Random thing you loathe right now.

Parallax Abstraction wrote:

Well, because of our larger payroll base and how the company's having to redo all the finances to compensate for our new reporting schedule, we've been told there's no retroactive raises for this year. So I'm missing out on 4 months of a pay increase I knew I had coming because they took forever in getting this other group sorted out and didn't bother to do so during the 8 months of merger prep before the deal closed. Yeah, that seems fair.

Things sound more and more tits-up at your job, man. I know it's a prospective pain in the ass, but have you considered looking elsewhere?

Kiri wrote:

I know this thread may not be the place for this. However, I didn't want to open a whole new thread for it. I have a loathe and a request for GWJ love for a stranger. I work in a sub-acute rehab center. One of our 20ish year old nursing assistants had a Grand Mal seizure at work and was unresponsive. Not sure how it happened, but management was told she died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, so they told all of us. Word came about 30 min later that she was not dead and that there was a slight glimmer of hope. If anyone has a spare moment, can you send some healing thoughts her way? last I heard, she was saying a few words.

Healing vibes being sent from here! Sounds like an emotional rollercoaster there today.

ianunderhill wrote:
Parallax Abstraction wrote:

Well, because of our larger payroll base and how the company's having to redo all the finances to compensate for our new reporting schedule, we've been told there's no retroactive raises for this year. So I'm missing out on 4 months of a pay increase I knew I had coming because they took forever in getting this other group sorted out and didn't bother to do so during the 8 months of merger prep before the deal closed. Yeah, that seems fair.

Things sound more and more tits-up at your job, man. I know it's a prospective pain in the ass, but have you considered looking elsewhere?

For my recent frustrations, this is still an awesome place to work. Not only is management assuring us that the company's not in trouble, because it's public my Chartered Accountant girlfriend can look at the financial statements and confirm that it's indeed not in trouble. They're having to restructure the finances because since we now have to report quarterly, budgets and whatnot have to be amortized and spread out over the course of a year, whereas when we were private and only had a few shareholders, no one cared if we reported a huge loss one quarter because they knew we'd make it up later. We also bought a company that was on the brink so it's taken forever to redo everyone's compensation over there because many of those guys haven't had raises at all in 5 years. The only real problem is that management is terrible at communicating this stuff to employees so it's not so much the loss of 4 months of retroactive raise money (which I'd get screwed on tax wise anyway), just that we didn't know until yesterday that it was a concern, but management apparently always did. Same with the temporary non-essential IT spending freeze. They knew it would be necessary but didn't tell us until the last minute. This has been an ongoing problem here but it also seems to be one they're aware of and want to fix.

If we can finally get the wheels turning on the new person we want to hire for IT (which we still are getting to do), the load will balance and I think things will get a lot better. I just really need a vacation soon.

Having a co-worker, with the same job title as me, write documentation files in a completely disjointed sentence structure manner. Whenever I get a new file to peer review I find it extremely hard to not red pen it to death with things like "this sentence makes no sense". I know there's a language barrier due to their nationality, but... if this document is to be used across the board and through many departments what other choice do I have?

Thoughts?

Vrikk wrote:

Having a co-worker, with the same job title as me, write documentation files in a completely disjointed sentence structure manner. Whenever I get a new file to peer review I find it extremely hard to not red pen it to death with things like "this sentence makes no sense". I know there's a language barrier due to their nationality, but... if this document is to be used across the board and through many departments what other choice do I have?

Thoughts?

Red pen it to death. Does your co-worker know that their writing sucks? They may be aware of it and appreciate the feedback. Maybe. (If not, red pen it to death anyway so that it's a useful resource and you don't have people coming to you to interpret it anyway.)

Chumpy_McChump wrote:
Vrikk wrote:

Having a co-worker, with the same job title as me, write documentation files in a completely disjointed sentence structure manner. Whenever I get a new file to peer review I find it extremely hard to not red pen it to death with things like "this sentence makes no sense". I know there's a language barrier due to their nationality, but... if this document is to be used across the board and through many departments what other choice do I have?

Thoughts?

Red pen it to death. Does your co-worker know that their writing sucks? They may be aware of it and appreciate the feedback. Maybe. (If not, red pen it to death anyway so that it's a useful resource and you don't have people coming to you to interpret it anyway.)

+1 (so long as you have the political cover to paint this co-worker as a target)

Either they know they suck and need help, or they (and no one else but you) don't know they suck and you need to start a paper trail on them.

The last thing you want is getting flak about the quality of their output, because you were the peer review. You might also want to throw this question up to the next level, give them a preview of what is being output and ask their recommendation.

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

maaaan I hate car repairs. Any car repairs. Sorry to hear that, Demyx.

Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

If the teenagers in my neighborhood are any indication, you don't really need an exhaust system, right?

Nevin73 wrote:
Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

If the teenagers in my neighborhood are any indication, you don't really need an exhaust system, right?

