world cup!

You know your office is World Cup obsessed when:

• every third word is "futbol"
• 35+ people watch the Spain games in the conference room (lights dimmed)
• trading room TVs are set to ESPN2
• twice-daily emails update the inter-office pool standings ($20 buy-in, limit 3)
• flags abound- you name it, we've got it
• people are seen kicking soccer balls in the hallway
• sudden groans, shouts, and sighs of relief are not uncommon
• lunch hours turn verrrry flexible
• your boss sports a jersey

I love it.

ID ID

If you're going to be from Idaho (not a bad move), and decide to carry an Idaho driver's license as your primary form of photo ID (logical), may I recommend not having it issued on 12/15/2004. Many ID-checkers have apparently "never seen one of those before," and a look-up in The Book will promptly reveal the example as issued on- you guessed it- 12/15/2004. Suspicious? They think so. While you're at it, avoid losing or cracking your card, as doing so results in a replacement screaming DUPLICATE across the top right-hand corner. As it turns out, "duplicate" is not a favorite word among ID-checkers. Worst case scenario? A duplicate ID from ID, issued right there on the 15th of December, 2004. Very suspicious indeed.

we've got mail

I opened a box of greeting cards last night, and what should flutter out but a note from Hallmark. They thanked me for joining in their tradition of "enriching lives through meaningful communication" and emphasized their belief in the "emotional value of written communication." No need to thank me, Hallmark- I'm all for it. In fact, aside from the closer-to-family-and-friends factor, good old-fashioned mail easily tops my "good to be back from Spain" list. There's no comparison, really: stationary is more available and much better looking; sending is at a lower cost and higher convenience; and receiving actually happens- even if dominated by my own internet shopping.

Don't get me wrong- I love (understatement) email- but there's something to be said for personalized, hand-written cards. Out-dated or not, I like writing them, I like receiving them, and I like subjecting poor people to my wannabe-chickenscratch. In the words of Hallmark, what a great way to "keep in touch and nurture relationships."