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ILG
10-21-2011, 04:31 PM
Hey All,

I had a little spat with a coworker today. We share a desk area and so do others share with us. I like to set up the desk in an ergonomically correct fashion. Most of the others (if not all) want the keyboard flat rather than at a downward slant away from the body. I do a few things like this and so I have to change the desk area around every time I come in. My coworker (who likes to control the desk area and can get catty for random reasons) asked me (told me) this morning to change the keyboard back the way it was when I came. We have had this discussion before and I have told her that I have to change the keyboard the way I want it when I come in and that everyone should arrange it the way they like when they come in and that I have no idea how she wants it changed. She says that I am the only one who likes it that way and so I should change it back. She is catty and gets an attitude about things like this.

So the question is, which is right:

1. Everyone should be responsible for changing the desk area the way they like when they come in.

2. I should be responsible for changing the area the way she wants it even though I have to change it when I come in as well.

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 04:39 PM
Do you all work together at the same time? If so, then you'll have to go with the majority, IMO. If you come in and work alone, then I would change it back when I left.

MissBrattified
10-21-2011, 04:44 PM
Hey All,

I had a little spat with a coworker today. We share a desk area and so do others share with us. I like to set up the desk in an ergonomically correct fashion. Most of the others (if not all) want the keyboard flat rather than at a downward slant away from the body. I do a few things like this and so I have to change the desk area around every time I come in. My coworker (who likes to control the desk area and can get catty for random reasons) asked me (told me) this morning to change the keyboard back the way it was when I came. We have had this discussion before and I have told her that I have to change the keyboard the way I want it when I come in and that everyone should arrange it the way they like when they come in and that I have no idea how she wants it changed. She says that I am the only one who likes it that way and so I should change it back. She is catty and gets an attitude about things like this.

So the question is, which is right:

1. Everyone should be responsible for changing the desk area the way they like when they come in.

2. I should be responsible for changing the area the way she wants it even though I have to change it when I come in as well.

This. If you share a desk area with other people, each person should be arranging the desk how they see fit, so long as they don't have to shove furniture around or lift heavy plants. The energy she has to expend arranging it the way she wants it is no different than the energy you have to expend doing the same thing.

Is this seriously just over how the keyboard is tilted? LOL!!! Sounds to me like she's REALLY lazy. :heeheehee

aegsm76
10-21-2011, 04:45 PM
How long does it take to change it back the way she wants it? If it takes a short period of time, then I would change it before I left.
I would also say that she must have some other issues in her life if this issue is that important to her.

Phoenix
10-21-2011, 04:49 PM
I always put things back the way I found them. Or, the way that I know the next person will find most beneficial. :) I'm always thinking about what will make it easier for others to do their job and I do go out of my way to do those things. I have no idea what you should do in this situation, but I do know that I would put it back the way it was when I found it.

Amanah
10-21-2011, 04:59 PM
you could make it like a reward/punishment system, when she pleases you, fix it the way she wants it; when she annoys you, dont fix it and leave gum wrappers and empty soda cans on the desk.

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:02 PM
you could make it like a reward/punishment system, when she pleases you, fix it the way she wants it; when she annoys you, dont fix it and leave gum wrappers and empty soda cans on the desk.

I'm just going to have to be nice to you so I won't get on your bad side! :toofunny

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:03 PM
I always put things back the way I found them. Or, the way that I know the next person will find most beneficial. :) I'm always thinking about what will make it easier for others to do their job and I do go out of my way to do those things. I have no idea what you should do in this situation, but I do know that I would put it back the way it was when I found it.

:thumbsup

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:06 PM
Do you all work together at the same time? If so, then you'll have to go with the majority, IMO. If you come in and work alone, then I would change it back when I left.

It's a rather odd arrangement. We work at the same time but sort of at our own respective desks. So, I can have it the way I want it for a shift, sort of.

I put a foot stool down and a floor mat down as well and remove those when I leave.

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:08 PM
This. If you share a desk area with other people, each person should be arranging the desk how they see fit, so long as they don't have to shove furniture around or lift heavy plants. The energy she has to expend arranging it the way she wants it is no different than the energy you have to expend doing the same thing.

Is this seriously just over how the keyboard is tilted? LOL!!! Sounds to me like she's REALLY lazy. :heeheehee

Well, she was mad at me for working an extra hour last week and tried to control the space and work to "prove" I didn't need to be there. She asked my supervisor why "she was still here" (meaning me). She said "because I asked her to be".

She gets funny for a while and real touchy and then she will be fine. She left a pile of work that she didn't like to do on my desk because she didn't want to do it. She is not really lazy, just real particular about what she will and will not do. For me, it's partially about not feeling like dog doo on her shoe.

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:09 PM
How long does it take to change it back the way she wants it? If it takes a short period of time, then I would change it before I left.
I would also say that she must have some other issues in her life if this issue is that important to her.

It doesn't take that long, it's just the point. I think I am going to change it back but not work anywhere near the desk when she is there if I can help it.

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:11 PM
It's a rather odd arrangement. We work at the same time but sort of at our own respective desks. So, I can have it the way I want it for a shift, sort of.

I put a foot stool down and a floor mat down as well and remove those when I leave.

So, sometimes she has to share your work area, but it's largely your area? Does she have to utilize information or equipment that is at your work area during your shift?

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:15 PM
How long does it take to change it back the way she wants it? If it takes a short period of time, then I would change it before I left.
I would also say that she must have some other issues in her life if this issue is that important to her.

Yeah, I guess I should remember that. It's hard to feel compassion to someone who just seems to like to make your life hard.

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:17 PM
I always put things back the way I found them. Or, the way that I know the next person will find most beneficial. :) I'm always thinking about what will make it easier for others to do their job and I do go out of my way to do those things. I have no idea what you should do in this situation, but I do know that I would put it back the way it was when I found it.

I am naturally the kind of person who tries to make things easier for another but I have learned over the years that if I do that, I don't get treated fairly. People take advantage so I do tend to draw lines sometimes, like with this issue.

