Odd and Ends

This is the audio version of Anansi Boys, read by Lenny Henry. I'm not from the UK, and regretfully have never been there, but I'm guessing that those who do live there know just who he is. I read his bio on the back of the jacket. He had his own television series, so it is no accident that the man has talent. He even has an official web site.

On the job front, I had the day off yesterday from my annoying office mate. I have to be extremely careful, because my feelings for him are starting to bubble out, manifesting in passive aggressive statements to other co-workers. That can only lead to trouble. He was gone yesterday, and I realized what a wonderful day it truly was. I was in a cheery mood.

It kind of popped for me two days ago, when our project manager requested some more specific time and task estimates. Annoying office mate started into a schpiel about how he didn't have any documentation from me on certain aspects of his work. In a meeting the week before he told my boss that my designs were too complicated, and had he come aboard earlier he might have made them simplier. He's been pecking at me like a little bird, and I'm starting to come apart. As a contractor, I don't go to all the meetings, so I don't know what is being said, but I can only imagine based on what is said when I'm in the room.

After the most recent skirmish, I just deflated--and he knew it. He was all apologies and support. "I know how difficult this project must be for you. Management should really have given you another two months of design before assigning developers."

"Mm hmm."

"So, uh, do you want a sub?"

"No thanks."

"No, my treat, for being giving you such a hard time."

"I'll pass."

"Are you sure?"

"Listen man. I'm tired. Really tired." And that was putting it mildly. Being an architect is like holding any position of relative authority. Some people like to throw stones. If you throw back, then more people join in. That's why sometimes I wish I were a Wolf Larson, crushing dissent like a noxious weed.