[Miscellany]

I'm having a difficult time trying to grasp my current work situation. I'm working with a new "manager" who pretty much does nothing but talks a good game in order to cover up. As a consequence she always comes up smelling like roses despite her shortcomings..

The new manager has come in following a decision I made not to renew my managerial role with my team. Why did I do that? I was getting sick of doing a lot of work that was way above the position I was being paid for. I was also tired of working with and basically trying to hold together a team that upper management knew didn't work well together. When I saw that upper management left the team as is, I knew I had to get out or go crazy! Upper management made a very bad decision as to who they brought in to replace me (against my advise actually). They needed someone dynamic, hard working, someone who has good ideas and is enthusiastic. We got the opposite - but she is the Prin's "golden girl".

My natural instinct when faced with incompetent people is to come in and mop up the mess. I'm a pleaser, you see. This time, with advise I've decided not to be the pleaser. I've decided to take a step back and be the selfish observer. If she comes to me for advise then I will gladly help her though. I want the team to run smoothly but I also don't want to be doing someone elses job.

Before our planning meeting I emailed new manager a list of what needs to be done, and she did not address any of the things on the list. In fact she spent the day (6 hours) filling in a student evaluation card. I'd imagine that if you were a manager you would want to get everything on track quickly - I'd also imagine that if you had 21 years in the industry and at least 10 of those years in senior management you would know how to chair a meeting. I get the feeling she is playing "funny buggers" and trying to trick everyone into doing the work for her.

I don't think I know how to handle this situation further.
Have you ever dealt with someone like this? What can I do? Heeeeeelp!

Meanwhile onto Musical Monday - Today: At First Sight - The Stems.

How I love this song! oh, it's glorious twangy guitar and smileworthy lyrics. So melodic! So beautiful. This song, like so many others has come right along and nestled right into my heart. I have to make a confession dear reader (how many are there left? Two? Three?) Every other day I thank my lucky stars (and I don't have that many believe me) that I can hear and listen and imagine and that is not a word of a lie. Scouts honour and all that. I just don't know what I'd do if I couldn't hear these little tunes that have somehow become the best kind of family a girl could have.

Labels: musical monday, rant, stressed teachers, stupid people, work

posted by M at 11:55 pm 4 comments

I was witness to the most fucked up conversation ever today. Was it about the war on terror? No. Was it about abortion? Nope. How about religion? That one always gets the plebs fired up doesn't it? No Sir. Well what was it about then?

Dog birthday parties.

People are having birthday parties for their dogs. Did you know about this?

DOGS - as in humble and faithful PET.




Yes, we're talking invites handed out to the other dog owners in the neighbourhood for their dog, dog food cakes, dog treats, balloons, music, games, presents - you name it. Folks, these are not child parties we're talking about - it's dogs. You know the animal that lives in the kennel and sniffs crotch and eats vomit? Yeah, that one. I have an adverse reaction to people who dress their dogs up (I saw a corgi the other day who was wearing a leather vest - probably more expensive than my whole outfit) let alone have dog parties.

I had no idea what to say when I heard E, L, C and Ez were talking about all this. At first I nervously laughed and buried my nose in my iced-coffee. Then when they got onto My dog is turning 1 next month - let's do it! and I couldn't help myself and practically yelled at them for being FREAKS OF NATURE!

Okay, I know that there are a few dog lovers out there but my general opinion on the matter is that dogs don't need birthday parties. Maybe give them a bone or something to celebrate or an extra hug - sing 'em happy birthday or something. But they don't need their "dog friends" to come over and celebrate. They don't need clothes. They don't need to be dressed up like ducks. They don't need to be carried instead of walked. They don't need to be married to another dog. They don't need to wear wigs. They don't need to be the ring-bearer at your wedding! They don't need to live in your handbag. They don't need jewelery. They don't need to eat from the fucking table. They don't need to drink evian instead of tap water. And guess what freako, your dog will never need novelty sunglasses or nappies! NEVER! Who the fuck do you think you are anyway, Oprah? THEY ARE DOGS, NOT PEOPLE! YOU MIGHT LOVE THEM LIKE THEY ARE PEOPLE BUT ACTUALLY YOU ARE DELUDED. THEY ARE PETS, NOT PEOPLE!!!

They need a pack leader who loves them for being a dog, not for being a human. Cuddle them until your heart is content but don't be a fucking idiot about it for FUCKS SAKE!!! I'm so fired up! ARGH.

Labels: stupid people

posted by M at 10:52 pm 22 comments