Overnight work at Premier Media

Throughout the afternoon Hume and I discussed how we could possibly remedy the Gnome trap problem.

We knew that it would be hard to get rid of the trap completely, let alone the employee who left it around.

We decided that there is probably some misunderstanding as to our ability in the publication industry. Hume figured we should overcome that.

So, as the office started to clear out towards the end of the day, I took my position inside the conference room.



Obviously keeping perfectly still is a talent that I possess. To my advantage, once I took my place, no one came into the room.

Hume was at his usual place in Lisa's office.

We stayed still for about 45 minutes, as from time to time people tend to come back after leaving as they forget things.

I took the time to get into Mr. Dunn's office. We didn't break anything to get there, so we figure that we are in the clear.



I was able to pour a cup of 'coffee', my it's tasty, bitter and strong. Perfect for my 200 year old palate. We don't have coffee as a species. We mainly drink tea.




After awhile, I picked up a good sense of layout and design (Gnomes are fast learners). I then took a moment to review their website for the South Sound Magazine.

Hume and I were ready to begin on a special edition of South Sound Magazine.

We set to work, sketching, designing and laying out pages.




We hung up the proofs to review, and to be sure that the order was correct.

By 5:00 this morning, we were ready to ship off our special edition to the printer.

We expect to have a published copy by this evening, or late, late tonight.

I'm excited to share it with the staff at the office ... just to say, "see, this is what we can accomplish as two gnomes!"

Until Next Time,
TacomaGnome

Lunch break threats

When I returned from lunch Hume showed this to me ...



It appears to be a North American Gnome trap. Obviously, it is too small for me, but perfect for Hume.

What bothers me more is that it says it is for computer gnomes. Hume uses a computer!

This is certainly not fair.

The desk where he found this (thank goodness he can read enough to avoid the trap) has been vacant these past few days, apparently this co-worker has issues with Hume.

Hume and I will remedy this problem ... it may cost me my internship, but I believe it is the right thing to do ... for the safety of Hume and all North American Gnomes.

Please understand that PMG is a fine place to work, and I will, as a part of this plan, let the President of our company know what is afoot. This one co-worker just needs to be found out.

Until Next Time,
TacomaGnome

City Work Day 1

Today I begin my internship with Premier Media Group.

Upon entering the office this morning, Lisa Patterson directed me to the front desk. My task was very simple ... Answer the phone and direct visitors to where they need to go.

It is common hospitality. As a Gnome, I'm designed to be courteous, kind, cheerful and obedient.

So it was a piece of kransekake. And like (one of) my favorite holiday dishes it was enjoyable ... well, most of it.



I had a slight problem seeing people coming through the door. Oh, I could hear them down the hall, down the stairs opening the door. But to see them, it was horrible! I asked Lisa if there was another task I could perform.

She graciously obliged and suggested that I create "photo copies".

I grabbed my camera to follow her. She laughed. "No, we use a photo copier for that."

I was quite confused because she wasn't carrying any photos with her.



We arrived at the photo copier apparatus. I figured, by the way it works that only pixies could generate so many photo-copies in such a small space. It certainly wasn't an elf or anything, as they would be quite cramped. Plus, pixies are much more prone to understand the art of copying and the work of words.

I felt really sad for them when Lisa said to photo-copy 100 pages.

But they worked really hard and succeeded in only a few minutes!

Once that was done, Lisa sent me to help organize a desk and assigned me some other work.



I utilized the zebra files. These were helpful in getting things to their proper place. I noticed the gentleman who sits next to my desk secured his education from a place known as Pacific Lutheran University. I took a break from filing to check out the university online. Wow. It seems to be a place where I could learn a bit about Norway. I'll have to visit there, too.

Oh, my, where was I ... Yes. Sorting. After sorting and arranging the desk, I was asked to learn a bit about pmg and what is called 'layout' of a magazine.

I did my research. Then, before I knew ... it was time to go!

It is fun to be interning here!

Until Next Time,
TacomaGnome

Interview and Internship

I am so excited to tell my friends and family that I landed some 'city work'!

