as well!
June 29, 2024 at 8:57 AM
Post a Comment

Most Popular of All Time

Patience – the Only First-Class Ticket

In this episode, Why Patience is the Only First-Class Ticket They say travel broadens the mind. After eight days sailing the Rhône with 140 fellow luxury vacationers, I can confirm it also tests patience, calf strength, buffet strategy, and one's tolerance for people furious that France insists on being French. Don't get me wrong—I adored this trip. The river shimmered like liquid optimism. The villages looked hand-painted. The pastries could negotiate world peace. But somewhere between Ship Horn Hello and Bon Voyage, we'd inadvertently boarded a floating behavioral research study disguised as a holiday. Our ship was less a cruise and more a ferry for the Sailors of Status. ⌚ The Wristwatch Wars Some passengers approached relaxation like yogis. Others treated leisure like a final exam with extra credit. I came to believe certain luxury watches emit ultrasonic signals that only their owners can detect. A frequency calibrated to trigger rapid movement toward any line forming...
1 comment
Read more

Our Journey to Avignon

🇫🇷 Lost in Transition: Our Journey to Avignon (Part 1) When everything that can go wrong—does—sometimes grace still finds you. Our Monday morning trip began on the quiet island of Noirmoutier , where salt marshes and sea breezes whisper of simpler days. From there, our early morning drive was uneventful; we arrived at the Nantes station with plenty of time to spare. From Nantes to Paris Montparnasse, everything went smoothly—so we thought, until it didn't. That's when things started to unravel. If you've never traveled the Paris Metro , imagine a vast underground maze pulsing beneath the city—corridors twisting into one another, trains roaring in and out of the dark, staircases that rise and fall like riddles. It's efficient, yes—but only if you know where you're going. We had over an hour and a half to make our next train to Avignon —plenty of time. Or so we believed. We needed to reach the Gare de Lyon station, where our TGV (high-speed train) was headed south...
Post a Comment
Read more

Up the Rhône

Up the Rhône by Patrick Ball We booked a fine cruise up the Rhône — what a treat! With iPhones, lanyards, and schedules so neat. They promised us peace and a mind that would mend, But each calm beginning had chores at the end! "Now breakfast at seven! At eight, take the view!" At nine, there's a lecture on ' What Tourists Do!' At noon, there's a tasting (you must love the cheese), Then hurry to nap time — as corporate decrees! I followed that plan till my patience ran dry. The Rhône softly chuckled, "Oh my, oh my, my! You've missed half my sparkles, my ripples, my tone— You're busy pretending you've peacefully grown!" So I fired my planner and banished my clock. I tossed my agenda right off the dock! I let the wind tickle my schedule away, and drifted through hours that danced where they may. I chatted with swans, had no notion of when, I'd nibble, or nap, or go roaming again. No Wi-Fi! No meetings! No planning! No fuss! Just me and ...
1 comment
Read more

Journey to Avignon (Part II)

🇫🇷 Lost in Transition: Our Journey to Avignon (Part II) When plans derail, sometimes the story gets better. "Mais attendez… peut-être…" the agent murmured, fingers flying across her keyboard. Lori and I leaned in, holding our breath. She frowned, typed again, then sighed. "With this disruption, all trains have been rerouted—and they're already full." We exchanged glances. Around us, the Gare de Lyon pulsed with energy: travelers clutching tickets, voices echoing, the scent of exasperation drifting through the chaos. It felt like the entire station had been swept into the same storm of confusion. Just then, another, older agent appeared beside us. He spoke in clipped, military French. "Where are you coming from? Did you miss your connection because of the incident—the acte de vandalisme ?" We both began to explain, recounting the wrong station, the Metro dash, the missed train—but before we could start, our first agent leaned close, her eyes wide wit...
1 comment
Read more