Posts
I was asked once, if I could only use one word to describe Rod, what would it be. My answer? Unbelievable. I hear the stories I tell, and I almost don't believe them myself. Nobody behaves as this man does. Not, seriously, anyway. And yet he does, day in, and day out. All of my stories are true! And the sad part is, you don't even see or read about the worst stories, because, frankly, they are just too embarrassing for me to admit, as a modern woman, I put up with his bologna (and I'm not talking about the Oscar Mayer kind).
Where should I start today? Remember, he was going to fix his own problem in Peachtree, his own self? HA!! HA HA! Of course, from reading the last post, you know he got nooooowhere. Hee hee. It's no surprise, really. Not only is he vastly underqualified to make his own support calls, but he lies, as well, to the poor people at tech support. Really, he doesn't stand a chance at getting his problems resolved. Poor, poor Rod. For instance, with PeachTree, he told them that the "Administrator" (presumably me, I guess, unless he speaks of himself in the third person) changed the "password" and now he can't "log on." Imagine the tech's confusion, considering that there is no "administrator" of PeachTree, there is no "Logon" prompt, and seeing as though there is no logon prompt, there is not a "password" that the afore-mentioned, non-existent "administrator" could change. I was gasping as much as laughing in complete disbelief at what he was making up.
But wait, it gets better today.
He was speaking to a vendor and said he wanted an "Acro-... Anacron... Anachronism. ANACHRONISM!" Oh, brother. From Merriam Webster (dot com), we get this definition: : a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other - I don't really think that is what he meant. I think he meant Acronym, but I could be wrong. Regardless, he reminded me of Nemo, when he was trying to say where he lives: "I live in a... in an anem... I live in an anemone!!" I laughed out loud. I couldn't help myself! Somedays are worth the pain, after all!
At one point, Rod asked me to set up a GoTo Meeting for a client to go into. "Katie, will you get that up and running?" I looked at the clock. "Eight minutes early? Sure, no problem!" And off I went to get it going. It probably takes 2 full minutes for everything to open and get ready, that's fine, no problem. Twenty seconds later, "Katie! It's PROMpting me to LOG ON..." Sigh. "Yeah, Rod, hang on a sec, I'm still setting it up! I'll let you know when it's ready for you to join" "grrmble ahhhERMMM" "Yes, Katie, but are you setting it up RIGHT NOW?!" Oh, bother. "Yes, Rod, I am setting it up RIGHT NOW! I promise, right now." It worked! Pacification! "Ok, Rod, go for it!" He was happy! A miracle!
"Katie!! Can you see my screen now?" "Yes, Rod, I can. You are on our home page?" He confirmed. "Yep, I see it." A few seconds went by. "So, Katie, can you see it now?" I felt like I was in a cell phone ad: "Can you hear me now?" "Yes, I can still see it. I'm not looking at it, for now, until the vendor signs in, but yes..." He muttered again. "I'm conFUSED! Can you SEE it or NOT?!" "Yes, Rod, I can see it, however, my eyes are not constantly focused on the monitor right now, I am working on some other stuff." I could hear his snort of disbelief that the product was working as expected, but ignored it. At least he didn't want to fight about this one and come up with some way to force me to focus my eyes physically where he wanted them. Really, he takes control to a whole new level.
Out of the blue, I heard Rod ask Jen, "So, Jen, when was the last time you did the whole, y'know, ROUTINE?" Jen: "I'm sorry? What?" "You know, your hair, shampoo, blow dry, how often?" Jen was really confused. "What?" Then Rod said, "Well, it looks like you just rolled out of bed today, I was just wondering how often you do your hair." Oh... my... God. Really?! ROD is accusing someone of not fixing their hair??? And rolling out of bed? I must not be hearing right. I gagged. As soon as he left the room, I went over and said "WHAT DID HE JUST SAY?" As is par for the course, I couldn't believe what I had just heard. Jen was ashen. "Rod said I look like I just rolled out of bed..." Poor girl. You have to understand something (She'll hate me for this) but Jen isn't your average girl. Jen looks nice. Everyday. Really. Nice. Her idea of "dressed grubby" is my idea of how to dress for going out on the town. For someone to ask her if she did her hair today is insulting to me... not to mention Jen. Horrifyingly unbelievable. There, how about 2 words to describe Rod? Why am I still here again? I remember a soft white muzzle giving me kisses as I left today and then I sigh, and go back to work... Promises made, promises to keep.
As a call was running over in time, and was about to run into another call, I had to go to the bathroom. I tried twice to excuse myself, each time Rod stopped me from leaving the call. I'm not sure why I had to stay on the call only to schedule the next call, but Rod made me. I was squirming! Finally, I got to go! When I came back, it was going on noon. Since my day starts at 7, it's tough for me to wait much past noon for eating time. This is why it's written on the white board : Katie's Lunch, 12:30 - 1:30. But somehow, someone booked me up through to 1. So, as my tummy was complaining more and more, and the refusal to allow me to empty my bladder still fresh in my mind, I whined. I admit it fully. "Oh, MAN! I can't go to the bathroom, and now you aren't letting me eat?! What kinda place do I work at?!" Jen laughed at me and said "Get back to work!" I thought it was funny, too. I quipped back, "Well, just get the shackles out, then, and chain me to my desk!" Too late. I realized far too late what I had just opened. Of course, Rod couldn't be quiet. "Oh, say, are we talking about BONDAGE?!" Big long sigh. Well, no, we weren't, but now we are. "Well, that's not where I was taking the conversation, but I'm not surprised you did!" Well, he just thought that was the funniest thing he had heard. He laughed and laughed. Jen and I just squirmed due to the rising ick factor. Ick Factor +8.
Curse Count: Shit, 6 :: Shit, on phone with tech support, 1 :: GD on phone with tech support, 2
And now lastly, Rod felt the need to let us know: He's in LOOOOOOOVE. Well, goody for you, Rod, goody for you. Tell me this. Does she know any of the other 4 girls you are dating?
I will see you tomorrow, dear readers.
Eye Tee Girl
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
After I left on Monday...
Here are the texts I received:
3:24 PM
J : He's on the phone with PeachTree now; they aren't getting anywhere. ;)
Me: Sorry he's still there...
J : I just wish he would leave and I am not looking forward to the days of not having you here.
Later
J : I think he is really pissed right now that he is having to deal with PeachTree... And I am now on the call. Now I am annoyed...
I started laughing when I read that one.
Me: What's going on? I'll try to help.
J: No idea. I think you should come back.
4:13 pm
J: Rod just left. Nothing was solved.
Me: Sorry nothing got fixed. Maybe Rod was hasty to cut back my hours and attempt resolving own issues?
J: No worries, he is gone now.
J: I don't think he wants to fire you. He was just being a jerk.
This made me laugh again. Of course he wants to get rid of me. He hates me as much as I hate him!
Tuesday morning, ETG is still sound asleep at 9am, and happily so.
9:16am
J: Miss you!! I am not doing anything this weekend but focus on my job search!! ;)
Me: Yawn, stretch. Mmm time to go watch some Regis!
9:31am
Me: Glad to know I am missed. Peachtree fixed yet?
For some reason, it does my heart good to know that he couldn't get it working without me and then has to go a whole day without me while it doesn't work. Tee hee.
J: No, he has a call scheduled for you tomorrow with them.
10:15am, I am out running in the woods, feeling wonderful. My phone buzzes.
J: We are lying to a customer at the Department of Energy. Great!!
Me: Awesome! About what?
J: Approved for compliance regulations.
Me: Oh God, how can you wonder why I don't wanna work for him? Frickin crook!
J: I know...
So you can see, we all love Rod, and Acme is the epitome of high class working establishments. I have sent off a few emails to some of our vendors so they know my status and have a way to reach me on my off days... or maybe when they don't hear from me at all anymore!
Lastly, as a note to my concerned readers, I have applied for unemployment. The notification should be hitting Rod's desk tomorrow or the next day. I am eligible with hours reduced, just not for the full amount. At this point, anything helps! And let's not forget that it will affect his bottom line! The best way possible to get back at him...
Until later,
Eye Tee Girl
3:24 PM
J : He's on the phone with PeachTree now; they aren't getting anywhere. ;)
Me: Sorry he's still there...
J : I just wish he would leave and I am not looking forward to the days of not having you here.
Later
J : I think he is really pissed right now that he is having to deal with PeachTree... And I am now on the call. Now I am annoyed...
I started laughing when I read that one.
Me: What's going on? I'll try to help.
J: No idea. I think you should come back.
4:13 pm
J: Rod just left. Nothing was solved.
Me: Sorry nothing got fixed. Maybe Rod was hasty to cut back my hours and attempt resolving own issues?
J: No worries, he is gone now.
J: I don't think he wants to fire you. He was just being a jerk.
This made me laugh again. Of course he wants to get rid of me. He hates me as much as I hate him!
Tuesday morning, ETG is still sound asleep at 9am, and happily so.
9:16am
J: Miss you!! I am not doing anything this weekend but focus on my job search!! ;)
Me: Yawn, stretch. Mmm time to go watch some Regis!
9:31am
Me: Glad to know I am missed. Peachtree fixed yet?
For some reason, it does my heart good to know that he couldn't get it working without me and then has to go a whole day without me while it doesn't work. Tee hee.
J: No, he has a call scheduled for you tomorrow with them.
10:15am, I am out running in the woods, feeling wonderful. My phone buzzes.
J: We are lying to a customer at the Department of Energy. Great!!
Me: Awesome! About what?
J: Approved for compliance regulations.
Me: Oh God, how can you wonder why I don't wanna work for him? Frickin crook!
J: I know...
So you can see, we all love Rod, and Acme is the epitome of high class working establishments. I have sent off a few emails to some of our vendors so they know my status and have a way to reach me on my off days... or maybe when they don't hear from me at all anymore!
Lastly, as a note to my concerned readers, I have applied for unemployment. The notification should be hitting Rod's desk tomorrow or the next day. I am eligible with hours reduced, just not for the full amount. At this point, anything helps! And let's not forget that it will affect his bottom line! The best way possible to get back at him...
Until later,
Eye Tee Girl
Monday, January 25, 2010
A case of the Mondays!
I have come to the conclusion that the only day I can actually enjoy is Saturday. Fridays are ruined because I have to go into work, but they are at least better than a Monday, because I know Saturday is coming up. And Sundays are ruined the minute I remember I have to go back to work "tomorrow." So here I sit, pouty and cranky that I have another full week of work ahead of me again. I definitely have a case of the Mondays.
Today I tried four times (four times) to tell Rod that his Peachtree still isn't working and that I will need extended time at his desktop. Could he please let me know when he is leaving for the day and I will work on it then. Two sentences. Verbally speaking, it's practically one if you don't pause between the sentences! But no. I couldn't get it out. He interrupted me each and every time. One time to ask how long "extended period of time is, 30 minutes?" Another time to say "Do you have to work on my machine?" (this after telling him it appeared to be a mapping problem, so yes, by definition, I would have to work on his machine.) Finally, the fifth time, I at least got out the first part of the thought, but not the second. As I so often do, I settled on "good enough," this time.
Rod waffles on what reports he wants me to run. When I run them, they are usually sorted by date and cover either a) everything I've done or b) everything I'm planning to do. I figure I don't need to do a filter, it's easy enough to look at the top of the report to see the most recent stuff, and if he wants to see older stuff, then I don't need to run any extra reports. This minimizes Rod exposure time and reduces ick factor daily totals.
I admit, today, I forgot to run said reports. Friday was so busy, I literally was running out the door to catch my ride, and didn't have time to run them. This morning when I got in, I completely forgot. So Rod had to print out the document (for the 5th time) that detailed which reports I am supposed to run for him daily, and which ones on Monday only. (This document is already on my cubicle wall). He had one report underlined. So I ran that one. I thought that was all he wanted. Again, my mistake. He then said "is that ALL the reports you are supposed to run for me?" He asked it in kindergarten teacher tone. Like I'm 5. "I don't know, Rod, is it? I thought that was why you underlined this." Then he put his finger on the document and pointed to the line that says: "Please genertate [sic] every Monday, or when asked, the following:" "Ok, Rod. Can you explain why you underlined this one, then? I got confused, I guess." Come to think of it, he never did really answer me, just kept pointing at the line and somehow indicated (without using full sentences) that I was to print out "all 4." (There are 6 listed.)
So I printed them out.
And when he picked them up from the printer, he wanted to go over them. Sigh.
So he asked about the first one. "Is this sorted by date?" "Um, it should be, yes." I couldn't physically see it, he was too far away, but as I said, I print them by date, so I had no reason to suspect otherwise. "NOT 'SHOULD BE!' Either it IS or it ISN'T" Who does he think he is? Yoda? Do or Do not, try there is none? WtF? Anyway, I finished by saying, "Well, I don't know, look at it. Is it sorted by date?" Really, wasn't that the simplest solution, anyway? For him to look at the report in his hand? Whatever.
Then he looked at the next one. "Mmmkay. And this... " I could tell he was trying to figure out what it was, completed tasks, present tasks, overdue tasks, or future tasks. He can never figure this out, even though all he would have to do is look for and compare "Planned completion date," or "Completion date." But I think the logic is too much - it just wouldn't occur to him. So then, it came: the inevitable: "So this... Is this sorted by date?" I answered: "I assume so, yes." Oh, boy. "There IS NO ASSUME!!! IS IT OR ISN'T IT?" Because he was yelling at me, I yelled right back. "I DON'T KNOW! I CAN'T SEE IT! IS IT OR ISN'T IT?" Then, he threw (yes, threw) the papers at me. I said something like "Wow the respect is underwhelming here, isn't it?" For the record, I never did tell him if it was sorted by date.
Rod informed me today that he was interviewing a dev later in the day. Great, say I. This will mean that I can leave that much sooner when he terminates me! Jen moans every time I say that, but I can't help but feel a sense of relief in my future. Anyway, 30 minutes or so before the interview, I figured I would be friendly and break the silence. "So, Rod! Whatcha gonna tell the new guy about working here?!" I meant it as a friendly inquiry to spur a nice conversation. What I got back was "IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" So I replied "Alrighty then, no friendly conversation!" Wow. That one really took me aback! Honestly. I was trying to be nice, to make conversation, I don't think I asked for anything inappropriate. I would have asked that of any employer, I think, about an upcoming interview. Hell, I've been a part of interviews! This strong comeback reminding me to mind my own bee's wax told me exactly what he is interviewing this person to do. Replace me. Awesome! That is some wicked good news, and will make getting unemployment that much easier. Anyway, a few minutes of peace went by, whereupon Rod started muttering something about "You KNOW, I just don't see the POINT of PERSonal converSAtion in the OFFice." I interrupted him before his non-apology got too painful for everyone. "Forget I even said anything, Rod. I was just trying to be friendly, obviously a foreign concept for you." Whatever.
