And this day has pretty much sucked wind since the moment I woke up! I woke, late, (thanks hubby) and apparently I slept funny and my shoulder was letting me know, got the morning going - running behind and of course right before the darling Bubba he leaves he says "You can take those movies back right?"
I put my head under the shower to avoid the four letter words dancing across my internal filter I remember just yesterday he said, "I will take these back in the morning" Now that he's putzed, slept in and now realizes what time it really is... the good old wifey can do the deed. Fine... plus I get a muffin out of the deal. So I rushed a bit - after all who is really in a hurry to get to work... returned the movies, got my muffin and enjoyed a relatively easy drive in....
Then the puppy poo hit the air circulation device... Staff meeting - my slide wasn't there - I KNOW I updated it Friday...ah the old I just save it over everyone else's switch-a-roo... lucky me. Apparently the deep south code jockeys again have their knickers in a bunch and it's my turn to be the one they foist their "we're not doing it" and "I'm holding my breath until you turn blue" tantrums. Fabulous. So after 3 emails from the same person I take a lap around the office, attempt to find our Deputy PM sit down and compose yet another sickening sweet helpful productive email - all the while hurling foul and filth in my head at them....
Then I send a quick one liner to the boss man - "Hey when you get a minute swing by please" Polite, nice - at your leisure... yeah yeah yeah - I can't find your happy ass so haul it to my space will ya? But again in a business setting the please and would you go further than hauling happy asses - especially to those who have input into ones annual raises.
He shows up about an hour later - I still have enough steam under the hood and he gets the heat, "I've had it, trying to do my job, tired of sending the process they don't' read, tired of having to justify why they have to do something simply because it is part of the job ... I was frank, honest and detailed of today's straw that finally broke this camel's back. Mentioned the previous week that the other half of my team said the same thing - it was dismissed. We are treated as the ones who don't get things done on time, don't attend meeting and openly tell our managers to kiss off... news flash boss man - we AREN'T THEM!!
Now a happy rumor passed my ears after my rant that our boss man has finally been hit in the head with his deep south cast iron fry pan that he can see the swamp water through the tweety birds and stars... the Napoleon of said Deep South actually admitted in public in front of the boss - his friend -- that he wants to take over the project and move everything under his influence. I have two words if THAT ever came to pass "I quit" My next words would be "Welcome to Wal-Mart - would you like a cart?"
I digress...
So I was encouraged to speak my peace to the boss man upon his arrival this week... thinking on it - I'm going to let the Deputy boss man convey my feelings for now - and if the poo is still flying Aunt Ing is outta here... but it has to be with my company - we need the Health insurance. After all one must plan ahead right?
Had a great chat with the Dad on the way home, I figured I'd catch Mom and we'd swap some gossip but got Dad grumped about my day, we talked about family and other matters, and then apparently I startled the old boy... we were talking of a family matter and how we know that the in-law in question would never speak to he nor I about it and I said "well I'm afraid I'd have to say here is the bear, the woods and the pile of shit - what do you know! Any questions on the issue?"
My father got quiet and said - that's scary I was thinking basically the same thing! LOL We enjoyed the laugh then Dad quipped, "really got chills up my spine it was what I was thinking - only you used other words - all ed-u-mcated" Oh yeah dad 4 years of college for four letter words. .. so glad the loans are paid off. :-)
I've known I am my father's daughter - just didn't realize the the true depth. We call it like we see it apparently - and enjoy the bear-woods-poo analogy. Welcome to my world boys and girls. So talking to him did help smooth out the rough edges of a crappy day, we talked football and that mess that was the Denver game last night - we talked about folks and enjoyed the time. I guess it's odd we seem to have the best conversations when Mom isn't home... she's not going to like that but then again she doesn't get the football talk so that is probably part of it. Yeah let's go with that.
Well I've got to get up and moving before god, country and the roosters rise so I'm going to sign off and attempt to mellow out...with laundry. Its a life I live isn't it?
Oh - details on the weekend later... I've got 4 hours of conference call tomorrow - I'll have time to chat.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Where is my vacation?
I'm am the stuckee for the project's big audit... late last night a WHOLE BIG list of "crap we need" came from the Audit team. I have spent my entire day dealing with this. And frankly they are asking for crap we don't have...
Let me 'splain for folks who don't live in this world-o-mess...
1) there is a standard to which we were supposed to be living up to; it has levels 1-5. Level 5 is hard with lots and lots of stuff do deal with,
2) we are supposed to be doing the Level 5 stuff,
3) We haven't been - it hasn't been a project priority,
4) Frankly getting the code jockeys in the deep south to do level 2-3 stuff is akin to pulling the rotted tooth from an angry bear in March. (just woke from winter nap - think people)
5) For the initial - "here is our stuff" I crammed every square peg into every round hole presented to me...
6) We are now being "reviewed" and my square pegs are being found lacking... which means I have to find another color of a square peg and jam it back into their round hole, all the while convincing them that this new color really is a new thing and it fits just fine in that round hole...
7) They took down our servers at 4:00 Pm so any new colors of square pegs I would have sent are now unavailable.
I'm running out of polite words to tell the audit committee "we don't do this!" Because their answer is "why not - you belong to this organization" My response to that bit of fluff is to point to my boss and the deep south team and say - talk to them. I'm going to get a drink. I just sent an email asking our inside man for a bit of help... we'll see what that gets me. Besides in more hot water...
Haven't talked to Bubba today - twice yesterday - and in a good mood! Go figure. Today could be a whole 'nuther story... we shall see. I'm going home, and buying dinner.
I will go shopping for the invasion tomorrow. Signed off - had enough. :-/
Let me 'splain for folks who don't live in this world-o-mess...
1) there is a standard to which we were supposed to be living up to; it has levels 1-5. Level 5 is hard with lots and lots of stuff do deal with,
2) we are supposed to be doing the Level 5 stuff,
3) We haven't been - it hasn't been a project priority,
4) Frankly getting the code jockeys in the deep south to do level 2-3 stuff is akin to pulling the rotted tooth from an angry bear in March. (just woke from winter nap - think people)
5) For the initial - "here is our stuff" I crammed every square peg into every round hole presented to me...
6) We are now being "reviewed" and my square pegs are being found lacking... which means I have to find another color of a square peg and jam it back into their round hole, all the while convincing them that this new color really is a new thing and it fits just fine in that round hole...
7) They took down our servers at 4:00 Pm so any new colors of square pegs I would have sent are now unavailable.
I'm running out of polite words to tell the audit committee "we don't do this!" Because their answer is "why not - you belong to this organization" My response to that bit of fluff is to point to my boss and the deep south team and say - talk to them. I'm going to get a drink. I just sent an email asking our inside man for a bit of help... we'll see what that gets me. Besides in more hot water...
Haven't talked to Bubba today - twice yesterday - and in a good mood! Go figure. Today could be a whole 'nuther story... we shall see. I'm going home, and buying dinner.
I will go shopping for the invasion tomorrow. Signed off - had enough. :-/
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Just because you work from home...
Doesn't mean you are immune to a work related stupidity...
Senior Code jockey who attends meetings when his royal backside deems it fit to 'slum' once again shows his royal - um --- butthead-ed-ness... we have a quick and easy process to handle major issues on the project... we have discussed it, we have documented it, we have hashed and rehashed it... we put it into play today....
And of course Mr. I'm too good to follow rules until they work for me.. throws the Butterfingers into the swimming pool of a smooth running process. (See the move Caddyshack for that reference) or think about a chocolate bar in a swimming pool and the subsequent effects.
ANY way... it fell to me to explain to his royal --- person again - how this process works - again.
This was the email I wanted to write:
Instead of sending the above email... I loved the pups, took a brief walk then wrote a very professional, very detailed very nice email explaining the process, offering to change anything that didn't meet with his approval and the offer to again send him the proper documentation to show in glowing detail just how things are done by the peasant classes.
Now I am facing a long list of "things needed" from the audit folks... as I read down this list I smile because I KNOW we don't have this stuff - at least recent or handy. Kill me now. I'm going to do the dishes real quick then get back to this list...
On an up note?!? Bubba called this morning - he was in a good mood! Of course it was still early in the day out there so how much could go wrong before breakfast? He's now decided he and his friend are going to hire out as consultants. Groovy - and who would be your detail handler sweetheart?? Because it ain't going to be the woman with the full time job and other commitments. Get an organizer and figure it out.
All right-y now... off to do something constructive then back to work. ;-)
Senior Code jockey who attends meetings when his royal backside deems it fit to 'slum' once again shows his royal - um --- butthead-ed-ness... we have a quick and easy process to handle major issues on the project... we have discussed it, we have documented it, we have hashed and rehashed it... we put it into play today....
And of course Mr. I'm too good to follow rules until they work for me.. throws the Butterfingers into the swimming pool of a smooth running process. (See the move Caddyshack for that reference) or think about a chocolate bar in a swimming pool and the subsequent effects.
ANY way... it fell to me to explain to his royal --- person again - how this process works - again.
This was the email I wanted to write:
Dear Self important pompous butthead;
Instead you choose to look down your nose at those of us attempting to do things right so when our customer beats us with a bat – we have some method of defending ourselves against those blows… but alas you have the (Customer loves me) bumper. You can do no wrong, your stuff doesn’t stink and therefore the rules simply don’t apply to you.
Well guess what bucko they do – here is your freaking process! Do you want me to delivery it personally? Because I will sweetie and I will roll it up in a nice tight roll and cram it up your….
And that is when I start hitting the delete key.
Instead of sending the above email... I loved the pups, took a brief walk then wrote a very professional, very detailed very nice email explaining the process, offering to change anything that didn't meet with his approval and the offer to again send him the proper documentation to show in glowing detail just how things are done by the peasant classes.
Now I am facing a long list of "things needed" from the audit folks... as I read down this list I smile because I KNOW we don't have this stuff - at least recent or handy. Kill me now. I'm going to do the dishes real quick then get back to this list...
On an up note?!? Bubba called this morning - he was in a good mood! Of course it was still early in the day out there so how much could go wrong before breakfast? He's now decided he and his friend are going to hire out as consultants. Groovy - and who would be your detail handler sweetheart?? Because it ain't going to be the woman with the full time job and other commitments. Get an organizer and figure it out.
All right-y now... off to do something constructive then back to work. ;-)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
To my boss
Dear Sir,
First let me state that I need my job as my darling husband is in the death spiral of pending layoff. Now as you have now learned that I am desperate; it doesn't mean that the daily beatings are your way of keeping morale high. The phrase "the beatings will continue until morale improves" really shouldn't be your motto.
And frankly - it's not the team in Northern VA that need the beatings, we deliver stuff on time, we answer your email, phone calls and questions. We try to the best of our ability to keep our team informed of changes, updates and processes. We want to work with our team mates in the southern part of the country but that becomes a problem. As their 'leader' has decreed that his team will not interact with us unless in a public forum, such as the staff meeting, or other meetings in which you attend.
And since you're in a beating mood - how about a little tough love to our customer? Specifically the two problem children who continually call and direct the development team then expect us to magically know what promises were made to whom and when - oh yeah and handle all that pesky paperwork stuff... without any information as I'm off attending a conference you know dining, dancing and the occasional meeting.
Then there is the Deep South Round About - while I'm sure if there was BBQ and beer this would be great fun, but in the working world and stone cold sober - frankly it's migraine inducing. Let me document the Deep South Round About - as you seem to be completely oblivious to its steps - First we have a question about an issue that came to our attention from a 3rd party, usually our customer who is also outside the developer/problem children circle of trust.
We your trusty beat-ees then race about trying to find out the information so we attempt to contact our 'friends' in the Deep South - and the dance begins. As no one returns phone calls, emails or other attempts to get any information about said issues. So finally we have shuffled, shifted, do-see-doed and finally we land in a public meeting and again bring up the issue.
The second part of the dance then begins when the statement in the public meeting is either, "I will have to check with...." (insert member of the circle of trust developers here) or we get this rambling, dance-you-across-the-floor and when you finally realized you've been danced into a corner and left for another partner answer. And we are not wiser for the experience.
So we take our minute pieces of information we can gleam, gather and scoop up from the dance floor spend hours taping, gluing and putting it all together polish that pile of bits and present it as the best answer we can get... only to get a member of the circle of trust coming up with another story which is completely opposites from the polished pile of poo we just presented.
And you wonder why we grumble when you tell US to work together.
