In Which, Apparently, I Look Like Hell posted on Oct 14, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I thought today was going to be a pretty good day. It's the second day I've had to use my cane for balance, but, to me, I hardly think that's a problem. When my boss asked me about it, I...
Brother G posted on Jul 29, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Happy Birthday to my brother G! "May you stay forever young" - lucky you, you'll always be younger than me!...
A Word to The Wise is Sufficient posted on Jun 12, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Well. That was a non-starter. Yesterday, as I mentioned, I had gotten a release from E. yesterday to go back to work full time with the only restriction being that my typing/keyboarding speed would be impacted and that I was...
Back To Work posted on Jun 11, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Tomorrow is the big day - back to work. Dr. Doglover's PA, E. asked me 3 times if I was going back full time. Maybe she thought I was going to say something different. I could tell, in spite of...
"Get Much Rain Out There?" posted on Mar 28, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I really need to learn how to make small talk. Because I can’t, I get into the most weird/intense/bizarre conversations with people…and one of these days I’m going to get into real trouble. Yesterday there was a meeting in town...
One Way to Get Through the Day posted on Mar 26, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Whoa. I'm pretty buzzed from taking a whole bunch of asthma and allergy medication because my sinuses are acting up - it's the time of year. It makes it a LOT easier to focus on these medical records. Hmm. This...
"It's Only Death!" posted on Mar 23, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I think I'm starting to get "compassion fatigue" from looking at too many medical records. Today I opened up somebody's application and read the line where they explain why they're applying for life insurance "To protect my husband and child...
When The Cat's Away... posted on Mar 19, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
….The mice will at least calm down and not be so likely to have a heart attack. The boss is actually out for a week, so everyone is just sitting here calmly doing their jobs, except for me. But it’s...
The Answer posted on Mar 15, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
In many ways this job is enlightening. For instance, for years I wondered why everybody acts so darn mean. They've got road rage, they're cranky in the market, they yell at each other, snipe and send each other nasty e-mails....
List of Things To Do: Tie a Knot in the End of Your Rope and Hang On posted on Mar 12, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Every body else lost an hour of sleep over the weekend. They’re very surprised to see me up and around with makeup on and forming coherent sentences…that’s because I haven’t, strictly speaking, been to sleep yet from yesterday. Well, I...
Give Me a Clue! Sounds Like.... posted on Mar 09, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Still trying to make out Dr. English-as-a-Second-Language's handwriting after 40 minutes.... "said he used some cocaine and perscription meds at his colleague's church and it helped" No, that can't be right. Why would you take cocaine for dermatitis? Maybe it's...
Workplace Violence! Er...Earwax Issue posted on Feb 20, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
"Gah! I'm gonna have to shoot *Co-Worker*!" I heard my former mentor grouse, furiously. Only she also said "an e-mail" making it a much less scarey thing to say. But I didn't hear the e-mail part. Want to know the...
"Who?" posted on Feb 08, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
After all that work last summer, I got my little plaque for passing my two in-service courses.....Which was good timing, because I screwed up a bunch of letters yesterday and made my boss look bad. And people have been fired...
Where You At? posted on Feb 05, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
You know how, when you're in elementary school, you're supposed to learn all the abbreviations for all the states? And it seems like a huge waste of time, because the post office delivers the mail by zip codes (and it...
It's That "Stepping on the Humble" Thing..... posted on Jan 22, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
This is a late New Year’s Resolution: I’ve got to stop being angry on behalf of other people. That having been said, I just have to tell you the latest gem from The Bully in the Pastel Sweater.......
There's One In Every Crowd posted on Jan 19, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
It was the birthday of the Jerk at Work today. There’s always a jerk at work; one in every crowd. Of course, one person’s jerk is another person’s fun guy. I bet I’m somebody else’s jerk at work, though I...
Hot Tea Everywhere posted on Jan 18, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Generally speaking, the little earphones I use at work are a good idea. I can listen to CD’s to help me concentrate on difficult cases and focused during tedious work. Well, watching the head honcho hurtle towards a box of...
86% - I Pass posted on Jan 12, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
The first hurdle - and the one that seems to have gone on the longest - is passed. I got an 86% on the test. I didn't argue about any questions - even the one where they put the initials...
Schools Out...For The Time Being posted on Jan 11, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
It’s such a weird feeling to know that the class is over. At first HAVING the class was the weirdest thing. I’ve never had such structured training in any job before. Heck, in most of the jobs I had before...