Now, once more, I don't mind people making stinkies in the bathroom. We all have to do it sooner or later. But, again, Rod, the can of aerosol lemon spray, the fan, and an open door help eliminate those nasty odors. The worst part is hearing him make the stinkies and then (prepare yourselves) not hearing him washing his hands. Or spraying the lemon spray. And then closing the door to lock the smell in tightly. Lovely. Jen, you go in first.
So then the new guy showed up for his interview. Rod offered to take him to lunch, to which New Guy replied "oh I have to let my wife know." There was a curious silence, and then NG said "She gave me a ride and is hanging out in the parking lot until the interview is over." Well, Rod jumped right on that... and invited wifey along... to coffee. Lunch was no longer on the table, apparently. Two people is too many for dollar-sign-driven Rod! To make matters worse, it would appear that she drove the three of them. In her car. That just seemed sooo tacky, Jen and I thought.
And just now, the best news EVAR! Rod wanted to show me links on his desktop for PeachTree. I confirmed, they are on your desk top? Yes, they are. Okay, then, I don't think I need you to show them to me, I can find them when I work on your machine a bit later today." Here, he felt the need to flex his employer muscles, or something... "No, I WILL SHOW YOU where they ARE!" I jokingly said, with a friendly, teasing tone, "I can always close my eyes!" I thought I was hilarious, Jen laughed... Rod... not so much. "FINE THEN! I WILL JUST DO THIS MYSELF!"
Fine, Rod, do it yourself. Let me know how that works out for you. Send me a postcard, 'cause in the meantime, I have some walking to do whenever you deign to return. I hope you understand if I don't hurry back.
Eye Tee Girl
Today I tried four times (four times) to tell Rod that his Peachtree still isn't working and that I will need extended time at his desktop. Could he please let me know when he is leaving for the day and I will work on it then. Two sentences. Verbally speaking, it's practically one if you don't pause between the sentences! But no. I couldn't get it out. He interrupted me each and every time. One time to ask how long "extended period of time is, 30 minutes?" Another time to say "Do you have to work on my machine?" (this after telling him it appeared to be a mapping problem, so yes, by definition, I would have to work on his machine.) Finally, the fifth time, I at least got out the first part of the thought, but not the second. As I so often do, I settled on "good enough," this time.
Rod waffles on what reports he wants me to run. When I run them, they are usually sorted by date and cover either a) everything I've done or b) everything I'm planning to do. I figure I don't need to do a filter, it's easy enough to look at the top of the report to see the most recent stuff, and if he wants to see older stuff, then I don't need to run any extra reports. This minimizes Rod exposure time and reduces ick factor daily totals.
I admit, today, I forgot to run said reports. Friday was so busy, I literally was running out the door to catch my ride, and didn't have time to run them. This morning when I got in, I completely forgot. So Rod had to print out the document (for the 5th time) that detailed which reports I am supposed to run for him daily, and which ones on Monday only. (This document is already on my cubicle wall). He had one report underlined. So I ran that one. I thought that was all he wanted. Again, my mistake. He then said "is that ALL the reports you are supposed to run for me?" He asked it in kindergarten teacher tone. Like I'm 5. "I don't know, Rod, is it? I thought that was why you underlined this." Then he put his finger on the document and pointed to the line that says: "Please genertate [sic] every Monday, or when asked, the following:" "Ok, Rod. Can you explain why you underlined this one, then? I got confused, I guess." Come to think of it, he never did really answer me, just kept pointing at the line and somehow indicated (without using full sentences) that I was to print out "all 4." (There are 6 listed.)
So I printed them out.
And when he picked them up from the printer, he wanted to go over them. Sigh.
So he asked about the first one. "Is this sorted by date?" "Um, it should be, yes." I couldn't physically see it, he was too far away, but as I said, I print them by date, so I had no reason to suspect otherwise. "NOT 'SHOULD BE!' Either it IS or it ISN'T" Who does he think he is? Yoda? Do or Do not, try there is none? WtF? Anyway, I finished by saying, "Well, I don't know, look at it. Is it sorted by date?" Really, wasn't that the simplest solution, anyway? For him to look at the report in his hand? Whatever.
Then he looked at the next one. "Mmmkay. And this... " I could tell he was trying to figure out what it was, completed tasks, present tasks, overdue tasks, or future tasks. He can never figure this out, even though all he would have to do is look for and compare "Planned completion date," or "Completion date." But I think the logic is too much - it just wouldn't occur to him. So then, it came: the inevitable: "So this... Is this sorted by date?" I answered: "I assume so, yes." Oh, boy. "There IS NO ASSUME!!! IS IT OR ISN'T IT?" Because he was yelling at me, I yelled right back. "I DON'T KNOW! I CAN'T SEE IT! IS IT OR ISN'T IT?" Then, he threw (yes, threw) the papers at me. I said something like "Wow the respect is underwhelming here, isn't it?" For the record, I never did tell him if it was sorted by date.
Rod informed me today that he was interviewing a dev later in the day. Great, say I. This will mean that I can leave that much sooner when he terminates me! Jen moans every time I say that, but I can't help but feel a sense of relief in my future. Anyway, 30 minutes or so before the interview, I figured I would be friendly and break the silence. "So, Rod! Whatcha gonna tell the new guy about working here?!" I meant it as a friendly inquiry to spur a nice conversation. What I got back was "IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" So I replied "Alrighty then, no friendly conversation!" Wow. That one really took me aback! Honestly. I was trying to be nice, to make conversation, I don't think I asked for anything inappropriate. I would have asked that of any employer, I think, about an upcoming interview. Hell, I've been a part of interviews! This strong comeback reminding me to mind my own bee's wax told me exactly what he is interviewing this person to do. Replace me. Awesome! That is some wicked good news, and will make getting unemployment that much easier. Anyway, a few minutes of peace went by, whereupon Rod started muttering something about "You KNOW, I just don't see the POINT of PERSonal converSAtion in the OFFice." I interrupted him before his non-apology got too painful for everyone. "Forget I even said anything, Rod. I was just trying to be friendly, obviously a foreign concept for you." Whatever.
Now, once more, I don't mind people making stinkies in the bathroom. We all have to do it sooner or later. But, again, Rod, the can of aerosol lemon spray, the fan, and an open door help eliminate those nasty odors. The worst part is hearing him make the stinkies and then (prepare yourselves) not hearing him washing his hands. Or spraying the lemon spray. And then closing the door to lock the smell in tightly. Lovely. Jen, you go in first.
So then the new guy showed up for his interview. Rod offered to take him to lunch, to which New Guy replied "oh I have to let my wife know." There was a curious silence, and then NG said "She gave me a ride and is hanging out in the parking lot until the interview is over." Well, Rod jumped right on that... and invited wifey along... to coffee. Lunch was no longer on the table, apparently. Two people is too many for dollar-sign-driven Rod! To make matters worse, it would appear that she drove the three of them. In her car. That just seemed sooo tacky, Jen and I thought.
And just now, the best news EVAR! Rod wanted to show me links on his desktop for PeachTree. I confirmed, they are on your desk top? Yes, they are. Okay, then, I don't think I need you to show them to me, I can find them when I work on your machine a bit later today." Here, he felt the need to flex his employer muscles, or something... "No, I WILL SHOW YOU where they ARE!" I jokingly said, with a friendly, teasing tone, "I can always close my eyes!" I thought I was hilarious, Jen laughed... Rod... not so much. "FINE THEN! I WILL JUST DO THIS MYSELF!"
Fine, Rod, do it yourself. Let me know how that works out for you. Send me a postcard, 'cause in the meantime, I have some walking to do whenever you deign to return. I hope you understand if I don't hurry back.
Eye Tee Girl
Busy as a Bee
Friday was a very busy day for ETG. First, our Goldmine went down. It was throwing SQL errors. I was trying to chase down the cause of the disconnect - It happened right after some MS updates hit the server (which isn't supposed to happen, but it did anyway) and forced it to reboot. The source of the problem could have been very basic to very complex. In trying to chase the source, I kept coming across "Make sure the password is correct." Before I could really research that issue, Rod was in my face, telling me very helpful things to do. "You need to reboot the server. That will fix it." Now, considering I had already been troubleshooting this problem for an hour while Rod was nestled in bed dreaming of sugar plums, I wasn't too fond of his "Let me tell you how to do your job" theories. "I am on my third reboot right now. Do you really want me to reboot it again?" He just muttered something cranky and left. Some time went by, perhaps 3 minutes. "So, KATIE, aherruMMMM! When are you going to call MICROsoft to fix this problem?" "Well, Rod, I don't know. I am not convinced that the problem is with Microsoft, so I am hesitant to call them until I can find out what the problem is." Rod let some more time go by, perhaps 4 minutes. "So, hackUMMM! Katie! When will this problem be FIXED?" I let out a big sigh. Why must I be so misunderstood?! "I don't know, Rod." That, of course, was not good enough. "Well, I need a TIME that it will --" "9:38 pm, Rod, it will be fixed by 9:38 TONIGHT." Well, of course, that just pissed him off. "You are NOT being SENSITIVE to the NEEDS of the SALES TEAM!" He was actually irate. I think I saw spittle fly from his lips. Literally! I really do think he spittled! "Well, Rod, are you being sensitive to the needs of the IT Team? I need to be left alone to work on this. The more you interrupt and ask questions, the--" "I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THE IT TEAM!" I laughed at him. He spittled again. This was getting fun. "Well, then the IT Team doesn't care about the needs of the Sales Team." I know it was petty, but I mean really, who says something like "I don't care about your team" and then wants you to respect their needs? He walked into that one, if you ask me.
Some more time went by. Perhaps 6 minutes elapsed. Rod informed me he was calling Microsoft. "Ok," I said. "What do you plan on telling them?" Well, that got him quiet. "Well, aren't YOU going to be on the call?" I was patient. "No, Rod, I have no idea what the problem is yet. I keep getting interrupted." There was silence for perhaps 2 minutes. "Well, I'm calling them ANYway and I exPECT you to PARTIcipate in the CALL." Fine, whatever, as long as it would shut him up. So I informed him, "Fine, but I'm not going to sit on the phone while you navigate the system and argue that you won't work with someone in the Philipines, or in India, or anywhere but the US. That alone takes you an hour or more, and frankly, that's what I dread about calls to Microsoft when you decide to take charge." Now this is where things got interesting. Rod turned it around on me. "You aren't willing to speak to someone in India?" he asked. I said, "Ohhh no you don't! I have no problem with it. You are the one who argues in circles with people until you get someone in the US." He paused. "OH, yes, well that's TRUE, I don't LIKE people in INDIA." I just ignored that comment and tried to return to work.
But, of course, Rod made that impossible. He continued to pepper me with questions, such as the version we are running of this or that, which service pack, what our license number is... Essentially, the only time I got to troubleshoot the password problem was before Rod got here.
The call that Rod set up ending up taking hours. I knew we were chasing red herrings, but I wasn't ever given a real opportunity to troubleshoot the problem myself, and in peace. Finally, I ended up asking Rod if we could conference in Goldmine support. In about 2 minutes, I got the information I needed about database storage locations and found out the problem was, indeed, a credentials issue. I fixed it, and presto, Goldmine started working. Lovely, 6 hours wasted, but at least I got GM back up! So off to lunch I go... and upon my return, I discover....
That Rod's install of Peachtree isn't working. Great. So I ask him to leave his PW in case I need to login and as soon as he left, I had to go work on his work station. Ick factor +4. I had to smell his smell while I worked. Ick factor +5. Three hours later, working with PT tech support, we still can't figure out why it's not working, I have to leave, and Rod is checked out for the weekend. Lovely thing to look forward to come in to on Monday... And not even time to blog!
On a lighter note, Rod spoke to some devs on Friday about working here. I heard him talk about the medical benefits that they would receive here (ha!), that there are 5 employees here (haha!!) and that we are a development company (hahahaha!) It brought back memories of my own interview here when he lied about the same things to me - the size of the company and employer covered medical and dental insurance. What a crock! But, who am I to tell the truth to the next new guy? Luckily, he'll end up replacing me anyway, and then I don't have to be here any longer.
I can hardly wait!
(hopefully another blog to come later today)
Eye Tee Girl
Some more time went by. Perhaps 6 minutes elapsed. Rod informed me he was calling Microsoft. "Ok," I said. "What do you plan on telling them?" Well, that got him quiet. "Well, aren't YOU going to be on the call?" I was patient. "No, Rod, I have no idea what the problem is yet. I keep getting interrupted." There was silence for perhaps 2 minutes. "Well, I'm calling them ANYway and I exPECT you to PARTIcipate in the CALL." Fine, whatever, as long as it would shut him up. So I informed him, "Fine, but I'm not going to sit on the phone while you navigate the system and argue that you won't work with someone in the Philipines, or in India, or anywhere but the US. That alone takes you an hour or more, and frankly, that's what I dread about calls to Microsoft when you decide to take charge." Now this is where things got interesting. Rod turned it around on me. "You aren't willing to speak to someone in India?" he asked. I said, "Ohhh no you don't! I have no problem with it. You are the one who argues in circles with people until you get someone in the US." He paused. "OH, yes, well that's TRUE, I don't LIKE people in INDIA." I just ignored that comment and tried to return to work.
But, of course, Rod made that impossible. He continued to pepper me with questions, such as the version we are running of this or that, which service pack, what our license number is... Essentially, the only time I got to troubleshoot the password problem was before Rod got here.
The call that Rod set up ending up taking hours. I knew we were chasing red herrings, but I wasn't ever given a real opportunity to troubleshoot the problem myself, and in peace. Finally, I ended up asking Rod if we could conference in Goldmine support. In about 2 minutes, I got the information I needed about database storage locations and found out the problem was, indeed, a credentials issue. I fixed it, and presto, Goldmine started working. Lovely, 6 hours wasted, but at least I got GM back up! So off to lunch I go... and upon my return, I discover....
That Rod's install of Peachtree isn't working. Great. So I ask him to leave his PW in case I need to login and as soon as he left, I had to go work on his work station. Ick factor +4. I had to smell his smell while I worked. Ick factor +5. Three hours later, working with PT tech support, we still can't figure out why it's not working, I have to leave, and Rod is checked out for the weekend. Lovely thing to look forward to come in to on Monday... And not even time to blog!
On a lighter note, Rod spoke to some devs on Friday about working here. I heard him talk about the medical benefits that they would receive here (ha!), that there are 5 employees here (haha!!) and that we are a development company (hahahaha!) It brought back memories of my own interview here when he lied about the same things to me - the size of the company and employer covered medical and dental insurance. What a crock! But, who am I to tell the truth to the next new guy? Luckily, he'll end up replacing me anyway, and then I don't have to be here any longer.
I can hardly wait!
(hopefully another blog to come later today)
Eye Tee Girl
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Hell hath no fury...
