Dear boss, Is it unprofessional of me to have a meeting with you where I essentially tell you I can't balance all of the things on my plate, I'm totally overwhelmed, and I have no idea how I'm going to survive through the end of 2017? I don't have any good ideas on how to delegate/balance at this point, so it would really just be a vent and sending up a flag so that you're aware of how stressed I am. Maybe you'd have some good ideas? Signed, Overwhelmed manager
Dear self, Why didn't you pack a lunch? Now you're freaking out about what you can order and if it'll be "safe." Start packing lunches the night before and meal prepping to get your act together. You'll save money and stress. At least M&Ms are on the ok list. Thank god. Signed, me
Post by greenmonkey1 on Nov 8, 2017 10:28:06 GMT -5
Dear University Building Room Scheduler -
Thank you for scheduling my room over email. Phone calls are not that easy when juggling three kids 5 and under, especially when the baby is teething and wants to be held. All I need is a room with four chairs, a table, computer, and projector. Telling me that I need to stop by the room to make sure it has what I need is not going to work for me. I am not on campus. Actually, I am a 45-minute drive away from campus. I cannot just stop down. Can you please send a student worker? And how do you not know whether the room has a computer and projector, aren't they fixed units?
Signed, I do not want to ask my tenured chair to go check if a room has a computer
Post by justcheckingin73 on Nov 8, 2017 10:48:32 GMT -5
twinmomma, I don’t think that’s unprofessional at all. I think I would ask your boss to help you prioritize. You only have so much bandwidth.
Dear days of the week,
Please slow down. Usually I love that my days fly by but I’ve only got two weeks to provide Draft 1 of my 2018 marketing plan in addition to everything else I’m doing. And with the holidays quickly approaching, I know that my motivation is only going to go downhill.
Signed, Can’t wait for turkey
Dear DD,
Your time management skills and priorities need a little updating. When you sit on your butt for 3 hours after school watching Stranger Things and then realize you have to get your homework done before basketball practice, you’re not allowed to be cranky. You had 3 hours! I’ve been pretty hands off since you’re a straight A student and usually do your homework in a timely manner but things will change if you keep this up. And, you’re in 8th grade. You’ve had the same morning schedule for 3 years now and yet you still rush around. I can empathize with you but you have a bus to catch so dilly dallying isn’t an option. Next year will be even earlier!
Dear Cousins - I love most of you, and I stay in touch with almost all 17 of you. There are a few of you that I dodge for good reason, but for the most part, you're all pretty neat. But here's the thing... I do not want to get involved with repairing relationships between my parents and yours. My dad has lots of reasons for staying away from his siblings. Some I don't agree with, but most I do. I don't want to be tasked with telling you how sh!tty your parents were, just like I don't want to hear why you or your parents think my dad was sh!tty. There are 3 sides to every story, and we will never uncover the truth. So let's stay in touch and catch up now and then, and let our parents' crap go. I don't want to take my sisters' approach and avoid you completely. Love, Mae
Post by supertrooper1 on Nov 8, 2017 11:08:12 GMT -5
Dear coworker, I am not a manager and I don't make decisions on our upcoming position bid. I do not know what management will decide or if they'll pick you based on your qualifications over someone that has more seniority. So please, lets talk about something else for once. Signed, Introvert that can't handle that many words in a day
Dear DH, Can you for once not be grumpy and on edge all of the time? I'm tired of feeling like you need to blame someone for everything and I'm the one you blame. Signed, Unhappy wife
Post by covergirl82 on Nov 8, 2017 11:16:03 GMT -5
Dear SIL,
I am really hoping that our trip to visit you guys over Thanksgiving is good and everyone gets along. I hope you and your H don't make snide comments about DS wanting to watch the Lions football game Thanksgiving afternoon, because mama bear will come out. Also, please don't tell me how it's the "right thing to do" to be a SAHM and homeschool your kids. I promise to not talk about the benefits of daycare and kids going to school to be taught by people who've gone to school and been trained to teach children (not to mention the benefits of kids learning how to socialize and learn conflict resolution).
Sincerely, Your SIL, who loves your brother so much that I'm willing to make this trip knowing it could be a disaster and my whole holiday weekend could be ruined (not to mention I won't be able to go to one of the stores I always go to Thanksgiving morning and on Black Friday (it's a 24/7 supercenter in my region, but not theirs) and therefore will have to resort to being able to get all my shopping done online)
Dear water authority, Thanks for the boil water warning. Two days of boiling water for drinking, cooking, dishes, and brushing teeth is not fun. I've been blessed with an awesome husband who is at home taking care of this for me, but I suspect it is getting old now. I really hope the problem at the water plant is solved so we can stop with the boiling tonight.
Dear universe, I am running on empty. I'm exhausted from a baby who won't sleep more than 4 hours and two days of events that have me running from 5am - 10pm. I'm looking forward to my three day weekend. Can the sleep gods smile upon me and let me and DS2 get a good night's rest?
