Foreword by Amanda Lurey
What began as a way to flex that my newsroom isn’t full of boring, lame, sticks-in-the-mud quickly turned into a silly, engaging way to truly bond with one another.
On a random Saturday night, while on the phone with my best friend, who also works in journalism, I asked him a very simple question: “Do you think my newsroom would be game for a show-and-tell?”
He hastily said no — solely because he couldn’t imagine his own soulless newsroom doing it. Loser.
The following week, while chit-chatting with the other reporters at the Daily Item, I asked if they would humor me and participate in a show-and-tell.
And they went for it. Take that, Dylan.
In fact, not only did they go for it, they then spiraled trying to think of what to bring for my chosen theme: the more ridiculous the better.
I think they did a great job, but you can be the judge of that.
Briana Alvarez
One of my favorite shows, “Derry Girls,” is something I’ve always shared with my best friend. The chaotic humor, thick accents, obscure references, and soundtrack from The Cranberries perfectly capture our friendship and sense of humor together.
One day, while wandering through Savers in Saugus, I found what looked like a homemade art project featuring the cast: a printed photo glued onto a black, painted rock and priced at $3.99. Naturally, I bought it immediately.
It is ridiculous, unnecessary, and deeply sentimental at the same time. I think it’s a good example of the strange things people become attached to for completely logical, emotional, and personal reasons, without even realizing it sometimes.
Elizabeth Della Piana
If you read the opening to this story, the phrase “stick-in-the-mud” comes up alongside the idea that this newsroom doesn’t fit into that box. So, yes, I brought puzzles of all sorts.
Maybe that sounds boring to some people, but to me, it says a lot about who I am.
There are about 40 puzzles varying in style scattered throughout my house, ranging from ones I loved as a kid to brand-new ones I received for my birthday this past weekend.
After long work days and late-night municipal meetings, puzzles help quiet my brain.
They give me something structured and satisfying to focus on. People sometimes give me odd looks for that. I guess it’s a little “weird” to burn through 30 sudoku puzzles right after a school committee meeting.
Spenser Hasak
It may come as a surprise to most people, but I’m colorblind. No, I don’t see in black and white, but the world definitely seems less saturated.
So my “show-and-tell” item is this awesome pair of glasses that was a gift from my good friend Eric. These Enchroma glasses have red lenses, which help balance out the rods and cones in my eyes, enhancing the red and green that I’m deficient in, and allowing me to see color like a “normal person.”
Everything seems so much richer when I put them on, and they’re particularly helpful when I’m editing photos to make sure I get the color balances just right. I had never looked at my Hot Wheels collection with them until very recently, and I was blown away by what I was missing out on.
Erin Hickey
This instrument is probably my most valuable possession. Which is ridiculous only because it is, by all accounts, broken.
I used to walk to school every day, with my cello on my back and my backpack on my stomach like a pack mule. The fastest way for me to get to school was up a ginormous hill (think Mt. Everest but taller). And one fateful day in 2013, I dropped it. All the way down that hill.
And that’s why I call him “Cracky” now. He’s split all along the bottom, and my end pin is a little loose. And yes, it definitely affects the sound. But he’s got spunk and charm and a little bit of character.
And to me, that’s really the point of this show-and-tell. Maybe even the point of life. It’s hard to enjoy anything without being a little ridiculous.
Amanda Lurey
When I tell people I have a bunny, I’m typically met with confusion first, enthusiasm second — and I get it. He isn’t a typical pet. But he’s the softest boy you’ll ever meet, and I’m lucky to call him my son.
In September 2021, I knew it was time for me to become a mom to someone fluffy. I didn’t have the flexibility in my schedule to walk a dog, and, at the time, I was seriously allergic to cats. But I’ve always been drawn to bunnies.
I felt connected to my 10-pound rabbit, Parsnip, the second we locked eyes. He hopped over, gave me a boop on the leg, and my heart jumped out of my chest just like in the cartoons.
Was this show-and-tell an excuse to introduce my newsroom to my pride and joy? Of course. But you can’t tell me he didn’t fit the theme.
Deyscha Smith
My daughter, Monet, is not even 2 years old, and yet she’s the most creative and energetic little girl. Her favorite activity is coloring, and she has a very specific book filled with outlines of flowers, butterflies, and cute, smiling puppies that she loves to color every single day after school.
We come from a family of artists, including both my mother and my sister, who are skilled in painting and portraiture. For the show-and-tell, Monet made a special appearance at our office, bringing along her coloring book and proudly showing off her many, many drawings and scribbles while flipping through the pages.
Her coloring book was her main talent; it’s her bubbly personality that certainly stole the show. As a mother, it’s been the most beautiful blessing to see her grow and discover new interests and activities that bring her joy.