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:19 PM
you could make it like a reward/punishment system, when she pleases you, fix it the way she wants it; when she annoys you, dont fix it and leave gum wrappers and empty soda cans on the desk.

LOL! I sure could! Actually, I NEVER leave that kind of stuff behind. I think that would be just plain rude. However, she once left a part of a banana. It was tempting to make a big deal out of it. :heeheehee But did I? Noooooooo!!! I picked it up and never said a word because that's just the kind of nice person I am! Anyway, if I did do that, she wouldn't see the irony nor learn the lesson.

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:21 PM
So, sometimes she has to share your work area, but it's largely your area? Does she have to utilize information or equipment that is at your work area during your shift?

Yes, that is sometimes the case but it is largely my area. However I have gone to another area and forgotten to pick up my footstool. Horrors. It was a real issue. It could not go unmentioned!! It is like this anytime I forget and it makes it hard to want to comply. I drew a line at the keyboard because I have to change it when I get there, so why can't she?

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:23 PM
Hey, ya'll don't forget the poll!!

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:25 PM
Yes, that is sometimes the case but it is largely my area. However I have gone to another area and forgotten to pick up my footstool. Horrors. It was a real issue. It could not go unmentioned!! It is like this anytime I forget and it makes it hard to want to comply. I drew a line at the keyboard because I have to change it when I get there, so why can't she?

Well, sorry about your trouble. That is why I was in sales. I didn't have to sit around an office full of women. I'd rather sit under a bridge with a tin can. LOL! Good luck! This problem is not going to go away any time soon.

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:26 PM
Hey, ya'll don't forget the poll!!

There wasn't one for going postal on her. I can't vote. :bliss

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:26 PM
Okay, I wanted your honest opinions so I didn't tell you this yet. I talked to my supervisor about it and she wants me to put the keyboard back to "keep the peace". I feel like she said this because she knows I am more compliant and it irks me. Grrrr. Sure, I can put the keyboard back but it's not going to change the issue.

ILG
10-21-2011, 05:27 PM
There wasn't one for going postal on her. I can't vote. :bliss

Okay, I'm confused. Should I go postal or change the keyboard?? Oh, wait, I asked what I should do not what YOU would do !!!! LOL!!!

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:28 PM
Okay, I wanted your honest opinions so I didn't tell you this yet. I talked to my supervisor about it and she wants me to put the keyboard back to "keep the peace". I feel like she said this because she knows I am more compliant and it irks me. Grrrr. Sure, I can put the keyboard back but it's not going to change the issue.

Ugh! What a pain.

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 05:30 PM
Okay, I'm confused. Should I go postal or change the keyboard?? Oh, wait, I asked what I should do not what YOU would do !!!! LOL!!!

Okay, I'm going to have to log out or I'm going to start acting like Amanah. LOL! Every time she asked me something, I would answer, "Jess, for a couple of days." :heeheehee

NotforSale
10-21-2011, 05:32 PM
Oh, the DRAMA!!:drama:heeheehee

Cindy
10-21-2011, 05:37 PM
you could make it like a reward/punishment system, when she pleases you, fix it the way she wants it; when she annoys you, dont fix it and leave gum wrappers and empty soda cans on the desk.

:highfive

Cindy
10-21-2011, 05:42 PM
There wasn't one for going postal on her. I can't vote. :bliss


:highfive

Tell her you use to work for the Post Office and you have other ways of solving the problem. :smack And if that doesn't work...............:thwak or :drawguns

Cindy
10-21-2011, 05:45 PM
Seriously, be very kind to her. She obviously has problems playing well with others.

berkeley
10-21-2011, 05:45 PM
Jus slapha an getit ovah wit

MissBrattified
10-21-2011, 05:49 PM
Seriously, be very kind to her. She obviously has problems playing well with others.

I agree, but ILG doesn't have to give in to the keyboard business in order to be kind. I would bring her a coffee and smile and compliment her new sweater, but that keyboard would stay exactly as I put it. :D

It sounds to me like they need to have an office seminar on ergonomics.

Cindy
10-21-2011, 05:50 PM
I agree, but ILG doesn't have to give in to the keyboard business in order to be kind. I would bring her a coffee and smile and compliment her new sweater, but that keyboard would stay exactly as I put it. :D

It sounds to me like they need to have an office seminar on ergonomics.

:thumbsup

ILG
10-21-2011, 06:21 PM
I agree, but ILG doesn't have to give in to the keyboard business in order to be kind. I would bring her a coffee and smile and compliment her new sweater, but that keyboard would stay exactly as I put it. :D

It sounds to me like they need to have an office seminar on ergonomics.

Yeah, that's what I thought.....leave the keyboard but be nice in other ways. It seems like a control issue.

However, my supervisor hath commanded me to change it back to keep the peace. I told her I thought she was wrong and that I disagreed but that I would. I like my supervisor and we get along quite well but she is not one for standing up against this sort of thing. So, I feel stuck.

What I think I will do to keep my dignity is to work as far from the area as possible. If I can't feel comfortable there I will work where I can. I feel kind of kicked out of the area in a way for the simple fact that changing that keyboard while she stands nodding her approval and grinning at her win seems undignified.

I just wanted to know what people thought. I believe everyone should change it the way they want it when they get there. It seems only fair. After all, I have to......but it seems there is no uniform answer here even on the board. So, I'll suck it up and change it back, but not under her nose if I can help it.

Truthseeker
10-21-2011, 06:24 PM
Agree with thy adversary

Amanah
10-21-2011, 07:03 PM
This is what I think you really should do. Do what your boss asked you to do and put the keyboard like they want it. But don't stay away from the area or give her any sense that this has gotten to you in any way. Find a way to enjoy being on the job, either by having fun with your co workers, or any way you can. And just let her see you being happy and that it's not bothering you. Let her wonder how it is that you can be happy, having joy in any situation, since she is obviously not a happy person.