Frankly sir your "love the one you're with" method of management is making us all crazy. We are professionals - we want to be treated as such. We are tired of being the bad guys when all we are trying to is our job. Do us all a favor, kiss or kill that manager wanna be in the south and tell us to either live with no communications from the Deep South and do the best you can or hold your guns let us blast away VERY publicly.
I can't see your ratings with our customer staying in the green if you choose the kissing option - especially when the team who actually completes our work on time -- leaves.
Signed,
Tired of chasing a moving target that continually landing on my back.
My thoughts for today, there will be drinking when I get home - which may continue into the working day Wednesday - I'll be home.
First let me state that I need my job as my darling husband is in the death spiral of pending layoff. Now as you have now learned that I am desperate; it doesn't mean that the daily beatings are your way of keeping morale high. The phrase "the beatings will continue until morale improves" really shouldn't be your motto.
And frankly - it's not the team in Northern VA that need the beatings, we deliver stuff on time, we answer your email, phone calls and questions. We try to the best of our ability to keep our team informed of changes, updates and processes. We want to work with our team mates in the southern part of the country but that becomes a problem. As their 'leader' has decreed that his team will not interact with us unless in a public forum, such as the staff meeting, or other meetings in which you attend.
And since you're in a beating mood - how about a little tough love to our customer? Specifically the two problem children who continually call and direct the development team then expect us to magically know what promises were made to whom and when - oh yeah and handle all that pesky paperwork stuff... without any information as I'm off attending a conference you know dining, dancing and the occasional meeting.
Then there is the Deep South Round About - while I'm sure if there was BBQ and beer this would be great fun, but in the working world and stone cold sober - frankly it's migraine inducing. Let me document the Deep South Round About - as you seem to be completely oblivious to its steps - First we have a question about an issue that came to our attention from a 3rd party, usually our customer who is also outside the developer/problem children circle of trust.
We your trusty beat-ees then race about trying to find out the information so we attempt to contact our 'friends' in the Deep South - and the dance begins. As no one returns phone calls, emails or other attempts to get any information about said issues. So finally we have shuffled, shifted, do-see-doed and finally we land in a public meeting and again bring up the issue.
The second part of the dance then begins when the statement in the public meeting is either, "I will have to check with...." (insert member of the circle of trust developers here) or we get this rambling, dance-you-across-the-floor and when you finally realized you've been danced into a corner and left for another partner answer. And we are not wiser for the experience.
So we take our minute pieces of information we can gleam, gather and scoop up from the dance floor spend hours taping, gluing and putting it all together polish that pile of bits and present it as the best answer we can get... only to get a member of the circle of trust coming up with another story which is completely opposites from the polished pile of poo we just presented.
And you wonder why we grumble when you tell US to work together.
Frankly sir your "love the one you're with" method of management is making us all crazy. We are professionals - we want to be treated as such. We are tired of being the bad guys when all we are trying to is our job. Do us all a favor, kiss or kill that manager wanna be in the south and tell us to either live with no communications from the Deep South and do the best you can or hold your guns let us blast away VERY publicly.
I can't see your ratings with our customer staying in the green if you choose the kissing option - especially when the team who actually completes our work on time -- leaves.
Signed,
Tired of chasing a moving target that continually landing on my back.
My thoughts for today, there will be drinking when I get home - which may continue into the working day Wednesday - I'll be home.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Mondays...
Are generally not my favorite day of the week, and this one hasn't added to the collection. First thanks to the screw up at the doctor's on Friday - I had to go back today - me and everyone else... yeesh. I felt bad for the folks behind the desk, to have "Walk ins" first thing on a Monday which then backs up everyone else - doesn't make their lives easier - AND to have the twit who is doing the blood draws tick off 2 people who have been sitting and waiting and she takes the guy who just walked in the door.... not cool.
Then she takes the guy who walked in before me, groovy - then I begin to wonder what is he doing back there? Exactly how much blood does your test need son? At some point you're not going to make the meeting due to blood loss. Well finally I get called back to see idiot man who hasn't taken a drink of water in 12 plus hours get all pasty and faint-y while I set out there cooling my jets. Idiot man. Suck it up don't watch and move on!
SO! An HOUR after I signed in I was done - the actual blood "donation" took all of... 4 minutes start to finish. I know. Plus she bruised me... idiot woman.
Ran to the bank finally got the girl's group check book back and found all sorts of things tucked in there including 2 checks and 50 bucks cash! so I got that into the bank, and updated the check book double checked all the addition and subtraction only to discover we have NO money left and we need an infusion FAST. Ah well - this too shall pass....
Bubba is still in a permanent snit - but now he's having them from 3000 miles away so that isn't so bad. ;-) This week is also no cooking, the house will be cleaned Tuesday and all is right in my world. Doesn't take much does it?
I still need a manicure - but will make time this week. I'm desperate.
Stay tuned for more exciting news - like work spats and Bubba and his bunched undies. Its a life isn't it? :-)
Then she takes the guy who walked in before me, groovy - then I begin to wonder what is he doing back there? Exactly how much blood does your test need son? At some point you're not going to make the meeting due to blood loss. Well finally I get called back to see idiot man who hasn't taken a drink of water in 12 plus hours get all pasty and faint-y while I set out there cooling my jets. Idiot man. Suck it up don't watch and move on!
SO! An HOUR after I signed in I was done - the actual blood "donation" took all of... 4 minutes start to finish. I know. Plus she bruised me... idiot woman.
Ran to the bank finally got the girl's group check book back and found all sorts of things tucked in there including 2 checks and 50 bucks cash! so I got that into the bank, and updated the check book double checked all the addition and subtraction only to discover we have NO money left and we need an infusion FAST. Ah well - this too shall pass....
Bubba is still in a permanent snit - but now he's having them from 3000 miles away so that isn't so bad. ;-) This week is also no cooking, the house will be cleaned Tuesday and all is right in my world. Doesn't take much does it?
I still need a manicure - but will make time this week. I'm desperate.
Stay tuned for more exciting news - like work spats and Bubba and his bunched undies. Its a life isn't it? :-)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Quick hit Saturday
What a difference 24 hours makes - ok 12. Bubba is outside in the hot sticky and dealing with the yard. As it has rained the past two weekends, it was past due for a bit of pruning.
The girls thing went off better than I thought it would, we had bodies, we had parents and I didn't have to do 1000 things at once. it was fab-o!
Home at 4:15 which frankly I thought was very optimistic but I did get home. Bubba was mowing when I walked in I got cranky face and thought "oh goody now what?" but for that face all I got was, "can you get the dogs some clean water and me a glass of water?" color me shocked and amazed.
So I watered everyone, changed my clothes, gathered up the laundry, put up my new shower curtain and cleaned the kitchen and started the dishwasher then brought Bubba another cup of water. Efficient - that is I. For this 15 minutes. ;-)
Now I'm going to putz about and think about something for dinner and hopefully get to enjoy a bit of pre-season football and my Steelers. We will see how the boys look, then go read a book.
Bubba is leaving town tomorrow I'm off for a mani-pedi and a quiet week. Frankly I'm looking forward to it.
That is all for now - stay cool and enjoy what is left of your day.
The girls thing went off better than I thought it would, we had bodies, we had parents and I didn't have to do 1000 things at once. it was fab-o!
Home at 4:15 which frankly I thought was very optimistic but I did get home. Bubba was mowing when I walked in I got cranky face and thought "oh goody now what?" but for that face all I got was, "can you get the dogs some clean water and me a glass of water?" color me shocked and amazed.
So I watered everyone, changed my clothes, gathered up the laundry, put up my new shower curtain and cleaned the kitchen and started the dishwasher then brought Bubba another cup of water. Efficient - that is I. For this 15 minutes. ;-)
Now I'm going to putz about and think about something for dinner and hopefully get to enjoy a bit of pre-season football and my Steelers. We will see how the boys look, then go read a book.
Bubba is leaving town tomorrow I'm off for a mani-pedi and a quiet week. Frankly I'm looking forward to it.
That is all for now - stay cool and enjoy what is left of your day.
Friday, August 20, 2010
I'm grumpy?!?
Apparently Bubba is having 'issues' or as he stated to me this afternoon "this is uncharted territory" OK yes you out of work is indeed uncharted. The only worry I have is you home alone without a plan and a list of things to keep your idle hands busy. (see the bleach story for what happens when we leave Bubba home alone without a plan)
Let me set the stage, did my morning for the work hours, all good. Ran to the doctors blood work - only to find out I shouldn't have eaten breakfast - so we'll deal with that Monday morning. Then to the department store - bring back Bubba's shoes he decided he didn't want, then to get my new shower curtain and extras that I did want! Coupon time!! Then ran to the grocery store to get supplies for the Rainbow girls, $15 bucks not bad.
Then a quick deposit, then drop off the supplies at the lodge, and then home. Made myself lunch enjoyed a chapter in my book... then he called.
He sent something home email - put it where he can find it... frankly I would have to print it, and staple it his forehead for him to find it without a question... but I digress. I will deal with that. Then he starts in bla bla bla, the uncharted territory it all boils down to this. He says something about spending money, I poke at him that I have a job, then he gets his tender feelings hurt, then he grumps and says something about divorce - I mention there is a door and that he will be poorer for the experience. THEN today the major grump comes out - I'm cranky I'm not supportive I'm not sympathetic to his issues and again with the uncharted territory.
Wha? Who was the one who said go take the time off? Who suggested after the first threatened layoff we take a vacation? Who again mentioned might want to back up your start day for potential new job because you wont' have any vacation time? Who won't take a freaking day off of any reason because "I can't right now" every week of the blessed month. Who's schedule did we have to work around for 2 flipping days off to go to camp?? It wasn't me bucko!
Yeesh I've head my bitten off for trying to be nice, I've head my head bitten off for poking a bit of fun you used to be able to take, I've had my head bitten off for not being nice. When anyone sees a point in which I can win - drop me a line will you? Holy and cow.
I know he's not happy that this has come to pass - but son - haven't you SEEN this coming? Why is this such a shock? It's not like they said Tuesday, pack your stuff and get out and here is your last paycheck. You've got an end date, two more trips, plus a boys weekend to Vegas in between - take a freaking chill pill already. My god man I've cooked 4 nights in a row - like major meals! Backed chicken, enchiladas, baked salmon... people this is major cooking in my world - with side dishes and veggies and sauces - not to mention the kitchen mess and clean up! AND last night I made a special trip for the enchilada sauce he likes from Trader's Joes, plus I got him goodies for dessert - I am really making an effort here. But again I am not sympathetic to his situation...
OK deep breath in, and out and ....... he's still a butthead. ;-)
Take some time off darling, learn to stop and smell the roses - of course looking at his genetics I would have to knock the man senseless for him to sit still for 15 blessed minutes. Me? I could take the hound dog approach to lazy - nap, food, stretch, the occasions 'personal' visit then back to the nap section of the day. Because there are days you just have to tune out the world. My darling Bubba simply does not have the ability to do that. So I guess we'll have to channel that into something positive - go outside and.... insert task here.
All right - I've got a program to finish, some letters to write and doggie duty - again. 4th week in a row - I think it's his turn, plus the grass is really high, so it will be hard to spot ;-) He can catch the rest when he is mowing.
Oh yeah! And a new shower curtain!! Very happen only took me 14 years to get rid of the one I didn't like... we'll chock that up to didn't want to tick off the person who gave it - and too broke to justify the expense, then forgetting about it -then not finding what I wanted, then finding what a I wanted then waiting for the coupon and the shower curtain to both be in stock at the same time....
I'm going to search the house for some chocolate.
EDIT - when you take an afternoon OFF generally you have a purpose in mind... I did. And I didn't need it loaded up with Bubba BS - but of course MY time off is what he thinks as things he needs done that I should be doing. Kiss my grits I got MY stuff done first. GRRRRR
Another round with Mr. Happy and I'm going to have a stroke or just kill him in his car. I hate dealing with this stock stuff so frankly - yes I have put it off and 3/4's of the time I just plain forget about it. Sue me. So now I have all my paper work done and I will get up and get out and go the the place, get it dealt with and smack him upside his sleeping backside when I get back with the completed paperwork - which I should have done months ago - but well I was busy doing other stuff - like work or something fun.
