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Post by 3piggles on Aug 17, 2017 19:07:59 GMT
Our safety inspection is the same as your MOT, only ours have to be inspected every year during the owners birthday month, so hubby has to get his inspected this month, and I have to get mine inspected in October. First we have to reregister the vehicle with the town, and get the stickers to go on our license plates that say we have a current registration. Then we have to get the MOT, and get a sticker that says we passed that for another year. It's a lot to do in one month, especially since I'll make hubby do mine in October, as he just did his, and knows how to work the online reregistration process. I should learn, but I hate doing those things. I did them for all of our vehicles for years. It's his turn, now We keep talking about getting new vehicles, but as long as these pass inspection, and don't cost us more than regular maintenance, we really can't justify paying higher insurance premiums, higher registration fees which could cost us another $1K per year. Not looking forward to that, but I will eventually have to get one with an automatic transmission and easier access for this old lady! I've been looking at the Kia Forte. I don't know if they're available in the UK, but they are a subcompact car with just about every possible option on it, including back up camera, notification if we're leaving our lane, turn signal that shows on the side mirrors and much more. I figure I'll need all the help I can get, as I get older, and the Kia Forte, fully loaded, only costs about $20K. This has a lot of information about the Kia Forte, if a bit old. www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-kia-forte-photos-and-info-newsHubby would like to get the small Toyota Prius, which I also like, but if it still beeps the whole time it's backing up, I'm not paying for that!
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Post by bazookagoof on Aug 17, 2017 22:38:49 GMT
There seems to have been a shift from trying to lead and teach, to forcing people to agree with an idea by bullying them or being really nasty to them. It's as if all decency has left some people, but I really don't think they ever had any decency for anyone who disagreed with them, and with forums and social media, they get to voice their lack of decency. Even if they are blocked or kicked off a forum, they had their say. They just go somewhere else and say it, and keep doing that. There will always be more forums and more social media opportunities, and they aren't going to be silenced. Whether it's terrorists trying for their 15 minutes of fame, Internet trolls, or closed minded forum members, they are everywhere, and totally willing to make their opinions known I meant to comment on this earlier, but emergency calls kept me away from the board last night- I agree, and the only tricky area I've run into on FaceBook is a forum for micro-budget filmmaking; people often post clips of their work and want feedback. Most of the people are talented or at least competent if not distinguished, but occasionally you get someone who's a total amateur and their work is embarrassing. I can't find a way to make my criticisms sound constructive, so I don't comment on their clips. Even if I could, I believe they'd probably take it as an attack anyway, given that this is the internet.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 18, 2017 8:36:10 GMT
That is what I have always said Baz hunni, if you cannot say something nice about something then say nothing. That is exactly what I would do. I think car buying and selling is much stricter in the States than here Piggles sweetie, they need tightening up here as people are up to all sorts of shady practices.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 18, 2017 17:03:23 GMT
There are still some very shady car dealers in the US, and as long as they don't get caught, they stay in business. When they get caught, someone else seems to take their place. Having a big name doesn't always mean they are totally above board, so shopping for car dealerships is as important as shopping for cars.
Baz, you raised an issue that's really frustrating me, and many others, and that's how easily everyone seems to take offense. If those amateur film makers ever want to be professional film makers of any level, they need that feedback, good or bad. Even the worst feedback can be couched in gentle language that doesn't have to hurt anyone's feelings, yet people will have hurt feelings no matter how hard we try. It makes it hard to bother to comment, to give constructive criticism, or to help in any way, and that means people who could have really benefitted from the constructive criticism, won't get that chance.
Hubby used to coach youth soccer, when our daughter was young. He stopped, although he was really good at it, because of the way the parents acted if he didn't give their child what they thought was sufficient playing time. There was also an increase in children claiming coaches had touched them inappropriately, and he wasn't going to risk that, so he stopped coaching. Sad, because we heard the person who replaced him wasn't half as good, so all of the negativity hurt the kids in the end.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 19, 2017 12:39:12 GMT
I agree Piggles love if you cannot accept criticism when learning about something you are never going to improve. As you say though, there are gentle ways of doing it and I think these are essential. It must be a nightmare these days hunni, being involved with anything to do with kiddies, you never know when you are going to be accused of something in appropriate. It makes said people very vulnerable I think.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by bazookagoof on Aug 19, 2017 15:34:54 GMT
It's simply not worth the effort to give constructive feedback to strangers, I find. I've had great sessions with people I've met online and had already established some kind of rapport with, but these are far and few in between. (Also, some of these people I know DO have lots of talent, so what constructive criticisms I give them are quite small.)
I actually have a co-worker who's combative and sullen whenever the manager tries to steer him in a direction her personally disagrees with; there is no reasoning with this 30 year old who acts like he's 5. Unfortunately, it's affecting all of us so I'm updating my resume and getting out as soon as I can. A manager who's trying to pacify someone under him instead of firing him is doing no one any favors.