Rose
10-21-2011, 07:33 PM
I would definitely not stay away from the area giving her the idea that she has 'won'. I would put the keyboard back like I found it and be even more friendly to her. Let her be confused about the whole situation. :)

ILG
10-21-2011, 08:16 PM
This is what I think you really should do. Do what your boss asked you to do and put the keyboard like they want it. But don't stay away from the area or give her any sense that this has gotten to you in any way. Find a way to enjoy being on the job, either by having fun with your co workers, or any way you can. And just let her see you being happy and that it's not bothering you. Let her wonder how it is that you can be happy, having joy in any situation, since she is obviously not a happy person.

But it does bother me and I am not happy about it. However, I will enjoy my job and have fun working away from that area. Basically my message intends to be "I feel better away from you".

I have gotten into it with her before. Usually once she gets over her "mood" things go back to normal until the next time. My supervisor knows this. My coworker is not a bad person but I think she has issues. I don't want to be involved in the toxicity anymore than I have to.

CC1
10-21-2011, 08:21 PM
This whole thread just reinforces my thoughts about women in the work place. Specifically their relations with each other. The office I base out of is an exception to the rule as the all of the women in cubicle city get along great and help each other. The other location I deal with a lot is much like the atmosphere that Algae describes in this thread. As a famous man once said "why can't we just all get along?"

ILG
10-21-2011, 08:22 PM
I would definitely not stay away from the area giving her the idea that she has 'won'. I would put the keyboard back like I found it and be even more friendly to her. Let her be confused about the whole situation. :)

Confusion is good but I feel like my supervisor is letting her "win". I feel the more she is allowed to control the area the more area and space she will take. If she was allowed to she would control all of it. I feel it is one of those situations that if you don't stand in one spot and not allow it to continue she just slowly takes over everything before you know what happened. I have fought for respect from her in this area ever since I started working there and mostly she doesn't mess with me. But every once in a while she can't help herself and she gets in a "mood" and this happens. Even my Sup said she has been testy lately and nobody knows why. I am not sure how to not stay away from the area because if I work there I will have to go through the undignified ritual of putting it back as she wants it in front of her and I'm afraid my teeth may fall out from me grinding and gritting them as I do so. :) Well, maybe by next week I will feel better about the whole thing. I appreciate you guys letting me vent!

ILG
10-21-2011, 08:23 PM
This whole thread just reinforces my thoughts about women in the work place. Specifically their relations with each other. The office I base out of is an exception to the rule as the all of the women in cubicle city get along great and help each other. The other location I deal with a lot is much like the atmosphere that Algae describes in this thread. As a famous man once said "why can't we just all get along?"

No kidding! Actually, most of us get along quite well, fortunately.

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 09:20 PM
But it does bother me and I am not happy about it. However, I will enjoy my job and have fun working away from that area. Basically my message intends to be "I feel better away from you".

I have gotten into it with her before. Usually once she gets over her "mood" things go back to normal until the next time. My supervisor knows this. My coworker is not a bad person but I think she has issues. I don't want to be involved in the toxicity anymore than I have to.

Just tell her, "Hey, your Prozac is wearing off. Step back out of my space." :heeheehee

Pressing-On
10-21-2011, 09:21 PM
:highfive

Tell her you use to work for the Post Office and you have other ways of solving the problem. :smack And if that doesn't work...............:thwak or :drawguns

:toofunny :thumbsup :thumbsup

RandyWayne
10-21-2011, 10:51 PM
Just spray her in the face with pepper spray.

Pressing-On
10-22-2011, 04:59 AM
Just spray her in the face with pepper spray.

After the first time, ILG would only need to hold up the can and point towards the girl! Perfect! See? We are helping her solve this problem! :toofunny

Hoovie
10-22-2011, 05:52 AM
I would do what the boss said and probably never think about it again.

ILG
10-22-2011, 07:26 AM
I would do what the boss said and probably never think about it again.

You're self employed. What do you know? LOL!!:girlytantrum :D

Amanah
10-22-2011, 07:53 AM
You're self employed. What do you know? LOL!!:girlytantrum :D

right, so he talks to himself and then forgets what he said . . .:heeheehee

Sweet Pea
10-22-2011, 08:38 AM
For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

ILG
10-22-2011, 08:43 AM
For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

I would get rewarded for coal heaping? Cool verse!! :D

ILG
10-22-2011, 08:45 AM
right, so he talks to himself and then forgets what he said . . .:heeheehee

Hooveself, put that keyboard back!

No!!!!! I don't wanna!!!!!:grumpy

Pressing-On
10-22-2011, 09:12 AM
You're self employed. What do you know? LOL!!:girlytantrum :D

:toofunny :toofunny

Cindy
10-22-2011, 10:15 AM
right, so he talks to himself and then forgets what he said . . .:heeheehee

Girl............:ursofunny

Cindy
10-22-2011, 10:15 AM
Hooveself, put that keyboard back!

No!!!!! I don't wanna!!!!!:grumpy

:toofunny

Pressing-On
10-22-2011, 10:33 AM
Hooveself, put that keyboard back!

No!!!!! I don't wanna!!!!!:grumpy

Seriously, that would be tough to have to comply. It would ruin my whole day if my workstation wasn't making me comfortable.

Jermyn Davidson
10-22-2011, 10:36 AM
The problem is not you, it's her.

However, if you would just punch your co-worker in the throat, neither you nor her would have this problem.

ILG
10-22-2011, 10:37 AM
Seriously, that would be tough to have to comply. It would ruin my whole day if my workstation wasn't making me comfortable.

That's why I want to stay out of that space. I can choose between a headache and backache from a poor workstation or a headache and backache from disobedient stress. I choose instead to work away from the desks which I can do somewhat. However, we wait on patrons at those desks so my coworker may end up juggling a bit much sometimes if I am doing something else. I can't do everything. :foottap

Pressing-On
10-22-2011, 10:44 AM
That's why I want to stay out of that space. I can choose between a headache and backache from a poor workstation or a headache and backache from disobedient stress. I choose instead to work away from the desks which I can do somewhat. However, we wait on patrons at those desks so my coworker may end up juggling a bit much sometimes if I am doing something else. I can't do everything. :foottap

That's what I would do - give that work to her. She may relent since she, apparently, doesn't like to do anything that doesn't suit her.