I full expect a full blown crab-fest when he realized my afternoon is sucked up with "girls group" (insert Bubba expletive here) but I like working with those girls, and going to luncheons and having a meeting and socializing outside my four walls. His family - can't manage to socialize within their own family much less outsiders. And it was such a good plan for my day.... now it's all yellow colored and smelly. Screw chocolate I'm moving on to liquor. ;-)
Let me set the stage, did my morning for the work hours, all good. Ran to the doctors blood work - only to find out I shouldn't have eaten breakfast - so we'll deal with that Monday morning. Then to the department store - bring back Bubba's shoes he decided he didn't want, then to get my new shower curtain and extras that I did want! Coupon time!! Then ran to the grocery store to get supplies for the Rainbow girls, $15 bucks not bad.
Then a quick deposit, then drop off the supplies at the lodge, and then home. Made myself lunch enjoyed a chapter in my book... then he called.
He sent something home email - put it where he can find it... frankly I would have to print it, and staple it his forehead for him to find it without a question... but I digress. I will deal with that. Then he starts in bla bla bla, the uncharted territory it all boils down to this. He says something about spending money, I poke at him that I have a job, then he gets his tender feelings hurt, then he grumps and says something about divorce - I mention there is a door and that he will be poorer for the experience. THEN today the major grump comes out - I'm cranky I'm not supportive I'm not sympathetic to his issues and again with the uncharted territory.
Wha? Who was the one who said go take the time off? Who suggested after the first threatened layoff we take a vacation? Who again mentioned might want to back up your start day for potential new job because you wont' have any vacation time? Who won't take a freaking day off of any reason because "I can't right now" every week of the blessed month. Who's schedule did we have to work around for 2 flipping days off to go to camp?? It wasn't me bucko!
Yeesh I've head my bitten off for trying to be nice, I've head my head bitten off for poking a bit of fun you used to be able to take, I've had my head bitten off for not being nice. When anyone sees a point in which I can win - drop me a line will you? Holy and cow.
I know he's not happy that this has come to pass - but son - haven't you SEEN this coming? Why is this such a shock? It's not like they said Tuesday, pack your stuff and get out and here is your last paycheck. You've got an end date, two more trips, plus a boys weekend to Vegas in between - take a freaking chill pill already. My god man I've cooked 4 nights in a row - like major meals! Backed chicken, enchiladas, baked salmon... people this is major cooking in my world - with side dishes and veggies and sauces - not to mention the kitchen mess and clean up! AND last night I made a special trip for the enchilada sauce he likes from Trader's Joes, plus I got him goodies for dessert - I am really making an effort here. But again I am not sympathetic to his situation...
OK deep breath in, and out and ....... he's still a butthead. ;-)
Take some time off darling, learn to stop and smell the roses - of course looking at his genetics I would have to knock the man senseless for him to sit still for 15 blessed minutes. Me? I could take the hound dog approach to lazy - nap, food, stretch, the occasions 'personal' visit then back to the nap section of the day. Because there are days you just have to tune out the world. My darling Bubba simply does not have the ability to do that. So I guess we'll have to channel that into something positive - go outside and.... insert task here.
All right - I've got a program to finish, some letters to write and doggie duty - again. 4th week in a row - I think it's his turn, plus the grass is really high, so it will be hard to spot ;-) He can catch the rest when he is mowing.
Oh yeah! And a new shower curtain!! Very happen only took me 14 years to get rid of the one I didn't like... we'll chock that up to didn't want to tick off the person who gave it - and too broke to justify the expense, then forgetting about it -then not finding what I wanted, then finding what a I wanted then waiting for the coupon and the shower curtain to both be in stock at the same time....
I'm going to search the house for some chocolate.
EDIT - when you take an afternoon OFF generally you have a purpose in mind... I did. And I didn't need it loaded up with Bubba BS - but of course MY time off is what he thinks as things he needs done that I should be doing. Kiss my grits I got MY stuff done first. GRRRRR
Another round with Mr. Happy and I'm going to have a stroke or just kill him in his car. I hate dealing with this stock stuff so frankly - yes I have put it off and 3/4's of the time I just plain forget about it. Sue me. So now I have all my paper work done and I will get up and get out and go the the place, get it dealt with and smack him upside his sleeping backside when I get back with the completed paperwork - which I should have done months ago - but well I was busy doing other stuff - like work or something fun.
I full expect a full blown crab-fest when he realized my afternoon is sucked up with "girls group" (insert Bubba expletive here) but I like working with those girls, and going to luncheons and having a meeting and socializing outside my four walls. His family - can't manage to socialize within their own family much less outsiders. And it was such a good plan for my day.... now it's all yellow colored and smelly. Screw chocolate I'm moving on to liquor. ;-)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sliding to the end of the week..
Wheeeeee.... guess who's got a half of a day off tomorrow? Guess who isn't driving into the office tomorrow and guess who is such a happy camper? ME!
Life ain't so bad some days is it?
Even better when I can spend my afternoon doing a bit of girl group business because I got a lot of things done this morning, and I'm not in the mood to deal with the rest just yet. Plus better to use the office printer for a couple of things than mine - which is not reconnected to my computer at home. I'm going to have to fix that as I need it tomorrow.
With all the cooking I've been doing this week - I am thinking tonight is left over night. Tomorrow night is take my happy fanny OUT. Or it could be eat leftovers night again we'll see. Bubba will come dragging in at some late hour - I will have been done with dinner, and cleaned the kitchen just gotten comfortable - then he'll walk in door and demand dinner. My mother is right I've got the last of the great male chauvinists... it's in the kitchen go hot it up.
Then comes the dinner of 8000 questions - "where is" "Is this any good?" "how can I" then I realize it's just easier to do it myself and bypass cranky Bubba the kitchen version. Versus the job version, the money version, the (insert issue here) version. Or the ever popular "no reason" crabby - always a popular favorite. But I digress.
Tomorrow is a few hours, a quick trip to the doctor, then if I'm really feeling peppy I might even cook... maybe. I fully intend to enjoy the sun with the pups and do a whole lot of nothing for the afternoon - join me in my zen....
So, on the slide toward the end of the week - it ain't looking to bad... unless there is a pile of goo at the end of the slide I don't see yet... yeah been there.
Enjoy your Thursday - after all it's almost Friday!
Life ain't so bad some days is it?
Even better when I can spend my afternoon doing a bit of girl group business because I got a lot of things done this morning, and I'm not in the mood to deal with the rest just yet. Plus better to use the office printer for a couple of things than mine - which is not reconnected to my computer at home. I'm going to have to fix that as I need it tomorrow.
With all the cooking I've been doing this week - I am thinking tonight is left over night. Tomorrow night is take my happy fanny OUT. Or it could be eat leftovers night again we'll see. Bubba will come dragging in at some late hour - I will have been done with dinner, and cleaned the kitchen just gotten comfortable - then he'll walk in door and demand dinner. My mother is right I've got the last of the great male chauvinists... it's in the kitchen go hot it up.
Then comes the dinner of 8000 questions - "where is" "Is this any good?" "how can I" then I realize it's just easier to do it myself and bypass cranky Bubba the kitchen version. Versus the job version, the money version, the (insert issue here) version. Or the ever popular "no reason" crabby - always a popular favorite. But I digress.
Tomorrow is a few hours, a quick trip to the doctor, then if I'm really feeling peppy I might even cook... maybe. I fully intend to enjoy the sun with the pups and do a whole lot of nothing for the afternoon - join me in my zen....
So, on the slide toward the end of the week - it ain't looking to bad... unless there is a pile of goo at the end of the slide I don't see yet... yeah been there.
Enjoy your Thursday - after all it's almost Friday!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
UNCLE!
I give - enough - I need a break. Now granted my life isn't facing the major issues that others are - however for me, I'd like a nice smooth lake for a day or two - I mean really is that asking too much?
Apparently.
Monday, up moving and made my two stops of the morning, all went well. Of course I had to deal with a woman who annoys me on a microscopic level, I can't put my finger on it but after a month of dealing with her and "Sharon says" I was ready to murder her dead. But that is just me. And I'm sure she has warm and fuzzy feelings about me - but she's too perky and nice to say anything to my face - I'm sure she's grumped to someone.
Of course I got a good eye full of the upscale surroundings that the Higher Management get to enjoy while we in the rank and file live in offices with barely working elevators, locked stairwells, and strange puddles and drips in the parking garage. I can't imagine what the new space looks like and frankly we're sharing space with a Children's Hospital outlet - fabo sick kids, their sticky fingers - and really sick kids that will not make my day... I don't deal well with that.
So into work, left really early because I was told there were major storms coming and I wanted to get home before it hit the fan. There was a breeze, sun and nothing. But hey I was home early, logged on got some other work done, cooked dinner, went to my meeting and came home.
Now we are into Tuesday... up moving and of course taking my first telecon on the beltway... until... WHAM. Idiot kid hit me. Groovy - get out quick check, pull over ON THE FLIPPING BELTWAY, exchange information discover this kid is still living at home in PA - and driving to Northern VA daily. Fab-o. So that over and done with, noticed a bruise on my pinkie finger - can't figure out how I did it - but there it is. I did start to feel a twinge after sitting too long but hey all is well. Another busy day, home cooked, and home to Mr. Happy.
He got home, checked my bumper and of course him being Mr. Happy these days he quips "there is so much crap on that bumper I can't tell" Thank you Sr. Butthead - the biggest whoops on my bumper is from your bike... so shuddaup! So we can close that chapter. It was a story for a Tuesday and another excuse to stroll into work at 10:20.
Home, dinner, and finally told Bubba "I know life for you sucks right now but if you don't suck it up and take the pissy attitude to the garage because I'm tired of hearing it."
He sucked it up - until I left a light on in the computer room.... and down we go again.
Perhaps Wednesday will work better - not counting on it - but there is always hope.
Stay Dry.
Apparently.
Monday, up moving and made my two stops of the morning, all went well. Of course I had to deal with a woman who annoys me on a microscopic level, I can't put my finger on it but after a month of dealing with her and "Sharon says" I was ready to murder her dead. But that is just me. And I'm sure she has warm and fuzzy feelings about me - but she's too perky and nice to say anything to my face - I'm sure she's grumped to someone.
Of course I got a good eye full of the upscale surroundings that the Higher Management get to enjoy while we in the rank and file live in offices with barely working elevators, locked stairwells, and strange puddles and drips in the parking garage. I can't imagine what the new space looks like and frankly we're sharing space with a Children's Hospital outlet - fabo sick kids, their sticky fingers - and really sick kids that will not make my day... I don't deal well with that.
So into work, left really early because I was told there were major storms coming and I wanted to get home before it hit the fan. There was a breeze, sun and nothing. But hey I was home early, logged on got some other work done, cooked dinner, went to my meeting and came home.
Now we are into Tuesday... up moving and of course taking my first telecon on the beltway... until... WHAM. Idiot kid hit me. Groovy - get out quick check, pull over ON THE FLIPPING BELTWAY, exchange information discover this kid is still living at home in PA - and driving to Northern VA daily. Fab-o. So that over and done with, noticed a bruise on my pinkie finger - can't figure out how I did it - but there it is. I did start to feel a twinge after sitting too long but hey all is well. Another busy day, home cooked, and home to Mr. Happy.
He got home, checked my bumper and of course him being Mr. Happy these days he quips "there is so much crap on that bumper I can't tell" Thank you Sr. Butthead - the biggest whoops on my bumper is from your bike... so shuddaup! So we can close that chapter. It was a story for a Tuesday and another excuse to stroll into work at 10:20.
Home, dinner, and finally told Bubba "I know life for you sucks right now but if you don't suck it up and take the pissy attitude to the garage because I'm tired of hearing it."
He sucked it up - until I left a light on in the computer room.... and down we go again.
Perhaps Wednesday will work better - not counting on it - but there is always hope.
Stay Dry.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Apparently they bunched tight....
Right out of the shower - what you ask? Why Bubba's undergarments... wadded and bunched tight and put his royal highness is such a mood today - I was happy not to be home for parts of it.
Shall we begin at the beginning? Most times that is best. So of course I'm up because a) I have a bladder the size of a walnut and b) as soon as I'm up my dogs think it's time for breakfast and c) if I try to go back to sleep I get a doggie kiss facial - no not all that great because then she moves on the derma scrub involving her nails and the first four layers of my skin....
