"What's that?"
"Melinda's new computer."
"Where's the rest of it?"
"That's it."
"But it's so small!"
"It's probably 5 times faster that what she has under her desk now."
"Really!?"
"Yep. It's faster than your computer too."
The computer sitting before us is a Mac Mini. It's about as big 6 CD jewel cases stacked on top of each other. I've put sandwiches in tupperware containers that were larger than this little computer. It's not a workhorse and it's not a hotrod, but it's a good basic machine and considerably more efficient than most the computers in the office, many of which should probably be moved to the lab and stored with the rest of the archaeological artifacts.
As I flip through the paperwork in the box, my co-worker studies the new computer from a polite ATM distance. A contemplative silence ensues. The Mac Mini, being unplugged, offers no explanation for its size, speed, or existence in the space-time continuum.
"It doesn't have a CD drive."
"Sure it does. This slot here in front."
"Really? But there's no door!"
Silently, I think that there is no door to my office, and yet this co-worker made it through the doorway just fine.
"It must have been expensive."
"$800."
"That's it?!?"
"That's it."
"No," she says, matter-of-factly. "Mac's are expensive."
Sigh.
"You're the Office Manager. You approved the expense request."
I hand her the packing slip with the mysteriously inexpensive total and she wanders out of my office through the doorless doorway, without mishap I might add.
People amuse me.