It's Almost Over posted on Jan 10, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Well, on the test cases I got 90% on one and 80% on the other. 80% is passing. I did miss the things I thought I'd missed on it, but I also found things nobody else found - including the...
Employee Wanna Cracker posted on Jan 09, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Now nobody can go to lunch until the pooh-bah comes around. Oh, and they keep calling him by his title. “Sir” so-and-so. I can’t tell if this is a joke or not. I hope it is. I’m not calling anybody...
This Day is Over! posted on Jan 08, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Tomorrow some big-wigs from the U.K. are coming so we have to “dress up”. By this I guess it means we can’t wear our pajamas. We’ll get feedback on the first part of the test, which we did today. I...
Wait - Is This a Re-Run? posted on Jan 08, 2007 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
It’s another lovely rainy Monday morning. Rt. 97 was closed, again, at Hoods Mill Road, again. This time, I at least knew the detour from having been lost back there before. So I was only 30 minutes late to work....
Secular Potluck or Modern Horror: You Decide posted on Dec 20, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
All right. I’ve had it. I’m through with Christmas – I’m ready for it to be over. Nothing kills the Christmas Spirit – or, at least MY Christmas Spirit – like the office Holiday Potluck. First of all, it is...
Hometown Hate Crime posted on Nov 21, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
It’s a pretty sunset tonight. I can see it from where I sit. The windows across from me face almost due west. Our cubes all have low walls, so I can see clear across the office, and I guess the...
The Naysayer posted on Nov 16, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
"You can't write this whole procedure manual by yourself! You can't even organize it! You're only a trainee, and you're supposed to be focusing on that. It's too much for one person. Who has you doing this?" The Naysayer said...
Opportunity Knocks posted on Nov 15, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I guess these blue corn chips that I’m eating have more fiber in them than the regular kind. Or maybe I’m just telling myself that. But I have to have something crunchy to take out my stress on. Isn’t that...
Coffee Making 101 posted on Nov 09, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Another challenge that I face on the job has to do with the coffee makers. As far as I can tell, this entire department is fueled by coffee. There are three coffee makers within six feet of my desk, and...
Still Passing posted on Nov 07, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I got an 83% on my test on Friday. The instructors say "everyone did well" but I worry that I did worse than anybody else. ...
That was Eye Opening.... posted on Nov 02, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
There was a talent show at work today. Talk about seeing your co-workers in a whole new light – to say nothing about really bizarre costumes some of which involved fake chest hair. People you never expected to see shaking...
Oh S***! posted on Nov 01, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Among the critical job skills I really need to work on in this department is this biggie: when to shut up and keep my head down. Because I lack this particular skill set, I have now wound up with a...
Not a Drop of Blood In Sight - And I Feel Fine posted on Oct 31, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I’m glad I didn’t dress up for Halloween this year at work. Very few people did, though it was heavily encouraged. We did get to vote for the “best costume”. I voted for the person who dressed up in an...
Sharing the Joy posted on Oct 26, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
The other day I was in Michael’s, the craft store, getting a few things for a Christmas craft I’m trying to put together in my spare time. While I was standing there, trying to understand the differences between types of...
Would You Mind Using Words When You Talk? posted on Oct 17, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I just got out of a presentation by the actuarial department. These are the things I was able to understand. a. We have an actuarial department b. They are “numbers people” and we are “words people” c. Numbers people use...
No Wonder This Guy Doesn't Feel Well.... posted on Oct 16, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
We got our first practice cases today, complete with medical records, in the condition they come into the department. That would be in the form of a fax of a fax, mostly handwritten and printed on a standard office printer....
Well, We Haven't Covered That Topic Yet.... posted on Oct 13, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
“Bee, I’d like to hear your thoughts-“ I started. “Hear my thoughts? That’d make it kinda loud in your head, ya know” “…on this case. The first one we looked at, remember, the older man? Did you revisit the guidelines...
In Which I'm Supposed to be More of An Adult, But I'm Not ( Mature Audiences) posted on Oct 11, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
We may, as a department, be able to get to the point where we discuss potentially embarrassing items professionally. However, today is not that day. Bee was so upset with her medical dictionary that she came over to my team...
Thank You Chris Columbus! posted on Oct 09, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Okay, Columbus probably didn't, strictly speaking discover America. If I were a Native American, whose family had been living here since time out of mind, I'd be really startled to hear that. Still, you have to admit that getting here...
