Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Condolences
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
HAVE YOU SEEN ME?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo7R0sHThMvrSUWjy1cPtGorrueur51DaenlqVNDMvysPR2QhTugY0qrv8xPqhOX16EOGquvDnOcIrpRGdfUL5pKXcd_HrNdP6lPHlyOip_JWn6GQu1KEo7EVAO1MionBFArR5D46nZA/s200/hugo+milk+carton.bmp)
And to make matters worse, I fear that Hugo's dead-beat dad did not break into the building on his own. No, he surely had help. I can thus no longer trust those whose unquestioned support I so willingly relied on. Even YOU, dear reader, are on my list of suspicious characters.
If anyone has information as to the whereabouts or condition of poor little Hugo Chavocado, please contact me immediately. This injustice must be rectified. I shall not stand and watch our country fall by the wayside as hateful former officemates prowl about in the shadows snatching innocent avocados from their warm beds. We must stand up as a people (and plants) and say NO MORE!
Updates to follow.
Joseph, I hate you.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
if she were a dog in Atlanta...
I, for one, have no clue what's happening to Hugo. If I passed him on the street, I wouldn't even recognize him. I might stop and wonder why there's an avocado plant on the street, but no guarantees as to recognition. Is he grown? Is he healthy? Has he been eating his soil? (the soil which, I might add, I carried back to 19-240/241) I would like to hear some news. Relent, you hard-hearted harbingers of humor. Tell the world. It's dying to hear.
Speaking of dying, all you other bystanders who work daily near 19-240/241, who pass and observe Hugo on a daily basis, you too bear responsibility in the matter. Hugo will kill you too if no one writes about him soon.
In closing, Hugo would like to say to all his fans out there IHAVENOIDEAWHATHUGOWOULDSAYBECAUSEIHAVEN'THEARDFROMORABOUTHIMINMONTHSANDYOU'REKILLINGTHEHARDWORKANDPROGRESSIPERSONALLYLABOREDTOWARDSFOROHSOMANYMONTHSDAMNYOUDAMNYOUALLTOHELL
Monday, July 30, 2007
Papa, Can You Hear Me?
Perhaps an explanation is in order. You thought you were the only one spending the last month and half worried sick about Hugo, wringing your fingers in anxious anticipation of news about our brave little avocado, news you thought might never come. It might interest you to know that I, too, had the same painful experience and the reason is this:
Hugo Chavocado, feeling abandoned and cast aside by his father figure, Joseph, set out on an epic quest to find him and bring him back home to cubicle 19-240. His only knowledge of the whereabouts of said father figure came from casual comments before he left, mentioning a lengthy voyage through war-torn Eastern Europe. Overwhelmed by grief and the vast emptiness of 19-240, Hugo set out mere days after Joseph's departure, determined to bring him home. He traipsed through the bleak streets of Sarajevo, trudged along the alleyways of Budapest and spent some glorious sunny days on the beaches of Croatia. All along, just a few steps behind the elusive Joseph, who's movements became more and more erratic, no doubt to thwart the poor little avocado who just wanted his Pa' back.
After weeks of searching, Hugo could no longer deny his longing for the fluorescent lighting of 1 WFC. Just the other day, Hugo finally returned, sans Joseph. While he never found that which he was seeking, Hugo seemed to have gained an independance from the journey. And he seems to have finally cut himself free from the father figure on which he used to depend.
When I asked Hugo what caused the change of heart, he replied, "Who goes on vacation in war-torn Eastern Europe? I mean, seriously??"
Monday, July 2, 2007
From the front
In other news, Kelly and Megan have failed to post much of anything on this blog. I talked to Hugo the other day (well, night here, because of the time difference between Hugoslavia and old Freedom Land) and he broke down over the phone because no one writes anymore. He also complained that he was too far away from the sun. Get your act together, you worthless paralegals.
