A: Heaven forbid I have to sneeze again.
S: That was freakhog hilarious.  I thought I was going to lose it!
S: I give this floor plan a resounding thumbs down.
A: Haha I know what you mean.  I get to rearrange this office again.
S: Ugh.  I’m so sorry to hear that.

S: Yeah.  We can talk about company inefficiency…
A: Seriously.  I just feel like I’m shooting in the dark…
S: Gah!  What is wrong with me?!
A: Haha, I don’t know.  Monday morning crazies.
S: I mean really, I’m already in the middle of a MNB and I decided it was a good idea to take on another massive insta-deadline project?  I think something must be seriously wrong with me.  It’s the only explanation.

We might have to do some lunches depending on how awful this turns out.

A: I think I could handle some lunches.  Maybe this won’t be as crazy as you think???

S: I sincerely hope so.  In the mean time I’m writing an email to my committee about this conference and I feel like I want to off myself…. Well okay not really.  But at least lock myself in a padded room somewhere :)

A: So what notes did you write down from the meeting about standards you/we weren’t aware of?

S: The whole putting in design hours every time we do a sif?  Personally I think that is no bueno.  It all changes.  But I like the idea of padding the time.  Also hand-writing the locks on the last page.  I’ve done it once or twice, but frankly sometimes I forget.

A: Okay yeah I agree with you, I always tend to forget to automatically put in my hours but I do it if I know it’s the final SIF or if they ask.  As for the locks, I’ve only done 1 lock plan.  I don’t typically get asked to do it by sales or coordinators and since it was never brought up until recently I don’t have it ingrained in my process yet.  It’s a little unsettling.

S: I know right?  Sometimes it feels super lame.

A: Blah, motivation/focus is falling short today. :(

S: Seriously.  The worst.

Do you know, can you use universal worksurfaces with kick panels?

A: You most certainly can.  Universal storage and worksurfaces go with just about all systems.  Hence the name universal. ;)  Or at least I know it goes on kick answer and montage…

S: Gah.  I swear I’m going to implode.

S: Thanks by the way.

A: Our backyard of fertilized chickweed…

S: Hah!  That's hilarious!

A: I love it when I go half the day with one of two buttons undone and my zipper open…

S: Hah!  No way!  That is the perfect way to end a day.

S: I think my desk is a metaphor for my life right now.

A: A mess??

PS this email is starting to take a few moments to open. :)
S: A mess.  Disorganized.  Up to its metaphoric eyeballs in work.  Take your pick.

I’ve noticed that… but it’s worth it.

Four monthiversary is coming up.

A: Now that I look around my desk is quite similar…

Do you know which way is up anymore?

S: What is this “up” of which you speak?  Right now I feel like if you put me on a one-way street I’d get lost.

A: It’s a Disney movie.

S: Nice.

A: Oh you missed it this morning.  J came over to talk about some project and R asked if her jacket was supposed to be wrinkly and she’s like “yeah it’s supposed to be that way!"  Then he was like “well do you want to get rid of that tag?”  She’s like “where?” and he’s like “it’s under your arm.”  G cracked up in an almost embarrassing way.  It was a good entertaining moment in the morning.  She had a client coming in too.

S: Oh man!  I hate it when I miss the good ones!  That’s pretty funny though.

A: I don’t know about you but I could really go for some garlic cilantro fries today…

S: What a positively brilliant notion!  It’s like you read my mind!
A: Excellent. Done and done.

I’ve taken it upon myself to do the most pointless activity possible while I’m slow; fill in the text that is all pixilated in a list of organic fruits and veggies you should and shouldn’t eat.  I don’t know why but I won’t be satisfied until it’s completed.

S: I know exactly what you mean… but that’s hilarious!

Also, last night I went on a run with a miniature poodle………………. Quite possible one of the more bizarre things I’ve done in a while.

A: Very interesting, how was it?  Did people point and laugh at the mini poodle you were with?

S: Well.  Not to my face; but I’m pretty sure they were after my back was turned :)

A: So how is it compared to running with labs?

