In It To Win It

We all know that I am a big fan of complaining. That and gossip are probably two of the things I love most about work. Sad? Probably. But as much as I might complain about all the tedious tasks I have to do and putting up with my clueless boss, I am a hard worker.

Hard to believe, I'm sure. But I'm not someone who talks back to my superiors. I do what I'm told to when I'm told to. I come in early and I stay late. I usually eat my meals at my desk. And this summer I have been working myself extra hard. We have had event upon event to plan and I haven't had a rest (proven by the fact that I made myself sick last week!). 

It's always nice to have your hard work acknowledged. But sometimes a nice thank you e-mail just doesn't cut it. At our company, we have a way of giving due credit where it is deserved and that is with the Employee of the Month award (and no, I do not work at a fast-food restaurant or star in a movie with Dane Cook). 

As I have mentioned before, my company slightly resembles NBC's The Office. And when I say slightly, I mean completely. Let's just say Dwight, Meredith, and Angela are all employed where I work. Point being, our Employee of the Month award is like a Dundie. It is given out once a month at our Family Meetings. Yep, I just put family and meeting in the same sentence. So at these Family Meetings, The CEO gets up and talks about how great our company is, how we're doing so well during this recession, announces the new hires, the anniversaries, and gives out a gift certificate to the hardest worker. Barf. I know. I hate these meetings (although they do get me out of an hour of work). 

This month, I won that award. And The CEO said some nice things about me. The office clapped. And I left the office smiling. It is deeply gratifying being told that all that hard work you do means something to someone (especially to the head honcho). All those thankless days and nights you spend toiling in front of a computer screen or all those nights you stayed late for events are finally being noticed. It feels great. It's a top of the world feeling.

And I can't help but feeling like doing a jig in a shower of champagne (preferably pink champagne). Thank you to all the little people who helped me get here...oh, wait, I am the little person! Ok, so instead here's a big thank you to my bosses for seeing that I am putting in the extra effort.

And my prize for working my little ass off? A gift certificate to a spa. Ahhh. 80-minute massage here I come.