That really sucks, Teppy.

My office never calls us for snow days. (We almost never get them, but still.) We have a number WE are supposed to call in case of emergencies, and that's it.

This is my office situation. Of course, I've been here over 16 years now and we have never been closed for the entire day (sent home early three or four times, but that's it). It's not a bad solution, and they always timestamp their messages so you know it's updated.

This morning, we just had two or so inches of the really fluffy, dry snow that blows off the cars with the first puff of air, so it was easy to brush it off and get on my way. It's still damn cold, though (high of 18 degrees predicted).

We've never closed for snow since I've worked here (almost 5 years), but we have been closed for other emergencies (9/11, crane collapses, random fires). An official phone tree would be good to have.

ION, I was told in THREE separate official emails that nobody in my division will be getting a raise this year and we should be thankful that at least we're not going out of business entirely. OH YAY.

The Institute never closes for the day, but will close early for weather. Due to the ginormous amount of external research funding, a closure would cost them around $1M a day. (er, so I hear)

Tep, that is some bullshit right there. Ugh.

IRelatedN, I got a call from my company's emergency broadcast system on my cell this morning. Called in and got an automated message not to come to work today - Boston area office is closed. I work out of the LA office. Wha-huh? Needless to say, I am at work now.

Yeah, we opened at 11 today. I still managed to be late. Oh, well.

ION, I have been told by my mother that she is "all alone". There was a situation, first, she called night before last and when I tried to be reassuring (i.e. "it's no big deal, not that complicated", she said "why won't you help me?" and hung up on me) She called last night, apologized for the night before, I reiterated what needed to be done said "hey, I'll send you a link so you have the information. I can leave work early and come tomorrow afternoon" She said no, she wanted to do it first thing in the morning. (and I was secretly relieved).

Then, she calls today with the "all alone" thing. I said "we deal with things differently, so why don't you tell me what you would have wanted me to do" She then gets hysterical and sobs "I wanted you to understand that I am all alone, that I lost my husband, that everything I do reminds me of him", etc. I wanted to say "yes, I understand that, but what do you want me to DO, because you have expectations and I don't understand them, and then you get upset when I don't do what you want". Is that shitty?

Is it just me or is it rude to respond to an invite to dinner with, "Sure X with make Y"? Y=a main dish.

That's a tough one, Vortex. DW's mom has those moments as well and it really frustrates DW. No real advice, just letting you know you are not alone in dealing with this situation.

Vortex, it sounds more to me like your mom just wants company. It's not that she expects you to do things for her, but to be there with her. Maybe you could set up a regularly scheduled parental date night? That way she knows she's got your undivided attention at least on those days?

sj, if I'm understanding you correctly, you asked someone to dinner and they responded "sure, I'll bring a lasagna" or something of that sort? Yeah, that's kind of weird.

Vortex, it sounds to me that your mom is lonely and probably at least a little depressed. There may be nothing that you can do to truly please her at this point, but it might help if you call and make plans to see her before she calls you. It could make her feel more wanted than when she calls you. I'm sorry you're in such a difficult situation.