Story 429: Why Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Never?

 (In an office)

Coworker 1: (Agitatedly typing a sternly-yet-politely worded e-mail; conversely, <DING> is heard every time an e-mail is received) “And take that you mumble-mumble-mumble.”  That felt good to write; now backspace-backspace-backspace….

Coworker 2: (Trots up to Coworker 1’s desk and drops a large pile of folders right next to the keyboard) Here you go – bye.  (Starts to trot away)

<DING>

Coworker 1: Hang on a second – (Coworker 2 swings back around) what the blazes is this?!

Coworker 2: `Member when it was announced that the head of Marketing left and all the work was going to be divvied up across the company rather than go through the trauma of hiring and training someone who’ll just wind up leaving in a year?

Coworker 1: …Vaguely.

<DING>

Coworker 2: Well, this is your bit.  (Pats the towering pile of folders lovingly) All these files need follow-up, and at some point also need to be scanned into the database, `cause paperless is the future.

Coworker 1: (Grabs a few random folders to flip through) But there’re hundreds of pages here!

Coworker 2: I know, and I even gave you one of the smaller piles `cause I’ve got weak arms.  Everyone else here is quietly freaking out about this, if it makes you feel any better.

Coworker 1: (Tossing folders haphazardly across the desk; another coworker passing by drops a folder onto the pile and continues onward) It doesn’t!  When exactly am I supposed to do all this when I’m already behind on my regular stuff and on stuff not even assigned to me yet?!

Coworker 2: I dunno – maybe during bathroom breaks?

Coworker 1: Gross.  (Holds up one of the folders) And how’m I supposed to follow up on something like this; the last update’s almost two years old!

<DING>

Coworker 2: (Peers over at the page) Huh.  Guess it’s not high priority.

Coworker 1: (Tosses the folder back onto the pile) Un-flipping-believable.  Wait, I take it back: it’s completely believable since it’s the way every company has ever operated.  (Leans back into the chair and squeezes eyes shut as another coworker passing by drops a folder onto the pile and continues onward)

<DING>-<DING>-<DING>

Coworker 2: Seems to me if nothing’s been done on that file for two years, then no one’s going to be looking for it anytime soon – you probably could let it go even longer and no one would notice.

Coworker 1: (Eyes fly open) Hm?

Coworker 2: I’m thinking a lot of files in there are like that: so far overdue, what’s another few days?  Or months?

Coworker 1: (Dreamily) Or years….

Coworker 2: I find most of my own work is like that: a lot of people make you feel like you have to get everything done right away, but 90% of the time, 90% of the work can be done late.  Even hard deadlines can be negotiated with… 90% of the time.

Coworker 1: (Stares at the piles of work on the desk and the files of work on the computer) I never realized.

<DING>

Coworker 2: Yeah, it’s great when you do: it’s the reason why I’m the only one in my department who actually takes a lunchbreak.

Coworker 1: You take lunchbreaks?!

Coworker 2: I do indeed.  And so can you, if you don’t let all this – (Gestures to the piles as another coworker passing by drops a folder onto the desk and continues onward) get the best of you.  Bye.  (Trots away)

<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>

Coworker 1: (Turns to the computer and sees the massive amount of unread e-mails received in the past five minutes) Suppose I don’t have to answer them this exact second….

 ONE WEEK LATER

Manager: (Trots up to Coworker 1’s desk) Have you started working on the Marketing files yet?

Coworker 1: (Serenely typing a wellness check e-mail to a work friend) They’re my first priority.

<DING>

Manager: OK….

Coworker 1: After I finish the project you gave me last week.

Manager: Oh.  All right, but I would’ve preferred you’d finished that one, you know, last week.

Coworker 1: So would I, but alas: life.  (Nods at a coworker passing by who drops a folder onto the desk and continues onward)

<DING>-<DING>

Manager: Hm.  Any idea when you’re going to finish that project, then?

Coworker 1: All in good time.

Manager: How about tomorrow?

Coworker 1: If it’s the will of the gods, then `twill be done.

Manager: It’s the will of me, so do it!  And start working on the Marketing files ASAP; I’ve got Corporate breathing down my neck about them and they’ll never realize the irony of the situation they’ve placed themselves and all of us in.

Coworker 1: No one ever does.  (Holds up a cup and saucer) Like some tea?