Reporting live,
Joseph
Hugoslavia correspondent
ps. this post cost me 20 euro cents. i expect recompense.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
G i 8 too much bratwurst
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bnxya0erirM/RnAnCvhjNaI/AAAAAAAAAFc/30KDVjmCHoY/s200/hugo+joseph.jpg)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I still haven't found the avocado I'm looking for
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/Rl8tr3Tt_KI/AAAAAAAAABg/U0qexRT1vFs/s400/graph.bmp)
Come one, come all. The weeks have passed. The days have lengthened. The heat is on. The sun shines bright upon Hugo Chavocado. He is doing well. Quite well.
Due to some unforseen circumstances, blogging has been reduced sharply in the recent past. See chart at right. Experts were consulted as to an explanation for this trend, and a number of theories - crackpot and otherwise - were offered up. Here are a few of the more reasonable among them:
- the "tipping point" theory
- apathy
- it was the work of saboteurs
- overwork
- simple lack of inspiration
- it was Kelly's fault, because for some reason she still thinks we have to alternate posts
- string theory
- Hugo was too close to the sun
- our main contributing reader (the so-called Fifth Beatle of the office avocado, Recorder of Pedigrees) went off and got himself hitched and has no time for the blog anymore because he has a family to support
- crackpot theory
- that I was in jail
- I forget
Whatever its cause, we are thrilled and relieved to report that this recent decline has not affected Hugo. He continues to grow, as seems to be his wont. He spends most of his days perched by the window, which whats-her-face the "attorney"-who-never-seemed-to-be-in-the-office-ever-anyway finally evacuated and offered the up to Hugo. There's a little rumor going around the office (a rumor I'm just making up and spreading right now) that Hugo may have influenced her departure to procure the prime window office for himself. Many of you may not realize, but Hugo Chavocado draws quite a bit of water around these parts. From our informal calculations, We'd say that Hugo draws about a 1/2 cup of water daily through his roots. A lot of that water he very quietly combines with the various organic matter parts in his soil and converts to avocado stem and avocado leaf. He also respirates quite a bit. Is it oxygeny in here, or is it just me? But yeah. Hugo draws a lot of water in this town. You don't draw shit. See bar graph.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/Rl8yt3Tt_LI/AAAAAAAAABo/vrztM1pGgJQ/s400/graph2.bmp)
That being formally established (the Hugo is awesome thing), Hugo would now like all of you to come humble yourself before him. He is accepting gifts of cash, votive candles, cold beer, and cigarettes. One adoring fan has already left a yellow rose, which Hugo asked to be planted next to him in his soil. The flower is wilting. My guess is that Hugo will eat the flower soon. He gets pretty hungry.
Some other important news flashes:
- Hugo's impending dominance of the internet is at hand, much like your day of reckoning. Hugo's facebook and myspace pages have grown tremendously. Congratulations to all the new officers sworn in recently on the facebook, and congratulations to all of Hugo's hot friends on myspace. Hugo thinks you're hot but not quite good enough for him.
- Hugo Chavocado es mas macho de Hugo Chavez. "En tu cara, Chavez," dice Hugo Chavocado.
And now for some sad news. I have been fired. Laid off. Canned. Given the pink slip. I am being replaced by a computer. Actually, a monkey at a computer. He's overqualified. I expect security to come at any moment tomorrow afternoon and escort me, kicking and screaming, out the door. I intend to make a big fuss in hopes of actually getting thrown out the front door onto the street. Anyway, Hugo had a lot to do with my departure (see "amount of water drawn" chart above, especially the Hugo category). Perhaps he wants to expand over into my territory.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/Rl82e3Tt_MI/AAAAAAAAABw/fnJB0ERtG64/s400/graph3.bmp)
