For other desk/office stuff, I like to have a lava lamp going. It’s swirling, colorful lava is relaxing and it makes me feel creative. I also keep a tin of thinking putty handy, to occupy my hands and hopefully keep them carpal-tunnel syndrome free. I usually have a “Sunshine Pal,” a Japanese novelty that grooves when you shine light on him. And a volcano lamp. And a tank with my frog on the corner of the desk. And a glowing USB Christmas tree. It’s best to have a big desk with all this stuff around the edges so you have room to focus on work there in the middle. It’s not for everyone.

I like my office knick-knacks. They are relaxing, make my desk a cool place to be, and keep me from feeling some of the grind. When I worked in an office environment, they also entertained my co-workers when they would come by.

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