Manager: Not especially, no.  Now get back to work; I’ve let you lollygag long enough.  (Trots away)

<DING>

Coworker 1: Will do.  (Sips tea and gently sighs) So this is what it feels like to be one with the universe.

 ONE WEEK LATER

Manager: (Trots up to Coworker 1’s desk) So, did you start on those Marketing files yet?

Coworker 1: (Lying facedown on a long table while a massage therapist does their thing) All in good time.

Manager: The good time is now!  Are you telling me you haven’t looked at one of these yet?!  (Picks up a folder to shake at Coworker 1 as another coworker passing by drops a folder onto the desk and continues onward)

Coworker 1: Oh, I did.

Manager: And?!

Coworker 1: They’re very pretty.

<DING>

Manager: You’re supposed to be following up on these projects!

Coworker 1: (Turns on side as the massage therapist adjusts position) Did you know, about 90% of things in life labelled as “Priority” really aren’t?

Manager: What?!

<DING>-<DING>-<DING>

Coworker 1: And probably 95% of projects in general can be left completely undone and no one either would ever notice or call you out on it?

Manager: That’s not true!  I’d notice, and I most definitely will call you out on it!

Coworker 1: Yes, but why stress yourself?

Manager: Because they have to be done for this company to function!  Now get going!

<DING>

Manager: (Glances at the computer screen full of unread e-mails, then back at Coworker 1) You gonna answer any of those?!

Coworker 1: (Rolls back onto stomach) All in good time.

Manager: (Tosses the file onto the desk and trots away, muttering) Why do I stress myself?

 ONE WEEK LATER

Manager: (Trots up to Coworker 1’s desk) This is the last time I’m going to ask you –

Coworker 1: (Knitting a blanket) Oh good, that’s a relief.

<DING>

Manager: Did you, or did you not, start working on those Marketing files, and so help me if you say “All in good time”!

Coworker 1: (Drops a stitch and unravels a section to redo it) I did.

Manager: (Blinks a few times) Oh.  Took the wind out of my sails a bit there, but that’s a good thing.  How far’d you get?

Coworker 1: Mm?  Oh, I’ll show you.  (Gently places the blanket and knitting needles onto a workbench, opens a file cabinet drawer, pulls out a thin folder, and drops it onto the desk) That far.

Manager: (Stares at the folder for a few moments, then slowly back up at Coworker 1) You have five seconds to convince me why I shouldn’t fire you effective immediately.

<DING>-<DING>

Coworker 1: Well, you asked me if I started working on the files, and I started.  Pretty much everything’s so far behind, no one seems to really care at this point if it takes another decade to work on them again, so what’s the rush?

Manager: You’re –

Coworker 1: And if you fire me, all of my projects then will be divvied up amongst all of you, and the vicious cycle continues.  (Another coworker passing by drops a folder onto the desk and continues onward)

Manager: – a real pain in my frontal cortex.  (Trots away)

Coworker 1: (Briefly glances at the 5,378 unread e-mails, then slowly sips a smoothie) Aaaaaah, perfection.  And I love the meditative background music these alerts provide.  (Cell phone rings; checks caller ID and frowns in confusion while answering) Hi – everything OK?

<DING>

Partner: (On the phone) Everything’s fine, I just wanted to let you know I made an appointment for a quote on the new fence.

Coworker 1: Oh.  Thanks.

Partner: Yeah, they’re sending over somebody on Saturday, so you just need to clear the stuff out of the backyard like I’d mentioned a few months ago –

Coworker 1: Uh-huh.

Partner: And also a few weeks ago –

Coworker 1: Uh-huh.

Partner: And also a few days ago –

Coworker 1: Uh-huh.

Partner: So once that’s all done, maybe we can finally get the fence replaced like we’ve been talking about for years.

Coworker 1: Uh-huh.

Partner: So….

Coworker 1: Uh-huh?

Partner: You think you can clear out the backyard before the weekend?!

<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-<DING>-

Coworker 1: (Another coworker passing by drops a folder onto the desk and continues onward) All in good time.

