Alchemy the Hair Salon

Many of you readers likely have not had the intense pleasure of experiencing the lifestyle of a “desk person”, so to you I serve up this tasty old adage: There comes a time in every receptionist’s life when he (or occasionally she) must venture beyond the entirely comfortable and well-paid world of one-ear-tinnitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, and (though not in SOME peoples cases) plastic smiles and tones. A time when (s)he seeks to further enrich their life with pleasures yet unknown; shall we say greener pastures. Such is now the case with our beloved Joshua Erickson. As the oldest known (living) and longest standing veteran receptionist here at Alchemy, Josh ushered in a new era of “desk dude”. His militant grip on the stylists’ agendas and take-no-prisoners handling of clients paved the way for what would become the future greats of the desk: Seth, Michael (RIP), and, though still relatively virgin, Dennis, our gentle behemoth.

Josh has decided to take a new position in Portland, Oregon, the bike loving, war hating, maritime home of the Trailblazers and neighbors to those smug, ever-apologetic Canucks. It seems that a job working in print and design offers more to Josh than inaudible phone calls and work days consisting of craigslist, ebay, and a few clients. Nonetheless we send Josh off happily and supportive.

Ceremoniously Josh passes his torch, in this case a flaming pencil, to a newcomer, as Seth did to Michael and Michael in turn did to Dennis. Not one to go out without causing a great commotion, Josh has broken a longstanding tradition here at Alchemy and found a replacement in the form of (gasp!) a girl! Luckily that girl is the shining Haley Stephens. Her demeanor is like satin and her voice, like the most eloquent toddler you’ve never laid ears on. And thus the confusion continues, this time with quite an interesting twist, in that now you all get to call me a girls name when I answer your phone calls, which will be very flattering to my booming baritone.

So in parting we remember Josh in a very fond light, flooded with all the wonderful memories we all here at Alchemy have burned into our cerebral cortices. Cue the slide show of (among myriad other fun times) Josh winning the 2007 Rat Race, setting off fireworks in the beach house, pounding mudslides at High Tide Harry’s, and throwing Owen (and me) around a rained out birthday bounce house. We had a great run and although we lose a key ass kicker, the party once again rages on. If you see Josh before he leaves be sure to congratulate him on his new endeavor and then punch him in the face (for me).

We love you Josh! Sayonara!

Oh and Josh, if you’re reading this, for the sake of your sex life PLEASE leave that mustache in Florida.

We’ll miss you, you goofy bastard! <333