Kelly, the Neville Chamberlain to Hugo's Hitler, appeased our avocado friend and aceeded to Hugo's request that I be fired. She thinks she has secured peace in our time. I just wish someone would secure an actual avocado sprout (instead of leaves) in our time. But he can't fire me. I quit. To further illustrate my point about, see the graph at left. I will no longer be seeing Hugo on a daily basis. In fact, I may never see Hugo again. His name will forever live in infamy. Now he belongs to the ages. His memory will be enshrined upon the doorposts of my house, and upon my gates. I shall bind it as a sign upon my forehead or whatnot. Anyway, I guess I will be passing on the reins and full responsibility of caring for the plant (quite a burden that, I might add, I have shouldered ALONE for the past 4 months) to my sidekick, underling, and all-around inferior. So yeah. Peace out. I'll be around. I'll see you when I see you. I never thought it would end this way.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Quick! Staring contest. Me and you RIGHT NOW.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAPWFnyftqKQ9o3AVAoIvKiao4ZLEQxRfvCujlCOTp-l9Dexgr-Hzm_AtYaFQaEXE9GBH5C1nHIKmE9Pq-U0KxxB5RLDrkapXfJDGA6LHdl3DdSo6J43l8Biy7qyZJPSGZ5oweMpjJIQ/s200/hugo+ruler.jpg)
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bnxya0erirM/RkClkQ66zcI/AAAAAAAAAEc/v7GRyxsMb74/s200/staring.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AKuyGYPbCA2H9NlixT5qXlO_EDulpAY9xMS2kCwVruHHdehXurln6jcnrFDZK2zJ9wYAz3QkG5Y3qNdJSGSDopLlkRpb4o0TXgq9n419ED9tnJXpFA55f3Y-8i5-WuJt4k8aFs_i2PY/s200/hugo+leaves.jpg)
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bnxya0erirM/RkClzw66zdI/AAAAAAAAAEk/QqUmowKpV_o/s200/blinking.jpg)
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bnxya0erirM/RkCl-Q66zeI/AAAAAAAAAEs/B8G17PPpoV8/s200/hugo+leaves.jpg)
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
That's Amoré
Though Hugo is still a bit young to party with the best of us, his popularity has FAR exceeded our expectations. Hugo Chavocado mania is sweeping the nation! One of Hugo's loyal followers even started a facebook group (certainly not in response to pressure from us). http://bowdoin.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2258593692&ref=mf
To date, the group boasts 65 members, all of whom are appointed officers upon joining. Despite the disturbing eagerness of the members to devour Hugo's future avocado babies, it warms our hearts to see the overwhelming love and support that our little Hugo Chavocado has received.
So here's to you, faithful readers and loyal group members (except the Sworn Enemy Officer who decided to start a rival facebook group, ya jerk)......what was I saying? OH right. Here's to you, faithful readers and loyal group members. May your avocados always be ripe and tasty, may your guacamole always be Venezuelan and may you continue to love and support Hugo on his journey to a long and fruitful adulthood (pun INTENDED).
Cheers! *clink*
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
jailbreak
Hugo is big. Last week's pictures capture the gist of what's happening, but for those of you who don't understand, I'll explain it in more detail. Hugo is growing UP at an alarming pace. In the time it takes you or me to go grocery shopping or, say, eat an avocado, Hugo could sprout an inch. He usually limits himself to smaller spurts, though. He doesn't want to embarrass the other plants around. Quite the considerable piece of foliage.
On that note, yes, it is now appropriate to refer to Hugo as foliage. He's ever a borderline shrubbery. I'm beaming with pride.
Also some big improvements in the useless technology department: due to recent concerns about the temperature in the office, thermometers have been obtained. When growing an avocado tree, it's very important to know the temperature. In case, you know, it's too cold for the plant to grow. To our detractors who point out that (a) we don't even know what constitutes "too cold" for a tree and (b) there's nothing we could do about the temperature were it deemed too cold, I say poo poo. Get your own blog.
As promised, a shout out to the pub trivia team (every Thursday in jail is quiz night. Wednesdays are Matlock reruns.) that lovingly dedicated its team name to Hugo. Despite the Chavocados' crushing defeat, they learned quite a bit and surprised themselves at how much they knew about Tom Cruise.
Hugo is lounging by the window in the adjoining office. Maybe office services will get off their ass and give him a proper nameplate. Or maybe that's a project for a summer associate.
Since my whereabouts have now been revealed, I'll probably have to flee again. I'll probably make a good run but I'll run too slow. Odds are I'll be back in prison next week.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Like a father at war
- I won't be around to see his first steps (granted he'll never take any, because he's a tree, and those don't walk).
- I won't get to hear his first words (not that he'll ever talk).