Story 423: Sometimes You Just Have to Walk Away

 (In an office, Coworker 1 is on the desk phone while clicking the computer’s mouse frantically and tapping the computer’s keys harshly)

Coworker 1: Uh-huh…. (Click-click-click-CLICK, tap-tap-TAP-TAP-TAP) But I – no, go ahead…. (TAP.  TAP.  TAP) Yeah, but…. I’m trying, but…. Uhhh-huhhh…. (TAP.  TAP.  TAP-TAP.  CLICK-CLICK-CLIIIIIICK – ) Oops….  What?  No, sorry, my computer’s acting up, I have to call I.T., you mind if we talk about this later?... Yeah-thanks-bye.  (Disconnects the call, slams the receiver onto the cradle, grabs either side of the computer’s monitor, and slowly leans forward to gently crash into the screen)

Coworker 2: (Peers over the top of the neighboring cubicle wall) Bad day?

Coworker 1: Always.  I think that means the problem is me: it can’t be that everyone in the world has lost their minds, so it must be me, right?

Coworker 2: Probably.  Still, sometimes it helps to just walk away from it all for a little bit.

Coworker 1: (Picks up the phone again) Shyeah, right; first I have to call I.T. to fix the computer I just crashed, and then I have to figure out a way to keep working on the 50 billion simultaneous projects going on here, without a computer, while more “emergency” projects are lining up in the wings waiting to make their entrance stage left, so, no break for me, or anybody, ever.

Coworker 2: (Now leaning on the top of the cubicle wall) Well, the work’ll still be here when you get back, plus there’ll always be more no matter what you do, and it really isn’t that bad if the majority of them are finished late, so you might as well step away from all of it even for a few minutes.  I find it usually clears my head and helps me figure out stuff I thought was unsolvable – changed my life.

Coworker 1: (While on hold) Hmmmmm….

I.T. Automated Attendant: Please continue to hold.  Your call is very – ah, forget it, we’ll get to you when we can get to you, all right?!  (Heavy metal starts playing as the hold music)

Coworker 1: (Raises an eyebrow at the receiver, then hangs up; looks up at Coworker 2) You know what?  I’m going to take your advice and go walk around here for five-ish minutes, right now.  (Stands and walks out of the cubicle) Thanks!

Coworker 2: No problem.  (Lowers back to the desk and resumes writing programs to embezzle company funds)

(Coworker 1 navigates the cubicle maze, a spring in the step emerging as the minutes tick on.  After passing by a certain one, Coworker 3 leans out of the cubicle without getting up from the chair)

Coworker 3: Hey!

Coworker 1: (Hesitates, then turns around) Hm?

Coworker 3: How’s the computer?

Coworker 1: Oh, still waiting for I.T. to fix it.

Coworker 3: (Laughs in disgust) They’re the worst, aren’t they?

Coworker 1: (In a small voice) Not really.

Coworker 3: (Finally stands and walks over to Coworker 1) Listen, continuing our conversation from earlier, you really need to start –

Coworker 1: (Grabs cell phone out of pants pocket and looks at the blank screen) Ah jeez, debt collector’s calling me again – (Holds phone up to ear, one finger out to Coworker 3, and starts walking away) Sorry, gotta take this – (To the phone) Yeah, whaddya want now?... Well, the money’s not gonna magically appear whenever you decide to call me, now is it?

Coworker 3: (Returns to desk, muttering) Weirdo.

(Coworker 1 returns to desk, sighs, and signs back into the computer)

Coworker 1: (After resuming work in a few applications) Wait a minute, this is working just fine now, how’d that even happen?

Coworker 2: (Voice through the wall) It probably needed a break, too.

Coworker 1: Well, your advice worked – I feel much better now and ready to tackle the rest of the day, so thanks again!

Coworker 2: Sure thing.  Least I could do before all is revealed.

Coworker 1: What?

Coworker 2: What?

 SEVERAL DAYS LATER

(Coworker 1 is attending a video conference while in the cubicle)

Speaker: (On the computer screen) – and according to our projections, if we continue to somehow keep losing money even while operating at a profit –

Coworker 1: (Picks up the non-ringing desk phone) Hello?  (Mouths to the camera “Gotta take this,” turns the camera off, hangs up the phone, and strolls out of the cubicle, whistling) I could get used to this.

 SEVERAL DAYS LATER

(In a conference room)

Manager: Now I’m going to put on the 45-minute video that’ll cover what we’ve been discussing for the last 45 minutes.  (Coworker 4 raises hand) Yes?

Coworker 4: Is it animated?

Manager: No.

Coworker 4: Shucks.

(Manager dims the lights and brings up the video to display on a large screen)

Coworker 1: Ooh, you know what, I forgot my pen and notepad at my desk – buried there somewhere – start without me!  (Leaves the conference room and returns more than 20 minutes later)

Manager: (Icy whisper) Find your pen?

