Yeah, I've Got That

True friends who have seen me at my most neurotic know that I have a preferred pen model not available in the United States, the Pilot BPS-GP series, either in 0.7 or 0.5. Stationery is one of those cheaper areas in life that I can afford to be a detailed snob in. I was ecstatic to find out, therefore, that for once in my life, I work in an office that's not on a tight budget (that didn't stop them from paying me low wages, but we're trying to look beyond that right now) and can order from the Staples catalogue to my heart's content. I waited for three weeks and finally, my ugly standard-issue stapler showed signs of breaking. I checked with the proper authorities and was told that I could go ahead and order a new one. And order I did.

This stapler comes highly recommended from Megan- the Staples One-Touch Stapler with Staple Gun Power. It looks groovy albeit a little clunky, but the stapling power is amazing. One flick and BAM! Your paper is stapled and Bob's your uncle. I actually put off stapling several piles of paper in anticipation of this new stapler. And yesterday, as the division secretary went around handing out our Staples orders, Jen, the other new research assistant and I giddily opened each order and shared with each other both our bounties and joys. I let her try my stapler (hers is cool, too, it staples flat)- and she shrieked in surprise at how easily the stapler stapled- and then she gave me a box of tissues she ordered. It was like Christmas, but with stationery instead of Jesus.

My question now: What should I do with my old stapler? Am I allowed to throw it away? It doesn't seem very kosher or eco-friendly, especially since it still staples, though it requires some special flicking every time you use it. Do kids in war-torn countries need second-hand staplers?