Happy 131st Anniversary to the Hole Punch!

Thanks to "google doodle" I know that today marks the 131st anniversary of the hole punch.

The doodle is adorable and it's a fun little fact, but then I started thinking about how important the hole punch is in this profession.

I mean, there are courts that will toss your documents if they aren't punched in just the right place.  And some Judges have very specific rules - 2 at the top - 3 at the side.

And don't get me started on people who move the ruler guide and then you go and punch your papers and everything gets punched in the wrong place.  And they don't fit the acco fastener (when is the acco fastener's birthday?) or they won't go into the file folder.

And no matter how much people say we're moving towards a paperless office - let's be honest - that's never going to happen.  At least not in my lifetime.

So, while some might laugh it off as a silly little "holiday," I think it's more than that.

You might even call today HOLE-Y!

The first patent for a hole puncher, or Papierlocher für Sammelmappen (paper hole maker for binding) was filed on 14 November 1886 by inventor Friedrich Soennecken.

Mr Soennecken was a German office supplier from the town of Remscheid who founded his own company, F Soennecken Verlag, in 1875.

Do Firms Want Secretaries Who Get the Job Done or Secretaries Who Look Good Doing It? Aging in the Workplace

It happens to the best of us.

And while I'm not sure when I first became aware of it, I'm fairly certain that once you reach the ripe old age of 40 it starts to peek at you in one form or another.

Many of us "seasoned secretaries" (like myself) may have been too busy working hard to actually take note of the first time they realized that some of their attorneys don't just want the job done, they want someone who looks "perfect" doing it.  Unfortunately, we can't have everything we want.

Now, I'm going to go ahead and play the gender card here - this is much more common among male attorneys than female.  Although, women attorneys don't get a complete pass.

However, the minute your roots begin to show, ageism starts to take root.

We all know that the role of the legal secretary has changed drastically over the years, but skills are skills.  And as long as I have them, I plan to use them.

So, if you don't mind my grey hair, I'm going to get to work.

The Perfect Travel Companion - "The Summer House" by Hannah McKinnon

"When Flossy Merrill summons her children to the beloved family beach house to celebrate their father's 80th birthday, both cherished memories and long-kept secrets come to light in this charming and lyrical novel from the author of "The Lake Season" and "Mystic Summer."

Hannah McKinnon's, The Summer House online and in bookstores now.  From Simon and Schuster.

Desk Essentials and "Treat Yo'Self Thursday" - Milka Oreo Candy Bar

Okay, it's going to be one of those days.

And just for these times, you should always have something in your desk to get through the rough patch (or in case of an earthquake - God forbid an earthquake - but hey, be prepared).

One of my new favorite desk staples (pun intended) is the Milka Oreo Candy Bar.  

Stumbled upon these by accident.  After I may or may not have accidentally eaten my daughter's in the fridge. She said "Oh, no!  My friend brought that back from England and you can't find them here."

Well, now you can.  I got mine at my friendly neighborhood Walgreen's.

What's your "emergency work pantry" look like?  I'd love to hear.

Staff Appreciation Week - How's it going for you?

The older I get, the more I dread this week. 


Not because I'm ungrateful for the weeklong activities from HR and the law firm office manager, but because the more presents I get, the less appreciated I feel.  And that's because even though the firm pulls out all stops, my attorneys never seem to notice.


I suppose I should be grateful for the fact that my bosses never want to take me to lunch.  They have no interest in doing anything with me outside of work - which is fine by me.  However, I can't help but recall the days when I was young and bosses couldn't wait to take you out to a fancy restaurant.


I'm not speaking in terms of sexual harassment.  Male and female bosses loved doing lunch with you.


It was like, "you've got a bright future with the firm and I'm happy to have you on my team."


Now, it's more like, "You're a certain age and let's not kid each other, people aren't exactly lining up to hire people over 40."  Plain and simple.


If there's anything that gives me consolation, it's knowing that my skills are still pretty darn sharp and I'd match myself up against most of the younger men and women in my office any day.


Well, almost any day.  Maybe not Monday.


Did I say, "Happy Administrative Professionals Week?" 

Say "Hello" to my new Best Friend - "The Beauty Blender"

I will be the first to admit that I did not think this little sponge was worth its price.  However, after using it for the last month, I have found it to be worth its weight in gold. 


The Beauty Blender(TM) is the perfect tool for makeup newbies or makeup old-timers who just can't seem to "whip it real good."


Honestly, this little thing is easy to use and saves so much time and frustration.


Around $20.00 for the "original" sponge and well worth the price.


Perfect for the working women.

Take Good Care of Your Hands and They'll Take Good Care of You With Crabtree and Evelyn

I never thought about my hands much until I reached a certain age.

Okay, truthfully speaking, I never thought as much about my hands as I have this winter.

They are taking a beating.  The colder temperatures combined with what may or may not be compulsive hand washing in an effort to avoid germs, it's been brutal on "les mains."

Grateful for Crabtree and Evelyn (TM) and their La Source Hand Care Collection.

I usually "treat myself" during the holidays to a nice bottle of hand cream that will take me into the first quarter of the new year.  It's important to take care of your "whole self," which includes your hands.  Feet are another subject for another day.

I've tried many hand care products over the years and this one has really proven its worth.

There's nothing like handing over the brief to the attorney with alligator hands.  You don't want alligator hands.  No one wants alligator hands.

You should treat yourself to a nice hand cream.  This one is well worth a try.

I hope you find this tip handy.  Get it?

Is it too late for a New Year Planner Party?

Every year, I pledge to get organized.  And every year - well, I won't say that I fail, but I often fall short.

This year, I had my head all wrapped around the Planner idea.  Like, back to paper, going to keep planners in several places and never miss another deadline or appointment.

Needless to say, it's February 1st, and I've only written one thing in one of my planners.

But aren't they pretty?  There's the vibrant one from Anna Griffin and HSN and the more "formal" one from Filofax.  

They both have plenty of wide open space to fill in all the juicy details.  No more excuses.  Time to get it together at home and at work.

Just one thing - can someone help me pick out the "perfect pen?"