Check that. Hell hath no misery like working at Acme. Specifically, working for Rod.
He's just so... so... mean.
And he doesn't really ever have a good reason for it.
He called Dave worthless and useless today. What kind of human really thinks of another human as worthless and useless? I was shocked at the hatred in his tone, on his face, and in his gestures. I wouldn't even call Rod useless or worthless. It kills a piece of me inside when he says stuff like that, and I just cannot be quiet. This time, I said, "Hey, you want me to treat you with respect. You can't go around talking about people like that! Why am I supposed to think you speak any differently about me when I'm not around?" He was silent. But not because he realized my point. He was silent because I had just pissed him off some more and I suppose he had to "regain" his composure. HA! But I no longer care. Screw him. He screws anything that moves, either with his ka-ka or with his corrupt business practices. Why should I treat him differently than he treats anyone else? He doesn't deserve my kindness any longer!
Ok, enough of the bitter rantings. Here are some funny stories from the day.
Shit bomb, 6 :: Fuck bomb, 2 :: GDI, 1 (And all but 1 S Bomb and 1 F Bomb were dropped before 10 am!)
Rod wanted me to work on a mini project for him. Fine. I have no problem doing it. What is as irritating as it is mirthful is that in the space of 15 minutes and back to back, he told me 4 times what to do. All 4 times, he listed the same main tasks. Then he went to his desk to write it down. Then he brought his pad over and read them to me. Again. Control issues? OCD? ADHD? I mean, what the hell?
So this project involved that I work on his machine. I had to save a file. The default path that came up was on the network: G:\Employees\Rod\WomansName\xxx
Well, shit bugger. You can't see something like that on someone's machine and ignore it. With a smirk, I said, "Hey Jen, c'mere." "What? I'm in the middle of something." "No, really, you need to c'mere." She came up behind me and said "What." I showed her. She looked at me, I looked at her. She said, "Well...? OPEN THEM!" I was hesitant. "Nudie pictures of Rod? UGH!" "So?" she said. That's all it took. So I used the thumbnail view, and sure enough... Porn, and lots of it. We even found one that we are convinced was Rod, himself, or ... part of himself, anyway. Ick factor: Infinity +1. I will be saving all these files somewhere - unfortunately, I need to keep them as evidence of the sexual harassment here. Having files like this, in public, is proof of his complete disregard for us.
While I was working on his computer, the scroll wheel stuck, so I looked down at it. I wish now I hadn't. It was visibly oily, and there was a chunk of... well... something... on it. Ugh. Nasty. Ick factor: +9
I told Rod at one point today that I have never, ever been managed as closely as he manages me. Not even when I was 16 at McDonald's! His quip was "Y'know, attorneys and accountants have to account for all of their time!" Well, I wasn't talking about accounting for my time, but I didn't point that out. I settled on the obvious. "Well, I'm not an attorney or an accountant, so you prove nothing." He didn't really have much to say after that.
Rod must have been very excited this morning when he found an order for 1000 servers. He was so chipper to tell Jen about it! "Hey, did you know we got this big order?!" Jen replied, "You mean that one for 1,000 servers?" He sounded so deflated: "um.. Yeah, I ahhherrrUMMMM I guess." Jen was cool as a cucumber, "Yeah, they've paid and everything. A long time ago! This is really old!" Of course, Mr Argumentative couldn't leave it alone. Instead, he said "Oh, well, hmmph. It must've been in the wrong FOLder." Whatever.
Anyway, I'm just so done with this place. Porn on the network, constant criticism, lies, no morals, bad-mouthing... It's a wonder I haven't walked out on his sorry ass.
Ahhh, yes, the end of another great day looms before me! I must finish my farming on Facebook and bid all of you a grand good bye for the day.
Eye Tee Girl.
He's just so... so... mean.
And he doesn't really ever have a good reason for it.
He called Dave worthless and useless today. What kind of human really thinks of another human as worthless and useless? I was shocked at the hatred in his tone, on his face, and in his gestures. I wouldn't even call Rod useless or worthless. It kills a piece of me inside when he says stuff like that, and I just cannot be quiet. This time, I said, "Hey, you want me to treat you with respect. You can't go around talking about people like that! Why am I supposed to think you speak any differently about me when I'm not around?" He was silent. But not because he realized my point. He was silent because I had just pissed him off some more and I suppose he had to "regain" his composure. HA! But I no longer care. Screw him. He screws anything that moves, either with his ka-ka or with his corrupt business practices. Why should I treat him differently than he treats anyone else? He doesn't deserve my kindness any longer!
Ok, enough of the bitter rantings. Here are some funny stories from the day.
Shit bomb, 6 :: Fuck bomb, 2 :: GDI, 1 (And all but 1 S Bomb and 1 F Bomb were dropped before 10 am!)
Rod wanted me to work on a mini project for him. Fine. I have no problem doing it. What is as irritating as it is mirthful is that in the space of 15 minutes and back to back, he told me 4 times what to do. All 4 times, he listed the same main tasks. Then he went to his desk to write it down. Then he brought his pad over and read them to me. Again. Control issues? OCD? ADHD? I mean, what the hell?
So this project involved that I work on his machine. I had to save a file. The default path that came up was on the network: G:\Employees\Rod\WomansName\xxx
Well, shit bugger. You can't see something like that on someone's machine and ignore it. With a smirk, I said, "Hey Jen, c'mere." "What? I'm in the middle of something." "No, really, you need to c'mere." She came up behind me and said "What." I showed her. She looked at me, I looked at her. She said, "Well...? OPEN THEM!" I was hesitant. "Nudie pictures of Rod? UGH!" "So?" she said. That's all it took. So I used the thumbnail view, and sure enough... Porn, and lots of it. We even found one that we are convinced was Rod, himself, or ... part of himself, anyway. Ick factor: Infinity +1. I will be saving all these files somewhere - unfortunately, I need to keep them as evidence of the sexual harassment here. Having files like this, in public, is proof of his complete disregard for us.
While I was working on his computer, the scroll wheel stuck, so I looked down at it. I wish now I hadn't. It was visibly oily, and there was a chunk of... well... something... on it. Ugh. Nasty. Ick factor: +9
I told Rod at one point today that I have never, ever been managed as closely as he manages me. Not even when I was 16 at McDonald's! His quip was "Y'know, attorneys and accountants have to account for all of their time!" Well, I wasn't talking about accounting for my time, but I didn't point that out. I settled on the obvious. "Well, I'm not an attorney or an accountant, so you prove nothing." He didn't really have much to say after that.
Rod must have been very excited this morning when he found an order for 1000 servers. He was so chipper to tell Jen about it! "Hey, did you know we got this big order?!" Jen replied, "You mean that one for 1,000 servers?" He sounded so deflated: "um.. Yeah, I ahhherrrUMMMM I guess." Jen was cool as a cucumber, "Yeah, they've paid and everything. A long time ago! This is really old!" Of course, Mr Argumentative couldn't leave it alone. Instead, he said "Oh, well, hmmph. It must've been in the wrong FOLder." Whatever.
Anyway, I'm just so done with this place. Porn on the network, constant criticism, lies, no morals, bad-mouthing... It's a wonder I haven't walked out on his sorry ass.
Ahhh, yes, the end of another great day looms before me! I must finish my farming on Facebook and bid all of you a grand good bye for the day.
Eye Tee Girl.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Arguably the best argument ever argued!
I think, perhaps, Rod quite literally lives to argue. To correct. To advance himself. Of course, it never works, and in the process, he just makes an ass out of himself, but like I said... I think he lives for it.
On a call with a customer: "Well, it's cloudy and grey here...[it was actually sunny] What's the weather like there in Toronto?" A long period of silence passed. Then the customer said, "Um, who's in Toronto?" Rod reminded him. "YOU are!" "No, I'm in Wisconsin." Rod argued. "No, you are in Ontario! That's in Toronto, right?" Wrong again, Rod. Toronto is in Ontario. But close! And I think the customer likely knows where he is located... So I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Rod 0, Customer 2. Criminy! He is just so embarrassing!
I was in a Microsoft training course - a good one - about troubleshooting upgrade issues when people start migrating from Office 2007 to 2010. I put it in the calendar, and since I never have had to tell Rod in the past of training sessions, I left it at that. Rod came up wanted to have a meeting right as the course was starting. By now, I'm sure you know that all meetings turn into arguments, they are never really "meetings," and we rarely discuss the issue that prompted the meeting. I told him "I'm in a training class." "What do you MEAN, TRAINING class?!" I ignored him - I was still trying to get the connection working, and I didn't stutter - my words were self-explanatory. Let him figure it out on his lonesome! Besides, he just wanted another argument and I wasn't in the mood. I could hear him clicking around - presumably at the calendar - while he muttered and murmured. Then, "What is this 'Em - Ess' Training thing?" I ignored him again. Then, bellowed, "KATIE! WHAT IS THIS 'EM ESS' TRAINING THING?!" I played dumb. "I'm sorry, what? I'm in a training class, I couldn't hear you." "WHAT IS THIS EM ESS THING?" The emphasis he was placing on the letters MS made it clear he didn't understand what "em ess" stood for. So... I helped him. I regretted it almost instantly. "It is a Microsoft Training course." "TRAINING YOU ON WHAT!!!" "Troubleshooting applications!" Now, I know that in reality, the least helpful thing I said was that last sentence, but it pacified him. And I also know I was playing hard to get - I didn't want to tell him what the course was about, so I compromised with a half-explanation. I'm not sure why. I think I'm just starting to enjoy how easy it is to wind him up. I think it's the Irish in me. Anyway, not long thereafter, Jen said, "Katie?" To which Rod very snidely replied, "She is BUSY for the next TWO HOURS!" Whatever. Go suck a rubberband or something else more useful than your harassment.
So while I was in the training course, the main debt collector called again. Because I was in my class and Jen was on the phone, Rod had to take his own collection call. Finally! Jen and I have been fielding these calls for, I dunno, two months? Jen, how long? Anyway, I couldn't hear everything, but I could clearly hear this line: "I am not prePAREd to make a payment!" He sounded like a 4 year old boy, hands on hips, stomping his feet. And then, "Contact me only by email, then!!" His voice lowered, so I had to ignore the class for a minute. After all, a blogger has certain responsibilities to her adoring public! "You are harassing me! I can't believe I have to send a letter to stop this harassment. But fine I will thanks goodbye." All one sentence. Might have been one word for as quickly as he said it!
As the second hour of my training began, Rod decided to try meeting with me again. "Can we have a meeting?" Sigh. "Rod, remember? I'm in training." My voice was plaintive. His face sneered at me and at the idea that I was in a training course. The nerve! Really. Why wouldn't he just go away? This really was important. I wasn't faking it. (Maybe he's not used to that from a woman?) (Oh SNAP) But no. He started talking, regardless of the headphones in my ears. Regardless of the Power Point slides moving on my screen. He said, "FINE! I want you to do ONE THING. And it BETTER be done toMORrow." "Ok, Rod, make it quick. What is it?" I removed the headphone from my left ear. Well, crap. That just opened the door for him. Consider that a lesson learned! "Well, FIRST! I want you to..." And here, he proceeded to talk about things that not only had we spoken about, but that had already been established in email! So I interrupted him. My class was still droning on in my right ear and I wanted to get back to it quickly. I asked him, "In light of expediency, could you be less repetitious, please?" Well, that just pissed him off. I could tell. Part of me grinned on the inside. That was easy! "I will SAY whatever I WANT to say, Goddammit!" Well, crap. There he went, cussin again. Now I had to decide... stay for the important class? Or leave on principle? I stayed. So I said right back: "Well, then, I will just choose to ignore you... and your cursing! This time." I turned my back on him quite deliberately and put my headphones back in. It was at this point that he stammered through a tongue thickened by hate and anger, "Well, consider this HOUR as YOUR time and TIME you will not be PAID for." Really? Now he's threatening my salary for doing what is in my job description? I mean, I get the whole "He's the boss of me" thing, but... really? "Okay, Rod, go ahead. This is important. More important than money." Well, he just kept going. He was on a roll! "I mean, I'm not going to pay for this BULLSHIT!" I replied quietly (I think), "Fine, Rod, consider me out of the office now. I'll be quiet, you be quiet. If you can't keep a clean tongue in your mouth, I don't need to be paid for the hour." You know? Really, at this point, I swear I wasn't trying to egg him on anymore. I was just missing more of my class. He was storming around the office now, I heard him whip around the corner as he said something to the effect that he paid my salary so he had the right to speak however he wanted. I pointed out that ... actually? he wasn't paying me anything right now, so ... I let the logic wash over him. He got really silent very quickly.
Rod confuses words. A lot. But he'll argue till he's blue in the face about it! For instance, has been having problems with his PIN at the bank. Apparently, it will work at the bank, and then when he gets to his computer, the password stops working. Now, I have been silently laughing about this one to myself for probably 2 months now. Obviously, he is trying to use his ATM PIN as his bank website logon password. Then he blows out his web logon by typing it in wrong 3 times. If his bank is like mine, it means not only is he locked out for 24 hours from the website, but he now also has to call the bank and get his web logon password reset and emailed to him. Then he'll be able to logon to his web page for a while, and then, oddly enough, his ATM PIN will stop working - because he's using his new password! So, in the last 2 months or so, he has had, I think, 4 PINs mailed to him and has called the bank 5 or more times to get his password reset. He thinks they are the same thing, used for both purposes. I feel like I am typing in circles. Does this make sense? Finally, today, I heard him on yet another call. "Ohhhhh. So, I have to have TWO DIFFERENT PASSWORDS? They are DIFFERENT?" I won't bore you with his opinion of having to memorize two passwords to do "the same thing," but suffice it to say, the poor person "helping" Rod got a tongue lashing.
Rod confuses other words as well. Insulation/Installation. Sure, practically the same thing. Others I think I've mentioned, console/counsel. As in, he sends people to look in the admin counsel all the time. If he asks me to deinstall something one more time... And now the latest. "Katie, do you think you are competent enough to do this install?" Oh brother. I just rolled my eyes. Confident. He wants to know if I am confident about doing the install. When I told him later it was insulting to ask if I was competent enough to do something, he said he never said that. I just said ok. Like pimples, some fights just aren't worth the time it takes to pick at.
So aside from digging up many, many skeletons about Rod lately, today was highly entertaining. As I uncover clear details about the level of his corruption, I hope to post them here.
Of course, I might just be too embarrassed to admit to what I find...
Eye Tee Girl
On a call with a customer: "Well, it's cloudy and grey here...[it was actually sunny] What's the weather like there in Toronto?" A long period of silence passed. Then the customer said, "Um, who's in Toronto?" Rod reminded him. "YOU are!" "No, I'm in Wisconsin." Rod argued. "No, you are in Ontario! That's in Toronto, right?" Wrong again, Rod. Toronto is in Ontario. But close! And I think the customer likely knows where he is located... So I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Rod 0, Customer 2. Criminy! He is just so embarrassing!