S: Well, I had a much easier time keeping up :)  My running pace was a similar match to his, where my labs run was way faster than mine—but they didn't tire as quickly… or spend as much time making me nervous they were attacking my feet.

A: Haha I love it.  Just the description of labs make me smile.  What wonderful goofy dogs they are. :)  At least my lab was a big goof.

S: Mine too :)

A: Would you opposed to a 12:15 lunch? That way we can get out before G and I can get back in a comfortable time-frame for my 2:00 meeting.

S: Sounds like a plan to me! :)

A: Here it is.  Not completely cleaned up but much better from the original.

S: Wow—nicely done.  That was some time well spent!

A: Don’t you think so?

S: You ready?

A: When will it be 5:00?

Not soon enough, that’s when.

S: We still have like 15%.  Yikes!

A: My eye started twitching at the meeting.  I hope it wasn’t noticeable.  I tried to rub it away…

P.S. It’d be pretty awesome if you got to go to Seattle :)

S: Hah!  That has totally happened to me before.  I love how an eye twitch is socially unacceptable so it has to be hidden :) what kind of society do we live in anyway?

P.S.  Yes it would—I’m trying to not get too excited in case I don’t go.  Plus, it’s not like I’ll be able to go home or anything.

A: Yeah well the thought is there any way!

Hey it’s 4:00.  We are getting closer to the beloved time of day.

S: 12.5% left!

S: Hasn’t Venice been doing that for centuries?
A: Yes I believe so, I just go with it.
S: Although, admittedly I have to give the Netherlands some major props.  You want to talk about the big picture?  The Netherlands started their reclamation project in the 1300s.  That’s an 800 year plan.  That is some serious ingenuity.  The amazing part is they reclaimed enough that they uncovered the ruins of an old roman fort that had been underwater for literally hundreds and hundreds of years.
A: Innnteresting.  I did not know that, or maybe I did and just didn’t retain it!

I love it when people call at 4:56 with changes.  Really?? Really.

S: Ugh.  I know right?  It is the worst.

I’m not going to lie… I am secretly in awe of the Dutch.  They were one of my pet research paper topics.  And land reclamation was super easy to work into soils class J

A: I see, it all makes sense.

I am leaving the building. 

Tomorrow is Friday.

:D

S: Hooray for leaving!  And Hooray for Friday!  (because Friday means even more leaving)

S: Can we please take any and all opportunities for going out to lunch this week?  It’s only Monday and I feel like I can’t freaking take it anymore.
A: Hahaha welcome back!

Part 2 of Project Demon from Hell.

I can definitely do lunch out as I have no groceries anyway and money isn’t tight this month for once in my life.

A: Where does your tummy want to eat?

A: Fridee?

This email is becoming hard to find. :(

S: I was thinking the same thing… I was flipping through my emails and it was literally 2-3 weeks ago this email was getting his daily exercise.

Fridee is a good day.

A: It’s because SCF has been stealing our souls.

Too bad it’s only Tuesdee.

S: Bahg!  (I love how outlook felt the need to make that word grammatically correct and capitalized the B for me…)  CAD is not making my layer invisible!  The worst!
A: For your Enjoyment: http://plumen.com/

Cool site I stumbled by when I was looking for glass for LQ.

A: I think we work together too much.  You were in my dream last night:  We were both at this house, I guess you were living there but I was there to see some other people as well but don’t remember why.  So anyway you took me upstairs to see your closet and it was really neat and organized and had all of these little compartments against the back wall that you had perfectly folded shirts and such set away in them.  You seemed pretty proud of it.  I was impressed.  I mean it wasn’t a big closet but it was very efficient.

S: Boy you have been scarily accurate lately… I still insist on folding my shirts perfectly… a J.Crew residual effect.  I’m glad at least my closet was efficient.  One day I’ll have to draw you my dream closet. 

A: Here we go again, another day of conference calls (hopefully just 1).

Are we still bringing breakfast for % email’s 3 monthiversary tomorrow or should we save it for another day?

S: I think we should.  What do you think you’re going to bring?

A:I’m not sure, time is limited tonight as I have my dad flying out and I need to pack!  But I’m sure I could swing by and get something.  I know I have blueberry muffin mix at home (but obviously it won’t be as good as homemade) or I could grab some fruit or something.  What do you think?  Should we make enough to share with everyone?

