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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
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
These are the times that try men's souls...
Or women's, I'm not being gender-biased when I say that. But holy moly this place just wears me out.
Until about 1 today, it was fairly normal. Rod took a number of personal calls that interrupted business calls (on the topics of anything from betting to medical conditions). He spoke so loudly that I had to ask our customer more than once to repeat himself. I could hear Rod's voice through my headset, "I won the BET!" Then he took a couple calls where his only response was "I'm sorry, where are you calling from? *pause* "Oh, well I only do business with people in the USA." I can practically see him with one hand over his heart while he salutes with the other! What a model of patriotism!
At one point, a vendor called and wanted Rod to buy something. I have no idea what, but Rod didn't want it. He said several times, he was not interested. The poor sales lady kept at it, apparently. I then heard "I don't think your business model is legitimate, that's why!" (he's one to talk!!) and then a pause, then "Listen, honey, I'm just not interested!" He is one awesome dude.
Then, something curious happened, I guess. I'm not entirely sure which planets collided, but the resounding smack was impressive. Jen asked for help with an issue that I couldn't immediately explain. Being the IT person that I am, I asked her to reboot. With a fresh boot, things are a lot easier to test from a troubleshooting perspective. At this point, I guess Rod decided to intervene. "That crap's not gonna help! That's not what the problem is!" I pointed out that I don't know the app all that well, and this is where I have to start. I asked if he had any better ideas? Now, perhaps, in retrospect, I could've bitten that last bit back, but this is me, after all. I don't do well at tongue biting.
There was a short pause, an inhale, and then: "I dunno! Reinstalling the goddamn thing would do more than reBOOTING it!" There it was, just hanging out there. He cussed at me again. Now, he didn't curse me directly, per sé, but why does he need to use bad words when addressing me? So, frankly, I just got mad. "Don't curse at me, Rod, how many times do I have to ask you?" I was putting my jacket on to leave (that's the rule we established) when he said, clearly having lost his temper now: "y'KNOW, dealing with your idioSYNCracies is getting ridiculous."
Oh, brother.
"Asking you to not curse at me is ridiculous?"
"WHAT!? When did I CURSE at you?!!"
No way, really? "Um, you just said goddamn to me." Silence. "Don't you even remember saying that? You don't even know what you are saying?" Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't say this calmly, but I didn't say it angrily either. No, the tone I was going for was "piss him off snide" and I think I accomplished that tone perfectly. (Ask my fiancé, he'll tell you how good I am at it.) :)
Well, he didn't have much to say to that. He mustered up an angrily yelled "This is a NEW YEAR! I'm NOT going to start it off by ARGUING with you!"
To which I replied, coolly, "It's not an argument, Rod. You will not treat me like this. You will not curse at me. You will be respectful." Well, he just wanted to yell and yell at me. I simply stuck to my line. I was not arguing with him, I was stating the condition for my continued employment there. I'm not sure he understood me. He just yelled louder about respect. I reminded him you don't get respect without giving it.
I was doing my best to get the hell outta Dodge at this point. I was moving things around in my cubicle, trying to get my thoughts together long enough to get my belongings and not leave anything behind before making my dramatic exit. I had my calendar, jacket, backpack, phone... Hell, if we'd had a gold fish, I would've grabbed that, too!
And then Jen made a suicidal kamikaze dive at my cubicle. I'm still not sure what drove her to make me stay, but stay I did.
"Katie, I have a couple things I'd like to show you before I reboot." She mouthed out "Calm down, it's okay," and it helped, but not much. I was shaking, I was seeing red. Idiosyncratic to not be cussed at in an office? Of all the things he does and says, this is the only thing I routinely object to, and he called it an idiosyncracy?! I don't know the last time I was so angry!
So, I went to help Katie. Rod couldn't keep quiet, and asked a question that seemed directed at me. I allowed at least 60 seconds of silence to go by. I said "I assume you are talking to Jen because I am not in the building any longer." This is when he decided to play Messenger, like from kindergarten: "Jen, will you tell Katie blah blah blah" I interrupted. "I am helping a friend right now, not a coworker. I will not speak to you right now."
Wowie Maui. One head gasket blown, right then and there!
The sound that came from Rod was complete loss of control. He screeched "LEEEEEEEEEEAVE!!! You GET OUT OF HERE! YOU ARE IRRITATING TO WORK WITH! GET OUT!" Finally, something we agree on, Rod! But by now, he was charging out of his cubicle at me, a fist in the air. He pointed at the door. Startled and a little frightened by the vehemence, I bowed my head.
I shrugged at Jen, and apologized. "Sorry, Jen, I guess I can't help you after all." With that, I walked quietly out of the office and into the blissful, polluted, noisy, grey, wet... but blessedly peaceful air. I took respite in a nearby shop while I facebooked my status "Walked out on my boss... Again. I think I should just stay gone this time." I called my S.O. I looked out the window. I sighed.
I smiled.
It wasn't long before Jen called to tell me Rod had left for the day. Resignedly, I walked back to the office, but it was with my head held high. Even now, here I sit at the desk, blogging, about the world's worst working environment. I have applied a thick coat of anti-coldsore medicine and could use a healthy shot of valium, but here I sit, here I'll stay. Earning one more day's worth of pay, and not caring a scat if there isn't another day.
