probably one of the oddest things to be working away at an office in the late-afternoon, typing and clicking simultaneously to the tune of roaring computers and small chatter, and suddenly see a big, chocolate coloured animal wagging its tail playfully at your acknowledgement of their presence. Well followers, that is exactly what happened last Wednesday. I was typing away when suddenly I heard some sort of commotion coming from the front end of the office. My co-worker (who is ironically afraid of dogs) rushed over and explained how there was a dog in the office. It took me a few moments to realize that I had not misheard her before I went towards the front end and saw, sure enough, a big brown Labrador wagging its tail surrounded by many members of the office stroking and petting it. It was such an adorable dog and very well-behaved. We discovered that the dog belonged to someone from one of the upstairs offices, and we escorted it back to its rightful owner. 
That eventful episode was just one of the many things that have happened since my last entry. Regarding work, I have finally managed to have time to breathe. Since last time I blogged, I have had to make newsletters, proof several different items relating to IASTED’s Conferences being held in Phuket, Thailand, and make a full-page ad for Robotics and Applications (RA 2011) to be featured in IEEE among other things. Since the material for the Phuket conferences have been shipped out and the newsletters and ads are completed, I have finally found some time to update all of you. Regarding office life, the biggest highlight must have been
the Friday before Halloween. Our office had a variety of different personalities which included a sorceress, a gypsy, a pirate, Juno, and a hula dancer among many others. We held a costume contest where prizes were handed out for best-dressed, and had a lunch party with food provided from Lazy Loaf. Also, many people brought in candy and baked cookies and a honey cake (featured to the right) which were truly delicious. The only bad part was that it was difficult to concentrate on work that day since everybody was in such a festive mood! Workplace Survival Tip 101: Do not try to concentrate too hard after eating tons of yummy goods. This leads to indigestion =(
Feeling languid,
-Poppy.