- I'll miss all of his rec league b-ball games (he'll definitely be a center. or at least a power forward).
On the flip side, I never have to change a diaper, get rudely woken in the middle of the night by some rustling leaves on the baby monitor, or sit in a carpool line. He'll probably find a better father/tree figure somewhere along the line anyway.
And to you detractors who accuse me of not paying child support, (a) seeing as I'm in jail, the only currency I have access to is cigarettes (b) I provided the very pot in which Hugo currently grows (c) I carried the potting soil MORE than half the way back to the office. So there.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/RiVkA40RTnI/AAAAAAAAAAw/cFsu9JKtTn0/s200/jail.jpg)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
April showers bring May avocados
Oh yes, spring is here and it's an exciting time for our little Hugo Chavocado. After the potting, it took little Hugo no time at all to start growing like crazy! The picture on the left is Hugo yesterday, April 11th. The picture on the right is Hugo less than a week ago. Just look at how fast he's growing! There are even LEAVES. And we know that where there are leaves, there is most certainly delicious Venezuelan guacamole! (in 10 to 12 years)
I only wish that Joseph could be here to experience this miracle. But alas, he is cooped up in his insane asylum (apparently that's what they call Boston these days) busily punching holes with crappy hole punchers. It's been hard taking care of Hugo on my own.
I have noticed something quite strange. It appears that Hugo LOVES the printer, above which he used to live.
In conclusion, I shall leave you with one thought:
DAMN, that is one fine lookin avocado plant.
Adieu.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
shh
I'm trying to type softly so they don't hear me. That's why this appears in small font. The harder you type the bigger the font is.
[Footsteps] Shh!
[pause]
OK, whew.
The reason I have to be quiet is because I'm in what some might call a mental health facility. Maybe it's a prison. It's minimum security for sure, but I can't just waltz out the door. I managed early this morning to fashion a primitive computer out of toothpicks, an apple core, a ball bearing, and an actual computer, so this is the first I've been able to contact the outside world.
Anyhoo, as you may know, I am no longer with our dear Hugo Chavocado. At the behest of my friends and relatives, I recused myself from the office home of Hugo and left town. I checked myself into this health facility in New England, where I shall remain for the time being. To put it simply, my presence near Hugo was posing a severe danger to both me and him. I was hungry and a budding avocado plant looks really tasty. I awoke from a stupor many times with a plastic knife in one hand and a bowl in the other, looming eerily over Hugo. I couldn't sleep. I was sweating profusely. I was experiencing hot flashes. It wasn't pretty. To stop all the nonsense and to avoid destroying the little plant, I fled. I ran. Far far away.
[Footsteps] I think I hear someone coming. Must go. This place is as heavily patrolled as the Castle of Aaaaaaaaug...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Choose Your Own Adventure: The Search for the Elusive Potting Soil
YOU sit in your cubicle, busily typing away at your box index. Every other word or so, you glance at your beloved Hugo Chavocado, as he sleeps soundly in his little water bottle on his perch above the printer. You move closer to give him a little pat on the pit...but what's this? A little green sprout peeking out from the top of his pit, the beginnings of a glorious new tree! Clearly this is cause for action. Do you 1) leave Hugo in his comfy waterbottle to rot away, thereby losing the only chance you had of turning him into a beautiful leafy avocado tree that would eventually produce delicious Venezualan guacamole OR 2) decide to plant Hugo in a little pot of his own? Scroll down to the corresponding number.
1) Hugo dies.
2) Well this is cause for celebration! But first, you must find some potting soil. You already have a pot from a previous plant...an experience that ended rather unpleasantly, but we won't go into that now. Where oh where might one find potting soil in New York City? Do you 3) try to steal potting soil from one of the lush-looking plants on a secretary's desk OR 4) check your friendly neighborhood supermarket? Scroll down to see what happens.
3) Good work! You're doing it! Quiet now...don't let the secretaries see you. You can use that plastic spoon over there to help get all of the soil out of that pot. No, don't put it back in her Tupperware full of soup! Wait, what's that? I hear talking....it's getting closer and closer........RUN! Drop the soil and RUN!
