I work in an office with approximately 90-100 people. This building is kind of split up into different smaller sections, and at a maximum there are 21 people sitting in the same area as me.
Often, some of these people will be participating in the same teleconference. That is, several people will be on the same phone call at the same time. This becomes very frustrating to be nearby once the call gets underway because they're trying to talk over one another and end up being much louder than they need to be. In addition, sometimes one or more of them put it on speaker-phone at their desks, and there's a lag between when they talk and when it comes through the phone line. This creates an echo effect, and essentially listeners in the office are subjected to hearing one person speak twice.
Sometimes one or more of these people in the office will actually put their headset on mute, stand up, and speak to one another over the cubicles while at their respective desks. WHY???!?!?!??!?
Despite being aggravated by listening to participants speaking too loudly in the office space, and having to hear people's echo, my main gripe is this burning question: why don't they just book a conference room and get on the call together? There are several conference rooms available at any one given time. In fact, there is one less than 40 feet away from anyone in this area of the office! Not only would this solve the loud-talking and echo issues, but they could even talk amongst themselves without participating in the call if they chose to do so (side discussions), eliminating the obvious issue of satisfying one's own needs at the expense of others.
Showing posts with label personal space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal space. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Friday, February 6, 2015
#130 Restroom Stall Spacing
Having to use a public restroom while at work is a reality for many people. It's bad enough that we have to do our private business in a not-very-private place, but if people paid more attention to stall spacing (or urinal spacing, if you're male) things would be slightly less uncomfortable.
From what I understand, men have a hard-and-fast rule about using public urinals: always leave at least a one-urinal buffer between yourself and the next guy. This is especially important for the first guy up to the urinal: he sets the spacing for all those that follow him while he's in there.
I really wish that women would follow this thinking. Here is a photo of a restroom that I was in today.
Twice today when I went into this restroom someone was in the #2 standard-sized stall. In order to create (what I consider) proper spacing, what she should have done was chosen either the #1 or #3 standard-sized stall, or the handicap stall. Since the toilet in the handicap stall is against the far wall, there is already a built-in buffer between the handicap stall and the #3 standard-sized stall, so one person could occupy each of those and still have decent spacing between them. This would allow a third person to use the restroom in the #1 stall, all while maintaining the comfort of adequate spacing.
Hearing other people urinate is not so much an issue, but hearing other people poop is just disgusting. The farther away from me that you are while you're doing it, the better. Everyone poops, but I really don't want to hear it or even think about other people doing it.
From what I understand, men have a hard-and-fast rule about using public urinals: always leave at least a one-urinal buffer between yourself and the next guy. This is especially important for the first guy up to the urinal: he sets the spacing for all those that follow him while he's in there.
I really wish that women would follow this thinking. Here is a photo of a restroom that I was in today.
Hearing other people urinate is not so much an issue, but hearing other people poop is just disgusting. The farther away from me that you are while you're doing it, the better. Everyone poops, but I really don't want to hear it or even think about other people doing it.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
#128 Carry-On Luggage Placement
I have been doing a fair amount of travelling lately. Primarily I fly coach, but I have also had the pleasure of flying first class as well. Regardless of where I'm seated, I feel that it is only courteous to abide by the unspoken rules of air travel with respect to carry-on luggage: only place your item(s) above or very near to your seat.
Including users' opinions, this article points out that everyone is entitled to any overhead bin located within their respective class. While I am willing to agree that this might be the case, I do not think it is fair or courteous by any means.
My particular gripe regarding this issue describes people who are seated near the rear of the plane, who feel that inserting their luggage near the front of the plane will help them get off the plane more quickly. I'm not talking about people who board the plane at the very last second, and place their luggage in the only space left - which happens to be near the front of the plane. I'm talking about people who voluntarily board the plane in random order, and obviously and deliberately place their luggage much farther forward on the plane than where they are to be seated.
I do not feel this behavior leads to any increased efficiencies whatsoever. In fact, quite the contrary.
Many bags look the same these days. Foolishly, luggage manufacturers continue to produce pieces of luggage which are black and/or grey, with zippers in the same locations, with rollers and a telescoping handle. My issue is not so much over the design of current luggage, but rather their individuality, namely their color (or lack of color variety). It is now more complicated to select your bag from "your" overhead bin since now you have several options.
Some people are a bit vertically challenged, and have a hard enough time putting up and pulling down their own luggage, but now they have to contend with people who have a sense of entitlement regarding their luggage placement when it comes to the simplicity of the boarding and deplaning the aircraft.
Often times, these people who are placing their luggage forward in the cabin are concerned that they are not going to be able to fit their luggage near their seat because perhaps their luggage might be a bit oversized. Here's a tip: most flight attendants are more than pleased to gate-check your bag for you, especially on a full or very-full flight. If you're near the rear of the plane, the luggage handlers will likely retrieve your bag and have it at the gate for you by the time you actually reach the front of the plane!