I was in a Microsoft training course - a good one - about troubleshooting upgrade issues when people start migrating from Office 2007 to 2010. I put it in the calendar, and since I never have had to tell Rod in the past of training sessions, I left it at that. Rod came up wanted to have a meeting right as the course was starting. By now, I'm sure you know that all meetings turn into arguments, they are never really "meetings," and we rarely discuss the issue that prompted the meeting. I told him "I'm in a training class." "What do you MEAN, TRAINING class?!" I ignored him - I was still trying to get the connection working, and I didn't stutter - my words were self-explanatory. Let him figure it out on his lonesome! Besides, he just wanted another argument and I wasn't in the mood. I could hear him clicking around - presumably at the calendar - while he muttered and murmured. Then, "What is this 'Em - Ess' Training thing?" I ignored him again. Then, bellowed, "KATIE! WHAT IS THIS 'EM ESS' TRAINING THING?!" I played dumb. "I'm sorry, what? I'm in a training class, I couldn't hear you." "WHAT IS THIS EM ESS THING?" The emphasis he was placing on the letters MS made it clear he didn't understand what "em ess" stood for. So... I helped him. I regretted it almost instantly. "It is a Microsoft Training course." "TRAINING YOU ON WHAT!!!" "Troubleshooting applications!" Now, I know that in reality, the least helpful thing I said was that last sentence, but it pacified him. And I also know I was playing hard to get - I didn't want to tell him what the course was about, so I compromised with a half-explanation. I'm not sure why. I think I'm just starting to enjoy how easy it is to wind him up. I think it's the Irish in me. Anyway, not long thereafter, Jen said, "Katie?" To which Rod very snidely replied, "She is BUSY for the next TWO HOURS!" Whatever. Go suck a rubberband or something else more useful than your harassment.
So while I was in the training course, the main debt collector called again. Because I was in my class and Jen was on the phone, Rod had to take his own collection call. Finally! Jen and I have been fielding these calls for, I dunno, two months? Jen, how long? Anyway, I couldn't hear everything, but I could clearly hear this line: "I am not prePAREd to make a payment!" He sounded like a 4 year old boy, hands on hips, stomping his feet. And then, "Contact me only by email, then!!" His voice lowered, so I had to ignore the class for a minute. After all, a blogger has certain responsibilities to her adoring public! "You are harassing me! I can't believe I have to send a letter to stop this harassment. But fine I will thanks goodbye." All one sentence. Might have been one word for as quickly as he said it!
As the second hour of my training began, Rod decided to try meeting with me again. "Can we have a meeting?" Sigh. "Rod, remember? I'm in training." My voice was plaintive. His face sneered at me and at the idea that I was in a training course. The nerve! Really. Why wouldn't he just go away? This really was important. I wasn't faking it. (Maybe he's not used to that from a woman?) (Oh SNAP) But no. He started talking, regardless of the headphones in my ears. Regardless of the Power Point slides moving on my screen. He said, "FINE! I want you to do ONE THING. And it BETTER be done toMORrow." "Ok, Rod, make it quick. What is it?" I removed the headphone from my left ear. Well, crap. That just opened the door for him. Consider that a lesson learned! "Well, FIRST! I want you to..." And here, he proceeded to talk about things that not only had we spoken about, but that had already been established in email! So I interrupted him. My class was still droning on in my right ear and I wanted to get back to it quickly. I asked him, "In light of expediency, could you be less repetitious, please?" Well, that just pissed him off. I could tell. Part of me grinned on the inside. That was easy! "I will SAY whatever I WANT to say, Goddammit!" Well, crap. There he went, cussin again. Now I had to decide... stay for the important class? Or leave on principle? I stayed. So I said right back: "Well, then, I will just choose to ignore you... and your cursing! This time." I turned my back on him quite deliberately and put my headphones back in. It was at this point that he stammered through a tongue thickened by hate and anger, "Well, consider this HOUR as YOUR time and TIME you will not be PAID for." Really? Now he's threatening my salary for doing what is in my job description? I mean, I get the whole "He's the boss of me" thing, but... really? "Okay, Rod, go ahead. This is important. More important than money." Well, he just kept going. He was on a roll! "I mean, I'm not going to pay for this BULLSHIT!" I replied quietly (I think), "Fine, Rod, consider me out of the office now. I'll be quiet, you be quiet. If you can't keep a clean tongue in your mouth, I don't need to be paid for the hour." You know? Really, at this point, I swear I wasn't trying to egg him on anymore. I was just missing more of my class. He was storming around the office now, I heard him whip around the corner as he said something to the effect that he paid my salary so he had the right to speak however he wanted. I pointed out that ... actually? he wasn't paying me anything right now, so ... I let the logic wash over him. He got really silent very quickly.
Rod confuses words. A lot. But he'll argue till he's blue in the face about it! For instance, has been having problems with his PIN at the bank. Apparently, it will work at the bank, and then when he gets to his computer, the password stops working. Now, I have been silently laughing about this one to myself for probably 2 months now. Obviously, he is trying to use his ATM PIN as his bank website logon password. Then he blows out his web logon by typing it in wrong 3 times. If his bank is like mine, it means not only is he locked out for 24 hours from the website, but he now also has to call the bank and get his web logon password reset and emailed to him. Then he'll be able to logon to his web page for a while, and then, oddly enough, his ATM PIN will stop working - because he's using his new password! So, in the last 2 months or so, he has had, I think, 4 PINs mailed to him and has called the bank 5 or more times to get his password reset. He thinks they are the same thing, used for both purposes. I feel like I am typing in circles. Does this make sense? Finally, today, I heard him on yet another call. "Ohhhhh. So, I have to have TWO DIFFERENT PASSWORDS? They are DIFFERENT?" I won't bore you with his opinion of having to memorize two passwords to do "the same thing," but suffice it to say, the poor person "helping" Rod got a tongue lashing.
Rod confuses other words as well. Insulation/Installation. Sure, practically the same thing. Others I think I've mentioned, console/counsel. As in, he sends people to look in the admin counsel all the time. If he asks me to deinstall something one more time... And now the latest. "Katie, do you think you are competent enough to do this install?" Oh brother. I just rolled my eyes. Confident. He wants to know if I am confident about doing the install. When I told him later it was insulting to ask if I was competent enough to do something, he said he never said that. I just said ok. Like pimples, some fights just aren't worth the time it takes to pick at.
So aside from digging up many, many skeletons about Rod lately, today was highly entertaining. As I uncover clear details about the level of his corruption, I hope to post them here.
Of course, I might just be too embarrassed to admit to what I find...
Eye Tee Girl
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Who needs money, anyway?
Well, I guess I do. That's why I'm here after all. Yesterday, I was out sick and asked my wonderful, loving partner to pick up my check. Imagine his shock when there was no paycheck here! That's weird, I told him... because I have gotten into the habit of asking up to two days in advance - just to verify pay day will actually happen. I'm sure you can see this one coming... That's right, we didn't get paid.
Payday was the 16th. All the companies I've ever worked for would work it like this: If payday falls on a Saturday, they pay you Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, they pay you Monday. A courtesy type thing, if you will.
But not Rod.
So on Friday, and perhaps earlier, I verified that payday would be Monday (I knew I didn't even have a shot at getting paid Friday). He agreed. Yes. Monday. I think I even mentioned something about MLK day. But the point is, he agreed. We would be getting paid Monday.
Now, I've heard stories from Jen. About Rod. They involve tax evasion, liens on accounts, and bounced checks. She has this whole ritual she goes through when she gets a check. She has even set up an account at Rod's bank to make the ritual goes smoothly. When we get paid, she cashes the check at the issuing bank, then she deposits the cash at her real bank. This way, she avoids a cashing fee, and any bounced check fees. She gave me the whole lowdown on how to do it. As a result, I am worried every single time I deposit a check. (I don't follow the ritual). (I should). I think she said that she and Dave went something like six weeks without getting paid. So, as Jen was detailing this whole story, I told her, "If he ever stiffs me for a check, that is the last day I work!"
Imagine my two-fold disappointment, dear, gentle readers, that he picked yesterday, the day I called in sick, to stiff me on my paycheck. I wasn't going to get paid, and I wasn't going to be able to walk out on him. Bummer!
So I got pissed, and I did my homework. This one isn't really as wishy washy as Rod wants us to believe. The rule reads that he "must pay on the regularly established payday." Now, there's no real punishment for it, but if (when!) I file a complaint, Washington State L&I takes over paying me for him if he doesn't heed their first warning.
I waited for Jen to come in this morning before asking in my best I'm-trying-not-to-kill-you voice: "So, Rod! Is there a reason we didn't get paid yesterday?" ahhereUUMM! "YES! That is because YESterday was a BANK holiday." I laughed out loud at that answer and said "Really? That's your reason?" I think I said something like "That's lame," but I don't remember for sure. His response, I'll never forget. "Well, it's good enough for me, so it has to be good enough for you."
Oh, no it doesn't, Rod. Something about "...and the horse you rode in on" is going through my mind right now.
Anyway, as I've been doing my research, I've been finding out all kinds of other stuff that is going on here that is illegal. I can't wait to list them all out for you! Finally, I have good blog stories on the days that are quiet here! Plus I want to verify that what I'm thinking is really true. It's surreal. I knew Rod was crooked, but what I've been uncovering takes it to new heights.
Here are some lighthearted, unrelated from our day:
Rod took us to lunch. Why? We have no idea. It was pleasant, I suppose. Lunch was free after all. (That was the only thing that got Jen and I to say yes!) The most interesting story Rod told involved his caulking skills. Apparently, Rod said, there is an art to caulking. This statement made my head pop up. Did he even realize the homonym here? Either way, I couldn't look at Jen, or I knew I would completely lose my composure! So, back to the story. There is an artform to caulking. Rod, it would seem, is not a good caulker. No. In fact, he had to hire someone to come into his home and do his caulking for him! Now, I grant you, I have the mind of a 12 year old when it comes to words that sound naughty, but aren't. Caulk has to be one of my favorites. This conversation had me in silent mirth, delicately wiping away at tears, pretending it was my sinus pain. The hilarity! He is bad at caulking! He needs someone to do his caulking for him! Oh, really, it was just too much.
Curse count for the day: Shit!, 3 :: GDI, 1 :: Fuck, 3 :: Bitch, 1 (when referring to a woman)
I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the sordid side of Acme. And Rod's poor caulking skills!
I bid you adieu!
Eye Tee Girl
Payday was the 16th. All the companies I've ever worked for would work it like this: If payday falls on a Saturday, they pay you Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, they pay you Monday. A courtesy type thing, if you will.
But not Rod.
So on Friday, and perhaps earlier, I verified that payday would be Monday (I knew I didn't even have a shot at getting paid Friday). He agreed. Yes. Monday. I think I even mentioned something about MLK day. But the point is, he agreed. We would be getting paid Monday.
Now, I've heard stories from Jen. About Rod. They involve tax evasion, liens on accounts, and bounced checks. She has this whole ritual she goes through when she gets a check. She has even set up an account at Rod's bank to make the ritual goes smoothly. When we get paid, she cashes the check at the issuing bank, then she deposits the cash at her real bank. This way, she avoids a cashing fee, and any bounced check fees. She gave me the whole lowdown on how to do it. As a result, I am worried every single time I deposit a check. (I don't follow the ritual). (I should). I think she said that she and Dave went something like six weeks without getting paid. So, as Jen was detailing this whole story, I told her, "If he ever stiffs me for a check, that is the last day I work!"
Imagine my two-fold disappointment, dear, gentle readers, that he picked yesterday, the day I called in sick, to stiff me on my paycheck. I wasn't going to get paid, and I wasn't going to be able to walk out on him. Bummer!
So I got pissed, and I did my homework. This one isn't really as wishy washy as Rod wants us to believe. The rule reads that he "must pay on the regularly established payday." Now, there's no real punishment for it, but if (when!) I file a complaint, Washington State L&I takes over paying me for him if he doesn't heed their first warning.
I waited for Jen to come in this morning before asking in my best I'm-trying-not-to-kill-you voice: "So, Rod! Is there a reason we didn't get paid yesterday?" ahhereUUMM! "YES! That is because YESterday was a BANK holiday." I laughed out loud at that answer and said "Really? That's your reason?" I think I said something like "That's lame," but I don't remember for sure. His response, I'll never forget. "Well, it's good enough for me, so it has to be good enough for you."
Oh, no it doesn't, Rod. Something about "...and the horse you rode in on" is going through my mind right now.
Anyway, as I've been doing my research, I've been finding out all kinds of other stuff that is going on here that is illegal. I can't wait to list them all out for you! Finally, I have good blog stories on the days that are quiet here! Plus I want to verify that what I'm thinking is really true. It's surreal. I knew Rod was crooked, but what I've been uncovering takes it to new heights.
Here are some lighthearted, unrelated from our day:
Rod took us to lunch. Why? We have no idea. It was pleasant, I suppose. Lunch was free after all. (That was the only thing that got Jen and I to say yes!) The most interesting story Rod told involved his caulking skills. Apparently, Rod said, there is an art to caulking. This statement made my head pop up. Did he even realize the homonym here? Either way, I couldn't look at Jen, or I knew I would completely lose my composure! So, back to the story. There is an artform to caulking. Rod, it would seem, is not a good caulker. No. In fact, he had to hire someone to come into his home and do his caulking for him! Now, I grant you, I have the mind of a 12 year old when it comes to words that sound naughty, but aren't. Caulk has to be one of my favorites. This conversation had me in silent mirth, delicately wiping away at tears, pretending it was my sinus pain. The hilarity! He is bad at caulking! He needs someone to do his caulking for him! Oh, really, it was just too much.
Curse count for the day: Shit!, 3 :: GDI, 1 :: Fuck, 3 :: Bitch, 1 (when referring to a woman)
I hope you have enjoyed learning more about the sordid side of Acme. And Rod's poor caulking skills!
I bid you adieu!
Eye Tee Girl
Friday, January 15, 2010
This One's for the Dog!
Aging sucks. I think we all know that. And while it may be better than the alternative, it sure seems like it must be awful.
Rod, at last count, had the following maladies:
Back pain
A shoulder growth
A rash on his leg
and now the latest, a toe infection. Ick factor +8
Now, if this were describing my body, the last thing I would ever do would be to look in a mirror. Do you think these things happen to ALL old people? Or just the evil ones? Rod makes weekly appointments for the doctor these days. I think he's on a first name basis with the person who answers the phone, even! Me, I visit a doctor once every 5 years (at best!) and then, only when something hurts or seems infectious. This guy has been 5 times just this year! Oy vey, I hope we have a good insurance plan! Anyway, at least this latest corporal failure means he is leaving early today and Jen and I will get a nice lunch out of it!