Rather than fix the old burrow or plant crops, I am working this week at Premier Media Group.

They have a diverse selection of publications that feature the South Sound. Plus the do marketing for various niches of businesses. They even do work for my favorite day spa.

Upon my arrival, Josh Dunn, the President of pmg, took me into the office. I had the opportunity to look out his window.



He was certain to let me know that they are an open office, and already had a garden gnome working there. Hume, whom I met later at a staff meeting, is a North American Gnome. His branch of our species trekked across Siberia and followed you humans to the Northwest portion of what you call North America. Considerably smaller than us Norwegian Gnomes, North American Gnomes are agile, fast, and just a kick in the pants at celebrations!

I kid him and call him a Gnome's Gnome ... due to his size.

Josh made it clear to me that I was to stick to answering the phone and making photocopies.

I turned around from the view and accepted my first 'city job'.



And, insofar as I know, I am the first Norwegian Gnome to work in an office on St. Helens Avenue in Tacoma.

My first task today was to join a staff meeting.



I can't tell who is who from this photo, it was my first day, after all. But as you can see, each of their diverse publications even bring a smile to their faces. We have a Gnome saying, and Hume even knows this one ... "A good product must have come from a joyful workplace."

Tomorrow will be a most exciting day!

Until Next Time,
Tacoma Gnome

UPDATE: Lefse and Holiday Bazaars

I must admit, today was the first day I spent time in a kitchen.

It was quite a learning experience.

My goal today on All Hallow's Day was to spend some time doing something that reminded me of my home.

I found it while walking along your North 17th Street, towards the Narrows bridges.

To my surprise, a reader board announced a "Holiday Bazaar" on Nov. 3. I stopped in to inquire, and my dear online friends, I did forget my camera today.

Apparently many houses of worship sponsor holiday bazaars for people to sell their handiworks.

Seeing as I had no handiworks to sell, I thought I'd help make the traditional Norwegian Flat Bread known as lefse.

Oh, dear Hanne, you'd be so proud of me for rolling and cooking these wonderful treats! I was able to test some of my handiwork ... soft, not crisp ... with a bit of butter, sugar and cinnamon.

I wish you'd be able to try my completed product, but, I know you will be unable. I'll check into sending you some soon.

For those of you who are closer, you can go and see this holiday Bazaar at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 6730 N 17th Street. The event beings at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Feel free to list any other Bazaar's in the comments section, such a great way to fill some of those gift lists this holiday season.

Until Next Time,
Tacoma Gnome

Update: Unknown to me one of the helpful lefse makers took some photos yesterday:

If you're interested in going, you can just find these signs tomorrow morning:



Here I am rolling out the dough. It's really a challenge to roll it as thin as it needs to be.



And here I am enjoying the spoils of hard work. A little butter, sugar and viola! a delicious holiday treat.

Technical difficulties

The good news is that I have received photos from yesterday's Lefse adventure!

The not-good news is that the computer machine is not letting me get them to the posts at this time.

We should be back with pictures to illustrate yesterday's post soon.

Thank you for your patience.

-TG

The Port and a request for aid

I spent some time reflecting upon the Port of Tacoma.



The port will celebrate its 89th anniversary on November 5. A mere 6 days away. When it was built, commerce was based in timber. Shortly before the vote, which passed by a 5:1 margin, farmers had lost many crops as they rotted on the docks due to the lack of decent storage facilities. The initial bond was for 2.4 million dollars for planning and some initial construction.

Wow. And think that was in 1918. That would be equivalent of a 32 million dollar bond today.

The port, from what I understand, provides many jobs to the people of Pierce County. Gnomes have found that being paid well for good, hard work is good for a community.

Can anyone help me with this photo? I really enjoyed this view, but am having a hard time identifying it. I appreciate any ideas posted in the comments.



Thank you for your help.

Until Next Time,
TacomaGnome

Update/clarification: CS, thank you for the insight to what the structure is. In my early morning post, left out that I'm looking for the name of this location.