Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Temptations

I've mentioned that once a month, a private 501c3 flies me in from Florida to Manhattan for a week's work as writing coach/web editor, but I haven't mentioned just how overwhelmed I am by the graciousness of this workplace. I have just discovered their library which is filled with delicious things that cover American art, religion, environmental issues and Asian culture.There is too much to resist in that room. I am failing in my efforts to avoid spending the day exploring all these titles, a small sample of which I share with you below. (Are the titles legible with your click?) And yet, the staff is so cordial and the work so enjoyable, the distractions are no better than the obligations.

And as if that were not enough, the kitchen is fully stocked with daily variables of the pastry/candy/munchie realm, including three types of M&Ms! The coffee is by Starbucks and the fridge groans with beverage choices. Oh lucky boy. I left there today singing that refrain from the Sound of Music: "For somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good."

12 comments:

Cooper said...

What a 'feast of fat things'!

Shelves of books are my nemesis. Faced with your temptations, I might just never be seen again.

All this, and they pay you, too! Indeed, you must have done something good!

Anonymous said...

Those snacks are a mixed blessing. Wait till you taste one of L's rhubarb cake or one of P’s biscotti with pistachios. If I was religious, I would definitely think this is the work of the devil.

Anonymous said...

mmmmmmm. Books, nibbles, and a paycheck. I commend you and your employer.

Mark said...

the art books alone would keep me so busy, i'd never have time to work, let alone go home.

the snacks, however, are scaring me. i'd be even bigger than i am right now, if i had to confront that delicious array every time i walked into the pantry.

o, lucky man!

M. Knoester said...

Let's see, I'm a fat woman who recently dragged eight boxes of her friend's unwanted books up four flights of stairs...


I think I'm experiencing some sort of overload.

But my boss offers free milk! (semi-skimmed AND buttermilk)

evilganome said...

Must be something in the air. I just posted the other day about my relationship with things fattening and my friend Mike was just writing about book hording.

I'd never get a thing done. I'd be stuffing my face and reading.

M.W. Nolden said...

First~ Did you sell your soul to Satan... Again.
Second ~ I highly recommend the book on the Bay Area Figurative Artists. They are due for a revival & I suspect will be the next big thing. (It's on the same shelf as Sol Lewitt & Eva Hesse.)

Birdie said...

Sanskrit, astronomy, cartography: what IS this place? And how do I get a contract?

Working my way through your blog with delight, intrigue, and one raised eyebrow.

Birdie

dantallion said...

My office has a water cooler.

I need a raise.

Anonymous said...

I've touched so few of those titles. Time to stay in more, I'd guess.

(And yeah, T, you do have the greatest gig.)

dpaste said...

This all reminds me of that Simpson episode where Homer gets recruited by the "too good to be true" company and they move to a gorgeous house and Lisa is at a school that recognizes her intelligence and all kinds of other great stuff, except the company is really evil and set on world domination.

Don't go into the office basement.

Frank said...

Your non-profit must have a VERY rich, VERY generous patron. Most don't have frees snicky-snacks, or the ability to fly someone monthly from Florida for a week of work.