Rod thinks he doesn't micromanage. Isn't that a laugh? He even bragged about it in my interview! Later, his story changed a bit. He said "Do you know? People think I micromanage!" and then he snorted in disbelief. I snorted right back and said "Ya, I can believe it! You have me cc you on every single email I send. Every time you ask me to do something, I must advise you when it is complete. You literally demand to know what I am thinking, you insist on my agreement with you on policies, approaches, and sales techniques. Yes, Rod, you are a Micromanager!" He still scoffed. "Well, I don't think that makes me a micromanager! That's just ensuring that we are giving good customer service!" I just rolled my eyes. I try not to think ill of anyone, but this guy is just clueless. He actually kinda reminds me of Mr Bean - just off in his own world, and when something happens that he doesn't like, well, he just dumps it in someone else's world (like the scene with the oysters, when he dumps them in the ladies purse).
Oh, and hell to the no! Ick factor +143. Rod just went to some website, I guess. All I know is that I heard a mouse click and then cheesy synth music, and then a woman's breathy panting voice. Oh HELL no. God, get me out of here, this place is just nasty. I am getting a prophylactic suit for Monday. I am just so creeped out right now! Damn!
Anyway, as this week closes, I have been thinking harder about why I'm still here. Last night as I drove home in the rain, I just couldn't think of why I should come in another day. When I got home, I finally realized it. My two puppies greeted me happily, bouncing off each other to give me warm kisses and nuzzles. I have a husky and a HUGE white malamute. The husky bounded up again, and landed on the malamute, who yelped and jumped, cowering in pain. She had hit his tender back legs. Maybe I should tell the whole story...
Last December (08), when Seattle got hit with a nasty series of freak snow storms, the city got buried. I religiously walked my dogs (I had just been laid off from Boeing, I certainly had nothing better to do), and the snow didn't stop me. Actually, it encouraged me! I love the snow. So, my fiance and I took my husky and the most innocent, incorrigible, impossible black lab you have ever known for a walk. We took them to the park and I let them run free, the snowdog and the retriever! They had a blast, running through the snow, bounding back to us... repeat! We got home that night, and our lab started whimpering in apparent pain. When I got him to come to me, I knew immediately what was wrong, my heart sank, and I went cold. He had bloat. And it was late at night. And the streets were covered in snow. This was not good.
Being the animal lovers we are, we got him into our Suburban (he jumped right up, despite the agony he was in) and off we took for the nearest emergency vet - about 10 miles away. Off we sped! A terrifying 20 MPH on deserted, snow packed streets! The dog moaning and howling in misery, but licking me desperately, as though to say "make it stop, mama, I know you can!" I kept saying "Just hang on, buddy, the doctor will fix you up! Just hang on, ohh, I know it hurts!" Then I'd yell desperately, "HOW MUCH FURTHER?"
If any of you have had a dog with bloat, you probably know what happened next. We got him in the vet's, they drugged him up good, took xrays, and came to us with the news. It would be $5000 to fix him. FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS! We looked at each other, we looked at the doc. I asked, "Can we set up a payment plan? I mean, Christmas is next week, and I just got riffed from Boeing, and ... well, we just don't have that kind of money sitting in an account." It killed me that money was stopping me from saving my dog's life. What a crime. He said, no, they would not accept payments, but they would take credit cards! Because I had already been burdening our credit cards by being out of work, this just was not a feasible option. We had to make the choice to have our dog put down. A perfectly healthy, wonderfully innocent 5 year old lab died that night. Because of money.
It took a few weeks, but we made the choice to get another dog. On Jan 2, 2009, we went to the Seattle pound, just to "take a look." I kept repeating, "We are not getting a dog today! So keep that in mind!" So in we walked, my main squeeze and his two sons. The first dog on the right was the biggest dog I have ever seen. He had wonderfully soulful eyes, and while all the other dogs were yapping, jumping, or eating their poo, he just quietly watched us. Back and forth we walked, pointing at different dogs. "What about this one!" or "Here's another husky!" or "Wow, I didn't know dogs would lay in their own poop! GROSS!" But I couldn't stray far from that big, white, sad-lookin' dog with the woeful eyes on the right. So I finally said, "Babe, I really want this one." And I pointed. He looked at me with huge eyes. I figured the answer would be "No way in hell!" I was half way right. "No way! That's the one I like too!!" The boys were all over it. "I loved him right away." "No you didn't, idiot, I did." "Yes I did!" "Can we get him?" "I love him!" I couldn't believe that everyone else wanted this same big ass dog I did!
So we did all the right things, we asked to take him out in the yard out back, we played with him, we kissed him, we walked him, we chased him, we were already proud of him... We fell in love with him. We put him on reserve - it was getting late, and I wanted my dog to play with him in the yard before we made it final.
The excitement the next day was better than Christmas. We were going to give Big Ass White Dog a new forever home! We packed the husky in the truck along with four overly excited humans. Well, to shorten the story, my husky fell in love as quickly as we did, and we decided to proceed. Dreading the fees, I took out my checkbook and asked what the tally was. Again, the want of money was interfering with my ability to love an animal. It made me sad. But imagine my surprise as the story unfolded! This was actually the dog's 2nd time to the pound! He was dropped off as a puppy and adopted by some sort of drug family, they think, who wanted a big ass dog for protection. Then they returned him, we think because he just got too big! The result was that they had already paid all the neutering fees, placement fees, whatever other charges there are, and all I had to pay for was to re-instate his license. $5. The big ass, 1 year old dog was 5 bucks.
When we got him home, I noticed his gait was a bit off, so I got him to our usual vet. They checked him out, and said something was definitely wrong - hips, back, or knees, they couldn't tell, so they referred us to an expert place. Off we went to the next place, they couldn't really diagnose either, without xrays and medicines to see how he reacted. Xrays and medicine all cost money. And for a dog that big, it meant big money. So I promised him as we left, "One day soon, big bubba, I'm gonna get a job, and I'm gonna save up my money, and we are gonna get your legs fixed!"
The windshield wipers squealed and brought me back to the present. Here I am, keeping a promise I made to a dog, a solemn vow, and one I will not break. He doesn't know I made the promise, but I do. And one day, I will have the money to fix him. He will not have to live a life in pain. Everyday I put up with Rod, as trite as it is, for a few more dollars in the "Fix the dog" pot. It may seem stupid to put up with this for a promise to a dog, but it's enough to help me go in every day now, and put up with a little more crap, until I land somewhere else.
It's not a lot, but it's enough.
Happy puppy trails, everyone! It's Friday!
Eye Tee Girl
Rod, at last count, had the following maladies:
Back pain
A shoulder growth
A rash on his leg
and now the latest, a toe infection. Ick factor +8
Now, if this were describing my body, the last thing I would ever do would be to look in a mirror. Do you think these things happen to ALL old people? Or just the evil ones? Rod makes weekly appointments for the doctor these days. I think he's on a first name basis with the person who answers the phone, even! Me, I visit a doctor once every 5 years (at best!) and then, only when something hurts or seems infectious. This guy has been 5 times just this year! Oy vey, I hope we have a good insurance plan! Anyway, at least this latest corporal failure means he is leaving early today and Jen and I will get a nice lunch out of it!
Rod thinks he doesn't micromanage. Isn't that a laugh? He even bragged about it in my interview! Later, his story changed a bit. He said "Do you know? People think I micromanage!" and then he snorted in disbelief. I snorted right back and said "Ya, I can believe it! You have me cc you on every single email I send. Every time you ask me to do something, I must advise you when it is complete. You literally demand to know what I am thinking, you insist on my agreement with you on policies, approaches, and sales techniques. Yes, Rod, you are a Micromanager!" He still scoffed. "Well, I don't think that makes me a micromanager! That's just ensuring that we are giving good customer service!" I just rolled my eyes. I try not to think ill of anyone, but this guy is just clueless. He actually kinda reminds me of Mr Bean - just off in his own world, and when something happens that he doesn't like, well, he just dumps it in someone else's world (like the scene with the oysters, when he dumps them in the ladies purse).
Oh, and hell to the no! Ick factor +143. Rod just went to some website, I guess. All I know is that I heard a mouse click and then cheesy synth music, and then a woman's breathy panting voice. Oh HELL no. God, get me out of here, this place is just nasty. I am getting a prophylactic suit for Monday. I am just so creeped out right now! Damn!
Anyway, as this week closes, I have been thinking harder about why I'm still here. Last night as I drove home in the rain, I just couldn't think of why I should come in another day. When I got home, I finally realized it. My two puppies greeted me happily, bouncing off each other to give me warm kisses and nuzzles. I have a husky and a HUGE white malamute. The husky bounded up again, and landed on the malamute, who yelped and jumped, cowering in pain. She had hit his tender back legs. Maybe I should tell the whole story...
Last December (08), when Seattle got hit with a nasty series of freak snow storms, the city got buried. I religiously walked my dogs (I had just been laid off from Boeing, I certainly had nothing better to do), and the snow didn't stop me. Actually, it encouraged me! I love the snow. So, my fiance and I took my husky and the most innocent, incorrigible, impossible black lab you have ever known for a walk. We took them to the park and I let them run free, the snowdog and the retriever! They had a blast, running through the snow, bounding back to us... repeat! We got home that night, and our lab started whimpering in apparent pain. When I got him to come to me, I knew immediately what was wrong, my heart sank, and I went cold. He had bloat. And it was late at night. And the streets were covered in snow. This was not good.
Being the animal lovers we are, we got him into our Suburban (he jumped right up, despite the agony he was in) and off we took for the nearest emergency vet - about 10 miles away. Off we sped! A terrifying 20 MPH on deserted, snow packed streets! The dog moaning and howling in misery, but licking me desperately, as though to say "make it stop, mama, I know you can!" I kept saying "Just hang on, buddy, the doctor will fix you up! Just hang on, ohh, I know it hurts!" Then I'd yell desperately, "HOW MUCH FURTHER?"
If any of you have had a dog with bloat, you probably know what happened next. We got him in the vet's, they drugged him up good, took xrays, and came to us with the news. It would be $5000 to fix him. FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS! We looked at each other, we looked at the doc. I asked, "Can we set up a payment plan? I mean, Christmas is next week, and I just got riffed from Boeing, and ... well, we just don't have that kind of money sitting in an account." It killed me that money was stopping me from saving my dog's life. What a crime. He said, no, they would not accept payments, but they would take credit cards! Because I had already been burdening our credit cards by being out of work, this just was not a feasible option. We had to make the choice to have our dog put down. A perfectly healthy, wonderfully innocent 5 year old lab died that night. Because of money.
It took a few weeks, but we made the choice to get another dog. On Jan 2, 2009, we went to the Seattle pound, just to "take a look." I kept repeating, "We are not getting a dog today! So keep that in mind!" So in we walked, my main squeeze and his two sons. The first dog on the right was the biggest dog I have ever seen. He had wonderfully soulful eyes, and while all the other dogs were yapping, jumping, or eating their poo, he just quietly watched us. Back and forth we walked, pointing at different dogs. "What about this one!" or "Here's another husky!" or "Wow, I didn't know dogs would lay in their own poop! GROSS!" But I couldn't stray far from that big, white, sad-lookin' dog with the woeful eyes on the right. So I finally said, "Babe, I really want this one." And I pointed. He looked at me with huge eyes. I figured the answer would be "No way in hell!" I was half way right. "No way! That's the one I like too!!" The boys were all over it. "I loved him right away." "No you didn't, idiot, I did." "Yes I did!" "Can we get him?" "I love him!" I couldn't believe that everyone else wanted this same big ass dog I did!
So we did all the right things, we asked to take him out in the yard out back, we played with him, we kissed him, we walked him, we chased him, we were already proud of him... We fell in love with him. We put him on reserve - it was getting late, and I wanted my dog to play with him in the yard before we made it final.
The excitement the next day was better than Christmas. We were going to give Big Ass White Dog a new forever home! We packed the husky in the truck along with four overly excited humans. Well, to shorten the story, my husky fell in love as quickly as we did, and we decided to proceed. Dreading the fees, I took out my checkbook and asked what the tally was. Again, the want of money was interfering with my ability to love an animal. It made me sad. But imagine my surprise as the story unfolded! This was actually the dog's 2nd time to the pound! He was dropped off as a puppy and adopted by some sort of drug family, they think, who wanted a big ass dog for protection. Then they returned him, we think because he just got too big! The result was that they had already paid all the neutering fees, placement fees, whatever other charges there are, and all I had to pay for was to re-instate his license. $5. The big ass, 1 year old dog was 5 bucks.
When we got him home, I noticed his gait was a bit off, so I got him to our usual vet. They checked him out, and said something was definitely wrong - hips, back, or knees, they couldn't tell, so they referred us to an expert place. Off we went to the next place, they couldn't really diagnose either, without xrays and medicines to see how he reacted. Xrays and medicine all cost money. And for a dog that big, it meant big money. So I promised him as we left, "One day soon, big bubba, I'm gonna get a job, and I'm gonna save up my money, and we are gonna get your legs fixed!"
The windshield wipers squealed and brought me back to the present. Here I am, keeping a promise I made to a dog, a solemn vow, and one I will not break. He doesn't know I made the promise, but I do. And one day, I will have the money to fix him. He will not have to live a life in pain. Everyday I put up with Rod, as trite as it is, for a few more dollars in the "Fix the dog" pot. It may seem stupid to put up with this for a promise to a dog, but it's enough to help me go in every day now, and put up with a little more crap, until I land somewhere else.
It's not a lot, but it's enough.
Happy puppy trails, everyone! It's Friday!
Eye Tee Girl
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Crazy is as Crazy does
I learned a lot of things when I watched Forrest Gump. I think Rod could, too. One of those things being patient and kind. I know, I know, I ask for the sky...
Rod is in a seemingly good mood today. I was actually somewhat calm today. And then the text from Jen that explained it all. "Look in Rod's calendar today. 2 dates. Creep!" I looked and sure enough, two dates, two locations, two women's names. They were "hidden," in there - as "New Leads" at 5pm. Right, like Rod ever works later than 3? That's a laugh! Ick factor: +4
Rod was telling Jen how good she looked, just like a CNN reporter. Ick factor +1. Jen asked what the reporter was talking about, and then answered her own question. "Haiti?" "Yeah, of COURSE, Haiti." I waited for it, the inconsiderate, cruel comment, but it didn't come! Instead, "Yeah, all those poor people!" Now, how sad is it that I am shocked when Rod doesn't criticize something like this? Sad factor: +6
A couple hours into the day, the phone rings, and Jen answers, then transfers "an urgent call regarding a business matter with the Bank of America." Holy SMOKES this should be interesting! I got my pen ready! This is everything I heard (of interest anyway, it took a while for him to establish which account the gentleman was calling about!): "I do not have any money, I cannot pay this obligation. Take me to court if you have to but DO NOT EVER CALL ME AGAIN!" SLAM went the phone! I think I heard plastic crack.