*BONK*
You're dead. The secretary blind-sided you with a heavy duty hole puncher and you're dead. Nice choice, idiot.
4) Of COURSE the supermarket will have potting soil. Why else would they call themselves supermarket if they didn't have super stuff like that? Let's see. Oooh you've been meaning to buy some Peeps. You'll just grab a pack of those. Let's see potting soil potting soil....OH! You love this cereal! Yes you will need that too. OOOoooo gummy bears! And wild cherry seltzer! Hmmm they clearly don't sell potting soil, but look at all of the cool stuff you got! At least you weren't killed by a hole puncher.
So the search for the elusive potting soil continues. Days pass as you ponder what potting soil is, where it comes from, and the benefits of drinking soy milk over regular. At last it dawns upon you. "AhHA!" you say. Why didn't you think of it before? There must be a florist in the WFC. It's full of busy business men who likely come home late every night and have to occasionally send flowers to wives in hopes that they won't leave them. How could there not be a florist? You check the map. YES! It's there and waiting for you to come buy Hugo's new home. You and your officemate decide to take a walk over there to check things out. But when you arrive, you realize it's UPSTAIRS. Do you 5) take the elevator at the end of the walkway OR 6) take the escalator at the beginning of the walkway? Scroll scroll...
5) What a lovely elevator vestibule, though it feels a bit cramped. Actually, it looks a bit more like a dead end than a lovely elevator vestibule. Whats that heavy breathing? You turn, and before you can scream, a Tyrannosaurus Rex eats you. You should know by now, savvy adventurer, that elevator vestibules often double as holding pens for T-Rex's. Shame.
6) You made it! The escalator was a bit narrow, and scary at times...especially when your officemate suggested you ride it with your eyes closed and your arms out, but you MADE it. And there's the florist, dead ahead! You happily scamper up to the counter and ask the nice man if he sells potting soil. He says yes, but "only in HUGE 50 pound bags!" You're DEVASTATED. You can't buy a 50 pound bag! Just as you're about to cry, both the "nice" man and your officemate point out that he was joking and you're an idiot. JOY is restored! You promptly purchase your two 3.3 lb bags of potting soil and exit the florist, full of glee and accomplishment.
Good job adventurer, you've found Hugo a new home. You are one classy arborist.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Do you smell pot?
So if anyone's wondering why right now is so awesome, it's probably because Hugo's in a pot. In potting soil.
Victory in 2008.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Good morning sunshine. The Earth says hello.
- No.
- 3.
- Fortunately, yes.
- Without a doubt.
- About 14 feet.
- Yes.
- A stone's throw away from here.
- Thank you. I'm honored to hear that. I feel strongly as well.
- It's called slash-and-burn horticulture.
- I'll record your pedigree.
- Did I stutter?
- Yes, that's correct. CLOSER to the sun.
Now that that's all cleared up, we encourage you all to continue posting comments on the hour every hour.
Hugo continues to grow. No surprises there. His upwards-growing stem has attained lofty heights. It's actually sprouted far enough up that it has reached ABOVE the rim of Hugo's humble abode/waterbottle (powered by you-know-who-law). The root is growing thicker, and a number of shoots are coming off of the main root. As mentioned previously, we are in negotiations currently with our potting soil supplier* to relocate Hugo into an actual pot. As evinced by his recent spurt, he is clearly growing too large for his aquatic crib.
*Re: potting soil supplier: we don't have one. We're looking for one.
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/RgP2RLnbMCI/AAAAAAAAAAo/vKC0zn2MJi0/s200/potting_soil.jpg)
Actually, we're just looking for some soil. Not too much. Just a bag's worth. We don't know where to find any. If anyone has some leads about how we can get some soil without putting any effort into the process (we're plum out of effort this year) - or, better yet, if anyone just has some soil they could give us - let us know. Also, while we're on the subject, I could use some more coffee.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Movin' On Up
Me: Hmmm maybe we should plant him soon.
Joseph: Yea good thing we have a pot.
