I am making an enormous mistake by posting this

Today is my last day of work.

I’m a little sad in some ways. I’ll miss the social interaction and a few special people and the free sodas. And the office supplies, of course. In the process of cleaning out my desk this morning, I found that over the course of the last two years I have hoarded not two, not three, but SIX STAPLERS. And I can’t even REMEMBER the last time I stapled something! And let’s not even talk about the Post-it notes; I didn’t wear waterproof mascara today and the last thing I want to do is weep uncontrollably.

However, I definitely won’t miss the stress of workday mornings. GOOD LORD, people! How do you working moms do it? The only way I think we could do this on a regular basis is if we had a nanny who showed up before the alarm even went off in the mornings. Or if we had a teenager. Working moms, you have my utmost respect—it ain’t easy.

In about an hour my department is taking me out to lunch and then I imagine I’ll spend the majority of the rest of the day exchanging email addresses with friends and just generally being an enormous distraction to anyone who has any real work to do. I don’t even have a lot to take home as I cleaned out most of my personal things before I went on maternity leave. I’m guessing you wouldn’t have left your Mr. Winkle calendar just lying around for 12 weeks, either. Office looters can be heartless.

In other news, it is National Delurking Week and I’m late to the party. (As usual.) I wasn’t sure whether I was going to try to participate—after all, I got more than 90 comments on the budget post last week and wasn’t I kind of asking a lot of all of you by wanting MORE? Didn’t that sound kind of SELFISH and GREEDY?

Yes, yes, it does sound selfish and greedy. I realize this.

HOWEVER! I am willing to give you all an incentive. An EXCITING incentive!

If I can collect more than 350 comments on this post by the end of the day on Monday, I will be happy to humiliate myself for you, my loyal readers.

I will have Dave video me walking Hambone in our neighborhood.

Wearing a wetsuit.

And a mask, snorkel and fins.

And oh, what the heck. And CARRYING AN UMBRELLA.

And I will post it here for your enjoyment.

Now get to it.

Comments

[Jackie]

I've been lurking for a while now, actually since about July.
Right now I am 12 weeks pregnant, and I have to say, I get a lot from your kind readers comments too!

Although like you, I think that I was THINK about packing a hospital bag, but never actaully get around to it, until it's too late! But, there is plenty of time for me to worry about that, right now I'm just worried about finding pants that fit. lol

[Megan]

Woot, I think I'm comment #2! I mean, er, I don't want you to embarass yourself for us. But the mental image is hilarious...

Anyway, best of luck to you on your last day!

[Marjorie]

De-lurking at your request. Happy last day of work Em! :)

[Simba's Mom]

I really hope you are serious about the video. I laughed already just picturing it.
I've been reading your blog for awhile (pre-baby). I really enjoy your honesty and humor.

[Jenn]

I'm not a lurker, but given the incentive, I can't resist commenting.

[christina]

I'm a lurker, for sure. I've been reading for quite awhile and have shared your site with many of my friends. I am 5 months pregnant now myself, so I have been soaking up all your information and stories! You're hilarious and Asher is gorgeous. Can't wait to see the wet suit, it was so worth delurking!

[Meg]

Now, that's a strategy!

[jacks]

Now THAT I've got to see!!

[Cheryl]

I really want to see this, so... delurking!

[Melissa]

Not really delurking, as you were one of the kind souls cheering me on through the end of MY pregnancy. I'll admit I'm just in it for the video... hehe :)

[Lucy]

Hi. Been reading off and on for about a year. Can't wait to see the video :)

[Iris]

I think I've already delurked, but I really, really want to see that!

:)

[Dee Dee]

I comment somewhat regularly but wanted to say congrats on your last day of work. I hope to see some video next week...

[Katie]

Hey Em,
I hope your last day of work goes well.
Love you!

[Katie]

P.S. Can't wait to see the video...

[Katie]

Ok, so I am not sure why my first post showed up under "Dee Dee"?

[Lizzie]

I am taking the bait and delurking to say, hello from London, we think you're great on this side of the pond too.

[Katie]

And then why my second post was blank...

[Katie]

Weird...it did it again, my post under someone else's name.
Either way, more posts towards the video... :)

[CathyHW]

What better incentive is there to de-lurk? Happy de-lurking week!

[Sarah Cool]

I'm so in!

[sara]

I can support this. :)

[Katherine]

Who can resist an offer like that? Enjoy your last day of office work!

[Diana]

This is what brings me out of lurkedom? Hells yes.

[corey]

Delurking to say...I've GOT to see that video!!