Ever since I moved to the new office, something strange has occurred.
Before the move, I shared an office with another girl. It was an open office and we could see each other. Life was good. No walls to seperate. However, the new office is different. It’s a cubicle, and quite honestly, it’s messing with my mind.
My new “cube buddy” and I get along just fine. There are peaceful hours of solitude followed by sporadic water cooler talk. For the most part, though, it’s amazingly quiet. Almost too quiet. The quiet is not my problem. Talking is the problem.
All of our talking- even important work related matters- is done behind the walls of our own cube. I’m sitting over here asking her about a Government proposal and she produces a complex and detailed answer. However, God knows what’s taking place on the other side of the cubicle. She could be clipping her toe nails and using the clippings as floss, idolizing Barry Manilow, sending text pictures of her newest blister, or posting to her freaking blog (ha ha). How would I ever know??
There is a tiny little gap that runs in the middle of our wall. You couldn’t even shove a pencil through it (ha ha, although, I’m always tempted to use it as her “in box” and insert important documents through the tiny slit, and then pretend that it never happened. I don’t think she would think it was funny though). Every now and then I catch a glimpse of her- just a tiny little head shot. The angle is so weird and it always makes me paranoid. “Did she just pick her nose? I swear- I swear I just saw a nose pick.” or “Is she holding a cat? Seriously! I think I just saw a cat!” Generally sweat and fast breathing follows as I try to make sense out of the tiny little slice of life I catch each time I peer through the gap.
For this reason, I’ve begun to find it hard to communicate face to face with her. It’s like she’s the Great and Powerful Oz behind the curtain and I’m forbidden to see her face because if I gaze upon her, I will surely turn to stone (hmm… I think I’m mixing stories). Everytime I see her out of the office, I feel like I should be holding a piece of paper in front of my face- like that’s the only way we’re allowed to commuicate. Think Wilson and Tim on Home Improvement.
When I do have to see her face-to-face, a goofy smile washes over me. I picture all the crazy things that are happening on the other side of the cubicle and it makes me laugh. Sometimes I want to say, “Uh, yes… I agree this document looks very important. Uh...can we please discuss this matter from our cubicle? I can’t stop picturing you dressed all in emerald, holding a huge scepter and commanding, ‘I am the great and powerful OZ!’ and frankly, it’s a bit of a distraction.Thanks.”
Thanks for the laughs!
Is that wrong?
OK, that would totally drive me crazy!!! My old office used to just have one little windowinto the lobby and I really couldn’t see anyone so I did most of my work in the lobby!!! You must be going nuts!!!
Let’s just hope she isn’t using her toenails as floss. Grooooos!!!!!
If she is the great and powerful OZ maybe she can have you click you heels together 3 times and transport you and your family back to the states!!
Enjoy your week!!