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 19, 2017 20:52:23 GMT
I totally agree, Baz. If all of the other adult workers can do the job, accept criticism, etc., so can he. To treat him as a child, which is what she's doing, isn't going to work, or it would have worked, already. I don't know how many employees there are where you work, but if one is making work difficult for all, getting rid of the problem employee is a no brainer.
No, Jo, it's not worth trying to help with children's groups and activities, anymore. What's really sad it the parents are as bad as the children. The children have learned to threaten to get what they want. The parents all seem to think their child is the only child who matters, whatever the activity, and should be treated as special. There was recently a story in the news about a children's ball coach who didn't put one boy up to bat, who specifically asked not to be put up to bat. The boy's parents went balistic, accusing the coach of trying to ruin the boys obviously great future as a ball player. They went on social media and said all sorts of derogatory things about him. They wouldn't listen to their son or to the coach. The coach quit. The other parents finally woke up, heard the true story, and petitioned to get the coach back, but he said he'd had enough. From what the parents were saying, he was a great coach, and he gave up because of one set of parents who lived in their own little world at his expense.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 20, 2017 12:23:39 GMT
I know Piggles love, I have heard parents threatening teachers and if that happened to me, that would be it I would quit. I am so sorry to hear about the great coach but this is going on everywhere. Up to a point, we ladies are lucky in that we can still show genuine affection to a child, I love having a fuss with them but men can't for fear of being accused of something. I am sorry to hear about your co-worker too Baz hunni, how does he ever expect to learn anything if he doesn't listen when told that something isn't quite right? I have never minded constructive criticism but I do get my hackles up if it is done is an aggressive and nasty way.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 20, 2017 15:18:46 GMT
I don't think he expects to learn anything, Jo. I think he's been raised to think he's right, and no one has the right to challenge that. I read about a wedding where the mother of one of the attendees insisted the pictures be retaken, because her son wasn't featured prominently in the pictures. It wasn't even his wedding, but the bride and groom agreed to have him in a picture with just the two of them, so he would feature more prominently in THEIR wedding. I would have told her he could feature the most prominently, at his own wedding, but not at ours. I think there is way too much coddling all around, and the parents are at fault. They are pushing this idea that their child is the most special child. How is that guy going to respond to a boss, when his mother made his friends take a special picture with him, just to prove how special he was?
Any child who is raised with teachers not being allowed to criticize him or her, with parents who never criticize him or her, who do everything for him or her, when the child decides not to do homework or whatever? We get children growing into adults, with no idea how to fit into any type of social setting, whether it's work or play.
Hubby started watering the garden last night around 6 p.m.,and forgot to turn off the sprinkler. I noticed it this morning around 8 a.m. Oops!!! He didn't have it on the timer, which he obviously has to make sure he does in the future.
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Post by bazookagoof on Aug 20, 2017 23:06:49 GMT
I suppose I could complain to the higher-ups (I have already, to a small degree- but nothing came of it) but it's really not worth it- you can't change the system, but you can change yourself. I've already submitted my resume to a few places today and we'll see what happens. I don't realistically expect to hear anything, but at least I'm making the effort. If it takes a while, it'll be okay- although I really would love to leave as soon as possible, because the workload is increasing (I'm carrying my own plus Mr. Crybaby's load so at the end of the day I'm exhausted- I guess I'm gettin' a little old to keep this pace up for so long!)
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 21, 2017 7:47:19 GMT
I quite agree Piggles love. You see signs in the backs of cars saying "Little princess Aboard" and I do think that they think they are princesses nowadays and yes, there is too much coddling. The incident at the wedding you speak of is all too common. They learn no discipline either if they can just do as they wish. I wouldn't want the times we had back again but it has gone too far the other way.
Good luck Baz love, I hope something comes up for you soon. I had to chuckle at "Mr Crybaby." It somehow sums him up and I don't even know him. I am sorry, I know it isn't funny but I just had this image of a wimp crying his eyes out lol!
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 21, 2017 13:48:07 GMT
Baz, is there any way you can shift some of his work back on him? I don't know how the work is assigned, but usually there is some level of accountability. Is that absent in your workplace, or could you take little actions here and there? I had a similar situation once, and when I was given Mr. Useless's jobs, I simply said that was his area. If the boss asked me to help him, I readily agreed, and said I would help him all I could, as soon as I finished my work, which I never did. Upper management hired him, so I didn't figure there was much point in complaining to them. When doing his work started including attending meetings for him, I again quite readily agreed, and told my boss all I needed was the request in writing. When I reached a point where my boss commented that I wasn't getting my work done, I had all of his emails telling me to attend Mr. Useless's meetings. He ate his words very carefully, especially when I started asking him to prioritize my work for me, which pointed out to him that I didn't have any extra time to do Mr. Useless's job. Took a while, as it does to compile evidence, but it worked. I don't know that Mr. Useless wasn't foist off on someone else, but he stopped being my problem.
Today is eclipse day. Only a partial one in our area, and hopefully it won't mess up traffic too much. I saw the total eclipse back in the 60s. My father built a telescope to view it. I remember little about the eclipse, but I really remember all the stargazing we did with that telescope for years after that. I will note the eclipse, and maybe stick my head out when it starts, but I'm not going to get special glasses and stay outside in the heat to watch it.
