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