So up moving, dogs out, in, fed and we're napping. Its a peaceful time he's upstairs snoring the drone of the fans as we attempt to make sure our carpets and parts are good and dry - a lovely morning - Sundays should be. (Please I don't need cyber-guilt along with the Catholic variety)
ANYwho... you know who comes down stairs and immediately starts in with this that and the other as all it took was the look on his face to tell me that his undies had clumped and we weren't going to start the day well. He starts in about the carpets and moving the washer and the dryer and yadda yadda yadda, so I go upstairs get dressed and come back down... now let me pause right here and remind my 3 friends who read this mess regularly that I didn't marry Handy Andy, more like Clueless Clum-key. So we move the dryer and the hose from the back end to the vent outside pops off... he spends the next 20 minutes futzing with thing thing as I stand, trapped in the small space behind the dryer holding up one of the darn thing to keep it out of the muck under the washer and "in the proper position" Did I mention this took 20 minutes? Do you want to know how many spiders are (were) in the corners of my laundry room? I could give you an accurate accounting.
So finally he gets the do-hickey attached back onto the thing-a-ma-bob and I am free! To mop up the floor oh goodie!! As soon as a step gingerly over the hose and barely brush the darn thing it pops off again. Oh the joy in mudville THAT brought along. So after his little snit - I disappear he fights with the hose, clamp, whatever (never said I was handy either!) I get to watch the Steelers on the NFL channel and wonder exactly how I will be filling my time on Sunday afternoon this fall... but that is a rant for another day.
He finally gets it all put back together and again I get "are you going to do something" snit (apparently the bunching wasn't helped with the floor sitting and do-hickey fixing) I broom, I mop, I clean up we put down the carpets, he jams the edges back in with a screw driver and hammer or god knows because frankly boys and girls - Aunt Ing walked away. I have found after 20 plus years of marriage that process does indeed work best. When they yell for something like a tool or to call to 911 as they can't stop the blood flow - then you can be helpful - otherwise another room and personal space are best. (Little tip for you newly-weds)
Then with the yucky work done - mopping and such - he wants to push everything back in its proper place. Just a minute cranky pants, the floor has to dry - it will take all of 10 minutes. And it does, then we move things back I shower and we begin... the dance to get out the door and get some lunch.
I was ready at 12:30 we got out the door at 12:50 I have to be home by 1:30 as I'm meeting someone and we're doing Ladies Group stuff... so we had to 86 the Mexican place - which he spent 7 minutes looking for THE coupon, and then we had to search some hotel ad that came in the mail A MONTH AGO - as it had a better rate for his trip in September... I stupidly admitted I probably did toss it and didn't that just send the bunched and clenched into hyper-drive!
FINALLY - we get out the door - we get lunch, we get back and I leave his cranky bunched pants and enjoy a few hours planning a very nice luncheon. Then I get home, and Oh! Surprise! He's still cranky! For the love of god man pick out the bunch, unclench and MOVE ON. I instead make up a grocery list, plan the meals for the week, and (believe it or not) clip coupons, and go to the grocery store. Hells bells I even remembered the reusable bags!!!
A soothing hour later I have all I need, I check out, get home, unload the car, put it all away, make cole slaw for tomorrow's dinner (always better the next day) and begin prep work for tonight's enchilada... to which I don't have enough sauce I didn't make right because I didn't dip the tortilla's inside and out with sauce and I didn't use all the tortillas I bought. kiss..... my..... grits....
He ate, he was happy, I'm in here with indigestion, a dog crying because she can't figure out how to bunch the carpet enough to lay down, and banging on the keyboard. It could be worse I could be in Alabama for work and.............alone in a hotel room, without a kitchen to clean and without a husband with bunched underpants................. ah never mind. I miss my puppies.
We will see what Monday brings us, I have two drop offs before I make it into the office, only one work related, then a girl's group meeting tomorrow night and dinner already half done!
Take the small victories where you can get them.
WD-40 in his shorts would be wrong... wouldn't it? I mean just to keep things sliding along? Because frankly if we have another day like today... He's going to have a injury that won't be easy to explain away.
Shall we begin at the beginning? Most times that is best. So of course I'm up because a) I have a bladder the size of a walnut and b) as soon as I'm up my dogs think it's time for breakfast and c) if I try to go back to sleep I get a doggie kiss facial - no not all that great because then she moves on the derma scrub involving her nails and the first four layers of my skin....
So up moving, dogs out, in, fed and we're napping. Its a peaceful time he's upstairs snoring the drone of the fans as we attempt to make sure our carpets and parts are good and dry - a lovely morning - Sundays should be. (Please I don't need cyber-guilt along with the Catholic variety)
ANYwho... you know who comes down stairs and immediately starts in with this that and the other as all it took was the look on his face to tell me that his undies had clumped and we weren't going to start the day well. He starts in about the carpets and moving the washer and the dryer and yadda yadda yadda, so I go upstairs get dressed and come back down... now let me pause right here and remind my 3 friends who read this mess regularly that I didn't marry Handy Andy, more like Clueless Clum-key. So we move the dryer and the hose from the back end to the vent outside pops off... he spends the next 20 minutes futzing with thing thing as I stand, trapped in the small space behind the dryer holding up one of the darn thing to keep it out of the muck under the washer and "in the proper position" Did I mention this took 20 minutes? Do you want to know how many spiders are (were) in the corners of my laundry room? I could give you an accurate accounting.
So finally he gets the do-hickey attached back onto the thing-a-ma-bob and I am free! To mop up the floor oh goodie!! As soon as a step gingerly over the hose and barely brush the darn thing it pops off again. Oh the joy in mudville THAT brought along. So after his little snit - I disappear he fights with the hose, clamp, whatever (never said I was handy either!) I get to watch the Steelers on the NFL channel and wonder exactly how I will be filling my time on Sunday afternoon this fall... but that is a rant for another day.
He finally gets it all put back together and again I get "are you going to do something" snit (apparently the bunching wasn't helped with the floor sitting and do-hickey fixing) I broom, I mop, I clean up we put down the carpets, he jams the edges back in with a screw driver and hammer or god knows because frankly boys and girls - Aunt Ing walked away. I have found after 20 plus years of marriage that process does indeed work best. When they yell for something like a tool or to call to 911 as they can't stop the blood flow - then you can be helpful - otherwise another room and personal space are best. (Little tip for you newly-weds)
Then with the yucky work done - mopping and such - he wants to push everything back in its proper place. Just a minute cranky pants, the floor has to dry - it will take all of 10 minutes. And it does, then we move things back I shower and we begin... the dance to get out the door and get some lunch.
I was ready at 12:30 we got out the door at 12:50 I have to be home by 1:30 as I'm meeting someone and we're doing Ladies Group stuff... so we had to 86 the Mexican place - which he spent 7 minutes looking for THE coupon, and then we had to search some hotel ad that came in the mail A MONTH AGO - as it had a better rate for his trip in September... I stupidly admitted I probably did toss it and didn't that just send the bunched and clenched into hyper-drive!
FINALLY - we get out the door - we get lunch, we get back and I leave his cranky bunched pants and enjoy a few hours planning a very nice luncheon. Then I get home, and Oh! Surprise! He's still cranky! For the love of god man pick out the bunch, unclench and MOVE ON. I instead make up a grocery list, plan the meals for the week, and (believe it or not) clip coupons, and go to the grocery store. Hells bells I even remembered the reusable bags!!!
A soothing hour later I have all I need, I check out, get home, unload the car, put it all away, make cole slaw for tomorrow's dinner (always better the next day) and begin prep work for tonight's enchilada... to which I don't have enough sauce I didn't make right because I didn't dip the tortilla's inside and out with sauce and I didn't use all the tortillas I bought. kiss..... my..... grits....
He ate, he was happy, I'm in here with indigestion, a dog crying because she can't figure out how to bunch the carpet enough to lay down, and banging on the keyboard. It could be worse I could be in Alabama for work and.............alone in a hotel room, without a kitchen to clean and without a husband with bunched underpants................. ah never mind. I miss my puppies.
We will see what Monday brings us, I have two drop offs before I make it into the office, only one work related, then a girl's group meeting tomorrow night and dinner already half done!
Take the small victories where you can get them.
WD-40 in his shorts would be wrong... wouldn't it? I mean just to keep things sliding along? Because frankly if we have another day like today... He's going to have a injury that won't be easy to explain away.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
How does one do it?
Yet again I need to be in 4 places at the same time. Unfortunately, I am but one person - without the technology to teleport myself I am at work - well because one of us does indeed have to be gainfully employed... again back to that liking of indoor plumbing, food, and water. Hey I'm pampered what can I say??
So Saturday, today, was Mom's big day in 'da Burgh with her National president -- her big show, banquet all the rest. Didn't make that.
Today was also Rainbow event - I've got new girls I thought I had things and rides arranged. Didn't make that.
Bubba is home, alone, with a project (i.e. the carpets) and is calling me every 30 minutes to give me new ideas status updates and my continued comment is "The carpet is not dry - you can't do any of these goofy things until the carpet dries." Don't want make that.
I AM at work, fighting through the last of the issues, apparently my young tester with an attitude stated later last night and got things "finished". Ok groovy, I got my friend organized, she was having a better day (tough weekend for her she lost her father a year ago... and her best friend was having major surgery Friday... and she got the two rookies to herself... really should have been on top of that better...)
So we all had our marching orders, we got our stuff done, and at 2:30 I was heading home. I left the great Software test issue puzzle of numbers on my white board... I can't possibly describe this mess outside of we number the issues we have from testing to track and close them. Inside each of those numbers is another number (or numbers) for a requirement or a statement on how the software is to work... to say our duplicates have duplicates and then there are missing requirement numbers would be an understatement. I have until Tuesday to clean this up. I will be insane sometime Monday afternoon.
Now on the TOTAL upside of what has basically been the week from hell and back, and I had to walk it both ways up hill in 100 degree heat (as it doesn't snow in hell).... the neighbors called and wanted to go OUT to dinner.
Saints above be praised and I should give a donation to the church... somebody loves me.
So I get home having survived my day on tea, Oreo cookies, and mini-chocolate bars, as I didn't think we'd be here this long and didn't bother to get lunch until we were all but done.... I get home, grab a hand full of crackers, and call the neighbors - we make dinner plans and its all good.
We started to head for seafood then realized our favorite seafood place was CLOSED! Thank you BP. So off we went to the good Italian place, and enjoyed. Salad, pasta, a bottle of wine, dessert, bread - that was my one meal today. AND we ate early so no going to bed - as I have all week - with dinner sitting on the top of my tummy - then coming back for visit about 3 AM.
It was a wonderful dinner, nice company AND we got a complimentary glass of Amaretto... and I enjoyed!! Bubba put a splash in his coffee and I enjoyed the rest.
So now I'm doing the laundry so tomorrow we can move the washer and dryer, get the floor cleaned behind that and look at the possible damage from the little flood of Germantown. THEN I get to go to a ladies planning meeting. It ain't work, I ain't in Alabama and I ain't complaining.
I'm off to bury my nose in a book, finish the laundry and fall dead asleep within the hour.
Its a life...
So Saturday, today, was Mom's big day in 'da Burgh with her National president -- her big show, banquet all the rest. Didn't make that.
Today was also Rainbow event - I've got new girls I thought I had things and rides arranged. Didn't make that.
Bubba is home, alone, with a project (i.e. the carpets) and is calling me every 30 minutes to give me new ideas status updates and my continued comment is "The carpet is not dry - you can't do any of these goofy things until the carpet dries." Don't want make that.
I AM at work, fighting through the last of the issues, apparently my young tester with an attitude stated later last night and got things "finished". Ok groovy, I got my friend organized, she was having a better day (tough weekend for her she lost her father a year ago... and her best friend was having major surgery Friday... and she got the two rookies to herself... really should have been on top of that better...)
So we all had our marching orders, we got our stuff done, and at 2:30 I was heading home. I left the great Software test issue puzzle of numbers on my white board... I can't possibly describe this mess outside of we number the issues we have from testing to track and close them. Inside each of those numbers is another number (or numbers) for a requirement or a statement on how the software is to work... to say our duplicates have duplicates and then there are missing requirement numbers would be an understatement. I have until Tuesday to clean this up. I will be insane sometime Monday afternoon.
Now on the TOTAL upside of what has basically been the week from hell and back, and I had to walk it both ways up hill in 100 degree heat (as it doesn't snow in hell).... the neighbors called and wanted to go OUT to dinner.
Saints above be praised and I should give a donation to the church... somebody loves me.