Me: But we have to get soil
Joseph: We'll do it later
As if Hugo isn't excited enough, he also made a shocking, but wonderful discovery this week. Apparently, according to the O.A.'s sources (and the phone directory) there is a person....in this building....named Avocado Pitt. Incredible. I kid you not. Would I kid? I wouldn't. And I don't. We have no other details (not that we would really post them on the internet anyways), nor do we have a picture of this amazing person. I imagine she would look something like this:
Miss Pitt, if you are reading this, Hugo would like you to know that he is 86% sure that you are his soul mate (he's got the hots for an attorney on 32, which accounts for the other 14%, but we all know it'll never happen)
Friday, March 16, 2007
He's baaaaaaack (and this time he's not mad)
Joyful/Triumphant.
Oh come, ye', oh come, ye',
to 19-240/241
I am he as 'ye are me
and 'ye are we and we are all together.
And by we are all together, I clearly mean that Hugo Chavocado has made his triumphal return to his home, home on the ledge (above the printer), where certain unnamed deer and antelope have been known to play, blah blah blah. Yes, yes. You heard correctly. Hugo has returned from wintering in Florida (aka, the 20th floor), which as we all know is much much closer to the Sun.
Hugo had a wonderful time during his week-long vacation (again, closer to the Sun). He rested. He lounged. He sprouted. He drank some of his water. He slowly converted another small portion of the fleshy interior of his seed into some length of stem. He started to sprout upwards a tiny bit (yes, very exciting, I know.) He also gained much fame on his travels. He was greeted by devoted fans on his Sun-bound trip last week (they may or may not have made signs welcoming him to the 20th floor). He also read Prince of Tides, which he just adored. "Much better than the movie," Hugo told me.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/RfqwomkDluI/AAAAAAAAAAM/GY3qZlCLPHM/s320/hoops.jpg)
Upon his return, Hugo was greeted by another large sign reading "Welcome Back Kotter" (it was the best we could do. All the "Welcome Back Hugo" signs seem to have been purchased in bulk by some rogue South American nation. Hugo can't read anyway, so it didn't really matter.) He then watched some college hoops and even tried to play himself a little. Here he is crashing the board. "Where we're going," he said, "we don't need basketballs."
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9RjwyWxM6Uw/RfqxR2kDlvI/AAAAAAAAAAU/gZ4Fw4D4_8A/s320/pen.jpg)
Hugo then settled down for a day back at the office. He fielded some important phone calls and wrote down some important things with a pen. Among the other really important things he wrote down was a note asking commenters on his blog to stop trying to impress him with big words. Hugo gets frustrated when he has to consult a dictionary too often. It hurts his pea-sized brain. Especially now that the flesh of said pea-size brain is slowly getting eaten away and turned into his stem.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The avocado is always greener on the other side...
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bnxya0erirM/RfhgyWN8vXI/AAAAAAAAADM/sgG7mIhl2dQ/s200/avocado_secondo.jpg)
Monday, March 12, 2007
AWOL
So instead of AWOL, Hugo has really gone UPSTAIRS. Try and figure that one out.
Hugo would also like to ask President Bush not to venture any closer to his country than Guatemala. In his most recent public statement on Bush's Latin American trip, Hugo remarked, "We have avocados, and we're not afraid to use them to make guacamole and not share ANY with the American entourage." He later added, "And we'll charge them for chips and salsa."
Keep the comments, support, and cash coming. Especially the larger bills.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Putting the Office back in Office Avocado
For the record, we also accept gifts of money, food (especially guacamole), drinks, Starbucks products, Aeron chairs, Bugaboo strollers, and DVDs. Please don't be shy.
Hugo now has to get his deuces up, as they say in the business, but he wishes you all a fond "what up."
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The Emotional Rollercoaster that is Hugo Chavocado
We are demanding guardians of our little avocado, as everyone can see. Hugo is raised under the strictest discipline with only the best education, water and opportunity. His recent foray into Joseph's personal space was perhaps, as Recorder of Pedigrees commented, a rebellion against our household. But we shall not be undermined. Hugo is still young and impressionable - an avocado plant just waiting to be molded by those who know what's best for him. We're thinking of starting him on the violin because really, you can't be a prodigy unless you start before potting. In addition, we're exposing him to a multitude of career options. Today, little Hugo Chavocado spent the day at Joseph's side, sitting next to his computer. We declared it "Avocado Job Shadow Day" (AJSD). It was heartwarming to watch Joseph explain the wonders of Introspect and exhibit labels as Hugo stared at the computer, clearly enthralled with what he saw before him. I was able to capture his look of sheer joy and exhilaration in a candid photo (right).