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Post by bazookagoof on Aug 22, 2017 2:19:53 GMT
Baz, is there any way you can shift some of his work back on him? I don't know how the work is assigned, but usually there is some level of accountability. Is that absent in your workplace, or could you take little actions here and there? Actually, I did a little of that today when I visited a building he is supposed to be cleaning- the front lobby (which was tiny) was clean, but the back steps were filthy. I was fixing a few items when the tenant complained about how dirty everything was. I told her to please submit a complaint, as the building should be attended to at least once a week. I honestly don't know what this guy is doing that he's too busy to do his job, but I intend to turn the heat up on him as much as possible until I find a new job/or he gets fired, if that's even possible. We used to have a guy who cleaned ALL the buildings by himself and this guy was efficient. When he left, they hired this useless millennial and when he cried about how tough the job was, they shoved two of the biggest buildings onto my plate. The issue is that these buildings have five-story stairwells that must be swept and there are nine of them total- I can sweep them all, but at the end of the day my back is starting to hurt and this can't be good for me in the long run. Why not give the work to the 30 year old? He can handle it!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 22, 2017 8:45:52 GMT
This is disgraceful Baz love and I hope you managed to get rid of this guy. Apart from the additional work you are having to do, it is the stress which is involved also. I would have a good moan about it if I were you. They know you are good at your job love and are taking advantage. Please keep us posted hunni as I do not like to think of a friend being used like this.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 22, 2017 15:50:07 GMT
OY! That's disgraceful. Is there any point in telling your employer you can't manage that work load, and would like to know why the young man who was supposed to do those buildings can't do them? I don't know your employer, so maybe there's no point in discussing it with him or her, but it might be worth a try. If your job requires you to work overtime, while his allows him a lot of time off, I should think that would be an obvious problem. Do you know what the company sets for a reasonable amount of work per person? Do you have more than a reasonable amount? That alone could be a reason to at least have your work load shuffled a bit more, so you lose at least one of those big buildings. I really feel for you, Baz. I've been between a rock and a hard place at work, and it's not good Humidity is still 71% at noon, with a temp of 91. It is hot and HUMID outside. Luckily, a cold front is coming through late this afternoon, so we should start getting drier air soon. The rest of the week is supposed to be much cooler and much dryer, yes!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 23, 2017 8:26:56 GMT
I feel so cross and upset on your behalf baz love, I wish Piggles and I could go around and sort your boss out!! Me too Piggles hunni, I have been in some dreadful situations at work so I too know how hard it can be. Please keep us posted Baz sweetie. I am sorry we can't do more for you.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by bazookagoof on Aug 25, 2017 2:29:04 GMT
Sorry ladies, I had two nights of emergency calls in a row and couldn't get to a computer. The good news is I've been on overtime since 2 o'clock Thursday, so next week's paycheck will be a tad bigger! I'll go into more detail later about my situation, I'm super-tired and am going to turn in early. Just wanted to let everyone know I'm okay, more or less.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 25, 2017 7:53:30 GMT
Don't worry Baz love, work is work and we understand. I am glad you are OK and thank you so much for dropping us a line to let us know. It is good about the pay check too. Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 25, 2017 18:52:21 GMT
Glad you're okay, Baz. We're just concerned about you. Hate having a friend in a bad situation. I hope you get some really good sleep! Absolutely gorgeous day. Temps in the 70s, with a nice breeze. The a/c finally came on at 12:18 p.m., so the whole night and morning without paying to cool the house! I got my breakfast and coffee done before I went biking, as it was only 50F when I got up this morning. Nice to not have to beat the heat by getting out at the crack of dawn. We have a nice dry stretch until about the middle/end of next week, so the lawn my neighbor is having professionally done should get a chance to take root before we get any storms that could wash the seed into puddles. She might have a jump on us all Our nematodes arrived! Nematodes are supposed to be a natural way to fight the grubs and Japanese beetles. I also bought a premeasured sprayer, so we know how much of the nematodes to add to how much water. Hubby should get the nematodes sprayed onto the lawn and garden this weekend. We just have to keep the soil damp, so that means watering morning and evening until we get some rain. We're in an extreme dryness situation, which is just short of a drought, so we're watering early in the morning, about 3 a.m. to make the impact as low as possible. In the evening, we only have to water for about 15 minutes every other day, so taht's okay.
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Post by Bean on Aug 26, 2017 7:28:30 GMT
I'm back from a lovely holiday in Spain. Will catch up properly when I'm more alert (we got in at past midnight last night but I still woke up really early this morning - I've have cooked up a big batch of pancakes and plan to go back to bed when I've put a wash on and caught up with a few other things!).
Baz, how frustrating that someone else's incompetence/ laziness is affecting your work life. I hope it gets sorted, and without you having to move jobs, unless that's something you were moving towards anyway.
Keep us posted with the nemotode action, 3piggles - I'm interested to know how they perform. (Which reminds me, I haven't checked how my veg have coped with our absence, but I hear it's rained a fair bit here which is a good start!).
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