Misadventures in D.C.

The Watergate’s management company frequently holds silly little contests to engender goodwill among important people like me who work in the building. Thus with Halloween right around the corner, it’s hardly surprising that signs in the elevator announce a building-wide pumpkin-carving contest, with “wonderful prizes” going to the winners.

Since I like team-building activities, I suggested the marketing department enter a “group pumpkin.” But instead of opting for the traditional scary face, my friend Sarah and I successfully convinced our colleagues we should etch a more serious and work-appropriate illustration: namely, the phrase “WORK IT, GIRL!”

Though I won’t pretend this idea doesn’t still amuse me, I’ve had a couple of second doubts this afternoon as I notice overworked employees industriously milling around the office as I stand, wearing shirt and tie, in a fairly visible cubicle carving these words into a random pumpkin. Are the upper management ranks aware of this promotion? Is anyone else at The Atlantic partaking in this arts-and-crafts activity?

In credit to my unmatched determination, I will persist -- wish me luck tomorrow, when we’ll find out of this piece of genius bests the others for the first place ribbon!