Since last September, our office has downsized to a cubicle environment in the outskirts of town. my left cube dweller takes personal calls on her cell, uses her speaker phone for conversations, and talks to herself while working. How can I gain peace and quiet from her side when I need it?

I can handle all of them. This year brought on a new challenge; the nosy hockey Mom. She wants to know everything about me: my age, how much I make and the last straw came during the holiday tournament when she asked me if I had Botox.

Quite a few of my colleagues are eager volunteers who often collect charitable donations. I value their contributions to our community but my spouse was told, right after the holiday break, that his position would be abolished. What is the appropriate way of declining all of the upcoming requests?