Slap a coffee can on there and yer good to go!

Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

Depending on what state you live in/country, you do not "need" to get that fixed.

KingGorilla wrote:
Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

Depending on what state you live in/country, you do not "need" to get that fixed.

It's not an inspection issue, it's a "my car's engine is making a terrible noise, the engine light is on, and the car's manual says to stop driving the car and take it to a dealership immediately" issue.

Although Massachusetts does have inspection laws so I probably would need to get it fixed anyway.

Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

That's startlingly high. Get a second opinion. There may be no alternative, but if the dealership is quoting you something, I'd definitely find someone else trustworthy and double check. Some places don't have a welder on staff and have to send out for one. That can make things more expensive. If you find a place that does welding sometimes they can undercut the price.

McIrishJihad wrote:
Chumpy_McChump wrote:

Red pen it to death. Does your co-worker know that their writing sucks? They may be aware of it and appreciate the feedback. Maybe. (If not, red pen it to death anyway so that it's a useful resource and you don't have people coming to you to interpret it anyway.)

+1 (so long as you have the political cover to paint this co-worker as a target)

Either they know they suck and need help, or they (and no one else but you) don't know they suck and you need to start a paper trail on them.

The last thing you want is getting flak about the quality of their output, because you were the peer review. You might also want to throw this question up to the next level, give them a preview of what is being output and ask their recommendation.

I'm just worried to go this approach because they are foreign, so it may just be that English isn't their strong language. Then again, if their job title requires them to write requirement documentation, I feel like it's in my power to make sure all of the details flow as they should.

Miashara wrote:
Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

That's startlingly high. Get a second opinion. There may be no alternative, but if the dealership is quoting you something, I'd definitely find someone else trustworthy and double check. Some places don't have a welder on staff and have to send out for one. That can make things more expensive. If you find a place that does welding sometimes they can undercut the price.

I don't really have the time or expertise to shop around though, especially since that would almost certainly delay getting the car back. Thanks for the advice though.

Demyx wrote:

I don't really have the time or expertise to shop around though, especially since that would almost certainly delay getting the car back. Thanks for the advice though.

I can certainly relate to that. I'm not a car person, and I hate the wheeling and dealing sh*t that seems to come with almost every aspect of them.

That said, it might be worth it to just call up a repair shop, even one of the big chain ones, and say, "The dealer said I need this done and it'll cost me this much. What would you charge me?" We used to get our car fixed at the dealership, and sometimes the price was competitive, and sometimes it was way higher.

Then again, if your car's already at the dealership and getting worked on, don't sweat it. It is what it is.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

I can certainly relate to that. I'm not a car person, and I hate the wheeling and dealing sh*t that seems to come with almost every aspect of them.

This so much.

That said, it might be worth it to just call up a repair shop, even one of the big chain ones, and say, "The dealer said I need this done and it'll cost me this much. What would you charge me?" We used to get our car fixed at the dealership, and sometimes the price was competitive, and sometimes it was way higher.

Then again, if your car's already at the dealership and getting worked on, don't sweat it. It is what it is.

Yeah, they're already fixing it, so it's probably too late now. I'll try to keep it in mind for the future if something else happens, especially if it's less urgent than this situation was

Vrikk wrote:
McIrishJihad wrote:
Chumpy_McChump wrote:

Red pen it to death. Does your co-worker know that their writing sucks? They may be aware of it and appreciate the feedback. Maybe. (If not, red pen it to death anyway so that it's a useful resource and you don't have people coming to you to interpret it anyway.)

+1 (so long as you have the political cover to paint this co-worker as a target)

Either they know they suck and need help, or they (and no one else but you) don't know they suck and you need to start a paper trail on them.

The last thing you want is getting flak about the quality of their output, because you were the peer review. You might also want to throw this question up to the next level, give them a preview of what is being output and ask their recommendation.

I'm just worried to go this approach because they are foreign, so it may just be that English isn't their strong language. Then again, if their job title requires them to write requirement documentation, I feel like it's in my power to make sure all of the details flow as they should.

Do whatever you'd do if they weren't foreign. The fact that English isn't their first language is irrelevant; the only cogent fact is that they aren't communicating well.

Slept poorly because of dreams in which I bit someone's fingers off (crunchy and squishy - who knew) and dreamt that I had a nasty argument with the husband and woke up feeling pissed off at him because, dammit, he was WRONG in my dream and wouldn't just admit it and say he was sorry.

So I woke up cranky and was a bit surly this morning, but still have this vague feeling I am owed an apology even though I know that's the stupidest thing ever and that, if anything, I owe my husband one for being a cranky wench.

Blah.

Demyx wrote:
ClockworkHouse wrote:

I can certainly relate to that. I'm not a car person, and I hate the wheeling and dealing sh*t that seems to come with almost every aspect of them.

This so much.