Saint Peter Don't You Call Me, 'Cause I Can't Go.... posted on Oct 05, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
...I owe my soul to the....401K plan. Okay. It's probably not that bad. I know that I did the right thing, when I knew I was going to get the small increase for my new job, to sign up for...
New Department, Same Luck posted on Oct 04, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Just in case you were worried that my life might suddenly become normal now that I've got a professional job - nah - not gonna happen. I continue to blunder along as usual. Yesterday, I locked my car keys in...
"Everybody's Screwed This Morning" posted on Sep 26, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
It took me two and a half hours to get to work this morning. Gude Drive was closed, and there was no efficient detour. Finally, I got so low on gasoline that I had to go back the way I...
Work, Work, Work.... posted on Sep 21, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I'm finding some things about the training a difficult adjustment. It's one of those "be careful what you wish for - you might get it" things. In my case, it's the professional work environment. This company, has always been a...
This is It! posted on Sep 18, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I made it here at 9:00 am. Traffic wasn’t even all that bad. Well, I take that back. Traffic is so bad in this area that it’s the same no matter what time of day you are out driving….and, at...
Another Kind of Moving Day posted on Sep 14, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I wonder how all this crap got into my desk? Oh. Clearly, I brought it all in from home, or the market....but still. I'm not one of these people who has a bunch of dolls and bears and junk all...
Top 10 Things I Will NOT Miss About the Night Shift posted on Sep 11, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
1. Screaming into the phone over the noise of the cleaning crew vacuuming. 2. No place to park when coming in at 2:30 3. Weird radio programs on drive home from 11:00 to midnight 4. Deer, fox, porcupines, cows, etc...
I Couldn't Have Done it Without You posted on Sep 07, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
One of the best things about having this blog is the encouragment I get from people who read it. I know for sure that I would never have gone for this promotion if it weren't for all of you, my...
83% and DONE! posted on Sep 06, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
83% on today’s test. I can’t help it, I have something to say. “GOOD GRIEF THAT EFFER WAS HARD!!” I mean, I don’t think it was just test anxiety. The person who was proctoring told me she failed it the...
Maybe in my Other Handbag? posted on Sep 05, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
The person who is going to be my new boss stopped by my desk on her way home this evening. She is a woman who looks like she is about 10 years older than I am. She does not look...
91% posted on Sep 05, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
One down, one to go. I passed the first of the two in-service course tests earlier this afternoon. I got a 91%. The HR representative said that they don’t receive the percent score, they just get a pass/fail grade. I’m...
( Eyes Bugging Out of Head) posted on Aug 28, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
OH MY GOD, ONLY 8 MORE DAYS UNTIL I TEST FOR THE IN-SERVICE COURSES!!!!!!...
Hot Topic posted on Aug 25, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
The cat’s all the way out of the bag now. I came in to work early to participate in the group photograph – I was so impressed with myself for getting here in time, in spite of all the road...
That Explains Everything...(Almost) posted on Aug 23, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
It seems like everybody is waiting for something, especially this year. My niece and nephew are waiting for school to start and so are my friends who teach. My co-worker, N., is waiting for his classes to start at...
Tuna Finished posted on Aug 16, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
There’s only so much a person can do with tuna fish. That’s my opinion anyway. “What’s that you’re eating?” my co-worker asked. “Tuna finished” I answered without thinking “What?” “Oh, I always say that, because, you know, it’s tuna, and...
Really Casual Thursday posted on Aug 10, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
We had rain today, which is kind of unusual. Usually, in August if we get rain it comes as thunderstorms in the evening, not just as showers in the late morning. But, anyway, that was what we got. The Hub...
Live From the Bottom of the Barrel! posted on Aug 08, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I decided to go for it. The testing, that is, and the job as long as I pass. I was able to get the materials over the weekend and develop of study schedule. Naturally, I’m behind in that already, but...
Chicken posted on Aug 04, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
You’re never going to believe this. Even I’m not sure I believe it. The long and short of it is this: I didn’t get the job but I didn’t not get the job. I think this may fall under the...
It's All For the Best or "How Did You Get In Here, Again?" posted on Aug 03, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Okay, so when we left off I was sitting in the training room waiting for either a) the assistant to come back and show me where the interview was going to take place b) the assistant to come back...
