Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
From the newsroom...
I say this with complete understanding and acceptance: Our newsroom is a shabby, dirty place. The cleaning people do a fine job in the bathroom but I think someone told them not to disturb anyone's desk, so each workspace is covered in a fine, or thick layer of dust, depending on how reachable a surface is. I finally brought my own shop vac in one morning to try and suck some of the dust away. It only blew it around and made Mike and me sneeze.
The carpet is rumored to be recycled pig hair. I kid you not. PIG HAIR. Brown and red. Like the Durocs my husband once raised. I believe it's cleaned now and then, but couldn't say for sure.
Our desks are yellow Steelcase from the 1960s. There's a reason Steelcase is so expensive. They really do last forever, and our newsroom is proof of it. One of my desks had duct tape holding the faux woodgrain top down. The drawers don't close all the way. The garbage cans match the desks, and are covered in drips and stains from discarded Coke cans and coffee cups. Yuck.
One reporter, who has been with the paper for 41 years, has a desk literally covered, COVERED, with papers, folders, magazines, letters, newspapers, press kits, a painted coconut, a half dead plant, christmas decorations, and more. You name it, this guy has it on, or in, his desk. He even piles stuff on top of his garbage can, rendering it useless. Sometimes he borrows another reporter's desk to do his work. Here's a picture (see above).
My mentor's desk has a plant that must have been starved for water, and managed to survive by growing out of the BOTTOM of it's pot, from the tiny hole water drains out of. All the plant material coming out of the top of the pot is dead. Seriously. This is a plant that wants to LIVE.
At least the computers are pretty up to date. And the phones work, although I sometimes have to tap my headset to get a signal.
I'm not complaining. Like the song goes: "I've grown accustomed to her face." Or, the place. I think I'll stick around a while. Besides, where else can I display my Barbie trinkets without looking like a cuckoo?
The carpet is rumored to be recycled pig hair. I kid you not. PIG HAIR. Brown and red. Like the Durocs my husband once raised. I believe it's cleaned now and then, but couldn't say for sure.
Our desks are yellow Steelcase from the 1960s. There's a reason Steelcase is so expensive. They really do last forever, and our newsroom is proof of it. One of my desks had duct tape holding the faux woodgrain top down. The drawers don't close all the way. The garbage cans match the desks, and are covered in drips and stains from discarded Coke cans and coffee cups. Yuck.
One reporter, who has been with the paper for 41 years, has a desk literally covered, COVERED, with papers, folders, magazines, letters, newspapers, press kits, a painted coconut, a half dead plant, christmas decorations, and more. You name it, this guy has it on, or in, his desk. He even piles stuff on top of his garbage can, rendering it useless. Sometimes he borrows another reporter's desk to do his work. Here's a picture (see above).
My mentor's desk has a plant that must have been starved for water, and managed to survive by growing out of the BOTTOM of it's pot, from the tiny hole water drains out of. All the plant material coming out of the top of the pot is dead. Seriously. This is a plant that wants to LIVE.
At least the computers are pretty up to date. And the phones work, although I sometimes have to tap my headset to get a signal.
I'm not complaining. Like the song goes: "I've grown accustomed to her face." Or, the place. I think I'll stick around a while. Besides, where else can I display my Barbie trinkets without looking like a cuckoo?
Friday, July 20, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
New backpacks.
Found and bought: Three new backpacks, each selected by its owner after careful consideration over pattern, color and style. They will make their debut at our family vacation in Colorado, then enter active service on August 27 for the first day of school. Carry on.
Friday morning break.
Enjoying a mocha, cappuacino and apricot tart at ABC Bakery on a Friday morning. KC gave his drink poor reviews for overflowing foam. Tsk tsk. There was no complaining over the tart.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
At church on Sunday morning.
Grandma sits next to Ava stroking the top of her hand, Annabelle sits next to Ava holding her fingers on the other hand, I sit next to Annabelle with my arm around her shoulders, Allie sits next to me holding my hand. Three generations, arms, hands and fingers linked together in a row. All are still, all are quiet, at chuch on a Sunday morning.
What I've been writing lately...
'Purls forever'
Jonelle Raffino said two passions brought their Italian family together -- good food and good yarn. In remembrance of the family's favorite hobby, the author has written "Purls Forever," a family history, scrapbook and knitting book in one.
Jul. 1, 2007
The Queen cuts jobs
Facing a $2.6 million budget shortfall over the next fiscal year, Queen of the Valley Medical Center announced cutbacks this week, including eliminating positions, a hiring freeze and decreases in hours or status for several workers.
Jul. 1, 2007
Business of the fourth
For the past five years, Rob Remboldt has been unflagging in his quest to blanket parts of his neighborhood with Old Glory. Remboldt, a ReMax Realtor, explained his flag fancy.
Jun. 29, 2007
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