Office Supplies
Posted on August 13, 2004
In the office I've always been one to "borrow" my neighbours pen, re-use file folders found in the trash and manufacture makeshift notebooks out of the pile of abandoned one sided print-outs. In other words I've never had much use for the coveted office supplies catalog, the administrative assistance bible, the sacred volume marked with one quarter size green, yellow and light-blue post-it notes. Multicoloured highlighters don't interest me let alone an entire box of multicoloured highlighters.
I was asked for my recommendation in a notebook case, one of those foam sleeves that show an egg safely being dropped on it in the brochure. Easily I was able to recommend the case I use for my powerbook but wanting to give a few more options I sought out the precious Askul office supplies catalog. A language note: Askul is short for ashita kuru (arrive tomorrow).
This catalog has everything. I'm not just talking about items like stationary supplies, thirty plus models of calculator, office furniture or computer Peripherals, but things that just don't conjure up images of the workplace when thought of.
How about expensive Godiva chocolates? The coffee and espresso machines I get, but seeing that I'm rarely able to obtain hot water for my cup noodle lunches it makes me skeptical about the espresso macchiato. In offices that buy this equipment who gets to play barista? Is it a rotating duty? And if so, who will fulfill their duties while listening to long-winded orders of Caffè Con Panna and decaf, non-fat caramel lattes. How will they file their TPS reports when they're warming up my poppy seed banana pound cake?
I'm guessing the disposable paper plates and chop sticks are for company picnics, but what's with the window washer, Drano and pine solvents? I've never seen the building janitor doggy-earring any of these pages. But what really scares me is the shampoo, rinse and condition, tub mildew killer and bath towel sets. All we need now are bunk beds and a good cavity fighting toothpaste, all of which I hear can be special ordered, and we never have to go home again. So next time you jokingly say "I've been living at the office lately." you can mean it literally.
Leave a comment.