So I get home having survived my day on tea, Oreo cookies, and mini-chocolate bars, as I didn't think we'd be here this long and didn't bother to get lunch until we were all but done.... I get home, grab a hand full of crackers, and call the neighbors - we make dinner plans and its all good.
We started to head for seafood then realized our favorite seafood place was CLOSED! Thank you BP. So off we went to the good Italian place, and enjoyed. Salad, pasta, a bottle of wine, dessert, bread - that was my one meal today. AND we ate early so no going to bed - as I have all week - with dinner sitting on the top of my tummy - then coming back for visit about 3 AM.
It was a wonderful dinner, nice company AND we got a complimentary glass of Amaretto... and I enjoyed!! Bubba put a splash in his coffee and I enjoyed the rest.
So now I'm doing the laundry so tomorrow we can move the washer and dryer, get the floor cleaned behind that and look at the possible damage from the little flood of Germantown. THEN I get to go to a ladies planning meeting. It ain't work, I ain't in Alabama and I ain't complaining.
I'm off to bury my nose in a book, finish the laundry and fall dead asleep within the hour.
Its a life...
Friday, August 13, 2010
Where do I begin?
I think with a quote from my favorite Chick-flick to Thursday August 12th I say "You are a pig from hell". Allow me to elaborate on the day that was yesterday...
BIG thunder and lightening storm about 6:30 AM... yeah. Got up - did what you have to do when you hear a great amount of rushing water above your head, checked outside and went back to sleep. After all why rush? Traffic is screwed and I really don't want to be in the shower with all that lightening about - really.
Storm over about 45 minutes later - we're up and moving the usual morning routine started until..... we hit the laundry room - with it's door to the outside - has 2 INCHES OF WATER and it soaked into the carpet hallway, the bathroom.... OMG what a freaking mess.
I get the dogs out I go running back upstairs to get Bubba has he has chosen this moment in time to ignore the screaming from the laundry room. I basically drag him out of the shower - no he wasn't wet yet - and we both go rushing back down stairs pulling every towel, absorbent thing we own onto the carpet the floor cripes what a mess.
Dodged a bullet that the water didn't drip down onto a) my books and b) the heat pump.
The water did however make it to the laundry room, into the bathroom, the hallway, and into my office and as we all make the sign of the cross, didn't short out the power bar that had the computer, the brand new monitor and all the extras that go along with a home computer system.
So, called work, said I was going to be late - had this been a regular work day I would have called in and said not coming in and dealt with the problem. But no this has to be the week that we're in the middle of software testing, new test crew, new location (home vs Alabama) and the boss is in town.... Bubba has to go in to deal with severance packages of the folks who were laid off Wednesday night... oh what fun.
OK so an hour later, we have sopped, wiped, rung out, rinse, repeat, then we did the grape stomping dance on towels on the carpet. Now I will say after Bubba cleared the debris from the drain outside the door - (the source of the issue) you could tell from his body language and movements he gave thought to leaving the clean up to me... oh no no no - as I tossed towels in his hands and barked orders I guess he figured he wasn't going anywhere...
We set up a fan to blow, set all those wet towels, mop etc in the sink next to the washer we went to shower, and get to work. Of course with the weather traffic was a NIGHTMARE.
Talked to Dad about sopping up the rest, finally got to work, and into a bigger muck, testing, documentation, getting the young buck attitude in check, trying to talk down my counterpart who was having her own attitude issues, and flame mail from Alabama, life in general. Now toss in the boss wanting this that and the other... including reports on testing, possible deadlines for the NEXT release of software updating my yearly objectives for mid-year review and another discussion of flame mail.... THEN...
Bubba calls, "Hey hon - guess what?" (holy mother of god - now what?) He tells me.
"I'm on the lay off list too.... BUT - they want me to stick around for another month and move all the stuff back to Washington State, but that means at least 2 trips before I'm done. Plus they will pay the severance package and a bonus for sticking around." Groovy.
So now Bubba's job is on the countdown clock, plus he's doing the work for 5 people where previously it was only 3...
At this point of my day all I want to do is put my head down and forget the outside world. I got lunch at 2 PM, at it at my desk while pointing clicking and verifying test code. By 6:00 PM I was still at work and wondering why... but I finished my day. Happily discovered that we'd completed the first pass of verifying test results and may only have to work Saturday instead of Saturday AND Sunday. Wha-whoo... I was taking small victories where I could get them...
THEN... I got home.
Carpet is still wet - as if I expected anything different, the "aroma" of sopping wet towels, rags and blankets was overwhelming and as it was now 8:00 PM Bubba was of course not home yet, I wanted some kind of dinner - so I tossed noodles his way, we ate, we tore up carpets, clamped things up to dry, moved padding, some it hanging from my shower curtain, others are taped to handles to dry, carpet pieces are clamped to door frames, and moved computer desks to dry....
Its a look.
I did get all the towels etc. washed last night and only one load didn't make it to the dryer. So I've got one load left to dry. Amazing what it did for the "aroma" in the family room. Now it smells like Clorox Clean up with bleach - as mold is not your friend.
We dropped into our spots in front of the TV and I was fighting sleep 5 minutes later.
15 minutes later we went to bed, and the next thing I knew - the day from hell was over - and I was faced with another day. (thank you Big Guy)
Now the cherry on the sundae of pulling up carpets and dealing with the rest? Bubba hands me this wet gross piece of carpet padding and tells me to hang it somewhere. Now I won't exactly say at this point of my day where THAT idea was headed but let us say that there was a filter pause - then the brain went oh wait - he's serious then 'we' had the idea of where we could indeed put this piece of padding. So I hauled it upstairs, and tossed it over the shower curtain.
Now in that 3 seconds of filtering and thinking, Bubba in his always patient and loving way made the following statement "get moving! Yeesh why didn't you get some of your mother's genes? She's does everything and you do nothing." And yet he lives. Mainly because he said My mother ... had it been his - Gigs would have gotten a phone call. Because remember boys and girls, friends will kept your secrets - best friends will help you bury the body.
And I do nothing, except work the kind of schedule he usually works this week in a job that is increasing stressful, I have 2 times the commute he does, manage to feed him, the dogs, do 3 loads of laundry, AND help him with carpet pulling and tacking. Nothing - yeah that's got me written all over it. Butthead.
So Friday - we're facing finishing test data review, attitudes and NOW the boss says - we may have to do this all over again next week. Why? Because other companies who contribute to the other parts software are having trouble with the new upgraded operating system - we are not. "They" say we have to fix things (as in go back an OS version) - and we have to as well.
So, new/old OS means - new delivery and all new testing to make sure we work on the new/old OS doesn't break the new software. If Bubba had a job I'd give serious thought to dumping this one.
Check back or monitor the 11 o'clock news - you won't need the blog then.
BIG thunder and lightening storm about 6:30 AM... yeah. Got up - did what you have to do when you hear a great amount of rushing water above your head, checked outside and went back to sleep. After all why rush? Traffic is screwed and I really don't want to be in the shower with all that lightening about - really.
Storm over about 45 minutes later - we're up and moving the usual morning routine started until..... we hit the laundry room - with it's door to the outside - has 2 INCHES OF WATER and it soaked into the carpet hallway, the bathroom.... OMG what a freaking mess.
I get the dogs out I go running back upstairs to get Bubba has he has chosen this moment in time to ignore the screaming from the laundry room. I basically drag him out of the shower - no he wasn't wet yet - and we both go rushing back down stairs pulling every towel, absorbent thing we own onto the carpet the floor cripes what a mess.
Dodged a bullet that the water didn't drip down onto a) my books and b) the heat pump.
The water did however make it to the laundry room, into the bathroom, the hallway, and into my office and as we all make the sign of the cross, didn't short out the power bar that had the computer, the brand new monitor and all the extras that go along with a home computer system.
So, called work, said I was going to be late - had this been a regular work day I would have called in and said not coming in and dealt with the problem. But no this has to be the week that we're in the middle of software testing, new test crew, new location (home vs Alabama) and the boss is in town.... Bubba has to go in to deal with severance packages of the folks who were laid off Wednesday night... oh what fun.
OK so an hour later, we have sopped, wiped, rung out, rinse, repeat, then we did the grape stomping dance on towels on the carpet. Now I will say after Bubba cleared the debris from the drain outside the door - (the source of the issue) you could tell from his body language and movements he gave thought to leaving the clean up to me... oh no no no - as I tossed towels in his hands and barked orders I guess he figured he wasn't going anywhere...
We set up a fan to blow, set all those wet towels, mop etc in the sink next to the washer we went to shower, and get to work. Of course with the weather traffic was a NIGHTMARE.
Talked to Dad about sopping up the rest, finally got to work, and into a bigger muck, testing, documentation, getting the young buck attitude in check, trying to talk down my counterpart who was having her own attitude issues, and flame mail from Alabama, life in general. Now toss in the boss wanting this that and the other... including reports on testing, possible deadlines for the NEXT release of software updating my yearly objectives for mid-year review and another discussion of flame mail.... THEN...
Bubba calls, "Hey hon - guess what?" (holy mother of god - now what?) He tells me.
"I'm on the lay off list too.... BUT - they want me to stick around for another month and move all the stuff back to Washington State, but that means at least 2 trips before I'm done. Plus they will pay the severance package and a bonus for sticking around." Groovy.
So now Bubba's job is on the countdown clock, plus he's doing the work for 5 people where previously it was only 3...
At this point of my day all I want to do is put my head down and forget the outside world. I got lunch at 2 PM, at it at my desk while pointing clicking and verifying test code. By 6:00 PM I was still at work and wondering why... but I finished my day. Happily discovered that we'd completed the first pass of verifying test results and may only have to work Saturday instead of Saturday AND Sunday. Wha-whoo... I was taking small victories where I could get them...
THEN... I got home.
Carpet is still wet - as if I expected anything different, the "aroma" of sopping wet towels, rags and blankets was overwhelming and as it was now 8:00 PM Bubba was of course not home yet, I wanted some kind of dinner - so I tossed noodles his way, we ate, we tore up carpets, clamped things up to dry, moved padding, some it hanging from my shower curtain, others are taped to handles to dry, carpet pieces are clamped to door frames, and moved computer desks to dry....
Its a look.
I did get all the towels etc. washed last night and only one load didn't make it to the dryer. So I've got one load left to dry. Amazing what it did for the "aroma" in the family room. Now it smells like Clorox Clean up with bleach - as mold is not your friend.
We dropped into our spots in front of the TV and I was fighting sleep 5 minutes later.
15 minutes later we went to bed, and the next thing I knew - the day from hell was over - and I was faced with another day. (thank you Big Guy)
Now the cherry on the sundae of pulling up carpets and dealing with the rest? Bubba hands me this wet gross piece of carpet padding and tells me to hang it somewhere. Now I won't exactly say at this point of my day where THAT idea was headed but let us say that there was a filter pause - then the brain went oh wait - he's serious then 'we' had the idea of where we could indeed put this piece of padding. So I hauled it upstairs, and tossed it over the shower curtain.
Now in that 3 seconds of filtering and thinking, Bubba in his always patient and loving way made the following statement "get moving! Yeesh why didn't you get some of your mother's genes? She's does everything and you do nothing." And yet he lives. Mainly because he said My mother ... had it been his - Gigs would have gotten a phone call. Because remember boys and girls, friends will kept your secrets - best friends will help you bury the body.
And I do nothing, except work the kind of schedule he usually works this week in a job that is increasing stressful, I have 2 times the commute he does, manage to feed him, the dogs, do 3 loads of laundry, AND help him with carpet pulling and tacking. Nothing - yeah that's got me written all over it. Butthead.
So Friday - we're facing finishing test data review, attitudes and NOW the boss says - we may have to do this all over again next week. Why? Because other companies who contribute to the other parts software are having trouble with the new upgraded operating system - we are not. "They" say we have to fix things (as in go back an OS version) - and we have to as well.
So, new/old OS means - new delivery and all new testing to make sure we work on the new/old OS doesn't break the new software. If Bubba had a job I'd give serious thought to dumping this one.
Check back or monitor the 11 o'clock news - you won't need the blog then.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Well so much for THAT idea...
Perhaps he wanted it just too much looking forward to the time off too much, planning a beach vacation - the working gods pranged Bubba upon his rock hard skull - and poof! He didn't get laid off.