Post by erinshelley21 on Nov 8, 2017 11:20:27 GMT -5
Dear Self, I'm really excited for you and how great you are about to feel physically, mentally and emotionally here in the next month or so. Back on your medication, you are getting involved in a local sorority, and a spot opened up in the beginner crossfit class for you. THIS is you and I'm so happy you're coming back. Love, me
Dear new mom friend that I wrote about in GTKY yesterday, Thank you for noticing that I needed pushed to attend the sorority meeting AND to start crossfit. You get me and I love it. Love, I really think you're my person
Dear Cold Germs I'm not catching you, go away and leave me alone. Me
twinmomma, not unprofessional! She needs to know so she can try to help. It does the company no good if you bet burned out or so stressed you end up really sick.
Dear DH No I'm not turning the heat up. No one is home all day and most nights we are home only a couple hours before DD and I are in bed. I'm not making the house toasty warm for the dog! Maybe you should shower and get out of the 5 layers of clothing you have on when you get home and see if that helps. Me who pays the electric bill PS running around in shorts last night and telling me to turn the heat up is just stupid.
Deer season is obnoxious and so are you. I don't want to talk about it, hear about it, or overhear your hour long phone conversation every night. Wish you would put this much enthusiasm in anything useful.
Signed, talk to you at Thanksgiving.
Dear work,
This new hour restriction rule is stupid. I realize it was a federal mandate, but it is in litigation currently and not enforced and I'm pretty sure you all are over the too about it anyway per usual. I had to leave early, come in late today to be able to do my class this afternoon and tomorrow morning.
Dear world, I am so tired, my flight got in super early this morning, and I am here working (or trying to), so please cut me a break. Signed, Tired and need a gallon of coffee
Dear Crazy Mom at Daycare, I am sorry that DD and your DS have the same mittens from Costco and I didn't get a chance to label them yet. But you didn't label you kid's either, so stop throwing a fit that they got mixed up. We have two pairs and you have some pairs, and as long as everyone has the number of mittens that they are supposed to, I don't care. And yes, I will label them tonight. Signed, I have a million other things to do....
Post by erinshelley21 on Nov 8, 2017 13:17:46 GMT -5
Dear Hulu Plus, Thank you for giving me the original Will & Grace. The new one is fine, kind of a annoying, but the old one makes me so happy. Signed, it really needs to be called Karen & Jack though.
Post by judyblume14 on Nov 8, 2017 13:25:51 GMT -5
twinmomma,it's not unprofessional. but you should definitely go into the meeting prepared with an idea of how YOU would prioritize the list, instead of asking your boss to do it for you. It's always best to propose a solution and let your boss tweak it.
judyblume14, I know. That's where I'm stuck. I could really use a moratorium on new marketing projects between now and the new year, but I don't see that happening.
Post by traveltheworld on Nov 8, 2017 14:22:46 GMT -5
Dear DH:
When I told you last night and twice this morning that I need a ride to the train and absolutely cannot be late because I have to lead a meeting with our CEO, I meant it! I expected you to be ready to go when I came downstairs. Not half-dressed, dilly-dallying. And no, "I was helping out with the kids" was not a good excuse. We have a nanny. That's what she is paid to do - get the kids ready.
You are lucky that I ended up not being late, but I'm still mad. So stop calling me.
Post by mustardseed2007 on Nov 8, 2017 14:28:14 GMT -5
Dear DH,
The fact that you had not bothered to even look at the website of the private school we visited today until 15 minutes before we left the house - and then only b/c I tell you to look at it - is really aggravating.
I just really wish you felt strongly about something instead of abdicating everything to me. That's really not fair. The talk we had on the way too and from the visit were decent, but it's ridiculous that it's just now dawning on you that you didn't really like school and so maybe school could be different for our kids if we put some effort into it.
The fact that you had not bothered to even look at the website of the private school we visited today until 15 minutes before we left the house - and then only b/c I tell you to look at it - is really aggravating.
I just really wish you felt strongly about something instead of abdicating everything to me. That's really not fair. The talk we had on the way too and from the visit were decent, but it's ridiculous that it's just now dawning on you that you didn't really like school and so maybe school could be different for our kids if we put some effort into it.
Signed, Wife who needs support
Do we have the same husband?? LOL My DH is EXACTLY like this. I've just come to accept it. At least he is very supportive of whatever decision I make and never brushes aside my (sometimes admittedly ridiculous) concerns.
traveltheworld, mustardseed2007, My H joins the club too. If it is regarding school, daycare, camps he could care less.
DH Have you talked to your boss about being off by 3:30 everyday during tax season yet? I need to know so I can start planning alternatives. I have a feeling the answer is going to end up being no or he will say okay and then I will be getting the phone calls 10 minutes to 4 saying I'm still working and can't get her. I might as well just plan DD's pick up schedule without you as I've done the last few years as you can't commit. The wife who does all kid related stuff as you don't give a sh!t
Stop moving your meetings around 3-4 times in the same day! I’m off today, and the iPhone can’t figure out which freaking invitation is the current one. Pick a time AND STICK WITH IT. If there are people you absolutely need at the meeting, pre-coordinate before you send eleventy-billion meeting requests to eleventy-billion people!