Then, this is an interesting turn of events. Some man just came in, asked me "Rod Acme?" I pointed to the cubicle next to me and said "Rod's right there." The guy immediately bee lined to him and repeated, "Rod Acme?" "Yes," and then the guy handed Rod paperwork. He left immediately without another word being said. Rod is now being completely silent as he thumbs through paperwork! Did he just get served? Jen and I just simultaneously texted each other the same thought. Can a person actually get served because they are in so much debt?! We have no idea!
Anyway, I took notes immediately after another conversation Rod and I had a little while ago. Just to underscore the way things go here, multiple times a day, every day. It will give you an idea as to why it means so much to us when Rod is out of the office!
Rod: So you need to do the mapping before you do the import, right?
Me: I haven't done mapping...
R: RIGHT?!
M: I don't think that's right. I think you can import all day long without mapping, I know because I have imported but I have not mapped.
R: Well, you can't do reconcilliATION without mapping, right?
M: That may well be! I haven't actually looked at how a reconciliation report changes after an import or mapping.
R: Well, then, let me ask you THIS. Are you FAMILIAR with mapping?
(Oh Lord, here we go)
M: As a theory, yes, I know how field mapping works.
I then received a lecture on how it isn't field mapping (it is) and how I was wrong (well, duh!) and then:
R: Are you faMILiar with MAPPING?!
M: I haven't done mapping with this application yet, Rod.
R: Okay, then, how about this? You need to have mapping done to get reconciliation to work, RIGHT?
M: I haven't done mapping yet.
R: SOOOO??!!?!
M: So, I don't know, Rod!!
R: Don't know WHAT?!
Oh, brother.
M: I don't know if you need mapping for the reconciliation to work!!
R: STOP ATTACKING ME!
M: I'm not attacking you, Rod. You are attacking me. I've told you 4 times I haven't done mapping, by definition that means I'm not familiar with it!
R: Well, I'm stupid!
M: No, you're not. You are demeaning me and making me feel small and unappreciated by making me repeat over and over that I don't know something. You may be my boss, Rod, but you don't pay me enough to take this kind of treatment from you!
I was proud of myself! He was flying off the handle, and while I was upset, I wasn't losing control of the situation this time. I don't really think much happened after that. He calmed down almost immediately and we finished the conversation. He asked me to work on mapping and I said ok. I think that's how the conversation would go under most circumstances.
This conversation is after a different lengthy one that took place where I managed to steer it skillfully enough around obstacles and corners and we came out ahead! Of course, it took 30 minutes longer than it should have, and I was exhausted afterwards, but it proved I could come out of a Rod conversation without raised voices!
Well it's time for me to go prep for a call, then lunch, then hopefully, Rod will be gone for the day.
Eye Tee Girl
Rod is in a seemingly good mood today. I was actually somewhat calm today. And then the text from Jen that explained it all. "Look in Rod's calendar today. 2 dates. Creep!" I looked and sure enough, two dates, two locations, two women's names. They were "hidden," in there - as "New Leads" at 5pm. Right, like Rod ever works later than 3? That's a laugh! Ick factor: +4
Rod was telling Jen how good she looked, just like a CNN reporter. Ick factor +1. Jen asked what the reporter was talking about, and then answered her own question. "Haiti?" "Yeah, of COURSE, Haiti." I waited for it, the inconsiderate, cruel comment, but it didn't come! Instead, "Yeah, all those poor people!" Now, how sad is it that I am shocked when Rod doesn't criticize something like this? Sad factor: +6
A couple hours into the day, the phone rings, and Jen answers, then transfers "an urgent call regarding a business matter with the Bank of America." Holy SMOKES this should be interesting! I got my pen ready! This is everything I heard (of interest anyway, it took a while for him to establish which account the gentleman was calling about!): "I do not have any money, I cannot pay this obligation. Take me to court if you have to but DO NOT EVER CALL ME AGAIN!" SLAM went the phone! I think I heard plastic crack.
Then, this is an interesting turn of events. Some man just came in, asked me "Rod Acme?" I pointed to the cubicle next to me and said "Rod's right there." The guy immediately bee lined to him and repeated, "Rod Acme?" "Yes," and then the guy handed Rod paperwork. He left immediately without another word being said. Rod is now being completely silent as he thumbs through paperwork! Did he just get served? Jen and I just simultaneously texted each other the same thought. Can a person actually get served because they are in so much debt?! We have no idea!
Anyway, I took notes immediately after another conversation Rod and I had a little while ago. Just to underscore the way things go here, multiple times a day, every day. It will give you an idea as to why it means so much to us when Rod is out of the office!
Rod: So you need to do the mapping before you do the import, right?
Me: I haven't done mapping...
R: RIGHT?!
M: I don't think that's right. I think you can import all day long without mapping, I know because I have imported but I have not mapped.
R: Well, you can't do reconcilliATION without mapping, right?
M: That may well be! I haven't actually looked at how a reconciliation report changes after an import or mapping.
R: Well, then, let me ask you THIS. Are you FAMILIAR with mapping?
(Oh Lord, here we go)
M: As a theory, yes, I know how field mapping works.
I then received a lecture on how it isn't field mapping (it is) and how I was wrong (well, duh!) and then:
R: Are you faMILiar with MAPPING?!
M: I haven't done mapping with this application yet, Rod.
R: Okay, then, how about this? You need to have mapping done to get reconciliation to work, RIGHT?
M: I haven't done mapping yet.
R: SOOOO??!!?!
M: So, I don't know, Rod!!
R: Don't know WHAT?!
Oh, brother.
M: I don't know if you need mapping for the reconciliation to work!!
R: STOP ATTACKING ME!
M: I'm not attacking you, Rod. You are attacking me. I've told you 4 times I haven't done mapping, by definition that means I'm not familiar with it!
R: Well, I'm stupid!
M: No, you're not. You are demeaning me and making me feel small and unappreciated by making me repeat over and over that I don't know something. You may be my boss, Rod, but you don't pay me enough to take this kind of treatment from you!
I was proud of myself! He was flying off the handle, and while I was upset, I wasn't losing control of the situation this time. I don't really think much happened after that. He calmed down almost immediately and we finished the conversation. He asked me to work on mapping and I said ok. I think that's how the conversation would go under most circumstances.
This conversation is after a different lengthy one that took place where I managed to steer it skillfully enough around obstacles and corners and we came out ahead! Of course, it took 30 minutes longer than it should have, and I was exhausted afterwards, but it proved I could come out of a Rod conversation without raised voices!
Well it's time for me to go prep for a call, then lunch, then hopefully, Rod will be gone for the day.
Eye Tee Girl
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I can't trust quiet days
It's getting to the point now that I can't enjoy the quiet days as much, because I know it's just the calm before the storm. Rod was in a fairly good mood today. I'm not sure why. And that is terrifying.
I was on Monster, and out of curiosity, decided to run a search for Acme. This is what I found:
Now, after being here for a few months now, I know what to look for. He really wants this place to look good! So what does he do? He lies.
First, we aren't in Seattle, we are in Kenmore.
We are not a software company, we are a re-seller.
A great opportunity to create a national reputation? I was sipping some water as I read that one, and water came shooting out of my nose. HA!
Relaxed? Now my eyes were tearing from the laughter!
Very cool? That's just plain snort-worthy.
If you look at it more closely, the bad English, the grammatical errors, and the inconsistent font and other lazy formatting become obvious. Too bad some poor, unsuspecting schmucks will actually apply for this job!
Now, here's the funny part: I don't think this is an ad to replace me! It could very well be, don't get me wrong. But some things lead me to think it isn't. First, Rod told me he placed the ad a few hours after we found it. Also, we desperately need a developer here. Then, he asked Jen and me to go through the resumés he's gotten and pick out a prospect (he has only gotten 2). And lastly, I asked him outright if it was for my replacement, and he denied it. Of course, I lend absolutely no credence to his word (he lies all the time, after all), but the other facts kinda make me think.... But no, I'm sure he wants to get rid of me, and he thinks he's pulling the wool over my eyes. Trust me, the minute he hires someone new and asks ME to do the training? I am outta here! (Oh, please, let me get another job before that happens! I so want to walk out on him!)
On a lighter note, Rod finally got a haircut. His nasty ass, mad scientist hair was about 4 inches long, sticking out from all over his head. (Except where it was matted down due to the bed head effect.) So now it's only about 2 inches. Much, much better! (Of course, that's rather like saying liver and onions is better than raw liver, but still...)
Curse count: Shit, 4 :: GDI, 2
Rod thinks he is so funny. Today, the new property manager introduced herself to us. True to form, Rod had to crawl out of his cubicle and say something humiliating. It didn't take long. He asked her if she had spoken to the men next door? She said they were next. "Ohhh GOODIE!" he said, literally rubbing his hands together gleefully. "Can you please let them know that they are exCESSively LOUD?" She was nodding professionally, even repeated him a little. "Oh, uh-huh, too much noise?" She was excited to prove herself, I think! Then he continued. "Yes, when they use the BATHroom, the NOISES that we hear over here are just AWWWWful." Oh dear Lord. Bathroom humor. Really? I know 6 year olds with better knock-knock jokes than that. Rod knows how to charm the ladies, don't he? She laughed politely, shook his hand good-bye, and scuttled out of the office before I could shoot her the "I'm sorry he's such a knucklehead" look. Poor lady.
So there you have it, a boring, non exciting day at the office, and I actually blogged about it. Which is worse, the fact that I wrote about it, or that you, knowing from my FB status that nothing happened, read this anyway? :)
At least it was peaceful today, my ulcer hasn't increased in diameter, and I didn't need cold sore goop on my lips. All in all, just about all I can ask for in a work day these days!
Eye Tee Girl
I was on Monster, and out of curiosity, decided to run a search for Acme. This is what I found:
Windows Analyst – Developer
Growing Seattle Software Company needs Windows Analyst/Programmer. You will not be hired if we can’t significantly increase your income.
A candidate with good verbal and written skills, who can guide network administrators and CIO’s through technical processes regarding software troubleshooting, will be effective.
Success involves identifying the prospect’s wants and applying our technical resources to satisfy them.
The support process includes email, telephone discussions and web site demonstrations of our solutions. This is a great opportunity for you to create a national reputation in the Microsoft user community. Technical software sales skills are a must.
Experience in several of these areas helpful:
· .Net
· Visual Studio
· Visual Basic
· SQL Server 2005
· Web Site
· Goldmine
If you have ambition, desire to make $$$$’s and want to work in a relaxed and very cool environment apply today!
First, we aren't in Seattle, we are in Kenmore.
We are not a software company, we are a re-seller.
A great opportunity to create a national reputation? I was sipping some water as I read that one, and water came shooting out of my nose. HA!
Relaxed? Now my eyes were tearing from the laughter!
Very cool? That's just plain snort-worthy.
If you look at it more closely, the bad English, the grammatical errors, and the inconsistent font and other lazy formatting become obvious. Too bad some poor, unsuspecting schmucks will actually apply for this job!
Now, here's the funny part: I don't think this is an ad to replace me! It could very well be, don't get me wrong. But some things lead me to think it isn't. First, Rod told me he placed the ad a few hours after we found it. Also, we desperately need a developer here. Then, he asked Jen and me to go through the resumés he's gotten and pick out a prospect (he has only gotten 2). And lastly, I asked him outright if it was for my replacement, and he denied it. Of course, I lend absolutely no credence to his word (he lies all the time, after all), but the other facts kinda make me think.... But no, I'm sure he wants to get rid of me, and he thinks he's pulling the wool over my eyes. Trust me, the minute he hires someone new and asks ME to do the training? I am outta here! (Oh, please, let me get another job before that happens! I so want to walk out on him!)
On a lighter note, Rod finally got a haircut. His nasty ass, mad scientist hair was about 4 inches long, sticking out from all over his head. (Except where it was matted down due to the bed head effect.) So now it's only about 2 inches. Much, much better! (Of course, that's rather like saying liver and onions is better than raw liver, but still...)
Curse count: Shit, 4 :: GDI, 2
Rod thinks he is so funny. Today, the new property manager introduced herself to us. True to form, Rod had to crawl out of his cubicle and say something humiliating. It didn't take long. He asked her if she had spoken to the men next door? She said they were next. "Ohhh GOODIE!" he said, literally rubbing his hands together gleefully. "Can you please let them know that they are exCESSively LOUD?" She was nodding professionally, even repeated him a little. "Oh, uh-huh, too much noise?" She was excited to prove herself, I think! Then he continued. "Yes, when they use the BATHroom, the NOISES that we hear over here are just AWWWWful." Oh dear Lord. Bathroom humor. Really? I know 6 year olds with better knock-knock jokes than that. Rod knows how to charm the ladies, don't he? She laughed politely, shook his hand good-bye, and scuttled out of the office before I could shoot her the "I'm sorry he's such a knucklehead" look. Poor lady.
So there you have it, a boring, non exciting day at the office, and I actually blogged about it. Which is worse, the fact that I wrote about it, or that you, knowing from my FB status that nothing happened, read this anyway? :)
At least it was peaceful today, my ulcer hasn't increased in diameter, and I didn't need cold sore goop on my lips. All in all, just about all I can ask for in a work day these days!
Eye Tee Girl
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
He's unbelievable
That's really all there is to it.
Remember how I thought I would have insurance at the start of the month? Well, I do. The unfortunate part of the equation comes when you look at the lies Rod told me:
1. I was told repeatedly that the effective date was 1.1.10 - Turns out it was actually 12.1.09. This means the health issues I suffered through last month could have been resolved.
2. I had the first set of forms filled out in November. Unfortunately, those forms were for Regence, not Premera. The second set I had filled out and returned 12.03. Rod told Premera I did not tell him anything until 12.28.
3. Rod told Premera I am married and decided not to use my "husband's" insurance until nearly a month after my eligibility began. When questioned, he furthered the husband lie by saying I had applied for his insurance and was denied. Again, upon further questioning about the cause for denial, he stammered, he hemmed, and he hawed. He actually finally stuttered out following sentence: "Well uhhh... AHERRRRUM! That's because she and her husband ... Uhhhhmm... I guess... yeah... no... ummmm they aren't uhmmm MARRIED."
None of this stuff is true. (Well, except for the cryptic part that I'm not "married" to my "husband!") I guess he was making it all up as he went along. I never applied for anyone's insurance, I was not denied, I did not wait until the end of December to notify Rod of my interest in insurance. The extent of our conversation about insurance went essentially like this: "So, um KATIE, are you going to get insurance?" "Why, yes, Rod, I think I am." "Can you use your boyfriend's insurance?" "No, Rod, we're not married, so I can't get coverage."
