Susan, can you wear an unobtrusive iPod?
That's a possible long-term solution. I've never been a big headphones person (they seem to exacerbate my TMJ somehow), so I don't own an iPod or anything, but I know it would be OK with TPTB here if I used headphones when noise is a problem. So I'll see if I can get something. I think DH even owns a still-functional but outdated iPod I could use if I were so inclined.
Also, I probably need to go call my counselor. I'm moving way too quickly from "minor annoyance making my day less pleasant than it could be" to "life is TERRIBLE and there's no hope it'll EVER improve" these days.
Loud Talker is gone for the moment, but she only went to the cafe for coffee and will be back soon.
I think part of the problem is that my predecessor in this position was as extroverted an extrovert as you'll ever meet, and while the everyday staff have adjusted to having a quiet person as ops manager, the community chaplains and so on who come in less frequently treat me like they did John the Gregarious.
...and the Loud Talker is already back. Sigh.
This flight boarded at about 11:10. It is now almost 1. Dear doG this sucks.
Oh sweetie, I'm sorry you're stuck on the tarmac. I wonder if it's all of the fires that are slowing things down. At least you have a direct flight, right?
And how many times do I have to TELL her that the materials that used to be in the cabinets by my desk aren't there anymore, because those are now my files and storage space, and that I don't KNOW where they got moved to because I wasn't the one who moved them!
Yes. It is a direct flight. At least there is that.
That sucks, Noise. I hope you take off soon.
They finally handed out some water at least.
Apparently this has nothing to do with delays in LA. Air traffic control has closed our departure corridor over New Jersey due to some weather. No idea when it might reopen. They tried to re-file for a departure over Connecticut and were denied. Yeah. Our air traffic control system isn't outdated and overworked at all.
OK. Talked to counselor. Feeling better. Breathing at a normal rate again.