Pressing-On
10-22-2011, 10:45 AM
The problem is not you, it's her.

However, if you would just punch your co-worker in the throat, neither you nor her would have this problem.

Jermyn!! Put down your video game!!! :toofunny

Jermyn Davidson
10-22-2011, 10:49 AM
Jermyn!! Put down your video game!!! :toofunny

Punches to the throat are a very effective and most times non-lethal way to deal with impossible co-workers.

Jermyn Davidson
10-22-2011, 10:52 AM
Do you know Judo?

You can lay that co-worker out with just a couple of moves.

No more co-worker problems.

Pressing-On
10-22-2011, 10:55 AM
Punches to the throat are a very effective and most times non-lethal way to deal with impossible co-workers.
Yea, we would need ILG to post that clip at YouTube. :toofunny

Do you know Judo?

You can lay that co-worker out with just a couple of moves.

No more co-worker problems.

No, I carry a knife though. :thumbsup :heeheehee

jfrog
10-22-2011, 11:34 AM
Just hook an extra keyboard up to the computer that is the way she likes it. Now she can't complain about not having the keyboard the way she likes it.

ILG
10-22-2011, 05:24 PM
Yea, we would need ILG to post that clip at YouTube. :toofunny



No, I carry a knife though. :thumbsup :heeheehee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fieZ0La5qYM

ILG
10-22-2011, 05:25 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6THG0MIqmc&feature=related

ILG
10-22-2011, 05:28 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkS3Wf0PcmE&feature=related

ILG
10-22-2011, 05:38 PM
Just hook an extra keyboard up to the computer that is the way she likes it. Now she can't complain about not having the keyboard the way she likes it.

Take your pick!

Hoovie
10-22-2011, 06:31 PM
You're self employed. What do you know? LOL!!:girlytantrum :D

Good point. BUT, I'd like to think I'm a bit more objective than that. Can't think of any possible good coming to you from persuing this in the least bit. It costs you all of ten seconds a day... I can think of good coming from not sweating the small stuff, and focusing on more pertinent issues.

ILG
10-22-2011, 07:15 PM
Good point. BUT, I'd like to think I'm a bit more objective than that. Can't think of any possible good coming to you from persuing this in the least bit. It costs you all of ten seconds a day... I can think of good coming from not sweating the small stuff, and focusing on more pertinent issues.

Yeah and I'm going to do it but only because my supervisor told me to. I suspect if you were not self employed you may know the type. First the keyboard and then more and more and more stuff gets demanded from you. There comes a point when you have to take a stand or you end up spending too much time jumping through hoops for that person and feeling resentment over it. I am not sure when that time is and I definitely do not wish to sweat the small stuff but I am feeling resentment already from other times with her. When someone who you work with IS sweating the small stuff and trying to make you sweat it with them it gets tiresome. If this had been the first nice suggestion she made...that is one thing. But this coworker has a history of making demands and being irritable.
Do you always roll over for this type?

Sarah
10-23-2011, 05:42 AM
Yeah and I'm going to do it but only because my supervisor told me to. I suspect if you were not self employed you may know the type. First the keyboard and then more and more and more stuff gets demanded from you. There comes a point when you have to take a stand or you end up spending too much time jumping through hoops for that person and feeling resentment over it. I am not sure when that time is and I definitely do not wish to sweat the small stuff but I am feeling resentment already from other times with her. When someone who you work with IS sweating the small stuff and trying to make you sweat it with them it gets tiresome. If this had been the first nice suggestion she made...that is one thing. But this coworker has a history of making demands and being irritable.
Do you always roll over for this type?

I'm just wondering....are others also unhappy with the way you leave the keyboard, or is it just this one person?

Since your boss told you to leave the keyboard the way you found it, I'm sure that's what you'll do. Now, for your own sake, just do it and try and forget it. No sense in you getting an ulcer over this....lol!

ILG
10-23-2011, 09:17 AM
I'm just wondering....are others also unhappy with the way you leave the keyboard, or is it just this one person?

Since your boss told you to leave the keyboard the way you found it, I'm sure that's what you'll do. Now, for your own sake, just do it and try and forget it. No sense in you getting an ulcer over this....lol!

Nobody else has complained. Everyone else just adjusts it for themselves when they arrive.

Pressing-On
10-23-2011, 10:04 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fieZ0La5qYM

That looks like it might work, ILG! :heeheehee

rgcraig
10-23-2011, 04:41 PM
I'd bring in Lysol spray and in front of her spray the keyboard before you touch it each time.

Might shut her up.

deafdriscoll
10-23-2011, 04:41 PM
Jesus said we are to love everybody, so tell her you love her.
Then get married to her.
Oh, I forgot to ask are you a man or woman.:heeheehee

Oh, you do as she ask because Jesus loves her too.:thumbsup
Are you showing the love o jesus?:happydance

I just had to be the wiseguy and make fun of the OP.:laffatu

Hey, Put that keyboard where I like it.:highfive

DeafDriscoll
PS. You have to show me the love of Jesus too.

ILG
10-23-2011, 04:54 PM
I'd bring in Lysol spray and in front of her spray the keyboard before you touch it each time.

Might shut her up.

LOL! :lol

MissBrattified
10-23-2011, 04:55 PM
I'd bring in Lysol spray and in front of her spray the keyboard before you touch it each time.

Might shut her up.

:toofunny

AncientPaths
10-23-2011, 05:27 PM
I'd suggest popping off some of your favorite keys and taking them with you each day.

Praxeas
10-23-2011, 05:34 PM
what is a cow orker anyways?

RandyWayne
10-23-2011, 07:46 PM
You could always add a couple of pennies to her phone every day over the course of a couple of weeks, the come in early and remove them all.

....then call her on her own extension first thing in the morning and watch the fun!

http://tvmedia.ign.com/tv/image/article/104/1044395/theoffice-dwight_1257988611.jpg

Pressing-On
10-23-2011, 08:08 PM
I'd bring in Lysol spray and in front of her spray the keyboard before you touch it each time.

