I believe I mentioned that I started my new job two weeks ago.  On my first day, I learned that we have a team “admin” who guards, controls, and monitors office supplies. . . and who was out that day.  ”Wait for Nancy to come back.”  Now I actually think it’s shameful that I didn’t have ANY office supplies waiting for me.  I would rather zero than a drawer filled with random dirty post-its and sundry paper clips and push-pins (which I have found at other new jobs), but still.  I was lucky I brought my own pen.  I borrowed paper from my boss.  I also think it’s shameful that a group of professionals apparently can’t be trusted with a supply closet.

Anyway, my second day, Nancy came back complaining about how much work she had.  Nancy sits next to me, so I knew all about how she had too much work.  I gingerly approached her. . . “Nancy, someone told me that I should talk to you about getting office supplies?”  She sighed, looked up at me and then back down at her keyboard, and told me to email her with a list.  

I emailed her with a list.  It was hard to be specific enough that I wouldn’t hate what she got me, but not so specific that she would think I was a diva.  Pens (if I get a choice, I prefer uniball or pilot precise)  Folders (envelope type that close completely).  I mean, I don’t want file folders – one needs to be somewhat specific.  I also don’t want a box of bic pens.  I wouldn’t use them anyway, as I am quite particular about pens.

To her credit, Nancy dropped off the majority of my list within a couple hours.  BUT there were a few things I needed to order from the catalogue.  Mouse pad, folders, and so on.  On Tuesday (a week later), I still had no sign of my supplies, and the lack of folders is getting to be problematic.  I delicately approached Nancy, “Do you have any idea when I should expect my supplies?”

“Well I ordered them yesterday . . . ” (In my head, I think, “YESTERDAY?!”) “. . . so I would expect it Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.”  

“Awesome.  Thanks so much.”

Wednesday afternoon, a box of office supplies came and was placed on the floor outside of Nancy’s cube (remember – that’s right next to mine).  I got excited.  Then Thursday came, and the box was still there.  ”UNPACK THE BOX,” I thought, and then I realized that I was completely powerless over this situation.  Bringing it up would risk Nancy’s rage, which would potentially mean the end of my ability to peacefully order supplies for the rest of my time with this company. Totally not worth it.  Who needs folders?  Piles work just fine.

Friday morning, the box went away.  I still don’t have my supplies.  I don’t know for sure if my supplies were in there, but I’m thinking Tuesday is the appropriate day to bring it up again.  I’m hoping they’ll just turn up on Monday and I can just show Nancy how grateful I am that she got them for me.

Incidentally, Nancy is actually pretty nice – she just has that “I work for these idiots and nobody appreciates me” thing going on.  The thing that only a career admin with a LOTS of experience can truly perfect.