Steal This Blog

A funny thing happened to me the other day, something right out of Office Space or The Office, or some office-related situational comedic narrative. What, you might ask, was this, dear friend? Well, I had occasion to visit the Jefferson Parish offices in search of some planning-related information, and thus I was headed appropriately enough to the planning department.

Upon entering their facility, I noticed immediately that something was not quite right. A room, not much larger than a hobbit house, was occupied by about 20 or so full-grown humans. A curious set-up for a planning department, I thought to myself, but this was explained by the fact that their normal 6th-floor workspace was currently under construction. In any event, I introduced myself to the receptionist and said I was looking for the planning department. "What?", she yelled, rather forcefully. The planning department, I explained. "Well you're in the right place. What do you need?" I replied that I needed to speak with a planner, whereupon the wizened old crone threw her head over her shoulder and screeched, "I need a planner!"

This seemed to be the cue for the woman next to the receptionist to interact with me, as she then turned around and asked, "What do you need?" Mind you, this second woman was no more than three feet from the first, and had clearly heard everything I said since I entered the area. Nonetheless, I dutifully informed her that I needed to see a planner about some rezoning. "Just sit right down, honey, and someone will be up to help you in a few minutes." Good enough for me.

So I sit down and this second woman picks up the phone and calls a planner. Now, I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but I'm pretty sure it was not the scenario which presented itself: 1) this woman placed a phone call to an individual seated not more than ten feet away from her, 2) had a conversation in which she repeated verbatim our conversation (which had been overheard by all 20 humans in the room since I was the only one talking), 3) the planner on the other end of the phone hung up the phone, got up from his desk, took three paces towards me, and asked if there was anything with which he could help me. Can you imagine?

I have presented this scene, dear readers, exactly as it played out in front of my very eyes. Had I been observing the above interaction from a safe distance, I would very well have been close to tears with laughter. As it was, however, I got on with the day's business, and have made it through to share this priceless gem with you.

God Bless the Office,
Noel

ps I got my diploma in the mail today. Hot shit!