Might shut her up.
:toofunny

I'd suggest popping off some of your favorite keys and taking them with you each day.

I like this one! It's like the Clinton's! :toofunny

ILG
10-24-2011, 09:57 AM
You could always add a couple of pennies to her phone every day over the course of a couple of weeks, the come in early and remove them all.

....then call her on her own extension first thing in the morning and watch the fun!

http://tvmedia.ign.com/tv/image/article/104/1044395/theoffice-dwight_1257988611.jpg

Hmmm.....how exactly does this work? LOL!!

RandyWayne
10-24-2011, 11:58 AM
Hmmm.....how exactly does this work? LOL!!

When Jim pulled this gag on Dwight it took quite a while. You have to add the pennies slowly so the increase in weight of the phone goes unnoticed, yet the victim becomes used to it until the day you remove the extra pound or two you added and they smack themselves in the face the first time it rings.

pelathais
10-25-2011, 05:26 AM
Hey All,

I had a little spat with a coworker today. We share a desk area and so do others share with us. I like to set up the desk in an ergonomically correct fashion. Most of the others (if not all) want the keyboard flat rather than at a downward slant away from the body. I do a few things like this and so I have to change the desk area around every time I come in. My coworker (who likes to control the desk area and can get catty for random reasons) asked me (told me) this morning to change the keyboard back the way it was when I came. We have had this discussion before and I have told her that I have to change the keyboard the way I want it when I come in and that everyone should arrange it the way they like when they come in and that I have no idea how she wants it changed. She says that I am the only one who likes it that way and so I should change it back. She is catty and gets an attitude about things like this.

So the question is, which is right:

1. Everyone should be responsible for changing the desk area the way they like when they come in.

2. I should be responsible for changing the area the way she wants it even though I have to change it when I come in as well.

Working in tight spaces and sharing equipment will often bring out the worst in each of us. You have my prayers in this matter.

Now, to make you want to quit your job entirely:

"Overall, a greater number of microorganisms was
detected on the keyboards of the multiple-user computers,
with an average of 20.1 colonies per square centimeters,
whereas the single-user keyboards had an
average of 4.5 colonies per square centimeters...

"...Of particular interest
was the isolation of bacteria belonging to of the Enterobactericeae
family, including Escherichia coli from one
keyboard, as well as Enterococcus faecalis, which is indicative
of fecal contamination." :vomit

http://www.vioguard.com/pdf/Microbial%20contamination%20of%20computer%20keyboa rds%20in%20a%20university%20setting.pdf

Jay
10-25-2011, 05:43 AM
:depressed:bolt:shocked::aaa:reaction:eeeew:vomit


I really could have gone all day with out that bit of trivia.

Bella1
10-25-2011, 06:38 AM
Working in tight spaces and sharing equipment will often bring out the worst in each of us. You have my prayers in this matter.

Now, to make you want to quit your job entirely:

"Overall, a greater number of microorganisms was
detected on the keyboards of the multiple-user computers,
with an average of 20.1 colonies per square centimeters,
whereas the single-user keyboards had an
average of 4.5 colonies per square centimeters...

"...Of particular interest
was the isolation of bacteria belonging to of the Enterobactericeae
family, including Escherichia coli from one
keyboard, as well as Enterococcus faecalis, which is indicative
of fecal contamination." :vomit

http://www.vioguard.com/pdf/Microbial%20contamination%20of%20computer%20keyboa rds%20in%20a%20university%20setting.pdf

:girlytantrum :foottap YUK!

ILG
10-25-2011, 07:44 AM
Working in tight spaces and sharing equipment will often bring out the worst in each of us. You have my prayers in this matter.

Now, to make you want to quit your job entirely:

"Overall, a greater number of microorganisms was
detected on the keyboards of the multiple-user computers,
with an average of 20.1 colonies per square centimeters,
whereas the single-user keyboards had an
average of 4.5 colonies per square centimeters...

"...Of particular interest
was the isolation of bacteria belonging to of the Enterobactericeae
family, including Escherichia coli from one
keyboard, as well as Enterococcus faecalis, which is indicative
of fecal contamination." :vomit

http://www.vioguard.com/pdf/Microbial%20contamination%20of%20computer%20keyboa rds%20in%20a%20university%20setting.pdf

Thanks for sharing that with us. :foottap

Amanah
10-25-2011, 07:48 AM
Thanks for sharing that with us. :foottap

this is a good reason not to eat at your desk, hahaha

ILG
10-25-2011, 07:50 AM
Those of you that voted that I am wrong for not wanting to make her happy......have you never met someone who wants more and more things from you?

When I hurt my back and my supervisor suggested that I move some things around for my benefit, my coworker kept moving them back! She knew that I hurt my back and needed to do this. After about 2 or 3 weeks of her angry with me because her work area was changed, she came in crying and apologized to me. I forgave her but then she continues on with the same type of behavior after my back is better. (The work area has been changed back since I am better...it is just that she continues to try and control things.) I can see she tries but she really does have some control issues. My supervisor likes to "keep the peace" so she gives in to her. She wants me to do the same. One time, when she started moving things on my desk after I had left the room, I told her I needed those things where I had put them and I expected them to stay there.

ILG
10-25-2011, 08:01 AM
this is a good reason not to eat at your desk, hahaha

I try not to touch my face when I am working unless I wash my hands first! I handle money and items back and forth with the public!

The other day, a person took a card out of their mouth and handed it to me! Ugh!!

Pressing-On
10-25-2011, 09:07 AM
Working in tight spaces and sharing equipment will often bring out the worst in each of us. You have my prayers in this matter.

Now, to make you want to quit your job entirely:

"Overall, a greater number of microorganisms was
detected on the keyboards of the multiple-user computers,
with an average of 20.1 colonies per square centimeters,
whereas the single-user keyboards had an
average of 4.5 colonies per square centimeters...

