a happy (work)place

One more layer in my very zen office space.....

1. Desktop Japanese Maple

2. BalanceBall Chair

3. A Properly Labeled Filing System

Black-Hole Buttholes

Most times being nice is a recipe for happiness. But "nice" is also underrated and unappreciated. Especially at a time when everyone is supposed to be themselves and tell the "truth". One person's "truth" is another's torture, it can also be unnecessarily hurtful. Nice people trust that others will be nice in return. Nice people also tend to be taken advantage of. There is a point where people are "too nice" and neglect themselves because they are always in demand and can't say no (It isn't nice to say no). Nice people are helpful and can be counted on. Everyone enjoys a nice person. Nice people want to be around other nice people. Jerks want to be around nice people, not other jerks.

Sometimes being nice gets old especially when loud, grumpy, demanding squeaky wheels seem to be considered and appreciated more than the nice little mice. They are called "strong" or "powerful", though often as part of sermon about all the magic that makes them so magnificent given by themselves. These "strong" and "powerful" people aren't a joy to be around, let alone work with, especially if you are nice (which is seen as a weakness). They are black-hole buttholes (referred to as "BBs" from this point forward) that suck all the energy and joy out of everything around them. But given enough time and rope BBs will hang themselves, most often when they are telling their "truth". The implosion may take some time, BBs are charming, manipulative and usually limit their natural BB behavior to the nice mice. Once the dust clears after a BB detonation is usually the time when nice people are most appreciated and reconfirms why being nice is the way to go.

The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't

The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World With Kindness

(photo credit)

Lunch At My Desk

My two friends and I have been feeling guilty about all the disposable plates, cups and utensils that we use and discard at work. We decided to get "regular"utensils and dishes to use when we eat at our desks. We found these super cute dishes at, where else Anthropologie. The shiny spoon and sticks set is exclusive to the the MoMa Store. We have a lot of thai food and really don't need a knife or fork - plus the polished stainless steel chopstick are so fancy pants. Obviously whatever we pick must be equal parts useful and cute.