Working at Home, a Tour

A while back, AC had on the assignment list a topic called "Fun Day at Work." The name intrigued me, but since I never leave the house for my day at work, I didn't sign up to do an article. Still, the idea's been plaguing me, so I decided to invite you to spend a day with me at work. Just pretend, if you will, that you have arrived at my home/office, and we'll spend the day together.

It's good to have you with me today. As you can see, things get a little cluttered around here, but just shove those newspapers out of the way and sit down. I'm still going to get around to reading those sooner or later.

Could I get you a cup of coffee or juice? One of the benefits of working here at the house is that the break room is just a few steps away from my office. Would you like to see my office? Okay, follow me.

As you can see, I've got a nice setup in here with my bookcases, desk, computers and stuff. At one time this was my daughter's bedroom, but after she left, I thought it would make a good office. Besides, she doesn't mind sleeping on the couch when she visits. She's not very tall, you know.

Excuse me just a minute while I see who this is calling on the phone. Oh, I'll talk to them later. It's just my neighbor probably checking in to let me know who's visiting who in the middle of the night. I'll call her later. I don't need to alienate her, too, because she's pretty much the last one of them speaking to me.

Today, I thought I'd share with you some of the places I get my ideas for future articles. Oops, wait just a minute, my dryer buzzer just went off. I need to transfer a load of clothes for folding later.

Okay, I'm back. Now, where were we? Oh, yeah, I remember. I was going to show you my idea notes. Here, they are. See those little yellow stickies on the side of my computer console? Every time I see something I think might work, I jot down a note. Oh, wait, that's not an idea. That's my grocery list.

Yeah, I do have a lot of technical books in that bookcase. Oh, gosh, no, I don't use them. I just keep them for looks. Most of them are the textbooks I bought while my children were in college, and since I invested so much money in them, I hate to throw them out. I figure someday I may need to look up some vital piece of information on how the human psyche works. Psychology major, you know. Well, in between his golf games anyway.

I think it's time for a break, don't you? One of my favorite reruns comes on in a few minutes. How about we go and watch? Do you like "Frasier," that show with the guy off "Cheers"?

Oh, what's the matter? Why did you jump like that? Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to warn you about the cat. She's bad to do that, hide under the couch and bite you on the ankle. She thinks it's funny. Get back, Miss Kitty. Come out from under that couch right now!

Are you sure I can't get you anything? It's getting close to lunch time. How about a sandwich? Well, okay, but I think I'll eat some peanut butter and crackers. I usually eat a light lunch because I'm so busy that I hate to break away.

Oh, excuse me, there's that phone again. Sometimes the thing doesn't ring at all, and sometimes it's all day. Oh, hi, Aunt Lottie, what's up? You coming by? Okay. Well, I've got company today, but I think it'll be okay. I think they would enjoy meeting you anyway since they've heard a lot about you. See you in a bit.

I hope you don't mind if Aunt Lottie drops by. I really think you'll like her. She can get a little zany at times, but she's really a fun lady. Oh, you've read about Aunt Lottie? Well, then you pretty much know what I mean.

In the meantime, let's go in the office, and I'll show you other things I use. Oh, sorry, there's the phone again. No, no, no, I don't want that color; I want red.

Sorry about that. Now, where we? Oh, yeah, the office. Now, in this drawer here -- oh, I hear Aunt Lottie. I've got a feeling this is pretty much going to shoot the rest of the day. Would you like to come back tomorrow? Oh, you've already got something planned. I completely understand. Those of us who work at home really have to schedule our time wisely.