My cocoon of white noise

Today was a very special day at the office. One that signified a bigger, brighter future for our little island of misfit toys. I got to trade my shared cubicle space with no doors in for a shared office with two doors. Two doors that close to be exact. After spending the last three years working in a bullpen with all my other coworkers and hearing every conversation, every ringing phone, every sneeze, every throat clearing, every footstep, every copy made and every flush of the toilet... I've been set free by a wall, two doors and white noise. The constant whirl of the air conditioning sounds like we're sitting directly under a jet engine just before take off. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not complaining about the noise. It's rather wonderful.

You see, the beauty of white noise, is that it's just loud enough to drown out all the sounds that distract you throughout the day, but not loud enough to make you want to throw yourself off a balcony. It wraps you in a warm cocoon of pillows and teddy bears and allows you to focus on the task at hand. So now, whether designing an ad, answering the phone or planning a marketing strategy, my time is finally my own. I think it's just possible to move those mountains I've been putting off.

I may have complained just a bit about the lack of privacy, and constant mental and physical distractions over the last few years; but forcing us to share a space has helped us learn so much more about each other and grow closer than we ever could have before. So although I'm thrilled to be able to focus on work, while I'm at work, I will miss the constant laughter, arguments and life that we shared before I entered my cocoon of white noise. Heck, I may go ahead and suggest that we all sit in a circle tomorrow and sing kumbaya. If we do, I'll be sure to video tape it and post it on Facebook.

Ode to "That's what she said"

As you may tell from the title of this entry, "The Office" and Michael Scott became a member of our immediate family over the last several years. At first blush, I couldn't be in the same room when Todd would watch it. The sheer enormity and frequency of the awkward moments celebrated in a business environment was too much for me. Possibly, I thought I was too sophisticated for such baboonery... Well, I was wrong. Yes, I will admit, just this once. I was so very wrong.  I LOVED every episode in which Michael Scott, aka Steve Carell, shared his misleadership skills with his fellow Dunder Mifflinites.

There wasn't an episode that went by in which we weren't anticipating a dozen "That's What She Said" moments. "It squeaks when you bang it." is a favorite of mine, but don't let me stop you from enjoying it on your own. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GPImySGLcc

So, how does this old joke have such a profound place in my life? Those four little words could just be the most commonly spoken words I say, not only at home, but at the office. Those four words are responsible for what equates to hours of giggles, guffaws and grins. I think, it's better than a cup of coffee in the afternoon, or a Snickers bar for a quick "pick me up". It makes my day go by faster, brings camaraderie and friendship to the work place. Naturally, I don't hog the limelight; we take turns channelling our inner Michael Scott.

Michael Scott may have left Scranton and "The Office" may be on its last season; but when it comes to all-time favorite zingers... "That's what she said" can't be beat.

"That's what she said."

It's all a juggling act

I'm a 36 year old, graphic designer, mother of two, soon to be stepmother of two more, daisy girl scout troop leader, and well... I'm tired just trying to remember all my titles. I wake up each morning and think to myself, "Here we go again". As this thought may illustrate, I'm not exactly a morning person, and I drive my fiancé crazy with my multiple alarms. Not all of us were blessed with the ability to rise and shine.

After sending the kids off to school, and heading to the office, I spend my days bouncing from one surprise to the next. There are two things that motivate me through my work day. My God and my sarcasm. I know you're thinking that those two things don't belong together, and how can I be a true Christian and so cynical at the same time. Well I'm here to tell you, that I'm living proof that He has a sense of humor, and He gives me the strength each day to do whatever it takes.