If you cannot apply negative consequences (time out, no dessert, having to do the victim's chores), or perhaps there is a way to use positive reinforcement for good behavior.

"Time Out" as a concept is not simply forbidden, it is basically used as jargon for a behavioral modification technique that would cost me not just this job but my whole career. I have zero authority to punish, restrict or compel in any way.

This is one of those weird situations that occur only when I am not present. So, I hear about something after the fact, talk it out, try to help people practice the communications skills necessary for getting what they need and want without resorting to bad behavior... Praise for appropriate behavior and catching people doing good things is already happening. It falls apart at random times when I am not there.

I find myself very frustrated in the new position because I am used to having coworkers who are my partners; and at least occassionally having those partnerships be close enough to venture into work spouse territory. I miss that. My immediate supervisor said she would be around one day a week, but she finds it inconvenient to be physically present. "You're doing so well, and anything you need help with, I'm just a phone call away." It's not the same.

Hmm, that's tough, WindSparrow. If you do find some good strategies, can you do a training so all the staff is on the same page?

Go you, Laura, with the exercising.

Had a first date tonight, it went pretty well. His Tinder profile said he was looking for a nerdy, monogamous feminist who enjoys karaoke and cuddling, and I was like, "it me!" We met at a bar and played trivia and made a pretty good team. He's into Hamilton and HRC, doesn't seem to be homophobic or racist, and is also an extrovert with social anxiety. Loves his dog, no kids. We're planning on hanging out again. He's about ten years younger than I, tall, bearded, stocky. I think there's potential there. Fingers crossed? It would be nice to have at least a couple good makeout sessions, it's been a couple of years.

Sounds great, smonster!

I'm getting a wheelchair next week. I really wish it had been this week -- I'm going to need to walk across campus both tomorrow and the next day, and it's going to hurt, a lot. Maybe I can see if campus security can drive me in one of their golf carts or something.

Sounds like a fun date, smonter. I hope you get to have more fun.

Hil, it's good you went ahead and got that wheelchair. I hope campus security can help out today.

Super good to hear about the fun date, smonster. makeout~ma

I hope that you can get golf cart rides until you have a wheelchair option, Hil.

Date-man sounds like the right stuff, smonster, hope it becomes something good for you!

Glad you got the wheelchair, Hil.

The head of support systems (a woman) is speaking on this conference call, and the guy running the meeting keeps repeating what she's saying, overlapping her next sentences. It's hard to understand her because he's talking over her. She's ignoring him.

Gronk. Rough night with a very unhappy toddler. Send all the caffeine please so I can be pleasant enough when the inlaws arrive.

Caffeine and toddler~ma, sj.

The leader of the meeting is cracking so many lame jokes, it's hard to hear the people on the phone. He also keeps drumming on the desk next to the speaker. I want to cram those pencils up his nose.

I am so grateful that we have almost no conference calls.

Much~better~day~ma sj!