Coworker 1: No, so I had to settle for a pencil.

Manager: (Looks down at Coworker 1’s hands) So where is it?  And the pad?!

Coworker 1: (Also looks down at hands) Huh.  Knew I was forgetting something.  (Leaves the conference room and returns more than 20 minutes later)

Manager: [Grinds teeth at Coworker 1]

Coworker 1: (Relaxedly settles back in a chair, tossing the notepad and pencil on the table) Aaaah, so, where are we?

Coworker 4: (Leaning on hand) Pretty much the end.

Coworker 1: Yay – I mean, too bad.  Can anyone fill me in?

Coworker 4: Probably not.  (Gestures at the dozing attendees)

 SEVERAL DAYS LATER

(In Coworker 1’s cubicle)

Coworker 3: (Standing over the seated Coworker 1) – and you never listen, you just do whatever you want to do because you know better, everybody else here may like you but I know you’re just the worst, and – (Coworker 1 stands up and walks past Coworker 3) Hey, where’re you going?

Coworker 1: Away.  (Takes the elevator to the ground floor and goes sits in the nearby garden that none of the other employees ever visit)

Coworker 3: (Stands in the hallway staring after Coworker 1 long after the latter has left, then notices that Coworker 2, wearing summer clothes and carrying a suitcase, also is watching from around the cubicle corner) Can you believe that one?

Coworker 2: Yes.

Coworker 3: So rude!  No – so unprofessional! 

Coworker 2: …You project a lot of your insecurities onto other people’s motives, you know that?

Coworker 3: (Shifts away to leave) Maybe.

Coworker 1: (In the garden, leans down to sniff a rose and stops) Ooh, a butterfly!  How serene.

 SEVERAL DAYS LATER

(In Manager’s office)

Manager: (To Coworker 1) Sit down, please.  (Coworker 1 does so) First of all, you may have heard by now that your cubicle neighbor managed to embezzle millions of dollars from this company by installing a program that pretended to prevent that exact event from occurring.  The irony is lost on no one.

Coworker 1: (In a reverent whisper) They walked away….

Manager: (Pauses) Yeah, that brings me to my next point: seeing as our insurance covers some of the loss but not all of it, and you’ve been demonstrating a very absentee attitude toward your job lately, we decided to recoup some of this debacle by terminating you – and several dozen of your colleagues.

Coworker 1: (Stands abruptly) But it works!  Walking away has solved everything – I’ve never been more productive!

Manager: Yes you have: your work started getting better for a few days, but the more mini-breaks you take the fewer projects I’ve been seeing actually getting done.  This week alone I think you’ve been in that garden out there for more hours than you were at your desk!

Coworker 1: It’s very calming!

Manager: I’m sure it is – go find another one to help you cope in your battle with Unemployment.  (Dismissively waves away Coworker 1 to be escorted by a Security Officer, and prepares to call in Coworker 3 next)

Coworker 1: (Slumps back to the cubicle and is handed a box by the Security Officer to clean out the desk) Wow, I never realized I’d brought so much junk in here.  (Sets down the box and turns to leave the cubicle) This is all a bit overwhelming right now – maybe if I just walked away from it for a little bit –

Security Officer: (Blocks exit) Nothing doing: I want to keep this job. 

Coworker 1: (Slumps back to piling stuff into the box) You know, I still think it was good advice, but I forgot one thing.

Security Officer: What’s that?

Coworker 1: Everything in moderation.

Story 397: Make Sure You Appreciate the Moment, Dangit!

 (At a family get-together, family members get together around a long dining room table in the only house that can fit everyone)

Head of Family: (Raises a glass to signal others to do the same) I’d like to take this moment to say, it’s great to see you all here today, and even though we have dinners like this for every major holiday we celebrate, we should never take each other or occasions like this for granted.

(Relative 1’s mouth drops open in mid-pasta-chew)

Relative 2: Hear, hear!

Relatives: Cheers!

Head of Family: Wait, I wasn’t finished yet!  (Relatives pause mid-sip) Soooo… umm….

Relative 3: Don’t take anything for granted?

Head of Family: Right!  Yes!  Don’t.  Bottom line: appreciate moments like this when we’re all together, and eating good food, and listening to that one over there’s work stories for the 88^th time –

Relative 4: Heh?

