My Frequent Destinations

• The copier.

I take 57-60 steps from my desk to the copier. Sometimes you have to take side steps so that you don't run head on into someone. The walkways and hallways here are just small enough that two people walking side-by-side or passing each other are just a little uncomfortable.

• The printer.

37-40 paces if I make it there on the first try. For some reason the printer is always the hardest for me to remember where it is. I think because it is the closest and easiest to find and after getting lost every time I left my desk the first day I always set myself up to be walking for a while and then I just walk right by it. Or I go to the copier because I love the copier.

• The Trainer Cabinets

90 steps. This is the place where I spent a lot of time day one! My people didn't know what to do with me yet and so I organized this deal. Then 5 hours later the order came in and I orgainized it again.

• Margie's Desk

77 paces. Margie is the most wonderful person here. I am currently taking over for her while she goes on vacation. I sat in her cube the other day and had a great chat about working here and what position I might be able to get.

• The Bathroom

57 steps to my favorite stall. Don't laugh. You know you have one too.

• Cafe #2

120 steps to the vending machines and the water/ice machine.

77D, 77F, 77G

Growing up my only experience with the bus was getting stranded somewhere at a bus stop and having to wait for one of my brother's friend's mom to come and get us.
But my Pittsburgh experience of riding the bus to and from work everyday has been glorious! Apparently it is unusual to experience what I have come to call "The Bus Ride High" while riding on public transportation. I have noticed that while I am purely delighted to be riding the bus usually only those under the age of 6 join in my excitement. In fact, on the bus there is a strange "elevator" quiet... the strain of standing much to close to strangers.
As I continue to be consistent in the buses I catch, I begin to see the same people over and over again. Then the silence isn't so much strained as it is familiar. Suddenly there is unheard conversation floating around the bus. As a hospital worker dozes after what was probably an all night shift, grace is given as her head gently knocks against her neighbors shoulder. A slight smile, a look of recognition and the bus driver's always pleasant, "Have a nice day." are much more soothing than any elevator music could ever be.
The other thing I love about riding the bus is that every morning, if I can get a good seat, I get a clear view of the city skyline. My heart still does that little leap of joy whenever I see it and I wonder what silent conversations are going on about me as I suddenly smile at the sight.

Work-Related Injuries

• Blisters on my heels
• Blisters on my heels
• Strained shin muscles
• Near collisions hurt my confidence
• Paper cuts of course (although my worst paper cut came from a Blockbuster envelope)
• Addiction to Friday
• Cardboard cuts

First Paycheck

Isn't this hysterical? That is an actual sticker on my pay stub! I don't know who put it there but I love that person!! What a fantastic idea. It brought a smile to my face and I think that a warm fuzzy was born somewhere. Well done check person! I might even say "Terrific!"

The Foot Canundrum

Feet were never meant to wear shoes. In the Garden of Eden the man and the woman were not ashamed of their naked feet. But in this fallen work place dress code curses cause us to wear the restricting pieces of leather and plastic that make sharp sounds as we walk on the hard floors.

For me it is especially painful. I have been blessed with skin that easily bruises and blisters. Also one of my feet is slightly larger than the other. So daily I am faced with choices regarding footwear.

• Do I let my right foot be comfortable whilst my left foot suffers blisters?
• Do I sooth my left foot whilst my right foot loses circulation?
• Do I wear the brown sandals that are actually a little small but look nice?
• Do I wear the slightly too large black sandal heels that make everybody happy but increase the risk of sudden horizontal posture?

Fatalities in the Work Place

It was my fault. I didn't know that it would turn out like this. Still I am saddened by the death of my pinkie ring.
I was sitting sideways in my office chair... just to be sitting a different way. When I turned back to face the chair forward my pinkie finger on my left hand got caught between the desk and the arm of my chair. The ring with no thought of itself sacrificed so that my finger would be saved from terrific damage. And so the tiny fake jewel was torn from the ring giving me enough time to shift my weight and keep all my work related injuries to my feet.

Thank you pinkie ring. I will always remember the times we had together. I will never forget your great, selfless sacrifice. I will hold you in my heart always.

# 130

My little cubicle... which I have since realized is the "cube". It is number 130. I sit one cube away from a red wall...a warm red. It is the former Director's cube and he was let go. I have a standing file and a calander and a couple pictures. OH! and a phone with an extension. That's my little 130... maybe if I stay here full time then I will name and decorate some more.