The Cubicle

As I venture out from my huge luxurious desk and into the world of small cramped cubicles, I'm beginning to notice how everyone chooses to decorate their personal space. As a receptionist, I've never had the desire to put anything personal on my desk since it's in such a busy non-personal location. Also, it's never been "just mine" and even though I'm "lead receptionist", I've always shared it with the part time receptionist. Plus, even though my desk is relatively big, it's got so much stuff on it there really isn't a space to put up a framed picture. And since I don't have walls like a cube, I'm unable to tack anything up like most people.

As I've walked around more, I noticed that people have their awards up, pictures of friends/family/siginifant others everywhere, plants, cell phone chargers, their lunch... you name it, they have it on or around their desk. Then there's me at reception. The only personal items I've ever had are my slippers hidden under my desk, chapstix and a mirror compact (just so I can make sure I don't have food all over my face). My bag and coat get tucked away, my two awards that I won years ago for great customer service (HAHAHAHA - no, I really do have those awards, just how funny is that?!) are in the bottom shelf of the desk since I don't have a wall to hang them up and I'm sure as hell not displaying them on the desk. My reception desk sort of looks like this:


And with two of us there, 2 computers, a printer, it's crowded. And maybe that's half the reason I never put anything up, but I still think because it's a common area and I have to share it, I never thought to leave anything there. Plus, if plants are getting stolen in HR, imagine what would go missing from my desk! ;)

So, naturally, as I've been doing more meeting work and been shunned to the back to sit at Kathy's old desk, one would think I would attempt to make it more personal. Bossboss has come to my area on more than one occasion and told me to "spruce it up" and "put pictures up of your nephew". Bad move Bossboss. Being the stubborn brat that I am, this means that I absolutely refuse to put anything personal on this desk. I've decided that I will put a picture of my cute little nephew as soon as I get a title change. Until then, this is what you get, a sad looking desk with the only decoration being calendars and hanging files:

(I wasn't lying when I said I was shunned to the back - and now with my department in a different building, I'm literally all alone!)

So blovers, do YOU have personal items at your desk??