Yes you read that right - Bubba managed to avoid the "dreaded" lay off. I put dreaded in the quotes because frankly - I think we were both looking forward to the time and away from this job. We were planning a vacation, Bubba was looking forward to a long weekend and a Bubba's release from the boss and job from haties.
So - oh goodie - he now has to work MORE hours to make up for the people who DID get laid off - including the poor son of a gun who just got married last Saturday. Bummer dude - 'cus that new wifey of yours looks a bit high maintenance - but that's just me. (saucer of milk - table 1) ;-)
So now this week we're both working too much, not sleeping enough and have a classic case of the grumbles "had enough of this - go to go to work - now what is testing going to toss my way - stupid boss...." you get the idea. We aren't actually talking to one another we're just 'grumbling' past each other.
Ok, I've got stuff - like work stuff to deal with. What fun.... Stay tuned or not. It won't get anymore exciting today. I may need a nap later. :-)
Yes you read that right - Bubba managed to avoid the "dreaded" lay off. I put dreaded in the quotes because frankly - I think we were both looking forward to the time and away from this job. We were planning a vacation, Bubba was looking forward to a long weekend and a Bubba's release from the boss and job from haties.
So - oh goodie - he now has to work MORE hours to make up for the people who DID get laid off - including the poor son of a gun who just got married last Saturday. Bummer dude - 'cus that new wifey of yours looks a bit high maintenance - but that's just me. (saucer of milk - table 1) ;-)
So now this week we're both working too much, not sleeping enough and have a classic case of the grumbles "had enough of this - go to go to work - now what is testing going to toss my way - stupid boss...." you get the idea. We aren't actually talking to one another we're just 'grumbling' past each other.
Ok, I've got stuff - like work stuff to deal with. What fun.... Stay tuned or not. It won't get anymore exciting today. I may need a nap later. :-)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My life as a bulleted list...
- Boss is in town this week... yeah
- Testing beginning - waiting for on call and possible weekend work
- still trying to finish up major project and fill in last holes... and wondering if the auditors will hear the tap shoes via file links. (dancing a real tale here)
- Bubba is on lay-off watch
- Rainbow girl in a snit - and must smooth over via email
- 3 events Saturday and I can commit to nothing due to possible work conflict
- Possible vacation with Bubba if he gets laid off - he'll finally have the time
- What kind of withdrawal symptoms will he go through when he has to return that Blackberry
- Office is half empty as we are moving either in 2 or 3 weeks - no one is sure when
- My work phone number is going to change... yeah Another number to remember and give all folks who need it.
- Did I mention have to get up at o-dark-30 next tomorrow.
- Don't expect a post.
- I need a nap.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ah - the weekend.
Always too short and usually with the Bubba and Aunt Ing Show we had stuff planned... this weekend was no different.
Bubba arrived home late Friday night - all the girls were sleeping in our beds, pups and me. He got the head lift from Shelby - "Hey - you - sleeping - night". He got the, "Hey you sleeping, glad your home" get up go pee and fall back dead asleep - from me. Oh yeah - we're Oh so glad he's home at 2 AM - quit turning on the lights and shut the heck up already. ;-)
So Saturday he's up later than me, pups have been fed, tended and are enjoying that post-breakfast /pre-mid-day nap. I've got my nose buried in a book, enjoying the quiet time. Knowing full well that we've got a wedding to tend to and I've got some errands to deal with, and of course dress and pantyhose in August DC heat... bla.
The wedding was nice, part of it was outside, hotter than heck but it could have been worse so I hung on to that one. The drinks were flowing, the hor'de'vours were OK but sparse, this was a skinny crowd so I wasn't expecting much. Dinner was really good but served at 10 freaking PM. We got home at 2:30 in the morning!! By the time they got through dancing, speech making, cake and 3 bridal wardrobe changes and post dinner munchies we were lucky that it was just 2:30 AM...
Next day I wasn't 100 percent, Bubba less so but not for the reasons you'd think. He drove home. Apparently there was something he ate (that I didn't) that didn't sit well... whoops.
Sunday was quiet as Bubba was have a bit of "distress" and I was - as they say in the movie Auntie Mame "hung". Well not really, aspirin took away the headache, my system was unhappy with the volume - but one McD's coke and Bubba wanted fries - I was fine. For some reason the best cure in my book for the morning after the night before is McD's coke and an egg McMuffin. Since we slept through McMuffin time... we made do with Fries.
We did get some shopping done, the monitor has been replaced... oh so new and shiny and clear. Getting it another story... sort of. We went to 'de Mart... I looked on line he saw a sale at the Stapler store - off we went. Now the help at said Stapler Store - let's put it this way 1) had to hunt down someone who actually worked there as you couldn't just pick up the monitor off the shelf... 2) when you did it was Hey Joe - they need... in which manager Joe passes the buck back to the grunt who you originally asked for assistance. 3) Grunt worker then wanders over to you you show him what you want, 4) he checks the computer to make sure they have it 5) disappears in the back for lunch, 6) reappears with your monitor 7) checks you out 8) you leave feeling that you put this person out by making him get you something to buy.
When in fact you thanked said Stapler employee for helping, getting monitor and tending to HIS JOB. He grunts at you and never bothers to change his expression past "you are bothering" face. Fine. Kiss my grits. I guess the cheap price doesn't come with any kind of remote customer service - even when we try and be nice.
On the other hand we went to buy new sneakers and there were several people there, friendly, helpful and willing to make the sale. It was a very nice change of pace. Bubba on the other hand was grumpy - he didn't feel well and when King Bubba has something and is not 100% we all suffer.
So new tennies bought - and tax free! Thanks back to school - and home. Mom called with another Tech call - er I mean with A tech call - totally easy. Of course I did take the easy way out and had her email it to me (yes another attachment) and I fixed it. I just have a better program for mixing pictures and words... so I go with it. Then went outside and did doggie duty pick up, Bubba mowed the lawn, I putzed on the computer, installed our new protection software which I left alone with Bubba to do hair and makeup before we met friends for dinner.... (he's screaming that something was UNinstalling - (breathe) oh and did I mention getting the laundry started? On the up side - dinner was good and fun!
My rant of the day... Bubba and the all mighty dollar. Heaven help us. He starts in that when we were first married we had rent, car and student loan payments made less than 1/3 of what I make now - why aren't we saving more money?
1) we eat better (ramin noodles and hot dogs are no longer a staple in our diet)
2) we have power, water and bigger gas for the cars bills
3) we eat out more and eat out at lunch
4) we have 2 big dogs
5) I worked 6 days a week and we had no money to go anywhere or do anything
6) As your income grows so does the bills in terms of stuff
7) Bigger house to keep up versus renting 4 room apartment.
8) gifts for family members of which there are more.
9) ... do I really need to continue?
ITS CALLED LIVING YOUR FREAKING LIFE... YEESH. His mother gets new ALL NEW furniture when she moves which is about every 4 years. I get new furniture when it falls apart when you sit on it! OMG. I cannot effectively communicate living a life within your means versus doing nothing, staying home and counting your coins like a miser. Son - YOU need to get out and make friends - trust me. And he wonders why I drink.
Ok I've got a packed week, but on the up side I'm not in Alabama on the down side I'm home and Bubba will have expectations of meals and other foolishness... we'll see what I can come up with.
Stay tuned...
Bubba arrived home late Friday night - all the girls were sleeping in our beds, pups and me. He got the head lift from Shelby - "Hey - you - sleeping - night". He got the, "Hey you sleeping, glad your home" get up go pee and fall back dead asleep - from me. Oh yeah - we're Oh so glad he's home at 2 AM - quit turning on the lights and shut the heck up already. ;-)
So Saturday he's up later than me, pups have been fed, tended and are enjoying that post-breakfast /pre-mid-day nap. I've got my nose buried in a book, enjoying the quiet time. Knowing full well that we've got a wedding to tend to and I've got some errands to deal with, and of course dress and pantyhose in August DC heat... bla.
The wedding was nice, part of it was outside, hotter than heck but it could have been worse so I hung on to that one. The drinks were flowing, the hor'de'vours were OK but sparse, this was a skinny crowd so I wasn't expecting much. Dinner was really good but served at 10 freaking PM. We got home at 2:30 in the morning!! By the time they got through dancing, speech making, cake and 3 bridal wardrobe changes and post dinner munchies we were lucky that it was just 2:30 AM...
Next day I wasn't 100 percent, Bubba less so but not for the reasons you'd think. He drove home. Apparently there was something he ate (that I didn't) that didn't sit well... whoops.
Sunday was quiet as Bubba was have a bit of "distress" and I was - as they say in the movie Auntie Mame "hung". Well not really, aspirin took away the headache, my system was unhappy with the volume - but one McD's coke and Bubba wanted fries - I was fine. For some reason the best cure in my book for the morning after the night before is McD's coke and an egg McMuffin. Since we slept through McMuffin time... we made do with Fries.
We did get some shopping done, the monitor has been replaced... oh so new and shiny and clear. Getting it another story... sort of. We went to 'de Mart... I looked on line he saw a sale at the Stapler store - off we went. Now the help at said Stapler Store - let's put it this way 1) had to hunt down someone who actually worked there as you couldn't just pick up the monitor off the shelf... 2) when you did it was Hey Joe - they need... in which manager Joe passes the buck back to the grunt who you originally asked for assistance. 3) Grunt worker then wanders over to you you show him what you want, 4) he checks the computer to make sure they have it 5) disappears in the back for lunch, 6) reappears with your monitor 7) checks you out 8) you leave feeling that you put this person out by making him get you something to buy.
When in fact you thanked said Stapler employee for helping, getting monitor and tending to HIS JOB. He grunts at you and never bothers to change his expression past "you are bothering" face. Fine. Kiss my grits. I guess the cheap price doesn't come with any kind of remote customer service - even when we try and be nice.
On the other hand we went to buy new sneakers and there were several people there, friendly, helpful and willing to make the sale. It was a very nice change of pace. Bubba on the other hand was grumpy - he didn't feel well and when King Bubba has something and is not 100% we all suffer.
So new tennies bought - and tax free! Thanks back to school - and home. Mom called with another Tech call - er I mean with A tech call - totally easy. Of course I did take the easy way out and had her email it to me (yes another attachment) and I fixed it. I just have a better program for mixing pictures and words... so I go with it. Then went outside and did doggie duty pick up, Bubba mowed the lawn, I putzed on the computer, installed our new protection software which I left alone with Bubba to do hair and makeup before we met friends for dinner.... (he's screaming that something was UNinstalling - (breathe) oh and did I mention getting the laundry started? On the up side - dinner was good and fun!
My rant of the day... Bubba and the all mighty dollar. Heaven help us. He starts in that when we were first married we had rent, car and student loan payments made less than 1/3 of what I make now - why aren't we saving more money?
1) we eat better (ramin noodles and hot dogs are no longer a staple in our diet)
2) we have power, water and bigger gas for the cars bills
3) we eat out more and eat out at lunch
4) we have 2 big dogs
5) I worked 6 days a week and we had no money to go anywhere or do anything
6) As your income grows so does the bills in terms of stuff
7) Bigger house to keep up versus renting 4 room apartment.
8) gifts for family members of which there are more.
9) ... do I really need to continue?
ITS CALLED LIVING YOUR FREAKING LIFE... YEESH. His mother gets new ALL NEW furniture when she moves which is about every 4 years. I get new furniture when it falls apart when you sit on it! OMG. I cannot effectively communicate living a life within your means versus doing nothing, staying home and counting your coins like a miser. Son - YOU need to get out and make friends - trust me. And he wonders why I drink.
Ok I've got a packed week, but on the up side I'm not in Alabama on the down side I'm home and Bubba will have expectations of meals and other foolishness... we'll see what I can come up with.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Tale of Tech Support
The following tale is true - only the names have been changed to protect the technically challenged...
First the phone call at work, "Hey - how do I print this attachment that isn't really an attachment? She sent this to me but not like I usually get it - and why do I need this now? This won't happen until next year don't these people get I've got other major fires burning right now?"
My reply - "Mom?"
"What?"
"Just checking ---Now breathe - single sentences and pause between each statement so the information will not just flow into one ear and out the other on to the floor - as a self preservation mechanism. But first is anything on fire - literally?"
"Fire? No."
"Good begin."
"A lady in my group sent me some papers via email that she scanned, only she didn't do it like I did it."
"OK that means her email accepts the scans - yours doesn't. Right click on the page, does a menu appear with print on it?"
