the soothing whirr of power tools

My workplace is under construction.

Actually, MY workplace isn't under construction. The floor above me, the stairwell, the facade, and the streets outside are under construction. This keeps life interesting.

Important things I've learned during this process:

- Always carry an umbrella. Because the guys on the fourth floor scaffolding believe that pedestrians should also be powerwashed.

- Ignore the fire alarm. The 9,000 decibal screeching sound and strobe lights that go off once a day announce electrician successes, not fires.

- Hummers with personalized plates don't get tickets. Feel free to park your hummer wherever you want. On the sidewalk is a good place.

- That black stuff coming out of the vents isn't bad for you - it builds character. Take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma.

- Pee quickly. Because that loud banging sound upstairs accompanied by the falling dust probably isn't a good sign that your stall is going to stay private for long.