Let's Get Brainwashed.

There have been a lot of engagement parties and baby showers in the office this year - I think over 15 babies, and at least 6 weddings that I can remember. What this means is that all of us are invited to one floor of the building to hear a little about the upcoming event (for weddings, the employee's girlfriend/boyfriend shows up and they talk about how they first met; for babies they talk about name choices). The way we find out about these gatherings is by a company-wide e-mail. All of these e-mails end with the note "This is not a surprise." It's so funny to read a message: Join us next Wednesday to celebrate....blah blah...cupcakes and cookies will be provided. This is not a surprise."

It's useful information, because at my previous job, people were never sure and would ask if it was a surprise or not. But the message is a kind of curve ball to end a flowing, elegantly formatted e-mail. The text is usually in some kind of script like handwriting, and there's a nice graphic selected for the occasion (sometimes they use photos of the couple).

Just another strange thing that happens at companies. But, that's no surprise to you, right dear readers?