"Yeah - you're so smart"
"No just been a geek for a bit there Ima Lou*" (Remember we changed the names wink wink)
"Oh no now it wants me to install a printer**" **Now I should have asked more questions but I took her word that that was indeed the menu that appeared. Stupid.
"Ah Ok Mom - tell you what - why don't you just send it to me I'll attach it how you're used to seeing and then you can print. She did that I did my part send it back... next call.
"It still won't do it right!"
I open the email I sent, open the attachment then realize what she's seeing in the print menu - we walk through it - and all is well. Until...
Pulling out of the parking garage at work, it's her again - "I can't remember how I scan and attach this to my email." You can hear the pitch and the tone across the many miles - this won't be a short call... and me driving the beltway. "Tell you what call me when you get home from work...." and that is where the fun really started.
Got home, putzed, did dishes, loved pups, fed pups... then remember I had a pending tech call - I really did feel guilty about that. So called home and got - "insert stream of words here that lost all meaning while we logged on and she attempted to describe the problem."
"Mom breathe - we'll do this in two steps"
"But - but but you have to attach and...." "IMA!"
At this point my father picks up the other phone and says, "I have to hear both sides of this conversation - if her side is that funny I can just imagine what you're saying to her."
Great witnesses.
Slowly we walk through scanning - now keep in mind you have to keep repeating that you have to scan first before you can attach anything in email - so we get that message conveyed then we move on to how to scan... "Do I do this to Word or to a file?" Now usually we scan to file - she hasn't mentioned scanning to Word... Now keep in mind that I don't have a scanner so I have to do this while she's telling me what she sees on the screen. (No I wasn't drinking - yet)
So first we try to scan to Word only to realize it tried to convert it into the an actual Word document that you could edit... it didn't work. I do believe one word uttered was "gibberish". Ok I realized my mistake - listen to my head when it says SCAN TO FILE MORON. So next we can save to file. Now I'm thinking it should give you the option to tell the scanned file where to go and what name I want to give it... not according to Mom - I mean Ima. Now the fun really got started because the might oak of the stubbornness tree from which my sister and now her daughter have 'blossomed' is arguing with me that the file is not in the "My documents" folder but something called "My scanned."
Now let me pause and give my tech savvy friend a moment to catch her breath -- because if I know Gigs she's laughing like a loon right now ... hang on girlfriend it gets better.
Did I mention that "Harry" is listening in and laughing as well as Ima's pitch goes up and my teeth loose another layer of enamel. It's a family isn't it?
Ok so I pull out a sheet of paper and write down the folder name because by the time I get around to attaching it to email... I'm going to need it as my brain will be pudding. Desperately trying to convince Mom-er Ima that My Scans is indeed 'part' of My Documents. "OK -- Ima - go to Start, my computer, my documents and look for the FOLDER called my scanned click on that - what are the files names there?"
"What is the recycle bin?"
"Stuff you've deleted."
"Hey - you know those money files I was looking for they are in there - I can't delete those - I'll lose all my money."
(insert head banging on desk here)
IMA!! What are the file names of the pages you scanned?
"Oh - scan 08, 09 and 10." (Writing quickly as things are now leaking out of my head and the desk can't take much more banging)
OK clear out -NO - just X out of there.
"Are you sure - that won't delete anything?"
"No you're just closing the window - you know this."
"I do but I get so darn frustrated." (Really? Hadn't noticed -- Dad um - Harry all that laughter is NOT helping)
Open your email. "OK hang on a minute I have to type out her address and a message'
I got a snack, a personal visit and a quick chat with Dad in...
"OK now how do I found those files?"
Click on the attach button - Now I thought I was home free as we have similar emails at home... but no the gods of technology were against me - hers didn't look like mine. Ah well.
So having to walk her through step by step - she now trusted me (mostly) that where I told her to look the files would indeed be there... now here becomes a problem when 'Ima' thinks she knows where she is she gets three steps ahead of me and then asks "What happened"
Cwap - "Where are you Ima?"
"lightening quick on that mouse trigger isn't she?" Thanks Harry.
OK... Walk Ima through attaching her files - WAIT FOR IT... You have to threaten her with physical harm through the phone if she hits one button before the computer tells her the files are attached. Remember people this is a home computer on a DSL line we're not talking T1's.
(for you non geek people - that's driving around the DC beltway at 5:00 Pm on Friday afternoon of a holiday weekend -you ain't going no where fast - versus the same beltway on a Tuesday morning in March at 4 AM a bit quicker)
I said wait - Harry said wait - Ima kept talking is it doing anything? Is it too big? What do I do then? Oh hey look its done!!
Harry made the good suggestion she copy herself on the email so she will see what her person will receive. It all sounded good.. we signed off I went for a manicure and freaked when the phone rang. It wasn't Mom.
Today holds a wedding, Bubba home and other such fun stuff. I think I'm going to go take a nap.
Oh and my home computer screen is failing so every 30 seconds to a minute it blinks gray then comes back... I think it wants me to go to Best Buy and hurt those Geek squad guys... I really think it's time to log off...
First the phone call at work, "Hey - how do I print this attachment that isn't really an attachment? She sent this to me but not like I usually get it - and why do I need this now? This won't happen until next year don't these people get I've got other major fires burning right now?"
My reply - "Mom?"
"What?"
"Just checking ---Now breathe - single sentences and pause between each statement so the information will not just flow into one ear and out the other on to the floor - as a self preservation mechanism. But first is anything on fire - literally?"
"Fire? No."
"Good begin."
"A lady in my group sent me some papers via email that she scanned, only she didn't do it like I did it."
"OK that means her email accepts the scans - yours doesn't. Right click on the page, does a menu appear with print on it?"
"Yeah - you're so smart"
"No just been a geek for a bit there Ima Lou*" (Remember we changed the names wink wink)
"Oh no now it wants me to install a printer**" **Now I should have asked more questions but I took her word that that was indeed the menu that appeared. Stupid.
"Ah Ok Mom - tell you what - why don't you just send it to me I'll attach it how you're used to seeing and then you can print. She did that I did my part send it back... next call.
"It still won't do it right!"
I open the email I sent, open the attachment then realize what she's seeing in the print menu - we walk through it - and all is well. Until...
Pulling out of the parking garage at work, it's her again - "I can't remember how I scan and attach this to my email." You can hear the pitch and the tone across the many miles - this won't be a short call... and me driving the beltway. "Tell you what call me when you get home from work...." and that is where the fun really started.
Got home, putzed, did dishes, loved pups, fed pups... then remember I had a pending tech call - I really did feel guilty about that. So called home and got - "insert stream of words here that lost all meaning while we logged on and she attempted to describe the problem."
"Mom breathe - we'll do this in two steps"
"But - but but you have to attach and...." "IMA!"
At this point my father picks up the other phone and says, "I have to hear both sides of this conversation - if her side is that funny I can just imagine what you're saying to her."
Great witnesses.
Slowly we walk through scanning - now keep in mind you have to keep repeating that you have to scan first before you can attach anything in email - so we get that message conveyed then we move on to how to scan... "Do I do this to Word or to a file?" Now usually we scan to file - she hasn't mentioned scanning to Word... Now keep in mind that I don't have a scanner so I have to do this while she's telling me what she sees on the screen. (No I wasn't drinking - yet)
So first we try to scan to Word only to realize it tried to convert it into the an actual Word document that you could edit... it didn't work. I do believe one word uttered was "gibberish". Ok I realized my mistake - listen to my head when it says SCAN TO FILE MORON. So next we can save to file. Now I'm thinking it should give you the option to tell the scanned file where to go and what name I want to give it... not according to Mom - I mean Ima. Now the fun really got started because the might oak of the stubbornness tree from which my sister and now her daughter have 'blossomed' is arguing with me that the file is not in the "My documents" folder but something called "My scanned."
Now let me pause and give my tech savvy friend a moment to catch her breath -- because if I know Gigs she's laughing like a loon right now ... hang on girlfriend it gets better.
Did I mention that "Harry" is listening in and laughing as well as Ima's pitch goes up and my teeth loose another layer of enamel. It's a family isn't it?
Ok so I pull out a sheet of paper and write down the folder name because by the time I get around to attaching it to email... I'm going to need it as my brain will be pudding. Desperately trying to convince Mom-er Ima that My Scans is indeed 'part' of My Documents. "OK -- Ima - go to Start, my computer, my documents and look for the FOLDER called my scanned click on that - what are the files names there?"
"What is the recycle bin?"
"Stuff you've deleted."
"Hey - you know those money files I was looking for they are in there - I can't delete those - I'll lose all my money."
(insert head banging on desk here)
IMA!! What are the file names of the pages you scanned?
"Oh - scan 08, 09 and 10." (Writing quickly as things are now leaking out of my head and the desk can't take much more banging)
OK clear out -NO - just X out of there.
"Are you sure - that won't delete anything?"
"No you're just closing the window - you know this."
"I do but I get so darn frustrated." (Really? Hadn't noticed -- Dad um - Harry all that laughter is NOT helping)
Open your email. "OK hang on a minute I have to type out her address and a message'
I got a snack, a personal visit and a quick chat with Dad in...
"OK now how do I found those files?"
Click on the attach button - Now I thought I was home free as we have similar emails at home... but no the gods of technology were against me - hers didn't look like mine. Ah well.
So having to walk her through step by step - she now trusted me (mostly) that where I told her to look the files would indeed be there... now here becomes a problem when 'Ima' thinks she knows where she is she gets three steps ahead of me and then asks "What happened"
Cwap - "Where are you Ima?"
"lightening quick on that mouse trigger isn't she?" Thanks Harry.
OK... Walk Ima through attaching her files - WAIT FOR IT... You have to threaten her with physical harm through the phone if she hits one button before the computer tells her the files are attached. Remember people this is a home computer on a DSL line we're not talking T1's.
(for you non geek people - that's driving around the DC beltway at 5:00 Pm on Friday afternoon of a holiday weekend -you ain't going no where fast - versus the same beltway on a Tuesday morning in March at 4 AM a bit quicker)
I said wait - Harry said wait - Ima kept talking is it doing anything? Is it too big? What do I do then? Oh hey look its done!!
Harry made the good suggestion she copy herself on the email so she will see what her person will receive. It all sounded good.. we signed off I went for a manicure and freaked when the phone rang. It wasn't Mom.
Today holds a wedding, Bubba home and other such fun stuff. I think I'm going to go take a nap.
Oh and my home computer screen is failing so every 30 seconds to a minute it blinks gray then comes back... I think it wants me to go to Best Buy and hurt those Geek squad guys... I really think it's time to log off...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Every other day...
Is apparently my speed these days... life has been quiet. And that boys and girls is not such a bad thing. Spoke to Bubba last night and again this morning, his new job? Finding another job. Apparently Sun-makers-r-us is fast running out of money and they are looking to trim away not only the fat but the meat next to the bone. So we have previously discussed Bubba out of work - it won't be pretty for anyone.
But as anal-retentive accounting types are generally always in demand I hold fast to the belief that he won't be with this company for long or out of work should the trimming take place sooner rather than later... We've lived off of hot dogs and mac-n-cheese before and can do so again. ME? I'll have a job and will enjoy a steak or dinner out - he can live on mac-n-cheese. ;-)
Yesterday was wonderfully quiet, worked from home, did what I had to do, pups were happy, sleeping in and out but it was sticky hot hot and they preferred to be in rather than out. Again today stepping outside was a dip in the sticky sauna sweet and my hair is kinky. But the car, office and house have A/C and it's all right.
Work is work, getting to the end of my major audit project, next is two major software deliverables, then an office move - the joy and the bliss that will come with that...AND we're going to share offices. Cripes. I haven't had to share an office in YEARS but hey love me love my Russell Crowe movie posters. My radio choices are mine and piped in via head phones. It will work out just fine... I hope.
Also heard the rumor the boss will be in next week... what joy and bliss can this visit bring? Stay tuned for news and updates.
OK so I need a list of requirements to talk Bubba into a cool new phone. He's talking about cutting back our services and I want the zippy new phone that does all kinds of new stuff... any suggestions? Texting Gigs and Cin aren't good reasons to the tight fisted accountant types. I'll come up with something... or make stuff up - one or other.