Head of Family: Love you all!  (Raises glass higher) Now you can cheer.

Relatives: Cheers!  (Everyone downs their drinks and then dives into the food)

Relative 3: (Sitting next to Relative 1) Something wrong with your dish?

Relative 1: (Had been staring into the middle distance) What?  No, it’s just – it’s finally sinking in that I don’t truly appreciate things as much as I should.

Relative 3: (Begins eating) Well, when you think about it, who really does?

Relative 1: Lots of people!  And I thought I did, but it’s suddenly crashing in on me that, dinner-in, dinner-out, I just assume this pasta will always be there, and always taste delicious.

Relative 5: Aw, thank you!

Relative 1: (Points to Relative 5) See!  I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you for cooking us all dinner at these things in over 30 years!

Relative 5: It’s my pleasure – but it’s nice to hear every once in a while, too.  (Glares at the rest of the table)

 Relative 1: (Back to Relative 3) And I just shovel this food into my mouth, and don’t take the time to truly appreciate the flavor, or the work in making it, or the fact that we all can meet together like this and for the most part actually like each other, or the overwhelming love in this room!

(The other Relatives have stopped eating and now are staring at Relative 1)

Head of Family: Hey – don’t make this weird.

Relative 1: Sorry.  (Sheepishly starts eating again)

Relative 3: (As everyone else resumes the meal) I’m sure you’re fine; I wouldn’t worry much about whether you’re showing your gratitude enough, m’kay?  (Definitively turns away and begins talking with Relative 5)

Relative 1: (Whispers to the pasta) Too late….

(At a theater several days later, Relative 1 is leaning forward in the seat with wide-open eyes, taking in as much of the spectacle on stage as possible until intermission)

Relative 1: (Looks around as the house lights brighten and the entire theater stands up to go find the restrooms) Wait, I’m still trying to absorb the entire experience but my mind keeps jumping ahead to work tomorrow!

Theater-goer: Relax; it’ll start again in 15 minutes.

Relative 1: The curtain never goes up on time!

(At a retail store the next day, Relative 1 stands in a trance behind the cash register counter)

Coworker: (Walks over to Relative 1) Hey, what’s up with you?

Relative 1: (Still staring at the opposite end of the store) Oh, just taking it all in that I’ve been working here for almost five years, and it really is a nice environment to spend 40+ hours a week in, even when there’s an overwhelming amount of tasks and some customers just can’t help trolling us and some managers misplace their wrath on their beleaguered subordinates, you know.  (Looks at Coworker) You’re pretty cool to work with, did I ever tell you that?

Coworker: Uh, thanks, but I came here to give you a heads-up that you-know-who called out again so you’re going to have to cover the entire back half of the store in addition to the registers tonight.

Relative 1: Son of a – no, no, that is not the attitude I should be taking toward this situation.  Instead, I should view this as a stimulating challenge that I will ably conquer and look back upon fondly 10 years from now, when this era magically transforms from “The Annoying Times” to “The Good Old Days.”

Coworker: Hey, whatever works; I’m just riding this place out until graduation.  (Goes on break)

Relative 1: (Turns back to face the chaotic store and smiles as a line of customers materializes) You do you.

(In a dentist’s office the next day, Relative 1 is sitting in The Chair)

Dentist: (Holds X-rays up to the light) As you can see, years of failing to properly brush and floss combined with all the sugar you consume regularly have accumulated into the massive amounts of decay on every last one of your teeth – I’m going to have to put in fillings everywhere if there’s to be any hope of saving them, and even then it’ll be 50-50 for the molars.

Relative 1: (Grins wildly with rotten teeth) Pain, expense, added daily hygiene routines, possible bone loss: this is a valuable experience that I will endure stoically and later brag about to friends and enemies alike.  Drill away, Doc!  (Lies back on The Chair and opens mouth wide in a silent yell of triumph)

Dentist: (Mutters) Weirdo.  (Begins drilling enamel)

(At home the next day, Relative 1 is sitting on an armchair holding an ice pack against one side of the mouth when the phone rings)

Relative 1: (Speaking with swollen everything) Hi?

Relative 3: Hey, heard about your massive number of fillings – how’re you feeling now?

Relative 1: Could be better.  I’m actually just sitting around, contemplating my blessings of basic good health, loving family, comfortable life, etc., etc.