"...Of particular interest
was the isolation of bacteria belonging to of the Enterobactericeae
family, including Escherichia coli from one
keyboard, as well as Enterococcus faecalis, which is indicative
of fecal contamination." :vomit

http://www.vioguard.com/pdf/Microbial%20contamination%20of%20computer%20keyboa rds%20in%20a%20university%20setting.pdf

Same thing in Hot Sauce in a Mexican Restaurant. At least that is the report that I read. :heeheehee When I order a glass of water, I tell them to skip the lemon.

ILG
10-25-2011, 09:18 AM
Same thing in Hot Sauce in a Mexican Restaurant. At least that is the report that I read. :heeheehee When I order a glass of water, I tell them to skip the lemon.

I take the lemon on the side, squeeze it into the glass and set it aside. That way, I get the lemon with less contaminants.

Pressing-On
10-25-2011, 10:27 AM
I take the lemon on the side, squeeze it into the glass and set it aside. That way, I get the lemon with less contaminants.

Even taking the lemon on the side... Picture them in the kitchen, cutting the lemons, grabbing a handful and throwing them in a bowl. :nah What if they pick their nose as well? I mean, who knows?! That's just nasty. :toofunny

Amanah
10-25-2011, 02:40 PM
Even taking the lemon on the side... Picture them in the kitchen, cutting the lemons, grabbing a handful and throwing them in a bowl. :nah What if they pick their nose as well? I mean, who knows?! That's just nasty. :toofunny

thanks for adding something else for my obsessive compulsive self to fret over :heeheehee

Pressing-On
10-25-2011, 05:05 PM
thanks for adding something else for my obsessive compulsive self to fret over :heeheehee

:toofunny Think about it! :toofunny

Cindy
10-25-2011, 05:33 PM
ILG life is short, maybe you supervisor knows something about the lady you don't. If it's that intolerable, you may have to give an ultimatum.

ILG
10-25-2011, 09:11 PM
Even taking the lemon on the side... Picture them in the kitchen, cutting the lemons, grabbing a handful and throwing them in a bowl. :nah What if they pick their nose as well? I mean, who knows?! That's just nasty. :toofunny

They might pick your nose and wipe it on your burger!:stirpot

ILG
10-25-2011, 09:22 PM
ILG life is short, maybe you supervisor knows something about the lady you don't. If it's that intolerable, you may have to give an ultimatum.

It's not worth an ultimatum. I did talk to my supervisor today about it some and she said she was going to think about what I said.

I never know how to deal with these kinds of things. I always have this idea that things should get resolved but most of my experiences in life/work/church have been someone pronounces an answer without anyone really having any say and you just have to suck it up and it makes you feel angry and resentful.

I guess we'll see what happens. My supervisor is a very nice person and she cares. I know she'll try to do what she can but she may not do exactly what I want either. Mostly, I just want to be heard out and have my views taken into account rather than told I have to cow tow to someone who is rude to me.

Pressing-On
10-25-2011, 09:29 PM
They might pick your nose and wipe it on your burger!:stirpot

No, not happenin'. You know how it goes - You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends' nose. :toofunny

pelathais
10-25-2011, 09:51 PM
Whenever I go to a restaurant or especially a fast food outlet I really try to not only be friendly to the staff but to engage them with eye contact and to try and make a friend of them. That way, I hope and pray, they might think twice about anything "iffy" that goes on behind the counter or in the kitchen and do me a favor because I "seemed like a nice guy..."

As ILG has pointed out, OCD is a terrible burden to have to live with. Our struggles are constant and daily, but we persevere. Just please, don't make us have to carry that can of Lysol into the office.

AreYouReady?
10-25-2011, 09:59 PM
you could make it like a reward/punishment system, when she pleases you, fix it the way she wants it; when she annoys you, dont fix it and leave gum wrappers and empty soda cans on the desk.


:heeheehee

houston
10-25-2011, 10:07 PM
so who spat on whom?

AreYouReady?
10-25-2011, 10:11 PM
Those of you that voted that I am wrong for not wanting to make her happy......have you never met someone who wants more and more things from you?

When I hurt my back and my supervisor suggested that I move some things around for my benefit, my coworker kept moving them back! She knew that I hurt my back and needed to do this. After about 2 or 3 weeks of her angry with me because her work area was changed, she came in crying and apologized to me. I forgave her but then she continues on with the same type of behavior after my back is better. (The work area has been changed back since I am better...it is just that she continues to try and control things.) I can see she tries but she really does have some control issues. My supervisor likes to "keep the peace" so she gives in to her. She wants me to do the same. One time, when she started moving things on my desk after I had left the room, I told her I needed those things where I had put them and I expected them to stay there.

Yep. I was thinking that this was more of a control issue ... with HER control over you.
Some folks just feel the need to show others that they can make you do what they want. I have had experiences when you give into some demands, they are not satisfied until you give into all their demands. I think that there should be some boundaries. Problem is, these types can cross your boundary anytime they wish, but you cannot cross their boundary.

Those types of people are the ones who are being petty, silly and egotistical and as long as you are pleasant to her (I know this is hard to do) you should be your own person unless your supervisor demands you succumb to this ... lady's ( :bigbaby ) idiosyncrasies.

Jay
10-26-2011, 01:32 AM
Uh....That is why I do not like to frequent certain restraunts, and now I will never order a lemon with my tea. It is hard for them to put lemon in a glass of soda. I also try to leave good tips, and a little better than normal if I am with a bad tipper. If you want to be loved, you have to pay for it. It saves on nasty reactions in the kitchen.

ILG
10-26-2011, 07:48 AM
Yep. I was thinking that this was more of a control issue ... with HER control over you.
Some folks just feel the need to show others that they can make you do what they want. I have had experiences when you give into some demands, they are not satisfied until you give into all their demands. I think that there should be some boundaries. Problem is, these types can cross your boundary anytime they wish, but you cannot cross their boundary.

Those types of people are the ones who are being petty, silly and egotistical and as long as you are pleasant to her (I know this is hard to do) you should be your own person unless your supervisor demands you succumb to this ... lady's ( :bigbaby ) idiosyncrasies.

