My boss is currently traveling, so what does that mean for me, the intern? Why, that I get to sit in his big, comfy chair and type this blog while relaxing at the owner and publisher’s desk, of course. How did I get so lucky? Well, it helps that my boss is also my dad. Yes, that’s right – Fran Gallagher is my father. This is my second summer working in Yardley, at the “world headquarters” of Global Traveler magazine, and, ironically, it has been one of many firsts. A few days ago, I wrote my first hotel review for the St. Kitts Marriott, today I’m writing my first blog, and who knows, maybe I’ll get to take my first business trip soon (just kidding, Dad, I know I have to get my degree before that). I will admit I am a little surprised by how much I enjoy working here. From the time I was little, I vehemently denied that I would ever work for my dad – that office life was not meant for me. In high school, that belief only gained strength from listening to punk and hardcore bands like the Distillers, Rise Against, Minor Threat, the Descendants and the ingenious Dead Kennedys. I equated working in an office – any office – with selling your soul to The Man. What I didn’t factor in was that not all offices are the same and there are those that don’t confine their employees to claustrophobic cubicles. As a college sophomore working towards her English degree, I most likely won’t be taking a job in an office after I graduate…unless of course that office happens to belong to Marvel, DC or Vertigo Comics. However, life can throw you quite some curves, and if I ever do find myself donning a professional outfit and making my way to some office, I can only hope it will be one cool enough to have model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and African tribal masks staring out from the walls. If I get to steal the boss’ chair while he’s away or joke with him, well, that’s the icing on the cake. It’s funny because in a way Global Traveler is an upstanding and professional publication, but also kind of punk rock – not that that makes my dad cool or anything. -Kate Gallagher, intern