Wednesday, May 03, 2006

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.

11 comments:

Ultra Toast Mosha God said...

Ack.

Hang in there. Sounds like a confrontation is brewing.

Count to ten. Then push the button.

Bailey Stewart said...

What a pain in the arse. Yep, I think the confrontation might be in the works. Just keep ... argh, what? Patience? Lousy situation.

Kathleen said...

I feel your pain.

Natalie said...

manifesting in passive aggressive statements to other co-workers
I"m so guilty of that too. What a crappy situation.

Anonymous said...

Conflicts at work are so draining. I feel your pain also.

I hope it resolves for you!

fakies said...

I think it's time to get out the tazer.

jenbeauty said...

I hope this project ends on a more happy note for you Scott.

Toni Anderson said...

Lenny has a website? Wow! Thanks for that link Scott. Lenny is near and dear to the British peoples' heart. As is his wife Dawn French.

You know, can you not just give the guy MORE work? That's what I would do with PG students who were getting pissy. Or send them into the field and tell them I'd see them in 6 months :) The joys of Canada!!

Trevor Record said...

Is he gunning for your job or something? Or is he just a bad worker and is attempting to make himself look better.

Beth said...

Mr. T loves Neil Gaiman's work! I'm thinking you may have known that, but just in case.

There has been major upset at my husband's work as well. Spring fever? I'm sure it'll pass.

Scott said...

Toast - I will count to ten, but I'll keep my hands over the keyboard thank you very much. I have to keep my cool--this is a test.

Eve - No, I'll keep my cool.

Kat - Thanks!

Nat - I've been guilty of it before, but sometimes I can't help myself.

Jason - You are so right. I feel empty at work now where once I was happy to come in.

Trina - Ha. You know how it is.

Jen - Thanks, me too.

Toni - Thanks for that validation. I was hoping Toast would mention if he knew about him. Lenny has such a warm voice and nice way.

Trevor - He's a full timer trying to climb up over the contractor's back. You nailed it.

Beth - Yeah, Mrs. T mentioned that on my previous post. I can see why Mr. T loves him so much. I'm getting more and more into the story as it progresses. Gaiman is brilliant.

Janey, er Melinda - Thanks. I really like the new template too. I want to create one of my own, but for now I wanted something nice that isn't like several others I have seen. I want to be unique after all. And I have you to thank for turning me on to Gaiman. You had me read Coraline, remember? So thank you very much.