I have drawn my line, and it is not in shifting sand.
Eye Tee Girl
Until about 1 today, it was fairly normal. Rod took a number of personal calls that interrupted business calls (on the topics of anything from betting to medical conditions). He spoke so loudly that I had to ask our customer more than once to repeat himself. I could hear Rod's voice through my headset, "I won the BET!" Then he took a couple calls where his only response was "I'm sorry, where are you calling from? *pause* "Oh, well I only do business with people in the USA." I can practically see him with one hand over his heart while he salutes with the other! What a model of patriotism!
At one point, a vendor called and wanted Rod to buy something. I have no idea what, but Rod didn't want it. He said several times, he was not interested. The poor sales lady kept at it, apparently. I then heard "I don't think your business model is legitimate, that's why!" (he's one to talk!!) and then a pause, then "Listen, honey, I'm just not interested!" He is one awesome dude.
Then, something curious happened, I guess. I'm not entirely sure which planets collided, but the resounding smack was impressive. Jen asked for help with an issue that I couldn't immediately explain. Being the IT person that I am, I asked her to reboot. With a fresh boot, things are a lot easier to test from a troubleshooting perspective. At this point, I guess Rod decided to intervene. "That crap's not gonna help! That's not what the problem is!" I pointed out that I don't know the app all that well, and this is where I have to start. I asked if he had any better ideas? Now, perhaps, in retrospect, I could've bitten that last bit back, but this is me, after all. I don't do well at tongue biting.
There was a short pause, an inhale, and then: "I dunno! Reinstalling the goddamn thing would do more than reBOOTING it!" There it was, just hanging out there. He cussed at me again. Now, he didn't curse me directly, per sé, but why does he need to use bad words when addressing me? So, frankly, I just got mad. "Don't curse at me, Rod, how many times do I have to ask you?" I was putting my jacket on to leave (that's the rule we established) when he said, clearly having lost his temper now: "y'KNOW, dealing with your idioSYNCracies is getting ridiculous."
Oh, brother.
"Asking you to not curse at me is ridiculous?"
"WHAT!? When did I CURSE at you?!!"
No way, really? "Um, you just said goddamn to me." Silence. "Don't you even remember saying that? You don't even know what you are saying?" Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't say this calmly, but I didn't say it angrily either. No, the tone I was going for was "piss him off snide" and I think I accomplished that tone perfectly. (Ask my fiancé, he'll tell you how good I am at it.) :)
Well, he didn't have much to say to that. He mustered up an angrily yelled "This is a NEW YEAR! I'm NOT going to start it off by ARGUING with you!"
To which I replied, coolly, "It's not an argument, Rod. You will not treat me like this. You will not curse at me. You will be respectful." Well, he just wanted to yell and yell at me. I simply stuck to my line. I was not arguing with him, I was stating the condition for my continued employment there. I'm not sure he understood me. He just yelled louder about respect. I reminded him you don't get respect without giving it.
I was doing my best to get the hell outta Dodge at this point. I was moving things around in my cubicle, trying to get my thoughts together long enough to get my belongings and not leave anything behind before making my dramatic exit. I had my calendar, jacket, backpack, phone... Hell, if we'd had a gold fish, I would've grabbed that, too!
And then Jen made a suicidal kamikaze dive at my cubicle. I'm still not sure what drove her to make me stay, but stay I did.
"Katie, I have a couple things I'd like to show you before I reboot." She mouthed out "Calm down, it's okay," and it helped, but not much. I was shaking, I was seeing red. Idiosyncratic to not be cussed at in an office? Of all the things he does and says, this is the only thing I routinely object to, and he called it an idiosyncracy?! I don't know the last time I was so angry!
So, I went to help Katie. Rod couldn't keep quiet, and asked a question that seemed directed at me. I allowed at least 60 seconds of silence to go by. I said "I assume you are talking to Jen because I am not in the building any longer." This is when he decided to play Messenger, like from kindergarten: "Jen, will you tell Katie blah blah blah" I interrupted. "I am helping a friend right now, not a coworker. I will not speak to you right now."
Wowie Maui. One head gasket blown, right then and there!
The sound that came from Rod was complete loss of control. He screeched "LEEEEEEEEEEAVE!!! You GET OUT OF HERE! YOU ARE IRRITATING TO WORK WITH! GET OUT!" Finally, something we agree on, Rod! But by now, he was charging out of his cubicle at me, a fist in the air. He pointed at the door. Startled and a little frightened by the vehemence, I bowed my head.
I shrugged at Jen, and apologized. "Sorry, Jen, I guess I can't help you after all." With that, I walked quietly out of the office and into the blissful, polluted, noisy, grey, wet... but blessedly peaceful air. I took respite in a nearby shop while I facebooked my status "Walked out on my boss... Again. I think I should just stay gone this time." I called my S.O. I looked out the window. I sighed.
I smiled.
It wasn't long before Jen called to tell me Rod had left for the day. Resignedly, I walked back to the office, but it was with my head held high. Even now, here I sit at the desk, blogging, about the world's worst working environment. I have applied a thick coat of anti-coldsore medicine and could use a healthy shot of valium, but here I sit, here I'll stay. Earning one more day's worth of pay, and not caring a scat if there isn't another day.
I have drawn my line, and it is not in shifting sand.
Eye Tee Girl
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