Relative 3: Oh, you’re still on that kick?  You know, you can appreciate life and all that, but if you keep focusing so much on trying to appreciate single moments it seems like you’re actually going to miss out on the things you’re trying to appreciate in the first place.

Relative 1: …Eh?

Relative 3: Don’t take anything too far, is what I’m saying.  Otherwise I’m going to spend Thanksgiving distracted seeing you zone out all over the place.

Relative 1: But how else am I gonna appreciate life to the utmost fullest?!

Relative 3: I don’t know; spot-check it, I guess!  And in the spirt of the topic, I’m going to appreciate my life more by ending this conversation now – bye.  (Hangs up)

Relative 1: (Sets down the phone and leans into the ice pack more) I just wish I could tell whether I’m appreciating the moment in the right amount.

Story 310: Why Is No One Here As Stressed Out As I Am?!

            (In an office)

           Coworker 1: (Reading an e-mail) Oh no… oh no-no-no-no-no – this can’t be happening – what are we going to do – this can’t be happening – (Stands on top of the desk to address the sea of cubicles using a megaphone) Attention everyone, stop what you’re doing, we have a Code Red situation happening right now!  (Almost everyone casually looks up at Coworker 1; the rest continue with whatever it was they were doing) We all just got an e-mail that Corporate is coming, and we are nowhere near meeting regulatory requirements to pass any kind of inspection!  Nowhere!  Near!  Meeting!

            Coworker 2: (At a nearby cubicle) Oh, that e-mail?  They probably won’t even come to this department.

            Coworker 1: (Aims megaphone at Coworker 2) What kind of attitude is that to bring to the workplace?!  (Directs megaphone back to the rest of the office) All right, employees!  We need a complete inventory and thorough policy review done, ASAP and stat!

            Coworker 3: (Standing up and walking away) I’m going for a coffee break – anyone wanna join? (Ten others stand up and they all head for the break room)

            Coworker 1: (Directing the megaphone at their backs and then in a sweeping 360° to address the whole room) Does no one here comprehend the seriousness of the situation?!  Corporate, people, Cor-por-ate!  Our work parents!  Have any of you even thought within the past two years to dust your workstations and disinfect every surface you touch, hm?  Or inspect the fire alarms and the fire extinguishers?  How many of you keep food tucked away in the file cabinet drawers – forget that, are your files even filed properly?!

            Coworker 4: We have file cabinets?  I just keep everything on the server.

            Coworker 1: And what is your back-up if the server crashes, I ask you?!

            Coworker 4: Umm… the back-up server?

          Coworker 1: And if that also crashes?  Or gets hacked?  Or there’s a power surge and gigabytes of data are just gone, all gone?!

          Coworker 4: Umm…. Then I think the company’d have bigger problems by then and we’d probably all be out of a job so what’s the point?

            Coworker 1: Apathy!  Sloth!  That’s what leads to chaos and ruin and empires falling!

         Coworker 5: (Stands at desk) Hey everybody, it’s time for the downstairs receptionist’s retirement party!

             Coworker 6: Yay, cake!  (Another 20 people leave)

            Coworker 1: (Directing the megaphone at their backs) Wait a minute, you can’t leave now, we haven’t even gotten our emergency procedure manual in order yet, it hasn’t been updated in years!  And that cake better not have been sitting out for more than five minutes or else that’s a violation of Section 33.A.17 of the Infection Control Policy!

          Manager: (Wearing shorts and a T-shirt, zooms over to Coworker 1’s cubicle in a scooter) Hey, get down from there.

           Coworker 1: Sorry.  (Finally turns off the megaphone and jumps down to the floor) Don’t you worry about the Corporate visit today: I’m all over it.

           Manager: Yeah, about that – (Sips from a frozen drink) that e-mail was more of an FYI to everybody just so you’re aware they’re coming today; we’ve already gone through everything to make sure policies are updated and all that.

             Coworker 1: Oh.  But what about the lackadaisical behavior I’m seeing all around me?

            Manager: The managers’ll handle Corporate when they get here, and everyone else knows to be on their best behavior.  They’ll get here around 2:00, so maybe take the rest of the day off – there won’t be any work for you to do then, and it won’t affect your internship if you do a half day today.

          Coworker 1: But how will I ever learn anything if I’m not immersed in all aspects of the business milieu?

             Manager: (While zooming away) You’ll learn soon enough.