That said, it might be worth it to just call up a repair shop, even one of the big chain ones, and say, "The dealer said I need this done and it'll cost me this much. What would you charge me?" We used to get our car fixed at the dealership, and sometimes the price was competitive, and sometimes it was way higher.

Then again, if your car's already at the dealership and getting worked on, don't sweat it. It is what it is.

Yeah, they're already fixing it, so it's probably too late now. I'll try to keep it in mind for the future if something else happens, especially if it's less urgent than this situation was :)

I seriously hate this situation. I just tried out my neighborhood auto shop, since it had great reviews. Pretty sure they took me for a ride.

SixteenBlue wrote:

I seriously hate this situation. I just tried out my neighborhood auto shop, since it had great reviews. Pretty sure they took me for a ride.

Aww... I have a great shop reasonably close to you, if you need more work done.

Demyx wrote:
KingGorilla wrote:
Demyx wrote:

My car's exhaust system died, and they're charging me 1.5K to fix it.

Depending on what state you live in/country, you do not "need" to get that fixed.

It's not an inspection issue, it's a "my car's engine is making a terrible noise, the engine light is on, and the car's manual says to stop driving the car and take it to a dealership immediately" issue.

Although Massachusetts does have inspection laws so I probably would need to get it fixed anyway.

Unless she's older than 1998, you're still liable for meeting emissions, which means needing a working exhaust. Not to mention whoever you took it to for an inspection will fail you right out the gate for a check engine light.

The wife's car has had a nice black "R" for a few months because her favorite shop can't seem to figure out which O2 sensor needs to be replaced...

clover wrote:
SixteenBlue wrote:

I seriously hate this situation. I just tried out my neighborhood auto shop, since it had great reviews. Pretty sure they took me for a ride.

Aww... I have a great shop reasonably close to you, if you need more work done.

I also have one that would be a little farther but may be worth the trouble.

Mimble wrote:

Slept poorly because of dreams in which I bit someone's fingers off (crunchy and squishy - who knew) and dreamt that I had a nasty argument with the husband and woke up feeling pissed off at him because, dammit, he was WRONG in my dream and wouldn't just admit it and say he was sorry.

So I woke up cranky and was a bit surly this morning, but still have this vague feeling I am owed an apology even though I know that's the stupidest thing ever and that, if anything, I owe my husband one for being a cranky wench.

Blah.

My wife has done this to me on a few occasions (blame/resentment for something I did in her dream). It has also worked in reverse too, i.e. getting, uh, "rewarded" for things that happened in a dream, so I call it a draw.

Unknown Soldier wrote:
Mimble wrote:

Slept poorly because of dreams in which I bit someone's fingers off (crunchy and squishy - who knew) and dreamt that I had a nasty argument with the husband and woke up feeling pissed off at him because, dammit, he was WRONG in my dream and wouldn't just admit it and say he was sorry.

So I woke up cranky and was a bit surly this morning, but still have this vague feeling I am owed an apology even though I know that's the stupidest thing ever and that, if anything, I owe my husband one for being a cranky wench.

Blah.

My wife has done this to me on a few occasions (blame/resentment for something I did in her dream). It has also worked in reverse too, i.e. getting, uh, "rewarded" for things that happened in a dream, so I call it a draw. ;)

It has also worked in reverse too, i.e. getting, uh, "rewarded" for things that happened in a dream, so I call it a draw.

Been there. Very unexpected, very appreciated.

Got pulled up by my boss for watching "videos" (youtube)... It's irritating because it's not like i'm watching hours and hours of videos (RescueTime has logged 9 minutes so far this week), but because I sit on the end of the aisle, people walking past from behind me can see my screen.

It's especially frustrating because I'm really self disciplined about working hard and am really productive. It's the "image" of someone watching video's he doesn't like.

So I went the nuclear option and self-block youtube via a chrome extension... but it doesn't seem to block embeds...

f*cking annoying as sh*t.

It has not been a very good day.
I've already been dealing with some pretty bad stomachaches all night/day, but about an hour ago my mom called with some news I was not expecting. It seems sometime yesterday evening my grandpa was throwing up and not being able to keep anything down, my great aunt came over and checked him out, and his heart rate was alarmingly high. Well he's in the hospital now, and my grandma called my mom early this morning telling her to come to the hospital because he's going downhill with a quickness. At this exact moment, he's stable, but he is not in good shape. I fear the moment to say goodbye is coming soon, even if he is able to pull through tonight. His health has been getting steadily worse through the year, so in a way we all knew it was coming, but no one is prepared for it to actually happen.
Right now we're waiting, and everyone is trying to keep their minds occupied. I just wish I didn't live so far away. At least he knows I love him.

Seeing pictures of a girl I used to have a crush on back in elementary school.... and damn, she is gorgeous... and married with kids. Lucky bastard...

Sorry to hear that, St.Hillary. Internet hugs your way.