Just got an internal e-mail concerning September 11. Turns out we are going to commemorate that tragic day by having the receptionist make the following announcements on the intercom:

“It is 8:45 am. This is the time American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Massachusetts, crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Please take a moment of silence if you wish.” At 9:03 am you will hear another announcement stating, “It is 9:03 am. This is the time United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston, crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.” At 9:43 am the announcement will be “It is 9:43 am. This is the time American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.” At 10:10 the final announcement will be “It is 10:10 am. This is the time United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania.”

I don't want to hear this. I know what happened all too well. Who the hell doesn't? That morning here at the office, someone wheeled a TV into the upstairs reception area, and we all watched the events unfold, to our collective horror. I started crying - and you have no idea how much I hate crying in front of people. I really do, and not just because my skin gets all blotchy and my eyes get red. If the higher-ups want me to be at all productive, they wouldn't do this. *sigh*

Guess I'll be rude and listen to music on headphones, my usual escape route. I won't take a due day - I think the best way for us to deal with this is to continue with our regular routine.