M: Morning, Beth.

W: Hi! Gosh, it's a beautiful day, isn't it?

M: You can say that again!

W: Hey, what do you think; we could have the planning meeting across the street in the park.

M: Uh... What?

W: Let's have the meeting in the park - I'm serious! I read an article about creativity in business last week and apparently changing the work environment can encourage creative new solutions.

M: Wouldn't it be distracting, though?

W: I think the sunshine would do us all good. 

M: Where's Daniel? He's over an hour late!

W: Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. He called in sick.

M: Again? This is ridiculous!

W: Well, I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose!

M: Yes, but it's the third time this month!

W: Yes, well, he's trying to do the workload of at least two people; it's not surprising, is it? We're lucky he doesn't quit! 

M: I'm going for a coffee run. Do you want anything?

W: Oh, yes, a cappuccino would be lovely.

M: Do you take that with sugar?

W: Urn, yes, one. Are you going to Jimmy's Cafe by any chance? I'd love a carrot cake too, if you are.

M: Oh, I thought I'd go to the Starbucks, but I could just as easily go to Jimmy's....

W: I know it's a little bit further, but the cakes and breads there are so amazing, and it's nice to support the local businesses, isn't it?

M: Yes, yes, all good points. So, you want a carrot cake?

W: Yes please.

W: I think I'm going to have to hire an accountant to do our taxes this year.

M: They have books on that, you know.

W: Yes, I know. But it's just such a nightmare to figure out with both of us self-employed. It'll take me weeks and there's just so much I'd rather do with my time!

M: But accountants aren't cheap...

W: Well, do you want to get a book and learn how to do it? 

W: It seems really odd to me that they're holding interviews but haven't told any of us anything about it. I wonder: what's up?

M: Yeah, I know what you mean. To be honest, I feel like I need to start looking around for another job. I really doubt the company is looking to expand right now.

W: Oh, so you think there'll be some layoffs coming up?

M: I'd be willing to bet on it. 

M: Debby, whose name did you draw for the secret Santa gift exchange? I drew Ms. Clarke's secretary, LeeAnn.

W: But, it's (emphasis) supposed to be secret! We're not allowed to tell! That spoils the whole thing!

M: Yes, well, you're not going to tell LeeAnn, are you? The problem is I don't know her at all. I have no idea what to get her. I thought you could help. You two are friends, aren't you?

W: I do see her socially occasionally, but I don't know her that well. She's good friends with Lisa, I believe.

M: But whose name did you draw? Mine?

W: I am (emphasis) not telling! 

W: Hello, Christopher? This is Gina.

M: Hi Gina. How are you?

W: I'm fine, but my son is sick - that's why I'm calling. I've kept him home from school and my husband has a deadline this Friday and couldn't stay home with him, so I'm not sure what to do. Would you mind if I don't come in today? Is that really inconvenient? I could try to find a sitter, but I'm at a bit of a loss.

M: Don't worry, we've got everything under control here. You can stay home with your son. This stuff happens to all of us. It's fine.

W: Thanks so much! Hopefully he'll be well enough to go back to school tomorrow. 

M: I have to get to the office by 8 a.m. tomorrow, so we'll have to leave at 7.30.

W: Not again! I'm at work a whole hour early each time this happens; it's a whole hour I could be sleeping. I'd take a taxi, but it's too expensive. I think maybe I'll take the bus.

M: I'm not sure you're going to save time that way. How long is the bus journey?

W: About an hour.

M: So you'd have to catch the bus by eight. But they only come every 20 minutes or so, don't they? So you'd have to be at the bus stop by seven forty, really. Woman: You're right. That's hardly worth it. 

W: Oh, no, not again!

M: What's happened?

W: I've just lost all my work!

M: The computer crashed? Woman: Yeah. It's the third time today. I keep doing the same thing over and over and over! It's getting really annoying!

M: Aren't you backing up?

W: I backup at the end of each day. I didn't realize I needed to do it every 10 minutes!

M: Not even after the second time it crashed?

W: What are you saying?

M: I just think it'd be a really good idea to back up frequently. It only takes a few seconds.

W: Well, yeah. Now I know, don't I?

M: I hope so. 
 

M: Are you coming for lunch?

W: Uh, I've got to finish this spreadsheet. If I stop now I'll virtually have to start over again.

M: How long will it take you?

W: I've no idea, really. You'd better go ahead.

M: Do you want us to bring you back something?

W: No thanks; I need to stretch my legs and get out of the office. I just need a quarter of an hour or so to finish. You could order for me, though.

M: Sure. What'd you want? Your usual chef's salad?

W: You've got it. (laughing) I'm predictable, aren't I?