In honor of my last day of work before maternity leave, I thought I'd share some of my pet peeves at the office. I can't tell you how thankful I am for FMLA and short-term disability so I can concentrate on my family and turn off my work brain for awhile.

Things that bug the heck out of me ...

• When your office door is shut during the obvious lunch hour but people continue to knock, walk in and say, "sorry to bother you I just have a quick question."
• When you walk into the restroom the same time as a co-worker making small talk, but then they try and continue the conversation with you after you've shut the stall door and started to do your duty
• When you schedule a meeting and everyone has accepted the invite so you know it's on their calendar, but then you have to remind someone ten minutes after the meeting was supposed to start that there is a meeting.
• People who have cell phone conversations while going to the restroom even though they are completely aware that there are other folks who are already in the restroom or have entered the restroom and are trying to go as well
• When clearly holding a meeting in your office with a co-worker another co-worker comes to the door and instead of going away and waiting until you're done, stands their loitering until you stop your current meeting and acknowledge their presence
• E-mail reply all - If I don't need to know I don't want to know! 
• One liner e-mail replies - thanks/oh, ok/right on/rock on - not necessary!
• Bad grammar and punctuation. Take the time to learn to read, write and spell correctly. We are all grown-ups with a college degree, correct?

Can you tell I'm a little irritable and need a break?

I read an article yesterday in my Parents magazine that listed the 25 manners every kid needs by age 9. It's amazing how applicable it is to some adults I know, as well as strangers I meet on the street. 

1. When asking for something, say "Please"
2. When receiving something, say "Thank You"
3. Do not interrupt unless there is an emergency
4. If you need to get someone's attention, say "excuse me"
5. When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first
6. The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself
7. Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless it is to compliment them
8. When people ask you how you are, tell them and ask them how they are
9. When you've spent time at your friend's house, thank them for having you over
10. Knock on closed doors
11. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first, then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling
12. Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. Handwritten thank-yous are always best
13. Never use foul language in front of adults - LOL
14. Don't call people mean names
15. Do not make fun of anyone for any reason
16. Even if something is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend you are interested
17. If you bump into someone, say "excuse me"
18. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and dont pick your nose in public
19. As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else
20. If you come across someone working on something, ask if you can help. You may learn something new
21. When someone asks you for a favor do it without grumbling and with a smile
22. When someone helps you say, "thank you"
23. Use eating utensils properly
24. Keep a napkin on your lap and use it to wipe your mouth when necessary 
25. Don't reach for things at the table, ask to have them passed