This is it. And their boundaries are large and very beneficial to themselves. What I find interesting, in a psychological way, is that in most places, people just give in to this type (because they know if they don't, they will get a tantrum). I used to give in to this type and jump through hoops for everybody and you know what? I was sick a lot. I have noticed that people that are people pleasers seem to get sick a lot. Has anyone else noticed that? So, I find that sometimes I have to stand up for myself and it's not easy. I think we will be able to come to some sort of compromise. I told my sup I want to work in the back away from her. I think I can do that when the coworker is there. My other beef with the sup besides wanting me to give in to my coworker was telling me that there are other people that don't want to hop on my desk (briefly when they have to be there and she wants the keyboard flat and not be ergonomic). I don't know how I am expected to work at a non-ergonomic desk. I am pushing back on this one.

ILG
10-26-2011, 08:08 AM
No, not happenin'. You know how it goes - You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends' nose. :toofunny

PO, can I pick your nose? (Eww, I kind of grossed out just asking the question!)

LOL! I didn't realize I wrote they can pick YOUR nose.:footinmouth

Nobody has ever picked my nose, especially in a restaurant (except maybe my mother when I was a baby.)

Pressing-On
10-26-2011, 10:16 AM
PO, can I pick your nose? (Eww, I kind of grossed out just asking the question!)

LOL! I didn't realize I wrote they can pick YOUR nose.:footinmouth

Nobody has ever picked my nose, especially in a restaurant (except maybe my mother when I was a baby.)

NO!!!! You can't pick YOUR friend's nose! You can only pick your own!!!

"You can pick your friend, and you can pick your nose, but you CAN'T pick YOUR friend's nose" :heeheehee

Back to the keyboard and the Lysol. Every time she touches it, you need to do this, :jaw and then spray the keyboard. Make sure the eyeballs are really huge before you very s l o w l y open your mouth. :heeheehee

AreYouReady?
10-26-2011, 10:35 AM
This is it. And their boundaries are large and very beneficial to themselves. What I find interesting, in a psychological way, is that in most places, people just give in to this type (because they know if they don't, they will get a tantrum). I used to give in to this type and jump through hoops for everybody and you know what? I was sick a lot. I have noticed that people that are people pleasers seem to get sick a lot. Has anyone else noticed that? So, I find that sometimes I have to stand up for myself and it's not easy. I think we will be able to come to some sort of compromise. I told my sup I want to work in the back away from her. I think I can do that when the coworker is there. My other beef with the sup besides wanting me to give in to my coworker was telling me that there are other people that don't want to hop on my desk (briefly when they have to be there and she wants the keyboard flat and not be ergonomic). I don't know how I am expected to work at a non-ergonomic desk. I am pushing back on this one.

Those type of people also try to make life a living hades for you at work too. They will say all manner of things so that other people will be afraid to be seen associating with you.

You are right, it's not easy to stand up for yourself, but...you will feel better about taking your stand to be your own person. It is just as easy for them to fix the desk to fit what they need. There are laws about handicap accommodations in the workplace, so if you have a special need, they should not be able to go over your head.

I would look up the laws to see how they apply to you and to cite them to anybody who complains. Good luck, my friend.

ILG
10-26-2011, 11:29 AM
NO!!!! You can't pick YOUR friend's nose! You can only pick your own!!!

"You can pick your friend, and you can pick your nose, but you CAN'T pick YOUR friend's nose" :heeheehee

Back to the keyboard and the Lysol. Every time she touches it, you need to do this, :jaw and then spray the keyboard. Make sure the eyeballs are really huge before you very s l o w l y open your mouth. :heeheehee

LOL! Tempting, but that would make me look just plain stupid.:happydance It would make me feel good though.

I promise I won't pick your nose in public. Er. Ever.

Actually, I have a coworker whose breath is really, really bad. I have trouble standing and talking to her and I usually have to take a step backwards. I do wash the phone receiver after she uses it because it is really, really bad. She would be mortified if she knew this though.

ILG
10-26-2011, 11:37 AM
Those type of people also try to make life a living hades for you at work too. They will say all manner of things so that other people will be afraid to be seen associating with you.

You are right, it's not easy to stand up for yourself, but...you will feel better about taking your stand to be your own person. It is just as easy for them to fix the desk to fit what they need. There are laws about handicap accommodations in the workplace, so if you have a special need, they should not be able to go over your head.

I would look up the laws to see how they apply to you and to cite them to anybody who complains. Good luck, my friend.

Well I do know that if I am forced to use something non-ergonomic that that would not be kosher. I do feel better when I stand up for myself.

I had one woman who was making life at work a living hades last year or so. I stood up to her (by not giving in to her demands......that was all......no retaliation) and she kept upping and upping and upping the ante. I kept ignoring and refusing to retaliate. Finally, she could take it no longer and she openly verbally assaulted me but her and I were the only ones present of course (before this it had been undercover sniper shots for months). I walked away and told my supervisor. Again, I did not retaliate. We ended up sitting across from each other in the directors office. My coworker was mostly the one who was reprimanded but we were told if we ended up in the office again, we would BOTH be written up. This made me angry because I was put in the line of fire for doing NOTHING wrong. My sup said the director just said that because he had to be "fair". Anyway, this woman stopped talking to me altogether and for the first time in months, I was happy to go to work. She eventually moved and there was relative peace.

The woman I am dealing with now is not like this other woman. The other woman was just plain nasty. The woman I am dealing with now does have a heart in there somewhere but she is OCD and controlling. I think it will work out. (Hopefully) I just don't want to end up in front of the director again or it will look like there is a pattern. And there is a pattern. I don't like to take what I shouldn't have to.

