Today is the day where the department gets together for the annual Employee Recognition Meeting.  "Everyone" has gathered together for this event, everyone, except myself, and the rest of the clerical staff from this office.  It's not like we weren't invited--because we were, and we are probably "expected" to be there,  it's just... We don't want to be there..  :)  The meeting is from noon to 2pm, so this means, that we in clerical have 2 hours of uninteruppted time without dealing with the public or fellow co-workers--it's a gift in itself. 

I mean, the people I work with, for the most part, are nice people and easy to work with, but, I think it's nice to have a "break" from one another sometimes.  We clerical staff are always there for them, and they do appreciate what we do for them, but we are also the ones that give them their work.  I'm sure, underneath those smiles of gratitude they are secretly telling themselves,

 "Damn, clerical!  They just left another stack of new clients on my desk..." 

I'm feeling a little naughty not being there..  But I have my reasons:

Reason #1:

If I did go, I would have to use vacation time because I use my lunch break to pick up my son from school, and he doesn't leave until 2:15 pm. 

Reason #2: 

They are serving Chinese food.  Chinese food always makes me sick.

Reason #3:

I didn't nominate anyone for employee recognition, and the only people that tend to turn in those sheets to nominate anyone are the loud, and self-serving ones..  It's about office politics, and I'm not interested in any of that.  I'm clerical, and I have no desire to become Chief of Probation one day...none whatsoever. 

Reason #4: 

It involves driving into another town.  I drive too much already...  No thanks. 

Reason #5:

I have to leave early today because I have a test to take for another job for another county.  :)  (This is a secret of course--may be that is why I feel a little guilty.) 

So, the four of us clerical women are alone in the building.  This could be dangerous.  Clerical women gone wild--coming to a video store near you!  Watch the girls go crazy in the file room!  Whohoo!!  We don't have to open the doors to the public until 2:30 pm.  This calls for a late Mexican lunch and strawberry margaritas!!