Other than these columns, I spend most of my writing energy penning serious letters and emails, on behalf of the amazing politician I work for and with. Im blessed to do it, and thank God I can. But some days, another vein of writing busts out, a less serious one. God made us in his image with a funny bone so when a good clean laugh bowls us over, I think he joins in. Perhaps he chuckled a little on the day I sent this tongue-in-cheek memo. With apologies to any of my readers who genuinely suffer from hemorrhoids, (and since I missed April Fools Day) I share it with you, (especially if you have a desk job).

MEMO TO MY OFFICE COLLEAGUES Some of you have told me that you find the piles obscuring your desks and filing cabinets stressful. I have the same problem. In a bit of downtime a few months ago, I went online and searched How to Cope with Piles. Google retrieved some great tips. I thought Id pass them on. Ive added my personal notes in italics.

HOW TO COPE WITH PILES Wash your piles gently, using soft tissue. (Long-standing piles attract dust. Best to keep them clean, but use a dry tissue it wont smudge ink.) Dab, rather than wipe. (Well, duh. Wiping shifts paper around - so much for those stupid Excel files.) Sit in warm water several times a day. Your piles will irritate you less. (Ive sent a memo to Material Management to install a hot tub in my office. Still waiting for it to arrive.) Straining to eliminate makes piles worse. (It really does. Used to be, on the days the boss came in, my piles made me a basket case. Now I just stack pile on pile and tidy the edges. Play it cool. Dont fret. Deep breathing and relaxing music helps.) You are less likely to be bothered by piles if you eat a diet rich in fiber. (This really works. I eat beans daily. Hardly anyone comes near my desk anymore, and in spite of my piles, I stay calm. Perhaps most of our stress is related to how we think others view our messes who knew?) Wear loose and carefree clothing and undergarments. (Honestly, this one has me stumped, but Ive purchased a few swirly top to test it. Still pondering the undergarments. Ill let you know if all that helps. Just remember what happens at the office STAYS at the office.) When your piles stress you considerably, try a cream or gel. (Double chocolate gelato or maple-pecan full-fat ice cream ALWAYS works for me.) In severe cases, seek professional help. (Google professional organizer. Choose one and tell her you need immediate assistance to deal with a bad case of piles.) Hope that helps someone today! Back to work now. Kathleen Gibson Friends, laugh a little today! God made you with giggles and guffaws use them.

Originally posted here:

Sunny Side Up - Time to laugh a little - Yorkton This Week (press release)