Pressing-On
10-26-2011, 11:39 AM
LOL! Tempting, but that would make me look just plain stupid.:happydance It would make me feel good though.
Yea, it probably would make you look stupid. I forgot that life is not actually a movie reel. Some people may not get it. :heeheehee

I promise I won't pick your nose in public. Er. Ever.
Thanks, that is very comforting. :friend :toofunny

Actually, I have a coworker whose breath is really, really bad. I have trouble standing and talking to her and I usually have to take a step backwards. I do wash the phone receiver after she uses it because it is really, really bad. She would be mortified if she knew this though.
That's bad. Okay, movie reel - She walks up, you are holding a clip board, - "Woah!!!!!!!!!", you exclaim, as you step back and hold it between you. She doesn't notice. Funny in a movie, not so funny in real life. :heeheehee

ILG
10-26-2011, 11:54 AM
Yea, it probably would make you look stupid. I forgot that life is not actually a movie reel. Some people may not get it. :heeheehee


Thanks, that is very comforting. :friend :toofunny


That's bad. Okay, movie reel - She walks up, you are holding a clip board, - "Woah!!!!!!!!!", you exclaim, as you step back and hold it between you. She doesn't notice. Funny in a movie, not so funny in real life. :heeheehee

Here's one for you.

Ferd
10-26-2011, 11:58 AM
It is my personal opinion that head on conflict with a problem co-worker rarely results in a positive opinion of the one "standing up".

It is however also true that skinning cats can be done in more than one way. and while conflict is not always a bad thing, any smart "conflictor" should always be aligned with the goals of the business....


What that means is, if one needs to deal with a problem co-worker, one should maneuver to a position where one is aligned with the stated goals of the business and the problem co-worker is not.

ILG
10-26-2011, 12:04 PM
It is my personal opinion that head on conflict with a problem co-worker rarely results in a positive opinion of the one "standing up".

It is however also true that skinning cats can be done in more than one way. and while conflict is not always a bad thing, any smart "conflictor" should always be aligned with the goals of the business....


What that means is, if one needs to deal with a problem co-worker, one should maneuver to a position where one is aligned with the stated goals of the business and the problem co-worker is not.

That's a good point. I did do this because ironically just after my coworker complained about my ergonomic set-up, she dumped things on my desk because her wrists and hands were sore. I pointed that out to my sup.

Pressing-On
10-26-2011, 12:29 PM
That's a good point. I did do this because ironically just after my coworker complained about my ergonomic set-up, she dumped things on my desk because her wrists and hands were sore. I pointed that out to my sup.

Good work, ILG! It's making some sense of the situation! :thumbsup

AreYouReady?
10-26-2011, 03:57 PM
We ended up sitting across from each other in the directors office. My coworker was mostly the one who was reprimanded but we were told if we ended up in the office again, we would BOTH be written up. This made me angry because I was put in the line of fire for doing NOTHING wrong.


That makes it bad when one gets sucked into turmoil like that.

Pressing-On
10-26-2011, 04:03 PM
here's one for you.

hahahahahahaha!

AreYouReady?
10-26-2011, 08:52 PM
Ok while I was sitting in the restaurant today sipping my water with lemon...I thought of this thread....:rolleyes2

ILG
10-27-2011, 08:08 AM
Ok while I was sitting in the restaurant today sipping my water with lemon...I thought of this thread....:rolleyes2

Wow! What a productive thread! :)

ILG
10-28-2011, 08:54 AM
Just an update: After I spoke with my supervisor and spilled my frustration (respectfully) she thought about it and then talked to my coworker about my needing to have things ergonomically placed etc. My coworker said she understood. I ended up working with her last night and she was quite nice. I know she will be fine until she has another mood and then we'll go through the same thing but then she will no doubt get over that too.

Thanks all for listening and being a sounding board. I told my sup that I was going to still try and work in the back when my coworker is there just to help things run smoothly and she is good with that. I also told her that I would try to remember to place the keyboard flat when I am done out of courtesy but that I didn't feel like it was my obligation, I'm just trying to play nice. I didn't feel my sup was asking for that but I volunteered since it seemed the thing to do. This way, though, if my coworker gets moody about it, I don't have to feel I have failed if I don't live up to her expectations because there are none. :)

TGBTG
10-28-2011, 09:00 AM
Just an update: After I spoke with my supervisor and spilled my frustration (respectfully) she thought about it and then talked to my coworker about my needing to have things ergonomically placed etc. My coworker said she understood. I ended up working with her last night and she was quite nice. I know she will be fine until she has another mood and then we'll go through the same thing but then she will no doubt get over that too.

Thanks all for listening and being a sounding board. I told my sup that I was going to still try and work in the back when my coworker is there just to help things run smoothly and she is good with that. I also told her that I would try to remember to place the keyboard flat when I am done out of courtesy but that I didn't feel like it was my obligation, I'm just trying to play nice. I didn't feel my sup was asking for that but I volunteered since it seemed the thing to do. This way, though, if my coworker gets moody about it, I don't have to feel I have failed if I don't live up to her expectations because there are none. :)

Yayyyy...a thread on AFF that comes to a logical conclusion w/o being getting closed...lol :thumbsup

ILG
10-28-2011, 09:11 AM
Yayyyy...a thread on AFF that comes to a logical conclusion w/o being getting closed...lol :thumbsup

LOL!

AreYouReady?
10-28-2011, 11:56 AM
I think you showing the supervisor that you are willing to meet your co-worker half-way went a long way. You were not just going to let her walk all over you, but you are trying to meet her half-way.

Now if anything is said about your ergonomics, you can say that you are trying to compromise.

Good luck my friend.

BrotherEastman
10-29-2011, 01:16 PM
you could make it like a reward/punishment system, when she pleases you, fix it the way she wants it; when she annoys you, dont fix it and leave gum wrappers and empty soda cans on the desk.

lol! thats just plain wrong!:foottap

ILG
10-29-2011, 05:14 PM
I think you showing the supervisor that you are willing to meet your co-worker half-way went a long way. You were not just going to let her walk all over you, but you are trying to meet her half-way.

Now if anything is said about your ergonomics, you can say that you are trying to compromise.

Good luck my friend.

Thank you!

Timmy
10-29-2011, 05:17 PM
I say, spit back. ;)