A word of thanks to fellow organizing blogger Susan Sabo of Productivity Cafe, who in a recent post pointed to Rachel Ray's video clip of a cubicle makeover for several willing (?) office workers. (Susan has an amazing set of before and after photos of one of her cubicle makeovers, wow! take a look!) *
Note: * I've just been advised that using the word cubicle is no longer politically correct. The more PC term is "workstation".
A brief history of the cubicle:
"in 1968, a fine-arts professor named Robert Propst [of the University of Colorado] came up with the "Action Office." Propst's vision was to give white-collar workers, then toiling amid rows of desks in huge open spaces, both more privacy and a way to individualize their space. By that measure, cubicles were an improvement. But in the hands of space-mad facilities planners, the idea was perverted to justify an officescape that resembled the Chicago stockyards." (Fastcompany article entitled Death to the Cubicle)
Cubicle, cubicle, cubicle. It's such a weird word. It doesn't even look right when you type it out.
Rachel Ray's Cubicle Makeover clip
Here's the Rachel Ray video, let me know what you think...
photo courtesy of systemsnews.com
Personally, I was shocked. As you know from my recent post about Style Network's fabulous show Clean House, I am a big fan of home transformations, when they are in keeping with the style of the person.
In Rachel Ray's clip, it didn't really seem to me that the participants were all that thrilled with the results. OK, maybe the first one was, but the other two said those forced polite things like, "oh, it looks so different!" and the like. There were a few good tips, but I think that a makeover in any location must be done with the person fully present and able to make decisions on color choice, style, theme, etc.
whatever.
Maybe it's not that serious a topic, but to the author of a long article entitled OFFICE AESTHETICS: 10 STEPS TO A CUBICLE MAKEOVER, this topic is for real. If you're wondering how to make it happen, check it out.
I have written two previous posts on cubicle makeovers, the first one, Cube Fabulous links to a site where two cute 20-somethings have created video blog of parody cubicle makeovers in NYC. It's worth a visit if you have a few minutes spare time.
Extreme Cubicle Makeover was a post weighing in on several different angles about your cube transformation. Cube do's and don'ts. Interestingly enough, vis a vis the Rachel Ray video (don't you just love those foreign phrases?), way back last June, I wrote these words of wisdom:
Don't make yourself at home. Work is not home. While being comfortable is critical, (comfortable chair, ergonomic set-up, etc. ), this is not your living space. It has a different function. At home you want to create an environment that promotes relaxation and rest, at work, you need to be able to focus on the tasks at hand, to create smoothly flowing systems that will increase your efficiency and make life easier for you and to have a space that continually inspires your creativity and energizes you.
But, in all honesty, I've never worked in an office in my life, so I only speak from theory. I want to hear from you all out in the field!
OK, Cubies, what do you think? Do you work better in a living-room like setting, or is it better to keep work at work and home at home?
Cubicle shopping
Each IT Set includes all the necessary plastic parts to build a cubicle fit for a computer geek (god): three walls, desk, captains chair, CPU, flat panel monitor, keyboard, server, laptop and a 2" tall posable sysadmin.
I want one! 
I want someone to give me one!
This important accessory even comes with his goatee included and a sticker sheet of cube decor!!!
Maybe that's the way to pimp your cube!
And of course, the two classics in cubicle makeover literature:
Don't forget to pick up a Dilbert Cubicle Chase 
video game for your phone!
While we're on the topic, everyone seems to be getting on the bandwagon of pimping their cubicles! Check out another short video called Clever Cubicle Stuff an iVillage's video series Stuff We Love. Kinda cute, but I couldn't figure out if it was for real or just joking!
If you are not too bleary-eyed yet, I also wrote two semi-related posts, one funny one on office pranks and one about feng shui remedies for getting rid of creepy co-workers.
But wait...there's more! I just found some Feng Shui tips for your cube! Here's what noted Feng Shui expert Karen Rauch Carter says:
Start with what's important: Get yourself in a powerful and empowered position. If you can't see the entrance to your cubicle when you are working at your desk, place a mirror somewhere in front of you so you can see the reflection of the door or opening.
I also suggest placing a red sweater, jacket or even a red piece if tape across the back of your chair for a little protection from behind. (Red can stop chi. In this case, if the back of your chair is facing the entrance of the cubicle, it can stop it from hitting you in the back.)
ok. I'm done. goodnight.
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Jessica -:¦:-
