Working for a Living

So I got this email recently from my work. It said that they're re-starting their service award recognition program again, after not having it since October 2007, our company's spinoff. So anyone who's had a major milestone service year since October 2007 will be awarded retroactively.

Then a few days later, I got an email from my boss:

Subject: Happy 15 Year Anniversary!!! (Or, should I say, 16 Year, 9 Month Anniversary?)

Christine,

As they say, better late than never. Given the company's new program to recognize service milestones - even retroactively - I was just notified that you reached 15 years in June of 2008. So, congratulations!

Thanks for all your great support and contributions over the years!

Don


Well, that was super-nice! I laughed at the subject line, but I was also touched that he took the time to write the note.

Then today... I got an email from the powers that be, that I can go to a website and pick my award from a number of choices. So I clicked over and started browsing. Here are some of my choices...

Jewelry - lots of choices of rings, necklaces, and earrings.
Watches - several choices of Nautica, Bulova, Caravelle, Fossil, and Swiss Army.
Traditional:

• Intermezzo crystal vase
• Reed and Barton Chip and Dip Set
• Fossil leather purse
• Delsey luggage set
• Howard Miller clock
• Bulova clock
• Platter and pitcher set
• Tea Lover's package (a teapot and four tea cups)
• Table lamp
• Lladro figurine
• Bushnell Binocular
• Tasco telescope
• Replogle globe
• Reed and Barton flatware

Those were all nice and very classy.  So many choices too.

Then I got to the "Lifestyle" category:

• weather forecaster clock
• Cobra 2-way radios
• Coby video MP3 player
• portable DVD player
• clock radio with iPod/iPhone dock
• Fondue pot set
• ChefTrends Cookware set
• rolling backpack
• Poulan chainsaw (yes, chainsaw)
• JA Henckels knife set
• golf club
• Mitchell fly fishing rod
• Rod Mount fish finder
• Wilson tennis racket
• ice cream maker
• Shop-Vac Wet/Dry Vac
• Milwaukee Palm Sander
• Black and Decker Saw 

Hmm... I don't suppose they want us to bring these things to work... for show and tell?
I'm really impressed with all the choices. I can't decide.
But I can't help it, the jokes keep coming up in my head... "I worked for this company for 15 years, and all I got was this fondue pot/chainsaw/shop-vac?" :p