Now, the final beauty mark on this story is that the price of my insurance changed. I was told when I hired on that my insurance would be paid for by Acme. After I enrolled, and after I had confirmed my enrollment, Rod called a meeting and told us that there is now going to be a mandatory employee contribution. After listening to his various phone calls yesterday, it sounds like all these lies were so he could avoid paying for one month of my coverage. Awesome. What a nice guy, eh?
So, dear readers, ETG is not having the best of days. Being lied to is such a violation! Add to that the pain I needlessly suffered in December, and it's just unbelievable. When I then think about how he lied about me, and what I said and did, and my blood pressure skyrockets. He is now disparaging my reputation with his lies.
Everyday I shake my head that I am still here. Why am I putting myself through this torture? Is it to keep this blog going? Or some need to be abused daily? Or do I just think I need the money that much?
Slogging through the misery, I remain...
Eye Tee Girl
Remember how I thought I would have insurance at the start of the month? Well, I do. The unfortunate part of the equation comes when you look at the lies Rod told me:
1. I was told repeatedly that the effective date was 1.1.10 - Turns out it was actually 12.1.09. This means the health issues I suffered through last month could have been resolved.
2. I had the first set of forms filled out in November. Unfortunately, those forms were for Regence, not Premera. The second set I had filled out and returned 12.03. Rod told Premera I did not tell him anything until 12.28.
3. Rod told Premera I am married and decided not to use my "husband's" insurance until nearly a month after my eligibility began. When questioned, he furthered the husband lie by saying I had applied for his insurance and was denied. Again, upon further questioning about the cause for denial, he stammered, he hemmed, and he hawed. He actually finally stuttered out following sentence: "Well uhhh... AHERRRRUM! That's because she and her husband ... Uhhhhmm... I guess... yeah... no... ummmm they aren't uhmmm MARRIED."
None of this stuff is true. (Well, except for the cryptic part that I'm not "married" to my "husband!") I guess he was making it all up as he went along. I never applied for anyone's insurance, I was not denied, I did not wait until the end of December to notify Rod of my interest in insurance. The extent of our conversation about insurance went essentially like this: "So, um KATIE, are you going to get insurance?" "Why, yes, Rod, I think I am." "Can you use your boyfriend's insurance?" "No, Rod, we're not married, so I can't get coverage."
Now, the final beauty mark on this story is that the price of my insurance changed. I was told when I hired on that my insurance would be paid for by Acme. After I enrolled, and after I had confirmed my enrollment, Rod called a meeting and told us that there is now going to be a mandatory employee contribution. After listening to his various phone calls yesterday, it sounds like all these lies were so he could avoid paying for one month of my coverage. Awesome. What a nice guy, eh?
So, dear readers, ETG is not having the best of days. Being lied to is such a violation! Add to that the pain I needlessly suffered in December, and it's just unbelievable. When I then think about how he lied about me, and what I said and did, and my blood pressure skyrockets. He is now disparaging my reputation with his lies.
Everyday I shake my head that I am still here. Why am I putting myself through this torture? Is it to keep this blog going? Or some need to be abused daily? Or do I just think I need the money that much?
Slogging through the misery, I remain...
Eye Tee Girl
Monday, January 11, 2010
Archival
Due to Rod's absence (Pause for applause to die down), I thought I'd tell some older stories I've been keeping to myself to bring out for a rainy day.
First, into the mailbag we go! This is a common question I've gotten lately with the new followers: "I assume you haven't quit because he's not *that* bad." You have no idea. Working here is horrible. Coming from a person who rarely cries, there have been days where I just sit on my bed and wonder how awful the coming day will be, and I bow my head into my hands and cry. The insults, the arguments, the rudeness, and yes, even the cursing - all of these things make working here an absolute nightmare. The only thing keeping me here is that I don't have another job (yet) to fill in that monetary hole. And in the last 18 months, roughly 9 of those, I've been unemployed. SOOoooo... The only thing keeping me here is the money. As sad as that is. And trust me, after last week, that's a very weak bond.
Also, for those of you who don't know yet, I have created a Facebook group that you can "become a fan" of, although the updates I post there are not as frequent as my EyeTee Grrl Facebook account. It's mostly there for discussions, if anyone wants to participate, and just cuz it's kinda cool. :) Become a fan of "EyeTeeGirl" if you dare!
So, when Dave left the office back in October, he was promised $50/hr for any future support he gave me. This I did not know. I also did not know he told Dave to account for his time in 2 hour increments. Meaning, if I ask Dave, "Hey do we have blank cd's somewhere?" and Dave's reply is "No," (as an absurd example, obviously) he can now charge Rod $100 (2 hours of work at $50). I am outlining the simple math for a reason, so bear with me. So I peppered Dave with a lot of basic questions, none of which took more than 15 minutes. I also had maybe 2 or 3 serious questions that took in-depth phone calls - ranging in time from 30 minutes to 75 minutes (1.25 hours). Obviously, Rod is going to get the shaft when he gets the bill.
Now, because Rod and Dave hate each other so much, they have both agreed that I will be the middle man. So I asked Dave for an accounting of his hours. In fairness to Rod (I shudder at the thought, as he is never fair to anyone else), it took Dave a month to respond. He claimed 10 support issues at 2 hours each. Can you do the math? I'll show all my work:
10 issues with 2 hour minimum at $50 per hour, or:
10 x 2 hrs x 50 $/hr
20 x $50
$1000
I sent Rod the email containing the hours (this was before I knew how much he promised Dave per hour.) Because Rod can never deal with monetary issues immediately, he came to me a few days later, and said "How about if I just give Dave five hundred bucks?" This sounded suspiciously as though he hadn't read my email, so I asked if he had read it. Of course he hadn't. So later, he came up to me and asked me "Twenty hours?! Has he REALLY worked TWENTY HOURS?" I said that I highly doubted it, but that Dave said Rod said to bill 2 hours for every job I contacted him about. Rod didn't address that directly, instead he said "Well, that's fine, I guess. 20 times $50 is $500 anyway, right?" I did the math quickly in my head. Um 1st calculation, no, Rod's wrong. I did it one more time in my head to make sure. 20 x 50 is definitely 1000 is what came back from my internal computer. "Um, no, Rod, I think 20 times 50 is actually a thousand, right?"
"Well, he's getting $25 an hour, then."
Oh, brother. So, Rod decided he was going to pay Dave $500 regardless of what he actually worked or what he actually promised to pay him.
Awesome. Not only do I work for a rude ignoramus, but now we can add "liar," and "thief." This guy is such a paragon.
Did I ever tell you? Rod wants Jen and I to include our pictures on our emails. Not his, not Dave's when he was here. Nope, just the two "VERY ATTRACTIVE" women who work for him, because he thinks it would boost sales. While I understand the theory that "sex sells," I'm pretty sure that is what models are paid for, and what they do for a living. I work on computers for a living. So... Is that misogynistic? Or just over the top sexual harassment? I can't decide. Let's have a discussion about it.
And last, but by no means least, maybe it's time I confess what I found on his desk back in October. Two prescriptions bottles, one half full, the other empty, both filled on the same day. The half full bottle read "Adderall" on it. Who can guess what was in the other, empty bottle?
Looking forward to reading your guesses!
Eye Tee Girl
First, into the mailbag we go! This is a common question I've gotten lately with the new followers: "I assume you haven't quit because he's not *that* bad." You have no idea. Working here is horrible. Coming from a person who rarely cries, there have been days where I just sit on my bed and wonder how awful the coming day will be, and I bow my head into my hands and cry. The insults, the arguments, the rudeness, and yes, even the cursing - all of these things make working here an absolute nightmare. The only thing keeping me here is that I don't have another job (yet) to fill in that monetary hole. And in the last 18 months, roughly 9 of those, I've been unemployed. SOOoooo... The only thing keeping me here is the money. As sad as that is. And trust me, after last week, that's a very weak bond.
Also, for those of you who don't know yet, I have created a Facebook group that you can "become a fan" of, although the updates I post there are not as frequent as my EyeTee Grrl Facebook account. It's mostly there for discussions, if anyone wants to participate, and just cuz it's kinda cool. :) Become a fan of "EyeTeeGirl" if you dare!
So, when Dave left the office back in October, he was promised $50/hr for any future support he gave me. This I did not know. I also did not know he told Dave to account for his time in 2 hour increments. Meaning, if I ask Dave, "Hey do we have blank cd's somewhere?" and Dave's reply is "No," (as an absurd example, obviously) he can now charge Rod $100 (2 hours of work at $50). I am outlining the simple math for a reason, so bear with me. So I peppered Dave with a lot of basic questions, none of which took more than 15 minutes. I also had maybe 2 or 3 serious questions that took in-depth phone calls - ranging in time from 30 minutes to 75 minutes (1.25 hours). Obviously, Rod is going to get the shaft when he gets the bill.
Now, because Rod and Dave hate each other so much, they have both agreed that I will be the middle man. So I asked Dave for an accounting of his hours. In fairness to Rod (I shudder at the thought, as he is never fair to anyone else), it took Dave a month to respond. He claimed 10 support issues at 2 hours each. Can you do the math? I'll show all my work:
10 issues with 2 hour minimum at $50 per hour, or:
10 x 2 hrs x 50 $/hr
20 x $50
$1000
I sent Rod the email containing the hours (this was before I knew how much he promised Dave per hour.) Because Rod can never deal with monetary issues immediately, he came to me a few days later, and said "How about if I just give Dave five hundred bucks?" This sounded suspiciously as though he hadn't read my email, so I asked if he had read it. Of course he hadn't. So later, he came up to me and asked me "Twenty hours?! Has he REALLY worked TWENTY HOURS?" I said that I highly doubted it, but that Dave said Rod said to bill 2 hours for every job I contacted him about. Rod didn't address that directly, instead he said "Well, that's fine, I guess. 20 times $50 is $500 anyway, right?" I did the math quickly in my head. Um 1st calculation, no, Rod's wrong. I did it one more time in my head to make sure. 20 x 50 is definitely 1000 is what came back from my internal computer. "Um, no, Rod, I think 20 times 50 is actually a thousand, right?"
"Well, he's getting $25 an hour, then."
Oh, brother. So, Rod decided he was going to pay Dave $500 regardless of what he actually worked or what he actually promised to pay him.
Awesome. Not only do I work for a rude ignoramus, but now we can add "liar," and "thief." This guy is such a paragon.
Did I ever tell you? Rod wants Jen and I to include our pictures on our emails. Not his, not Dave's when he was here. Nope, just the two "VERY ATTRACTIVE" women who work for him, because he thinks it would boost sales. While I understand the theory that "sex sells," I'm pretty sure that is what models are paid for, and what they do for a living. I work on computers for a living. So... Is that misogynistic? Or just over the top sexual harassment? I can't decide. Let's have a discussion about it.
And last, but by no means least, maybe it's time I confess what I found on his desk back in October. Two prescriptions bottles, one half full, the other empty, both filled on the same day. The half full bottle read "Adderall" on it. Who can guess what was in the other, empty bottle?
Looking forward to reading your guesses!
Eye Tee Girl
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Movin on up!
Wow, 15 followers! That's a lot! It seemed like I was going to be deadlocked at 9 forever, but in the last 2 weeks or so, I've gotten another 6 public followers! That's great! I'll get my book/dramedy/movie deal ANY DAY NOW!
Today is a good day. Why? I get to leave early. Even if it's just for a doctor's appointment, I get to leave early! I know you will join me in the celebration.
I would like to follow up on a some things. I got a couple off-line inquiries about returning after I was screamed at to leave, so I thought I would explain what happened.
First off, both Rod and I were very upset. I had already said I was leaving for a while when Jen decided to have me work on her computer. In hindsight, I should have left, yes, but I have a hard time saying no. My real mistake was in thinking Rod would leave us alone. There were also a few things I edited out of the story. I had told Jen several times I just wanted to go, so I am sure he heard that. I had said I was leaving for lunch, and I didn't. So, when he screamed at me to LEAVE, it was more in an attempt to get me to follow through on what I'd been saying I wanted to do all along. I also returned to the office (some asked, why didn't you just stay gone? Forever!) because I am not going to let that bastard off that easy! Again, with hindsight and a saner mind, it would've put him through a lot more turmoil (and may have even gotten me a raise!) if I'd played hard to get. Damn, that hindsight is a bitch! But if he wants me fired, he has to say the words, and not leave any sort of question mark that I am not welcome back.
Next, for those of you worried about my safety, Rod wasn't really charging me, per sé. I wasn't really frightened that he would do physical harm to me. He was just flailing around, there was no real threat, implied or overt. Trust me, if I had felt even the slightest threat to me physically, the police would have been answering the phone before the door had a chance to hit me on the butt!
Lastly, I have also heard that some of you are experiencing similar Rod stories. Share them! I know a lot of my followers, but most of you don't know each other, so feel free to share them! I have allowed anonymous posting, anyway, so not even I know who may post something if you mark it anonymous. Please, this is a forum for all of us to share, become stronger, and eventually grow as a result of all the ugliness we as workers have to put up with!
And thank you very much to those of you who show concern and care about my well being, both emotionally and physically. It means the world to me when you reach out to me.
Now, back to the Rod show! As I said, today is a short one, so I don't have a lot to report on. He did randomly, and quite loudly say, "You piece of CRAP," and then said not another word. Shrug. The Cuss Count for the day (and it's only been a half a day...) Shit!, 5 :: Piece of Crap, 1 :: Goddammit!, 2
I think Rod must have some sort of new injury. Or maybe it's related to the growth on his shoulder. ANYway... he was talking to his doctor or someone and said "Well, who should I CALL THEN?" He was obviously distraught that who ever he had on the phone couldn't help him. After he hung up, he said to the room at large, "Hey so ummmmm...." silence. "Does ANYone KNOW who to see if you need help with your MUSCLES?" He was greeted with more silence. Jen said, "In what way?" His answer was "You know, one that works with BONES. And MUSCLES. And stuff. The type that professional athletes go to. They go to this type of doctor ALL THE TIME!" I waited, then offered up "Um, Physical Therapists?" "NO! I mean REAL doctors!" "Well, then I think you are looking for Sports Medicine, athletes see PT's and Sports Medicine doctors." He wasn't happy with that answer either. I'm not really sure what he wants... And I don't really care...
"Rod is so pleasant on the phone" - I just got that sarcastic email from Jen. And boy, is she right. For example, just now he had to travel through a phone tree to get to someone for health insurance. He had to say things like his birthday, zip code, SSN, etc. Things we all go through, and of course, once the operator answered, they asked him all those questions again. I'm sure all of us have been through that rigamarole, we all laugh, maybe snort, roll our eyes, but then we get on with the purpose of our call. Right? Not so for Rod. He must have spent at least 5 minutes with the person complaining about the system. In incredibly disparaging tones, he told the poor operator that it was "inappropriate" and that he didn't appreciate it. He went on to say that this operator needed to tell his/her higher ups in their next meeting that they needed to have a poll that asks people if they like the phone tree. He sneered that he didn't think people would say anything favorable. The poor rep, taking all that abuse. Sadly, secretly, I'm hoping Rod is unloading some of his angst before he wants to talk to me in our upcoming meeting. But I'm already practicing. "Yes, Rod," and "Okay, Rod" over and over to the same questions.
