shit i did not say today (remember the friend with the earplugs? yeah.): Yes, your cold was still contagious. Thank you ever so.

Question re: jobseeking etiquette for those who know about This Stuff:

I got a phone call from a director of a department at another university, referencing a position I'd applied for- she said that they weren't going with me for that position, but to call her back to discuss other staff positions available in that department.

I call her back, and the voicemail is for someone else in the same department. I leave a message, and look her up on the uni online directory, and confirm the phone number is correct. I email just to follow up, just in case. (I don't reference the confusion of the outgoing voicemail, but do say I left a message at the number she left). These things both occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

I haven't heard anything back- is it OK for me to call again today to follow up?

Thanks, sj!!

Nora - I would say yeah. FOllow up is totally appropriate at this point. Go for it!!

I know that, in general terms, I am one of a few here at B.org-land that enjoys comapny holiday parties. Ours is very casual - last year it was at an Irish Pub with a pub quiz and visiting/games after (euchre, whatever anyone chose - nothing mandated). This year it's being held here in our new swanky office, catered in lunch, everyone bring a dessert (if they choose to) and there will be games/visiting/whatever after we eat and such.

One of the things we also do is a mix-CD of sorts, usually themed. Favorite Holiday Song. Favorite Drinking Song. Favorite Humor Song. Everyone gets a copy of the CD at the holiday party.

What I don't get is why people are so reluctant and downright hostile re: getting their songs to the person making and copying the CD's? If you don't want to participate, that's fine, but don't make me chase you. I've been emailing for two weeks about this and all it takes is a "I do not care to particiapte" email. I don't need your angry rant about how much you think the party is bullshit because you didn't get exactly the party you wanted or because family and friends aren't invited. Don't tell me things like, "You don't need to know that." and walk away from me like I just asked you how big your penis was.

I get not wanting to participate and in our agency, it's not mandatory, but WTF? Do you really need to be rude to me, too?

Aims, that stinks. I am with you that I enjoy such things for the most part (I helped decorate the tree, and am participating in a potluck this week). I can also understand those that don't want to participate, but the rudeness is totally unneccessary.

That sounds fun, Aims...if I worked there I would find something...maybe just "FairyTale of New York" or "Blue Christmas" but, you know...

I get not wanting to participate and in our agency, it's not mandatory, but WTF? Do you really need to be rude to me, too?

Aims, you should send that out to everyone, something like

Dear Colleagues, as you know, for the past 2 weeks, I have been contacting the group regarding the holiday CD. During this time, I have been subject to emails complaining about various planning aspects of the party (of which I have no control), and even been told "you don't need to know that".

I respect your right not to participate and therefore request that if you do not wish to be a part of the holiday CD, simply let me know and I will stop contacting you. If you do want to participate and are a slacker/indecisive/haven't gotten around to it, let me know that too!

I planned the entire party last year and was really excited about it. At the party I asked one my co-workers if he was having a good time. He said, "I'll be having a better time at 3:30. When I leave."

WTFF???

Vortex - I would love to send that email. Sadly, it would probably get me into a huge pile of shit.

Do you want me to call people? You know I will. I LIKE being mean to people who deserve it.