I'm particular about...

...the pens I use.

Especially at work.

I use a black pen for general notes.

I use a blue pen for signing documents.

And I use a purple pen for writing on

intercompany envelopes and

for recording tracking numbers

and shipping charges on the 

Bill of Ladings I ship out every day.

I am a creature of habit

and I like my routine just the way it is.

Recently, this routine was disrupted.

I left my desk for about 15 minutes.

and when I returned, 

I could tell something was off.

It took me some time to figure out

that my purple pen was missing!

I discovered that while I was gone,

someone had picked up 

some paperwork, 

and had walked away 

with my purple pen.

I was not happy.

I know it's just a pen,

but I've been using it for a long time.

I was out of sorts for a few days.

I tried going without the purple pen, but

I found myself looking for it, 

and missing it all the time.

I purchased a new purple pen and  

all was right in my work world.

Last week I left work early 

to start my weekend off right 

with a half day Sushi Friday.

On Monday morning, I picked up

my purple pen to record a 

tracking number and shipping charge.

I was fairly certain I was seeing things.

My purple pen was not purple.

It was orange! 

As much as I am not a morning person,

I raced out of my office to ask 

Sabrina if by some chance 

she had accidentally

switched pens with mine.

She agreed for a minute

that it was her pen, 

but then she took it back.  

By this time Natascha was laughing,

so I knew she had something to do with it.

It only took a few seconds

for me to get my purple pen restored

to it's natural state.

I have to say, 

I think this is probably one of

the funniest practical jokes

ever played on me.

Well done, Natascha and Sabrina.

You got me.

And poor Jodie.

She won't go into my office unless

she has her own pens with her.

It's probably better that way.

Like I said,

I'm particular about my pens,

and it's best not to mess with them.

But just in case,

I now have a spare purple pen in my purse.

For everyone's sake,

I hope I never have to use it.