Sped Speeds Toward Disaster: Film at Eleven posted on Jul 28, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I wonder how much math it would be possible for me to learn in five days. The reason why I wonder this is because I got an e-mail about the transfer for which I applied. It was in my mailbox...
Crash posted on Jul 19, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
“It must be nice to be as tall as you are” the check out clerk said to me this evening. I was doing my grocery shopping on my dinner hour – I put the perishables in the fridge up here...
Couldn't You Just Ditch The Boyfriend? posted on Jul 18, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
In today’s episode, we learn that I have no idea when to keep my mouth shut. This is, of course, not a new problem. It’s just I astonish myself. It’s like I hear someone talking and I think “Who is...
Think Outside the Box.... posted on Jul 17, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
There must be something about working on the night shift that scrambles your brain. Or maybe your brain has to be a little scrambled to begin with to be happy working this shift. All I know is that my co-worker...
My Lucky Day posted on Jul 05, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Monday I had some unexpected good luck. Unexpected good luck is always the best kind. In fact, have you ever noticed that when somebody is having the good luck that they expect to have they don’t call that good luck...
The Only Constant Is Change posted on Jun 28, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I hate office politics. I hate how stuff that has nothing to do with me, my work, or anything else, winds up affecting my life. To wit: somebody in another department quit, but, in the process, stuff that my boss...
Some Winged Creature vs. One Can of Pepsi posted on May 18, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Sorry I didn’t post anything last night. I was engaged in mortal combat with a can of Pepsi Cola. It turns out that soda really IS dangerous. At supper time, I went down to the vending area of my job,...
Alone No More? posted on Apr 12, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I may be getting some company on my shift at work. The boss told me she offered a second shift job to a woman who applied yesterday. You'd think I'd be thrilled at the prospect of not having to work...
"Whack 'Em!" posted on Feb 02, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
The lights, siren, heliocopter and general commotion going on last night were from a terrible traffic accident at the intersection near the office. I used to wonder how people could manage to get into such spectacular accidents on clear dry...
Oh-oh.... posted on Feb 01, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I hear a heliocopter outside and sirens everywhere....as my car is parked out by the tree line. Hmm. I think I'll ask the security guard to walk me out. I'll keep you posted.......
Those Crazy Swedes posted on Jan 18, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
When The Hub and I last went to Ikea to pick up some inexpensive bookshelves, I stopped at the carry out food place to buy him some of the Swedish meatballs that he likes so much. They didn't have the...
Make Sure My Navel is WHERE?! posted on Jan 17, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Last Friday, I came to work early ( an event in and of itself) to participate in a yoga class with Friend Will and the QA department. I think the tape was a little too advanced for me (and I...
A Black Cat Story for Friday the 13th posted on Jan 13, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
"Wasn't that fog wild last night?" my co-worker, B. commented today, "I was out all night in it walking around the lake." "Really?" I asked, conversationally. Work was slow. "Well, I was looking for my cat. He got run over...
Treadmillin' posted on Jan 06, 2006 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
There's a gymn in the office where I work. Unlike the last place where I worked that had a gymn, where a woman wouldn't dare go into the place, this one seems to be used by all kinds of people...
Making Sunshine by 2:00 or I hate Safeway posted on Dec 20, 2005 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
I haven't seen any deer on my way home from work for almost a week. I wonder where they are. Deer holiday parties? Really, I think they're deep in the woods planning more suicide attacks - probably to be perpetrated...
Twinkling Lights, Still Feet posted on Dec 05, 2005 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
The Hub has been working pretty hard, finishing up a painting job that turned into a serious wall and ceiling repair. He was going to go to the company holiday party with me, but he forgot to request the time...
The Sauerkraut Blues posted on Nov 21, 2005 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Well, I did finally get to start priming the trim today. Of course, I only had the morning to work on it, and then I had to go to work. And it was raining, and people in Maryland can't drive...
The Tribe of the Pointy Toed Shoes posted on Nov 01, 2005 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
Okay, settling in at the new job a little. I feel like I have a lot in common with the person who is going to work the evening shift with me: and idea at least partially based on the veiled...
They Liked Me! They Really, Really, Liked Me.... posted on Oct 21, 2005 by Ginga Cool Cat in category [Office Space]
...and so I got the job! I'm so RELIEVED! This is a great big thank you to Friend Will - thank you for everything you did to help me! Now, I know I can't screw up because he recommended me...