AJSD was a good opportunity to take Hugo's mind off of some rather disturbing comments made by Ann Coulter on Friday.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Tidings of comfort and/or joy
In an oddly political move, Hugo has decided to go public and declare his outrage and disgust at Ann Coulter's recent inappropriate comments against John Edwards and homosexuality. As a card-carrying member of the ADL, the ACLU, the NAACP, the NYSE, and several other acronym-heavy agencies that require members to carry cards, Hugo boldly takes a stand against hate-speech politics and bigotry everywhere. His taking such a stand is doubly impressive, considering he's sort of just hanging and floating in water all day. But he takes his stand nonetheless. "Such remarks shall not go unanswered," Hugo remarked. He promptly donated all his cash to the Coulter-Cash fund in an effort to reach the $100,000 goal (see https://johnedwards.com/action/contribute/coulter).
For those of you who think Hugo supports inflammatory remarks by reactionary public figures just because his namesake happens to be a reactionary public figure who frequently makes inflammatory remarks... well, you're wrong. Plus, Hugo thinks Ann Coulter is a big fat idiot. And he's not at all attracted to her. Or to her money. Or to her flashy ways. Or to her silky blond hair. Or to the way her mouth bunches up in the corner when she smiles. Or to the way she looks like an angel when she sleeps, when light from the window falls across her face in just that certain way. And definitely not to her smell.
For those of you wondering where Hugo keeps all of these cards for the organizations that demand that one physically carry around an actual card: Hugo keeps them in his wallet just like everyone else. What a stupid question. He has room for all these cards now because he gave all his money to the John Edwards campaign.
Friday, March 2, 2007
When Papa's Out of Town...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Quarantine
Now that I've put you in your place, I will report to you on Hugo. When I last laid eyes on him (Monday), his stem was shorter than it is now. I deduce that it has grown in the last 2 days. Just an educated guess. Let's call it an assumption. Or, dare I say, a hypothesis. The stem, still fuzzy as ever, is almost TOUCHING the bottom of the plastic cup. Kelly and I have been discussing moving Hugo from his basinet into a larger, full-size crib. Truly a huge step in the life of this little plant.
Westlaw, the self-proclaimed "Industry Leader in Legal Research," has thoughtfully donated to me a large, clear plastic water bottle which we think will serve as Hugo's next pad. For more information on our sponsor's services, visit www.westlaw.com. (For all interested parties, the Medical Litigator feature is now up and running. How very exciting!) Westlaw will, unbeknownst to itself, continue to be our sponsor (i.e., "Hugo Chavocado, powered by Westlaw") until we figure out a way to scratch off the Westlaw logo from plastic bottle. Any other interested sponsors should contact us by posting a comment on this blog. We accept payment in the form of cookies.
We will report soon on the moving of Hugo from the free-agent plastic cup to the tall, clear plastic brought-to-you-by-Westlaw-the-Industry-Leader-in-Legal-Research bottle.
*For the record, I have never hit Hugo.**
** You can't prove anything. Are you gonna take the word of a plant over my own?
Monday, February 26, 2007
Education a la avocado
This harrowing experience is what makes his new found sprouting stem such a miracle! Our little Hugo pulled through his difficult infant hood, and is growing faster than you can say Venezuelan guacamole. Now, once his "stem" reaches six inches, we will be forced to trim it back to three. Hugo does not know about this, and we would appreciate if our readers would be kind enough not to tell him. After the toothpick incident(s), he is really going to resist any attempt to trim his manhood. However, it is for the best and we're sure that after just a few years of expensive therapy, he will come to understand.