S: Maybe not with everyone, I don’t know that they would appreciate an email’s three month-iversary :) but definitely enough to have leftovers we leave on the counter for other people to eat.

I was thinking muffins and fruit too :)  Maybe since you don’t have a bunch of time get fruit and I’ll make some muffins?

A: Sounds perfect, are there any fruits you’re allergic to or don’t like?  I think we could play it off like we’re “celebrating” my birthday instead of an email’s length in time.

S: Hah!  I love how we feel the need to hide the reason for a party :)  I love all berries, oranges, peaches, pineapple; I like apples, bananas, grapes; I’m not a huge melon person but I still eat them.  But I’m not allergic to any.  Any baked good preferences?

A: Good I agree with your fruit preferences.  As for baked goods I like them all.  If you have any specialties I’d be down for that!
A: Holy crap there’s a possibility of us moving to Gerogia at the end of the summer….!!!!!?????  I have such mixed emotions :(  Keep it on the DL!
S: Oh my heck.  That would be huge!!  I will totally keep it on the dl, but keep me posted!!

A: I like how we both answer ‘hmm’ to all of G’s comments when we’re busy.
S: Hah!  So true.

Enjoy how…. Colorful… it is.

A: Wow it’s like a rainbow threw up in your drawing. :)

S: The installers would kill me.

S: So.. it looks like work is providing lunch for us on Friday.  Do we want to celebrate our email’s three month-iversary a different day?  (Also your birthday is coming up…)
A: Gah I know!  I was just looking at that too.  Oh yes I almost forgot about my birthday…  Err at least I’m trying to forget. :) We can do it any time the week we’re both back!
S: Perfect!  We can celebrate 3 month-iversary, vacations, and your birthday all in one go :)
A: Yes and this way it will give us something to look forward to for our week back.  Since we’ll be depressed and all that we’re here and not in the lower 48.
S: Well that’s… oddly accurate and insightful.
A: Oh he wants so desperately to help out.  Sometimes it’s hard to watch.

S: Just a little something to start your Friday…

... wow.  Really?
A: Bahahaha who would watch that?  It sounds just terrible.  Waaay too much going on.
S: I know right?  Oh man.  Classic Nicolas Cage.  Seriously, I feel like he plays that exact same emotionless-but-trying-to-be-snarky role in every movie.
A: Yes, yes he does.  Makes you wonder what he’s like in real life.

Do you know how hard it is to find a picture of a Convene lectern?  Really hard apparently.  I just ended up rendering one.  Of course the lecterns we have for Steelcase aren’t really comparable to the ones that are on the list.  :/

S: :( Well that’s no bueno.  The snag I’m running into is apparently this bench doesn’t exist.

A: Oh that’s always fun.  Some of their names aren’t 100% accurate.  One of the stools I was looking at was under a different name – they sort of used the description as the name. 

A: Blah.  How’s pain in the butt project going?  I’m bored, finished up my one desk project for Rebecca.

S: Well, the aptly named project is being a pan in the butt.  I both called and emailed the guy, just waiting to hear back so I can actually do something.  I am sooooooo bored!

A: Ohhh the waiting game.  I’m playing that one as well.  Have you checked out catalog living lately?  There’s one with an orange I enjoyed.

S: Hah!  Yes, I actually did that one this morning.  I also liked the orange one—I really liked the picture also… all of that bright poppy contrast!

A: Yes it was quite visually appealing.  I’m surprised G hasn’t spilled the beans about his weekend.  He usually has something to say about it.

S: Even if it’s just that he isn’t doing anything for it.  He always seems to find that terribly important.  I don’t even know how many weekends he hasn’t left the house.

A: Maybe he did too much in Soldotna to even talk about.  I hope he was able to listen to his radio station at least.

S: Wouldn’t it be the worst if after all those phone calls he couldn’t even listen.  That would be trashy.

A: It would be tragic.

