Oh man, you guys.

So I've got this coworker, K. We're actually pretty good friends, and she's probably the only person around here I really bitch or gossip with. She's been doing this stuff a lot longer than me and she rocks at it (way more diligent than me), but because of some, uh, challenges with personal interactions she tends to burn a lot of bridges and have a lot of drama around her. She recently moved into a different role that I think she likes a lot better but that involves managing a team. She's set off some drama there too.

Annnnd tomorrow morning she's being informed that effective immediately she's in her old job and reporting to ME. And that she's on third strike and any noise in the system means she's out.

I found this all out two hours ago.

Oh, and did I mention it's her birthday today, and I'm meeting her for dinner in two hours?

Holy crap, brenda. Um, prepare to drink a lot this evening?

Thank you. I left a message on Jason's cell.

My gas pedal came loose on the 134 last week. The dealership has had my car for 7 days.

First they said the assembly was unavailable in the US. It would take 3-10 days to get it.

Then, they called yesterday to say the part was coming in yesterday and my car would be ready today. They called an hour ago to say that the part was unavailable. I asked, "does that mean my car is totaled for a $50 gas pedal?"

He said, "I'm doing all I can ma'am."

I said, "It's a 2004 Chevy. Why is my car totaled for a $50 gas pedal?"

"I don't think that's it. They just said it's on backorder."

"How long?"

"I don't know."

...............

Right now, I have Kristen's car because she's producing an ep in Toronto. But she will be back next week. Insurance only covers lost or collision, not mechanical failure, and my warranty ended two years ago. I can't afford a rental for an unlimited time. I'm scared, because no one seems to want to tell me that GM no longer has the pedal assembly for my make/model. Tell me that today, and give me a new fucking car, right now.

Tell me when you think you'll be telling me this. Do I have to feel this sick for a month? Six months? tell me when you're going to tell me my car is totaled over a $50 gas pedal.

Yike.

OK, that catdish wasn't shatterproof as advertised. Devi was sprawling on the counter and knocked it off, nearly on Loki. Of course, neither of the even moved until I got the broom out.

Swim is looking doubtful tonight. Waaaaaahhhh!

Allyson, tommyrot might be another good person to ask. I don't have a phone number for him, but you might try e-mail or seeing if he's on the board.

Good lord, Allyson.

If nothing else, you could surely get one off of an actually totalled car, like from a junkyard? It might just take a while.

Or it may be that they're just being shitty with you, or their particular supplier doesn't have it but others do.

Oh, and did I mention it's her birthday today, and I'm meeting her for dinner in two hours?

Jesus. Any way you can warn her that something's up so she doesn't feel like you've been a total Judas tomorrow? Or would that seem too much like ruining her birthday?

Allyson, an independent mechanic (and hell, even dealers should be able to do this, I don't know why they haven't at this point! Except maybe dealers are reluctant to think creatively ) should be able to get aftermarket parts OR get one from a salvage yard. Jason will probably give you better advice, but if they can't give you a date, I'd start calling around to independent mechanic shops.

I agree with those who say they should be able to get one from a salvage yard.

Yikes, Brenda. I think I would either have to tell her or pretend tomorrow that you are SHOCKED.

No. The assembly has to be new. Both my mechanic and the dealership said without hesitation that a used assembly would be unsafe.

I spoke with GM. They don't have the part at all. Just no part. None.

Wow, that blows, Allyson.

And jesus christ, Brenda. Good luck with that.... And I agree with meara -- can you tell her something tonight? Yikes.

But that would mean I'm working when not in the office, which I try to avoid.

I am on this train as well -- my job would probably pay for an iPhone for me, but I don't travel enough to be willing to give them that much availability.

Honestly, most of why I'm not interested in a smart phone in general is that I really don't spend much time away from a computer, so I'm good with being off-line for those few hours.