Well, I survived the meeting. It was full of many, many ok's and yes's and it helped get us through the event. But I am so worn out from trying to track him and agree with him in such a way so as to not interrupt, not intimidate, and not egg him on that I can hardly hold my head up! I also had to avoid idiosyncratic behaviors! Lord forbid I should flinch at a cuss word or an angry demand. Stop the world if I expect a please, or a thank you! I am getting new wrinkles, right between my eyes, and it is entirely his fault. At least, when I am old and grey, I will have great stories to tell my kids and their kids about the Worst Boss in the World.
My stories are better than the uphill in the snow barefoot stories any day!
Eye Tee Girl
Today is a good day. Why? I get to leave early. Even if it's just for a doctor's appointment, I get to leave early! I know you will join me in the celebration.
I would like to follow up on a some things. I got a couple off-line inquiries about returning after I was screamed at to leave, so I thought I would explain what happened.
First off, both Rod and I were very upset. I had already said I was leaving for a while when Jen decided to have me work on her computer. In hindsight, I should have left, yes, but I have a hard time saying no. My real mistake was in thinking Rod would leave us alone. There were also a few things I edited out of the story. I had told Jen several times I just wanted to go, so I am sure he heard that. I had said I was leaving for lunch, and I didn't. So, when he screamed at me to LEAVE, it was more in an attempt to get me to follow through on what I'd been saying I wanted to do all along. I also returned to the office (some asked, why didn't you just stay gone? Forever!) because I am not going to let that bastard off that easy! Again, with hindsight and a saner mind, it would've put him through a lot more turmoil (and may have even gotten me a raise!) if I'd played hard to get. Damn, that hindsight is a bitch! But if he wants me fired, he has to say the words, and not leave any sort of question mark that I am not welcome back.
Next, for those of you worried about my safety, Rod wasn't really charging me, per sé. I wasn't really frightened that he would do physical harm to me. He was just flailing around, there was no real threat, implied or overt. Trust me, if I had felt even the slightest threat to me physically, the police would have been answering the phone before the door had a chance to hit me on the butt!
Lastly, I have also heard that some of you are experiencing similar Rod stories. Share them! I know a lot of my followers, but most of you don't know each other, so feel free to share them! I have allowed anonymous posting, anyway, so not even I know who may post something if you mark it anonymous. Please, this is a forum for all of us to share, become stronger, and eventually grow as a result of all the ugliness we as workers have to put up with!
And thank you very much to those of you who show concern and care about my well being, both emotionally and physically. It means the world to me when you reach out to me.
Now, back to the Rod show! As I said, today is a short one, so I don't have a lot to report on. He did randomly, and quite loudly say, "You piece of CRAP," and then said not another word. Shrug. The Cuss Count for the day (and it's only been a half a day...) Shit!, 5 :: Piece of Crap, 1 :: Goddammit!, 2
I think Rod must have some sort of new injury. Or maybe it's related to the growth on his shoulder. ANYway... he was talking to his doctor or someone and said "Well, who should I CALL THEN?" He was obviously distraught that who ever he had on the phone couldn't help him. After he hung up, he said to the room at large, "Hey so ummmmm...." silence. "Does ANYone KNOW who to see if you need help with your MUSCLES?" He was greeted with more silence. Jen said, "In what way?" His answer was "You know, one that works with BONES. And MUSCLES. And stuff. The type that professional athletes go to. They go to this type of doctor ALL THE TIME!" I waited, then offered up "Um, Physical Therapists?" "NO! I mean REAL doctors!" "Well, then I think you are looking for Sports Medicine, athletes see PT's and Sports Medicine doctors." He wasn't happy with that answer either. I'm not really sure what he wants... And I don't really care...
"Rod is so pleasant on the phone" - I just got that sarcastic email from Jen. And boy, is she right. For example, just now he had to travel through a phone tree to get to someone for health insurance. He had to say things like his birthday, zip code, SSN, etc. Things we all go through, and of course, once the operator answered, they asked him all those questions again. I'm sure all of us have been through that rigamarole, we all laugh, maybe snort, roll our eyes, but then we get on with the purpose of our call. Right? Not so for Rod. He must have spent at least 5 minutes with the person complaining about the system. In incredibly disparaging tones, he told the poor operator that it was "inappropriate" and that he didn't appreciate it. He went on to say that this operator needed to tell his/her higher ups in their next meeting that they needed to have a poll that asks people if they like the phone tree. He sneered that he didn't think people would say anything favorable. The poor rep, taking all that abuse. Sadly, secretly, I'm hoping Rod is unloading some of his angst before he wants to talk to me in our upcoming meeting. But I'm already practicing. "Yes, Rod," and "Okay, Rod" over and over to the same questions.
Well, I survived the meeting. It was full of many, many ok's and yes's and it helped get us through the event. But I am so worn out from trying to track him and agree with him in such a way so as to not interrupt, not intimidate, and not egg him on that I can hardly hold my head up! I also had to avoid idiosyncratic behaviors! Lord forbid I should flinch at a cuss word or an angry demand. Stop the world if I expect a please, or a thank you! I am getting new wrinkles, right between my eyes, and it is entirely his fault. At least, when I am old and grey, I will have great stories to tell my kids and their kids about the Worst Boss in the World.
My stories are better than the uphill in the snow barefoot stories any day!
Eye Tee Girl
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
All the live long day...
Somedays, I just feel like I'm working the railroad, come to work, sludge through my day, swing my hammer, then go home when the whistle blows. Today is one of those days, especially when it follows a day as awful as yesterday.
First of all, as a note to add on from yesterday, the curse count: SHIT!, 7 :: Goddamn, 1 :: Goddammit, 4
Today, my feet really dragged as I walked into the dark office. At least I would have some alone time to ramp up to speed.
After 8, Rod came in and rather cheerily said "Good MORning, Katie!" Since my morning was no longer "good," I said "Morning," back. I had my head phones on and I was determined to be a good girl today!
A few minutes passed. Then Rod said, quite unemotionally, "I apologize for yesterday. It's not good to lose your temper at work." And that, I suppose, was that. For him. For me, it may as well have been the Charlie Brown teacher: "Wahhh wahh waaaaahhh wahhhh." An apology signifies an earnest desire in the apologizer to change their behavior, that they are genuinely sorry it happened and will try to prevent it in the future. Rod has no such good intention. He just said the words because he was supposed to, which was evident in his tone. But, to give him his due, he did do what he was supposed to do. Which I guess, really, is shocking enough.
It didn't take him long to get into true form.
At first it was an email; he asked me to print a large document I had created. On an environmental level, I'm opposed to printing large documents needlessly. So I told him where it was on the network, instead. This was his reply:
He's a peach, isn't he? I bet you wish you worked here!
About an hour after that:
"So will you add this to the document you are creating?" he said
Because he had asked me to email him, I paused, but then went along with it.
"Sure. Did you get my email detailing the other things? I can just--"
"You SENT an Email?"
"Yes, I sent it yesterday."
"Well, I didn't see it, unless you sent it in the last 30 minutes." It was a challenge, plain and simple.
"I sent it yesterday morning. Should I resend it and create a--"
Interrupted! "I didn't see it! Are you saying I missed it or something?" His tone was rising along with his frustration.
"Well, I did send it yesterday. Would you like me to resend it and create a document on the network?"
"We're NOT comMUNicating! I told you I didn't SEE it except in the last 30 minutes. Did I MISS it?" The sarcasm was thick, the accusation blatant.
"I don't know, Rod."
"WILL YOU ANSWER MY QUESTION!"
"I said, 'I don't know.'"
"You don't know WHAT?!" Now he was really getting mad.
"Do you remember what you asked me?"
"WHAT!?!"
"You asked me if you missed it. I don't know if you missed it."
"Let me rephrase it." Blah blah blah he rambled, and then summed up "Did I not SEE it?!" Oh, Brother, here we go again.
"I don't know."
"WE ARE FAILING TO COMMUNICATE!" Spittle flew from his lips. His arms gesticulated. Frustration was rampant.
"Rod, would you like me to send the email again and create a document? Yes or no?"
"You need to let me FINISH!!" (I think he was close to tears!)
"Fine." I agreed
"STOP INTERRUPTING ME!" Silence. "You NEED to be EMPATHETIC to my DUMB questions!"
I was silent - I didn't want to interrupt again.
"Rod, are you waiting for me to reply?" All I heard were retreating footsteps.
Now, that may be a lot to read (it was a lot to type!) but that is pretty close to what actually transpired (In fact, I think I missed a few back and forths). It is absolutely ABSURD, the conversations that take place here. But after the harsh tones yesterday, I feel it necessary to explain how utterly frustrating and fruitless conversations are with him. The sad part is, in two weeks, he'll likely have completely forgotten about this and won't even know there is now a document out there, nor that he asked for it. Sigh.
Rod left for a short time. To complete some work, I had to go to his desk. There I found a folder with a woman's name on it. In the binder, Rod had printed out all his email correspondence with whomever it is coming up here this weekend. Gentle readers, I will not offend you with the details of the emails, but they are the same ones I find on the printer all the time. They use crude words to describe sexual acts, parts, positions, and desires. Now, I'm not a prude, but I definitely do not think the office is the place for this type of thing. I mean, how creepy is it knowing Rod is typing and reading emails like this right next to me? Ick factor: I can't count that high. (Plus, how weird is it that he prints up these emails and collects them in a binder?! Ick factor +100)
Then out of the blue today: "How often does a bank make an error in your favor?" There was a drawn out silence I couldn't ignore. "Um, not very often, Rod." He laughed. "Well, I think the bank made an error in my favor. And I'm not gonna tell em!" Oh, what wonderful choices he makes, huh?
Today's curse count: Shit!, 5 :: Goddammit, 1
So, to focus, I am just grinding out another day at the railroad, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."
Eye Tee Girl
First of all, as a note to add on from yesterday, the curse count: SHIT!, 7 :: Goddamn, 1 :: Goddammit, 4
Today, my feet really dragged as I walked into the dark office. At least I would have some alone time to ramp up to speed.
After 8, Rod came in and rather cheerily said "Good MORning, Katie!" Since my morning was no longer "good," I said "Morning," back. I had my head phones on and I was determined to be a good girl today!
A few minutes passed. Then Rod said, quite unemotionally, "I apologize for yesterday. It's not good to lose your temper at work." And that, I suppose, was that. For him. For me, it may as well have been the Charlie Brown teacher: "Wahhh wahh waaaaahhh wahhhh." An apology signifies an earnest desire in the apologizer to change their behavior, that they are genuinely sorry it happened and will try to prevent it in the future. Rod has no such good intention. He just said the words because he was supposed to, which was evident in his tone. But, to give him his due, he did do what he was supposed to do. Which I guess, really, is shocking enough.
It didn't take him long to get into true form.
At first it was an email; he asked me to print a large document I had created. On an environmental level, I'm opposed to printing large documents needlessly. So I told him where it was on the network, instead. This was his reply:
----------------------- Original Message -----------------------
Cc:
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 08:37:03 -0800
Subject: re[2]: FA vs SII FW
what don't you understand about PRINT?
Rod Acme
Acme Inc.
Vice President of Sales
Rod Acme
Acme Inc.
Vice President of Sales
He's a peach, isn't he? I bet you wish you worked here!
About an hour after that:
"So will you add this to the document you are creating?" he said
Because he had asked me to email him, I paused, but then went along with it.
"Sure. Did you get my email detailing the other things? I can just--"
"You SENT an Email?"
"Yes, I sent it yesterday."
"Well, I didn't see it, unless you sent it in the last 30 minutes." It was a challenge, plain and simple.
"I sent it yesterday morning. Should I resend it and create a--"
Interrupted! "I didn't see it! Are you saying I missed it or something?" His tone was rising along with his frustration.
"Well, I did send it yesterday. Would you like me to resend it and create a document on the network?"
"We're NOT comMUNicating! I told you I didn't SEE it except in the last 30 minutes. Did I MISS it?" The sarcasm was thick, the accusation blatant.
"I don't know, Rod."
"WILL YOU ANSWER MY QUESTION!"
"I said, 'I don't know.'"
"You don't know WHAT?!" Now he was really getting mad.
"Do you remember what you asked me?"
"WHAT!?!"
"You asked me if you missed it. I don't know if you missed it."
"Let me rephrase it." Blah blah blah he rambled, and then summed up "Did I not SEE it?!" Oh, Brother, here we go again.
"I don't know."
"WE ARE FAILING TO COMMUNICATE!" Spittle flew from his lips. His arms gesticulated. Frustration was rampant.
"Rod, would you like me to send the email again and create a document? Yes or no?"
"You need to let me FINISH!!" (I think he was close to tears!)
"Fine." I agreed
"STOP INTERRUPTING ME!" Silence. "You NEED to be EMPATHETIC to my DUMB questions!"
I was silent - I didn't want to interrupt again.
"Rod, are you waiting for me to reply?" All I heard were retreating footsteps.
Now, that may be a lot to read (it was a lot to type!) but that is pretty close to what actually transpired (In fact, I think I missed a few back and forths). It is absolutely ABSURD, the conversations that take place here. But after the harsh tones yesterday, I feel it necessary to explain how utterly frustrating and fruitless conversations are with him. The sad part is, in two weeks, he'll likely have completely forgotten about this and won't even know there is now a document out there, nor that he asked for it. Sigh.
Rod left for a short time. To complete some work, I had to go to his desk. There I found a folder with a woman's name on it. In the binder, Rod had printed out all his email correspondence with whomever it is coming up here this weekend. Gentle readers, I will not offend you with the details of the emails, but they are the same ones I find on the printer all the time. They use crude words to describe sexual acts, parts, positions, and desires. Now, I'm not a prude, but I definitely do not think the office is the place for this type of thing. I mean, how creepy is it knowing Rod is typing and reading emails like this right next to me? Ick factor: I can't count that high. (Plus, how weird is it that he prints up these emails and collects them in a binder?! Ick factor +100)
Then out of the blue today: "How often does a bank make an error in your favor?" There was a drawn out silence I couldn't ignore. "Um, not very often, Rod." He laughed. "Well, I think the bank made an error in my favor. And I'm not gonna tell em!" Oh, what wonderful choices he makes, huh?
Today's curse count: Shit!, 5 :: Goddammit, 1
So, to focus, I am just grinding out another day at the railroad, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."
Eye Tee Girl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)