Going off on a small rant... was going to make plans for Wednesday night - I was home, pups were tended it was all good... deputy boss calls - can you chat at 5:00? big boss wants updated on major project with some details. Cripes. I hate talking to higher managements, makes me nervous and I say stupid stuff... but I dialed in as requested answered questions, took notes, send data requested and got the thumbs up when I got in (finally) this morning. Oh goodie. I guess he's justifying paying me out of his pocket versus the contract. what fun. But then I missed a night out with the girls... well with Bubba facing layoff I better keep the boss men happy. (and not that way you pervs... please ick.)
Speaking of which I better get back at it... yeah. I need a mental health day - and soon-- and based upon my schedule it will be next year some time-- kill me now.
But as anal-retentive accounting types are generally always in demand I hold fast to the belief that he won't be with this company for long or out of work should the trimming take place sooner rather than later... We've lived off of hot dogs and mac-n-cheese before and can do so again. ME? I'll have a job and will enjoy a steak or dinner out - he can live on mac-n-cheese. ;-)
Yesterday was wonderfully quiet, worked from home, did what I had to do, pups were happy, sleeping in and out but it was sticky hot hot and they preferred to be in rather than out. Again today stepping outside was a dip in the sticky sauna sweet and my hair is kinky. But the car, office and house have A/C and it's all right.
Work is work, getting to the end of my major audit project, next is two major software deliverables, then an office move - the joy and the bliss that will come with that...AND we're going to share offices. Cripes. I haven't had to share an office in YEARS but hey love me love my Russell Crowe movie posters. My radio choices are mine and piped in via head phones. It will work out just fine... I hope.
Also heard the rumor the boss will be in next week... what joy and bliss can this visit bring? Stay tuned for news and updates.
OK so I need a list of requirements to talk Bubba into a cool new phone. He's talking about cutting back our services and I want the zippy new phone that does all kinds of new stuff... any suggestions? Texting Gigs and Cin aren't good reasons to the tight fisted accountant types. I'll come up with something... or make stuff up - one or other.
Going off on a small rant... was going to make plans for Wednesday night - I was home, pups were tended it was all good... deputy boss calls - can you chat at 5:00? big boss wants updated on major project with some details. Cripes. I hate talking to higher managements, makes me nervous and I say stupid stuff... but I dialed in as requested answered questions, took notes, send data requested and got the thumbs up when I got in (finally) this morning. Oh goodie. I guess he's justifying paying me out of his pocket versus the contract. what fun. But then I missed a night out with the girls... well with Bubba facing layoff I better keep the boss men happy. (and not that way you pervs... please ick.)
Speaking of which I better get back at it... yeah. I need a mental health day - and soon-- and based upon my schedule it will be next year some time-- kill me now.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Welcome to the work week...
Groan.... Yeah it's Tuesday, Monday was so dead it wasn't worth wasting the electrons to post. Bubba is gone for the first time in over a month- and apparently I've gotten used to the boy being next to me... so now he's not there and I'm hearing the house creak again. Ah well.
On the upside no cooking. Down side, no help if I need to work late. But I'm not working late so life ain't so bad. Still working the major project - found out this morning my San Diego backup guys are now booked elsewhere, so now it's up to me to finish the problem children parts, review the parts I could farm out and get it all wrapped up this week. Now on the up side I did get a due date reprieve because folks can't get their training done on time... but I need to be done this week because we're facing 2 major software deliveries next week, and that means testing. On the up side - I'm still home. Don't hold your breath that will remain so but I think that path is a whole lot clearer than it was before...
Funny discussion yesterday regarding the two newest team members who just happen to be testers... the first to join the team look like Steve Carell (The office) with a mean streak and a really anti-social bent. After boss-man made introductions I personally am waiting for this guy to snap... I figure two rounds of witness testing and he'll be under his desk with a blanket and his thumb in his mouth - along with an empty bottle of spirits.
The other guy - well remember the movie "Revenge of the Nerds?" Picture that group 35 years older... with pens in his pocket. One fellow co-worker said reminded him of Gomer Pile... this guy is too skinny. On the up side - he has spoken to me and other fellow team members so there is hope, it might take him 3 or 4 cycles of witness testing for the bottle, blanket under the desk scenario to come to pass. The discussion centered around, "where the heck did we find these two? And should we be worried about the man coming in to lead this motley crew of oober nerds? - but then again go the company picnic and we might as well change our company name to nerds-r-us. Except there are so many nerds around here the final look would be "Nerds are we" ... 'nuf said eh?
And I wonder why it's so hard to find guys in this company to talk football and hockey with... think Big Bang Theory people. You laugh - I'm naming co-workers who talk like that. And no I'm not kidding.
On the up side - Bubba still has a job he's on the west coast and my stove will remain clean for the week... on the down side I have to find something to wear to a wedding this weekend. Control top pantyhose it is... in August - in DC. What fun.
I think I'm going to invent the Duct Tape Diet - when you get home from work, place a piece of duct tape over your mouth, remove in the morning. If you're still gaining weight - apply tape earlier in the day. Oh - yeah that will work. ;-)
Stay cool --- and remember tomorrow is Wednesday Aunt Ing's work from home day... ahhhhh
(After all remember it is all about meeee!!)
On the upside no cooking. Down side, no help if I need to work late. But I'm not working late so life ain't so bad. Still working the major project - found out this morning my San Diego backup guys are now booked elsewhere, so now it's up to me to finish the problem children parts, review the parts I could farm out and get it all wrapped up this week. Now on the up side I did get a due date reprieve because folks can't get their training done on time... but I need to be done this week because we're facing 2 major software deliveries next week, and that means testing. On the up side - I'm still home. Don't hold your breath that will remain so but I think that path is a whole lot clearer than it was before...
Funny discussion yesterday regarding the two newest team members who just happen to be testers... the first to join the team look like Steve Carell (The office) with a mean streak and a really anti-social bent. After boss-man made introductions I personally am waiting for this guy to snap... I figure two rounds of witness testing and he'll be under his desk with a blanket and his thumb in his mouth - along with an empty bottle of spirits.
The other guy - well remember the movie "Revenge of the Nerds?" Picture that group 35 years older... with pens in his pocket. One fellow co-worker said reminded him of Gomer Pile... this guy is too skinny. On the up side - he has spoken to me and other fellow team members so there is hope, it might take him 3 or 4 cycles of witness testing for the bottle, blanket under the desk scenario to come to pass. The discussion centered around, "where the heck did we find these two? And should we be worried about the man coming in to lead this motley crew of oober nerds? - but then again go the company picnic and we might as well change our company name to nerds-r-us. Except there are so many nerds around here the final look would be "Nerds are we" ... 'nuf said eh?
And I wonder why it's so hard to find guys in this company to talk football and hockey with... think Big Bang Theory people. You laugh - I'm naming co-workers who talk like that. And no I'm not kidding.
On the up side - Bubba still has a job he's on the west coast and my stove will remain clean for the week... on the down side I have to find something to wear to a wedding this weekend. Control top pantyhose it is... in August - in DC. What fun.
I think I'm going to invent the Duct Tape Diet - when you get home from work, place a piece of duct tape over your mouth, remove in the morning. If you're still gaining weight - apply tape earlier in the day. Oh - yeah that will work. ;-)
Stay cool --- and remember tomorrow is Wednesday Aunt Ing's work from home day... ahhhhh
(After all remember it is all about meeee!!)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bubba the slug shopper...& stuff
Sundays are by far one of my favorite days of the week, very little is planned on Sundays, there is breakfast until like supper time and the Sunday paper is big and thick and just right for enjoying those lazy Sundays.
Today is mostly like that but I have (now) a couple of tales that put small dents into one's Sunday haze o' happiness.
First post breakfast - a good one out I might add - we complete the last errand we didn't do yesterday, a new grill cover - the old one was showing more grill than cover. So, he debated going to Target and I commented that if you didn't find it at the Wal-Mart Target was going to have their summer stuff away and it would be notebooks and backpacks...
So what I consider a fit of wisdom and not wasting gas - he went to the Home Depot - I walked toward the grills and right there - 19.95 grill covers. Did we take that one and go? Of course not, we had to "shop" now most folks probably would have checked if there was one for a better price or what the options were total time. 10 minutes.
Bubba the slug shopper? 25 minutes, which involved looking at each box ranging in price from $40 to $9.95. So we compared, we looked we felt the the texture then we had to open the boxes and make sure which one was thicker... he asked is lovely wife which was better vinyl or polyester... ah - I dunno - its a grill cover. Finally we ended up with... the first one we picked up. Go figure. This was a grill cover... multiply this times 12 to the 3rd power for a major purchase... and at least 4 store visits. Every purchase Trust me.
But thankfully that was the only shopping excursion of the day...
Then we get home and Bubba decides he wants to go ride his bike - then comes the hard target search for his bike water bottle which of course entails him getting into the closet of "stuff we don't' use often" and in his world - "more crap" We find the bottle in a plastic bag in the back of the closet - now I know like I know my name - that was done when Mom cleaned out that closet while she was here my post-surgery... which was 2 years ago September. NOT according to darling Bubba oh-no - he left it right there on this shelf (2 years ago) and that is where he expected it to be... I know seriously?
Well bottle found - I replaced the mess of plastic bags and then made a bag to go back to the store for recycling... he went off to peddle and I enjoyed an hour of peace and quiet. And there it went as he is home - now showering, pups are napping and the clouds are rolling in. Ode to a quiet rainy Sunday.
And on a final note - I guess I'm feeling philosophical. On my face book page - as I look down the list of the friends I am surprised at the various and varied people in my life. Those I have reconnected with from High school and my deep-seeded Yinzer roots to my work and personal friends who live close by who don't get my Yinzer roots - or find them very amusing, to the Rainbow girls and parents, to people who just share a common link and we remain friends. So many people who touch your life is such a variety of ways... it is an embarrassment of riches and for one - I am grateful.
Then there are the days I want everyone not to talk to me. ;-) couldn't leave without some snarky crack - it just wouldn't be me!!
Happy Sunday - and don't think about Monday... it will just bum you out.
Today is mostly like that but I have (now) a couple of tales that put small dents into one's Sunday haze o' happiness.
First post breakfast - a good one out I might add - we complete the last errand we didn't do yesterday, a new grill cover - the old one was showing more grill than cover. So, he debated going to Target and I commented that if you didn't find it at the Wal-Mart Target was going to have their summer stuff away and it would be notebooks and backpacks...
So what I consider a fit of wisdom and not wasting gas - he went to the Home Depot - I walked toward the grills and right there - 19.95 grill covers. Did we take that one and go? Of course not, we had to "shop" now most folks probably would have checked if there was one for a better price or what the options were total time. 10 minutes.
Bubba the slug shopper? 25 minutes, which involved looking at each box ranging in price from $40 to $9.95. So we compared, we looked we felt the the texture then we had to open the boxes and make sure which one was thicker... he asked is lovely wife which was better vinyl or polyester... ah - I dunno - its a grill cover. Finally we ended up with... the first one we picked up. Go figure. This was a grill cover... multiply this times 12 to the 3rd power for a major purchase... and at least 4 store visits. Every purchase Trust me.
But thankfully that was the only shopping excursion of the day...
Then we get home and Bubba decides he wants to go ride his bike - then comes the hard target search for his bike water bottle which of course entails him getting into the closet of "stuff we don't' use often" and in his world - "more crap" We find the bottle in a plastic bag in the back of the closet - now I know like I know my name - that was done when Mom cleaned out that closet while she was here my post-surgery... which was 2 years ago September. NOT according to darling Bubba oh-no - he left it right there on this shelf (2 years ago) and that is where he expected it to be... I know seriously?
Well bottle found - I replaced the mess of plastic bags and then made a bag to go back to the store for recycling... he went off to peddle and I enjoyed an hour of peace and quiet. And there it went as he is home - now showering, pups are napping and the clouds are rolling in. Ode to a quiet rainy Sunday.
And on a final note - I guess I'm feeling philosophical. On my face book page - as I look down the list of the friends I am surprised at the various and varied people in my life. Those I have reconnected with from High school and my deep-seeded Yinzer roots to my work and personal friends who live close by who don't get my Yinzer roots - or find them very amusing, to the Rainbow girls and parents, to people who just share a common link and we remain friends. So many people who touch your life is such a variety of ways... it is an embarrassment of riches and for one - I am grateful.
Then there are the days I want everyone not to talk to me. ;-) couldn't leave without some snarky crack - it just wouldn't be me!!
Happy Sunday - and don't think about Monday... it will just bum you out.
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