Lost in cyberspace

You'd think we had massive layoffs announced at work yesterday the way people were cleaning their desks. Nothing so drastic -- but dramatic nonetheless in some people's eyes. Thanks to a cable-cutting accident 2 towns away, we were stuck without phone, e-mail or Internet for more than half the day. How does one survive?

The joke was that if a little town like Iola is electronically disconnected from the world, would anybody notice?

I had a little backlog of things to type in so that kept me busy and it was good to cross that off my "to do" list. Most people, though, used the time to clean off their desks -- also on my list!

After seeing productivity skyrocket, I don't doubt the reports and surveys that indicate e-mail and the Internet are time-wasters at work! While I didn't enjoy the inconvenience, I certainly welcomed the break from distractions.

I was mostly upset that my blog and e-mails about Antiques Roadshow were lost in cyberspace until it was too late. That's OK. I caught a glimpse of my dad's head on last night's show and that was it. Now if only I had Tivo and I could play it back for you!

Yep, once in awhile I enjoy my electronic fix! Thankfully, today we are back to normal -- emailing each other rather than walking to a desk and actually talking and, of course, blogging during work hours!

Antiques Roadshow

I know better than to call my parents between 7 and 8 on Monday nights. They're always parked in front of the television watching Antiques Roadshow -- wondering if their many possessions are trash or treasure.

Tonight and the next three Mondays especially they'll be glued to the set, trying to catch a glimpse of themselves or their lovely daughter. These are the "Milwaukee episodes," filmed last summer (July 2006), when LeRoy, Marlys and I trekked down there for the filming. It was quite an adventure.

First of all, I don't normally watch the show, but since I oversee a few antiques publications at work, I was able to finagle some tickets. Mom and Dad were beyond thrilled! They were anxious to see what a few of their possessions were worth, and I was curious to get the behind-the-scenes look at how the show comes together.

Since we were limited to two items each -- and I don't have any antiques -- I took some glass items Mom wanted appraised. Mom had two glass items, too, and Dad had an veterans convention ribbon and I think a watch (or maybe more of Mom's glass. Can you tell my mom collects glassware?).

We weren't handpicked for any rarities or one-on-one TV interviews, but it's possible we will be seen lurking in the background -- hopefully looking interested and intelligent and not picking our noses.

So tune in to PBS tonight at 7 p.m. If you miss it, I think it replays at 6 p.m. Sunday. Check your local listings.

Trust me, if I spot us (and no, I don't remember what we were wearing), I will let the world know. Unless I look too fat or I was having a bad hair day ... Still better than watching the stinkin' Packers game on the other channel!