I would say "just wanted to give you a heads-up. I took care of X because I wasn't sure it had been done. That's not the protocol, and while normally it wouldn't be a big deal, in this case the staff a X are upset about it and will probably bring it to your attention."

That way she's not's blindsided by a big complaint that she doesn't know how to respond to. And plus you look all responsible and accountable and shit.

in addition to what lisah said, I wonder if there is a way to be proactive later: like since these people are being nightmarish, is there a way your boss can offer suggestions or help in dealing with them?

In my experience, immediate managers are pleased to have someone say Mea culpa on their own recognizance. Most managers don't enjoy the kind of meeting you're dreading any more than you do. If nothing else, you become known as someone who owns their own oops.

Oh, the nightmarish part I've definitely escalated. Though what I WANT to say is "I think they hate me so someone else should go", but I don't think anyone else wants to either. I did say "I'm available these days, and if they are available different ones, someone else can go and I'm very willing to help prep that person". :) Unfortunately part of the reason they're able to get away with being nighmarish is no one wants to piss them off, which means we have to take their complaint seriously.

Thanks for the helpful wording Brenda and lisah.

Unfortunately part of the reason they're able to get away with being nighmarish is no one wants to piss them off, which means we have to take their complaint seriously.

Ugggg, I hate situations like this. Walking on eggshells around incompetent, difficult people/companies is stupid.

You guys! Here is an actual foundation that works to end pancreatic cancer, a very worthy cause. I still laughed at the name, and thought of the Bitches: [link]

Snerk.

I hope the resolution is smoother than anticipated, meara.

Another day in bed for me. I apparently have zero resistance to any bug in the air at the moment and a chest cold has me miserable. I have so much to do, and yet I just can't manage to find the will to do it. Blah.

I apparently have zero resistance to any bug in the air at the moment and a chest cold has me miserable

I feel the same way this year.

Meara, it sucks but totally helps to give your mgr that heads up/mea culpa before he/she gets gobsmacked with that email also.

IOmeN, totally forgot to refill my celexa ontime and have accidentally been withdrawing for days. Was chalking the dizziness and general gronkiness to the continuing chest cold but no, I definitely have not had those pills in my day planner/pill thingey for several days. Submitted refill request. Maybe it's time to see if i can survive without it....

Steph, if you are around, can I ask a drug question?

If a person had a bad reaction to iv Bactrim, does it necessarily follow that that same person would have a bad reaction to oral Bactrim?

I've got this ear infection...which is actually holding pretty steady with no fever or other symptoms...and a TUB of Bactrim from last year. I doubt I'll need drugs but, just in case.