Teppy, you should definitely say something. It's harrasment whether it is aimed at you or not.

Kristin, I hope you're feeling better today.

I have a panic attack hangover and I have to deal with the sexist plumber today. Don't wanna.

Steph, it strikes me as something that isn't funny, but then I have much the same sensitivity on the issue. And to them it is just a joke - it's not something that they're going to see. I've found that people who are in this "joke" and getting competitive - trying to outdo each other - they're even less sensitive.

I don't suppose you could say you've given up being mean for Lent.

Steph, I know I'd be really tempted to play dumb and tell them I didn't understand the joke and make them explain it (and keep insisting I didn't get it, and make them keep trying to explain what the funny part way). Because I'd hope that would be torture for them.

ION, I know that I've mentioned we have a job we want to post, but can't because official approval hasn't come down, etc. This morning our admin person called the provost's office and they said the paperwork had gone to HR, so she emailed the HR person, who has now emailed back,

"I just spoke to [blankity-blank-blank] in the Provost’s office and she communicated to me that the approval is still pending, and of course, I cannot move forward until I have approval. I was also advised that you were informed this morning via telephone by the Provost’s office that it had not yet been approved. The paperwork has not been lost and as soon as I am able to initiate recruiting activity I will be sure to contact all parties involved."

Woof! She sounds mad.

In addition, one of our first year Legal Research & Writing profs can't go teach abroad next month because of a conflict, and came down to ask if the other Reference person could do it. I'm *pissed* because a) I'm his supervisor and she didn't come through me, b) her dept has 6 other people in it all teaching this subject that could easily cover, what the hell is she trying to poach from my department for? (She says her colleagues can't go because they have teaching commitments. We apparently, have no commitments.)

What a bunch of fuckers, Steph. I'm sorry you're having to deal with teh insensitive stupid. What a shitty situation.

IcompletelyON, how long is it acceptable to hang out at a restaurant table after eating? I dropped DW's car off in Santa Monica and just finished having b'fast (a yummy b'fast at a low-rent little diner). A co-worker is giving me a lift to the office, but isn't picking me up until 10 (it's now 9). Can I hang here that long? There are empty tables...

ETA: Just ordered a juice.

but OBVIOUSLY fat people deserve shame and scorn because they can't control themselves and just gorge themselves all day long while sitting on the couch watching soap operas.

Damn those belly enlarging soaps! I knew there was a reason, but I don't wanna give them up.

Steph, I know I'd be really tempted to play dumb and tell them I didn't understand the joke and make them explain it (and keep insisting I didn't get it, and make them keep trying to explain what the funny part way). Because I'd hope that would be torture for them.

I always love a Sparky solution. I'm sorry you have to deal with that crap, Steph.

Skipped many hundreds of posts, just busy busy. {{}}s to all.

GC, if there are empty tables I wouldn't worry about it.

fruit smoothy:

and I have to deal with the sexist plumber today. Don't wanna.

I read that as sexiest plumber and wondered why that was a bad thing.

Sparky, as always, is smart ... I love her suggestion.

Laura, unfortunately no. This is the one that calls me honey and TCG the king.

sj, is he at least a competent plumber?

I love Sparky's suggestion, too. Sparky is wise, pass it on.

Sara has the worst ear infection ever. Well, for her, anyway. We're pretty sure her eardrum ruptured, because it's *gooing* as she says, but the doctor says there's so much gunk in there, she can't even see the eardrum yet. And despite sleeping, literally, fourteen hours last night, she's asleep again now. I think the augmentin is knocking her out.