So my Dad decided to do the train ride to Seward on Saturday instead of a fish charter since the Kings are quite running yet.  We’re in Seward for 7 hours.  Do you have suggestions on things to do?  We’re going to the SeaLife Center since neither of us have been to it but that won’t take 7 hours.  Also thinking about hiking around exit glacier if it’s within walking distance of the rail road.

S: First, eat delicious food.  There are a bunch of waterfalls and the beach.  I’m not sure if they are a walkable distance—I always have a car there, but they are pretty close to town.  Walk around the harbor. 

A: Which restaurants are your favorites there?
S: Honestly they’re all pretty good.  Rays and Chinooks are good restaurants, and I really like Marina for just fish and chips.  If you leave the main boardwalk and go into the actual town of Seward there are a bunch of little shops and stuff that could be fun.  I’ve never really looked.

S: I feel really intelligent…. Slash not.  Totally realized why my pdfs were printing wrong:

Whoops.

A: So I had a similar issue myself.  Sometime in my beginning days the check box right about yours was checked.  Print PDF to file.  Every time I tried to print nothing happened.  I finally got Courtney over and she just unchecked the box.  Boy did I feel dumb.

S: It took me 1:52 to scroll through this entire email.  That’s pretty cool.

Also, what the gossip?!  Was it G who gasped loudly and looked around for someone to talk to about it?  Did you know she was leaving?

A: I heard the scrolling of the mouse and was curious as to what was going on over there on your side of the cubicle.

I did hear G gasp loudly and look furiously to A for some sort of information.  I too am curious.  I knew she was always interested in finding a different job that did more design work since that’s what she was originally hired on for.  I hope that’s the case that she found another job as opposed to the alternative.

S: Seriously.  Also, that silly little wall makes me miss out on all the best gossip.  Super lame.

A: So did you hear what just went on during the whisper hush conversation?  What I got from it is that they had to let her go because there wasn’t enough healthcare projects coming in.  A said it was a good thing for k since she wasn’t too happy with the sales position.

S: No, I could barely tell that anyone was whispering, let alone what they were saying.

Yikes!!  I really hope she finds something even better then.

A: Yeah I really had to strain my ears to hear.  I didn’t want to seem overly eager or too intrusive.  I hope she finds something better as well.

S: Yes, he really can’t help it, can he.

A: No he can’t.

Holy mis-specs.  I don’t know what happened to me this year!  I don’t like it.

S: Well I was reading through, it looks like mostly one big project for you and C that just died.

A: Yeah I see that.  It was from 2009 when I first started.  I’m not sure who’s error it is.  But I had no idea that project had any problems.  I love how no one tells me anything.  How can I learn from mistakes if no one talks to me about them?

S: They are seriously totally terrible.  We should bring that up on Monday, just for them to let us know when things go wrong so we can learn from it.

A: Well I emailed C about it.  He said it was his fault – he selected the finishes and some of the unit assemblies came in the wrong finishes.  He said it was year-end and didn’t follow the proper procedures. 
S: Yikes.  At least he is good about owning up to things.  But if that isn’t proof that we need to stamp things off, I don’t know what is.

A: Oh man he’s been busting at the seams to come over to you and tell you that.
S: Well, I guess at least he had the decency to wait for the end of my phone call…
A: So are we good on SCF for now?
S: Sounds like it yeah.  I’ll let you know if they decide to drag us through the mud again.
A: Haha, that’s a prefect analogy for this project.  
A: So I’m wondering if it would actually be smart to buy land up here with the way the planet is heating up each year.  I watched a Nat Geo special on our climate and how it has been a sleeping giant for thousands of years and its waking up.  The warmer weather is melting the ice up here in the arctic which is then releasing methane which is speeding up the Greenhouse effect making the planet warmer and so on.  It’s just a theory I guess but hey, couldn’t hurt to be prepared right?
S: Well, if the planet is heating up that much, I certainly wouldn’t want to buy land on a coast, because the water levels will start going up.
A: Yes that’s true, they mentioned 3-6 feet of rising water levels between now and 2050 I believe.  I think hillside would be safe.  ;)

S: Perfect! :)

A: I found this picture on the ADN.  It made me chuckle just a bit.

S: Ho-ly what the?!?