Sincerely, Woman With ONE thirty minute open slot tomorrow
Dear H and MIL:
I need you both to start understanding what is and is not socially acceptable. DH, putting wine on the collage of our kindergarten kid’s thanksgiving feast is not okay. And MIL, considering you’re at least a borderline functioning alcoholic, I don’t care for your fucking opinion on the matter. There’s a reason your other son is a drunk and both of your sons used illicit drugs. I’m happy to point out wtf that reason is.
I am not amused at the team building event you are making me attend tomorrow. It's the first time in the 9.5 years I've been with the company that you've decided to do this. 6 hours of driving for a 5 hour event sucks. Especially since I need to be at the office at 530 am and having to make all these arrangements for my kids since my husband also starts work at 530 am.
Signed, Not amused (neither is the rest of my team)
Post by covergirl82 on Nov 8, 2017 16:08:03 GMT -5
I have another one...
Dear MIL,
You never cease to amaze me with how bad you are at managing your money. Spending $50 on alcoholic beverages for you and your friend (who should have bought her own drinks if she wanted them), when you shouldn't spend any money on alcoholic beverages (IMO) due to being on such a tight budget, is such a bad idea. I don't know how you expect to be able to save up money to go to Disney with us next year if you throw away money like that. Maybe there was an underlying psychological aspect as to why your son (DH) decided to go into accounting and finance.
Post by covergirl82 on Nov 8, 2017 16:11:23 GMT -5
katrine05 - I had a similar team building event years ago at my last employer. Thankfully I didn't have kids at the time, but I felt bad for all the parents who had to make special arrangements. But whoever planned the event obviously didn't consider that people have kids or lives outside of work.
katrine05 - I had a similar team building event years ago at my last employer. Thankfully I didn't have kids at the time, but I felt bad for all the parents who had to make special arrangements. But whoever planned the event obviously didn't consider that people have kids or lives outside of work.
I work in our satellite office 3 hours away, we are a small team of 8, the other 30 or so work in the main office. So they are making us drive up. Being a not for profit they are too cheap to fly us or pay for a hotel room. In fact they used me having small kids as a reason not to have us spend the night. Others chimed in that I probably wouldn't mind a night away (I was still on mat leave when they planned this event).
Post by traveltheworld on Nov 8, 2017 16:57:05 GMT -5
Dear Home Depot:
Could you just f*cking give me the quote for how much our basement flooring would cost already??? It's been weeks and it's been one delay after another. I can't budge and move forward and buy things without knowing how much the flooring will cost.
Dear universe, Are you serious?! Roof is leaking, roofer is late for our appointment, my car won't start, and DH just called to say there's a water main break and his school is shutting down for the day. It's supposed to be his last dress rehearsal tonight. I need a do over. Signed, WTF
ETA - Roofer no showed. When I called, he was like "oh ya, I'll have to come this afternoon now. Sorry." Ya. Sorry that you're probably not getting my business! Thanks for screwing up my whole morning!
Post by covergirl82 on Nov 9, 2017 10:54:43 GMT -5
Sorry, I have one more...
Dear DH,
Remember when we talked about this truck we bought last summer to replace the lemon truck you had, and how you weren't going to buy all kinds of unnecessary stuff for it like you did with the lemon? I fail to see how you've kept that promise. I agreed to the bed liner and cover because those are more of a necessity, but the new wheels and tires were not. And now saying that because the new tires are wider you need fender flares is putting me over the edge. The new wheels and tires alone were $2300 (more than originally thought, until we got the statement for the tires. And the fender flares are almost $400. I know you said you wanted to get something because you got a sweet pay increase with your promotion and the wheels and tires will also be your birthday (this month) and Christmas, but damn, I am so tired of putting money into cars to make them look "aggressive." You're 37 years old. Grow up. I want to pay off some debt, not continue to waste thousands of dollars on stupid stuff.
Love, Your wife, who apparently needs to put her finance-manager husband on a budget plan
P.S. Kiss your bonus goodbye because it's all going to paying off debt.
Thank you for scheduling my room over email. Phone calls are not that easy when juggling three kids 5 and under, especially when the baby is teething and wants to be held. All I need is a room with four chairs, a table, computer, and projector. Telling me that I need to stop by the room to make sure it has what I need is not going to work for me. I am not on campus. Actually, I am a 45-minute drive away from campus. I cannot just stop down. Can you please send a student worker? And how do you not know whether the room has a computer and projector, aren't they fixed units?
Signed, I do not want to ask my tenured chair to go check if a room has a computer
This cracks me up. I have an ongoing collaboration with a prestigious university. Our regular meetings include the dean, several phds and multiple administrative assistants. Every. Single. Time. I have to make sure that someone there books a room with a phone, projector and appropriate cables to support our tc and screen sharing. And every single time, they struggle to make the webex work.
The fact that you had not bothered to even look at the website of the private school we visited today until 15 minutes before we left the house - and then only b/c I tell you to look at it - is really aggravating.
I just really wish you felt strongly about something instead of abdicating everything to me. That's really not fair. The talk we had on the way too and from the visit were decent, but it's ridiculous that it's just now dawning on you that you didn't really like school and so maybe school could be different for our kids if we put some effort into it.