Here is the most helpful website we've found thus far: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/teach/msg121755005890.html
More pictures to come, of course...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Seeking Window
In response to questions posted by our dear readers:
(1) Kelly did the pricking with the toothpicks. It was all her idea. I couldn't watch and had to be restrained. I don't know how I'll be able to handle the recommended 6inch-to-3inch trimming. I'll need a hand to hold.
(2) Me not looking happy in that picture? That's about the happiest I'm ever going to look, so get used to it. Can't you see I'm beaming?
Hugo says "hola, ¿que tal?"
Simply glorious.
For those of you who have yet to meet him face-to-face, perhaps this will clear up any confusion as to why it is assumed Hugo is male. It also appears that some of you thought we were talking about an actual avocado, rather than a seed/soon-to-be-plant. There is a very serious distinction. One is to be eaten, while the other is not. Make no mistake. We are giving Hugo the best of care, nurturing him to grow to his full potential. Should he produce avocados, however, we will viciously devour them in delicious Venezualan guacamole.
The naming ceremony (pictured right) was quite exciting. Hundreds (2) crowded around the itty-bitty seed as "Hugo Chavocado" was scrawled in Sharpie on his little plastic cup. In addition to receiving a key from the city and a Fulbright scholarship to study the farming industry in South America (we don't even remember him sending an application!), Hugo was formally congratulated by several partners of the firm. What an honor! With the ceremony's conclusion, Hugo's water was lovingly topped off and the masses returned to work. All in all, a proud day for Vanezuala and the Chavocado family.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
It is with great pleasure and a hearty appetite that I announce the official title of the burgeoning miracle of nature that is our little avocado plant. Although we plant-owners happen to agree on the vast superiority of this particular name over the rest (wait for it...), the degree to which we were influenced by the enormous welling of public sentiment in support of this choice shows once again how easily we cave to pressure.
So, thusly, as a resident (avoca)dough-face, by the power vested in me by the machine that graded my bubbled-in NY Notary Examination answer sheet, in accordance with the law as best befits my purposes and designs and any other schemes I might come up with, in association with my not-so esteemed colleague who gets billed by our firm for postage stamps, in memory of the progenitory line of avocados to which our little plant traces its lineage, I declare that our little avoado shall henceforth from this day forward be known as Hugo Chavocado.
Pictures of the naming ceremony will be uploaded by tomorrow. Check back in for daily excitement. Special thanks to Mr. Bougere for his suggestion of the dignified name which we have chosen to bestow upon our little plant. Any offended Venezuelans or followers/supporters/employees/henchmen of the real Hugo Chavez should talk to Mr. Bougere. Not me.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
we be jammin'
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bnxya0erirM/RdsjyJMvDMI/AAAAAAAAAAc/no9DegJMCNo/s320/senioravo_smaller.gif)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
We need your thoughts and prayers
"While an avocado propagated by seed can bear fruit, it will take 4-6 years to do so, and the offspring is unlikely to resemble the parent cultivar in fruit quality. Thus, commercial orchards are planted using grafted trees and rootstocks."
We will not be moved! We are determined that our little still-yet-unnamed avocado will flourish and will fulfill the long, proud tradition of its ancestry - that is, to provide us with batches upon batches of guacamole. Please keep our little unnamed friend in your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Name contest!
Due to the overwhelming response from the general public, we will be hosting an open competition to choose a name for our little avocado plant. No purchase necessary. All are eligible to participate. The winner will be given $7500 and a congratulatory hug. So respond with your best suggestions by clicking on the comment button below. No jokes, please. This is serious business.
Changing of the water
We are waiting and staring with great anticipation to see what will happen next. More details to come...
It's growing.
Some very exciting news on the avocado-growing front. The avocado pit, which was placed lovingly in water roughly a month ago, has now cracked and has begun sprouting some sort of "stem." It's quite exciting. The office (19-240/241, particularly) is abuzz with anticipation. At some point, perhaps we will look up the name of this mysterious "stem," but for now we will just marvel at the miracle happening before our very eyes.
In other news, the guacamole that was the legacy of the rest of this sprouting-pit's former self was delicious. Fittingly, the expectations for the guacamole-potential of our burgeoning plant are rather high. It comes from good stock.
Pictures to follow. Stay tuned.