Pukin' Punkin

I know you all probably received this via forwarded email in, oh... I don't know, 1999 (when the Internet was still new). But I still love it.

Happy Halloween!

Post-worthy

Three separate items - all are incredibly necessary to your day (and probably to your life - though I can't comfortably make that assertion).

1. "Down the hall":

We were talking about the overuse of quotes at work the other day and one of my coworkers forwarded this email to me (from her boss at her previous job). I have read it several times and it still makes me laugh out loud.

From: X
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 10:23 AM
To: - DL - Corporate Division
Subject: "Down the hall" breaks

All staff need to "go down the hall" on occasion. Please be very "co-operative" when a co-worker requests "coverage" in order to do so. Our division has 2 areas that require "immediate" attention by our staff. They are the "counter" and "phones". These 2 areas must at all times be "manned".

All staff will try to take their "down the hall" breaks when at all possible during their times off the phones & counter, but let's all be co-operative with each other when the need arises.

Thanks.

2. Parent of the year award:

I don't even remember how this topic came up - but April was telling me about a family she used to nanny for and their 6-year-old daughter who had a bed wetting problem. After trying many other approaches, the grandma finally purchased a sort of diaper that gives you an ELECTRICAL SHOCK when you pee. I mean, honestly. I can't get over how ridiculous (and terribly mean) that is. The little girl was so scared of getting shocked in the middle of the night that she couldn't fall asleep. Well done, parents.

3. A puppy in a onesie:


Okay, I'm generally against clothing animals - but I think this puppy is the cutest thing I have ever seen. Target now has an extensive line of pet clothing and accessories (including pieces by renowned designer, Isaac Mizrahi) and we might discuss the societal implications of consumerism for pets at a later date - but for now, how adorable!

Independent Shops and Etsy

April and Joel started a campaign to support independent and local shops - so I'm going to try that for a while. They have been exclusively shopping local since September 1st and plan to stick to it for 6 months (though they did make an exception last weekend for Chipotle and Dunkin' Donuts since we were in Chicago).

The economist in me was hesitant at first - doesn't specialization increase efficiency? - but I do realize, of course, that efficiency isn't everything. So with the exception of grocery shopping (which requires a shift in lifestyle much larger than I can commit to right now), I will not set foot in any corporate establishments - including Starbucks, Target and Blockbuster - from now until March.

Fortunately, I recently discovered the brilliance that is Etsy - 'Your place to buy & sell all things handmade.'(TM) Not only is it a wonderful concept but the website is well-built, allowing you to do things like shop by color and view items that were recently purchased. There is now an Etsy Favorites section in my sidebar.

Doesn't it just make you feel good to see all of these people who are creating instead of just consuming? The world needs more of that.