Scenes from my future life at work

My co-worker sent this to me today. It's her last day of work, and she was so kind to impart her wisdom upon me.

Found Here

I'm glad I too can learn the secrets to this magic.

Frustrations of an almost Fed

For the record, I'm technically not a federal employee, but I do work for the government. And, can I just say that I'm incredibly frustrated with the government? I mean really. Really.

The 2010 fiscal year is half over, and the budget is still not approved because the two political parties can't compromise. Let's not forget that this budget was supposed to be approved before the start of the fiscal year. As a result the government may shut down, if they don't work it out in the next 2.75 hours. Last I checked Reid and Boehner were still blaming each other for the stalemate.

Many people may not really understand what would happen in the government shut down. It may not be as huge of an impact around the country, but DC will pretty much be a ghost town. And let's remember that it's the middle of the Cherry Blossom Festival and Spring Break--major tourism season for us. All of the museums will be closed (at least the free ones), all the monuments will be closed, all the federal buildings will be closed, etc. The IRS will stop processing tax returns, national parks around the country will be closed, and the military won't be paid until after the issue is resolved.

And let's not forget all the man hours, stress and energy that has gone into making contingency plans for "just in case."

And most importantly to me, I won't get paid.

Furloughed, baby.

Don't you just love it?

Sunbursts

Did I ever tell you that I work for an amazing institution? If I haven't already, let me just reiterate how incredibly cool it is to work for the Smithsonian Institution. Some days I might gripe about my job, but the fact of the matter is, I love being apart of something much, much larger than myself. 

Thursday, myself and 3,999 of my fellow employees were able to participate in this historical event. This is the very first time that all of the Smithsonian staff, volunteers, interns, and donors came together to make this epic sunburst--the Smithsonian's symbol. 

{Where's Shannon? I'm behind the woman wearing the raspberry pants and white shirt. In the yellow. Waving. At someone I didn't know. Can you see me?}

It's an experience I'll never forget. 

Here's to the Smithsonian and all its goodness!

Check out the website--it's a wealth of free knowledge!

The best day EVER!

Yesterday was the best day ever.
I bet you can't guess why...

No, it wasn't because I got cute new heels and could wear them to work.

No, it wasn't because I got complemented on my coffee making skills. 

And, no, it wasn't even because I got to walk to the post office

twice (let me tell you, on these beautiful spring-like days, a 

walk to the post office is a real treat!).

Like I said, you'll never guess.

I guess for the sake of this blog I should probably tell you why, or this will get boring pretty fast. Let's just say I have certain perks for being the administrative assistant/office manager of a small wealth management firm. Not only do I get to water the orchids and buy piggy banks and mouse pads online, but I get to screen sales calls and salesmen.

Now coming to the point... Yesterday, a fine gentleman from an office supply company came to our office and must have been horribly near-sighted because he blatantly disregarded our "NO SOLICITORS" sign in our front window (not to mention the one at the entrance to the office building).

For those who know me, you know that I'm a terribly nice person, and I hate awkwardness. I like to think I'm pretty good at putting people at ease.

This gentleman could not be helped! And I tried! Really, I did!

He started out awkward with his clammy handshake and his small talk, was awkward through the middle with his venting of the Olympics (let's just say he didn't win any points with me for that one), and ended awkwardly with an incredibly awkward and unfunny joke. He was so awkward that I started to feel awkward and self-conscious.

And boy could he TALK. About anything and everything. Plus all the too personal questions. And not to mention telling me that he was late to another appointment like I was keeping him there against his will when he was the one who stepped into my office to sign me up for his program. Seriously though.

You might be asking, Then why did you listen to him? Why did you give him the time of day?

Well, the answer is this: He was offering a really good deal on products I already used. It really was a win/win situation in that regard.

My favorite part of the day though is when my co-workers--who were eavesdropping the entire time--couldn't control their laughter because of all the ridiculousness. That sounds horribly mean, and maybe it is, but it was so awkward I couldn't tell if I wanted to laugh or cry.

Bless his heart. But seriously, there's a reason why charismatic people are better at sales--no one likes to feel awkward because of you!

Here's to random funny days at the office, that ease the stress of tax season! And to awkward sales reps who really are trying, but don't realize just how awkward they make everyone else feel.