Wow, that's a rough day. Sorry, Laura.

(((Laura)))

Fire officials say the "hazmat has been secured." The car had a total of 225 gallons of gasoline in containers - plus a 40-pound tank of propane - had 2 flat tires and was on the 4th floor of the garage. I'm a little surprised they didn't evacuate us.

Yikes! I'm surprised they didn't evacuate y'all, too.

((((Laura and family))))

The Miami news filmed the whole hearing and had an article on their website. It was actually pretty fair and non-exploitative, for which I am grateful. The news when it first happened (Sep '16) was awful.

Laura, can you find out if he can be sent books, or if the prison he will be sent to can accept donations? If you are willing, information on the types of books he and any inmates he befriends would like could be a project for us. God knows we all have books and also knowledge of authors and subjects.

Laura, can you find out if he can be sent books, or if the prison he will be sent to can accept donations? If you are willing, information on the types of books he and any inmates he befriends would like could be a project for us. God knows we all have books and also knowledge of authors and subjects.

msbelle, you continue to be the nicest. This is a great idea!

Furnace broke down this morning, but luckily it just turned out to be carbon deposits on the flame sensor. I got me a wire-brush attachment for my Dremmel™ and cleaned the sh*t out of it. Working fine now.

I'll ask, msbelle. Thanks.

Also, in the family often sucks category, the MAGA wing of the family has gone so far as to post stuff on FB that he should have gotten more time. Got off easy, blah blah blah. Of course the ones that did all kinds of stupid ass stuff when they were teens. And still are doing stupid ass stuff, including the 40 something year old that drives shit face drunk often. Zero self reflection or compassion. The victim's family were more compassionate and accepting of the decision than his asshole cousins. Ugh.

Ugh, Laura. Sometimes I just rely on Mr. Rodgers: Look for the helpers. (Ignore the rest.)

Here's my current work dilemma. For as long as I have worked here, various offices on campus (who make policy/should know) have said that the campus will not match offers to give someone a raise. They just do not enter into those negotiations. I just learned that our interim dean matched a salary offer in an attempt to keep someone here (it failed). Several members of my staff could benefit from this (those that deal directly with the faculty could rally support if they had an offer to leave, and every other local campus pays more, I think). Some could not. What the heck do I do with this information?

Generally, if someone has an offer in hand, giving them more money is not going to resolve the reasons they want to leave. Or I believe that's what Ask A Manager says.

When I first went to the fed, I asked them to match my salary. They said, "We don't negotiate that," and I said, "Fine, but I won't take a pay cut," and we went back and forth a few times, until they asked for proof of my salary. I started midway up the grade instead of the bottom, which made a huge difference for me.

Anyway, just because the policy is not to negotiate, doesn't mean there aren't ways to negotiate.