in the absence of a water cooler, people will find a place to congregate. for some reason, the preferred locale is my cube. the third visitor of the day just left after loitering for the duration of their "coffee break." so, although i haven't even had coffee at the office today, i've taken 3 coffee breaks. i think i manage to look busy and in the middle of things, but still they come. and they linger. and after i contribute about 18 "yeps" to the conversation, they make their way back to their own cubes to rest up for the next coffee break.