Some people are worried that if they gate-check their bag, it might get lost. Quite the opposite is true, actually! There's a better chance for your bag to get lost if you fully check your bag (at the ticketing counter prior to the security checkpoint) as opposed to checking it in the gate. Never gate-checked a bag? Here's what happens: a luggage handler, from outside the aircraft, climbs up the stairs outside the skyway, retrieves your bag, and safely places it under the plane. When you land, the same thing happens in reverse order. It's not going anywhere! Seriously!
Everybody on the same plane has probably paid more money than they wished in order to take the flight that they're on, and since everyone is already on edge with security issues and personal space, people should just suck it up and be courteous to others, no matter what that might require. If that means bringing a smaller bag and less stuff, so be it.
Including users' opinions, this article points out that everyone is entitled to any overhead bin located within their respective class. While I am willing to agree that this might be the case, I do not think it is fair or courteous by any means.
I do not feel this behavior leads to any increased efficiencies whatsoever. In fact, quite the contrary.
Many bags look the same these days. Foolishly, luggage manufacturers continue to produce pieces of luggage which are black and/or grey, with zippers in the same locations, with rollers and a telescoping handle. My issue is not so much over the design of current luggage, but rather their individuality, namely their color (or lack of color variety). It is now more complicated to select your bag from "your" overhead bin since now you have several options.
Some people are a bit vertically challenged, and have a hard enough time putting up and pulling down their own luggage, but now they have to contend with people who have a sense of entitlement regarding their luggage placement when it comes to the simplicity of the boarding and deplaning the aircraft.
Often times, these people who are placing their luggage forward in the cabin are concerned that they are not going to be able to fit their luggage near their seat because perhaps their luggage might be a bit oversized. Here's a tip: most flight attendants are more than pleased to gate-check your bag for you, especially on a full or very-full flight. If you're near the rear of the plane, the luggage handlers will likely retrieve your bag and have it at the gate for you by the time you actually reach the front of the plane!
Some people are worried that if they gate-check their bag, it might get lost. Quite the opposite is true, actually! There's a better chance for your bag to get lost if you fully check your bag (at the ticketing counter prior to the security checkpoint) as opposed to checking it in the gate. Never gate-checked a bag? Here's what happens: a luggage handler, from outside the aircraft, climbs up the stairs outside the skyway, retrieves your bag, and safely places it under the plane. When you land, the same thing happens in reverse order. It's not going anywhere! Seriously!
Everybody on the same plane has probably paid more money than they wished in order to take the flight that they're on, and since everyone is already on edge with security issues and personal space, people should just suck it up and be courteous to others, no matter what that might require. If that means bringing a smaller bag and less stuff, so be it.
Friday, June 6, 2014
#122 Touching (Toes)
It has been FAR too long since I have updated this blog. In the meantime, I have been keeping a list of things that bother me, and when I'm having a particularly shitty day or when I just feel like bitching or venting, I pull out the list and pick a topic. Today's topic features inappropriate touching from coworkers.
I have written about touching pregnant bellies and also touching me in general, but this post is about touching someone's feet. Specifically, when someone touched mine.
I was recently on a business trip to a different city in a different state in a completely different part of the country. Unfortunately, a few months ago I broke my leg when I slipped on some ice (which is also part of the reason I haven't been blogging) and I had a cast on one of my legs. It was a quick trip, but this trip was long enough to include 2 nights each with their own cocktail hour and group dinner.
I traveled on an airplane and in taxis with my broken leg, and in order for me to get around I had been using a Rollabout - a "knee scooter" - to keep my leg off the ground. This scooter is an alternative to crutches, and in my opinion it was a lifesaver.
The final night of the trip, a director-level executive (this is not his name, but I'll call him Barry) took everyone out for a nice meal at a nice restaurant after cocktails at the hotel. Once everyone was seated in the private room where dinner was being served, they opened the bar so everyone could come up and get a drink. I was waiting at the bar with a colleage, standing on one leg with my broken leg resting/balancing on my scooter. Before long I realized something was touching the bottom of my toes. At first I thought it might be a server's apron or a tablecloth or something of that nature, but it didn't stop so I looked behind me. Barry had left his place in line, walked over to me, tickled the bottom of my exposed toes (the small amount that was sticking out of my cast).... then he SNIFFED HIS FINGERS and loudly proclaimed, "Ohhh, they're kind of stinky!" in front of the entire room of about 60 of our colleagues.
I was so shocked and so uncomfortable, I just joked about the situation and said something to the effect of, "Well, it's not like I can wash my feet..." to which he replied, "No, but you could wipe your toes or something!". At this point all of his cronies were laughing at his "jokes" while I remained at the bar until my drink arrived, then quickly took my seat at a table which was 2 tables away from him. Before I left the bar, he asked if he could help get me a drink, but I assured him that I didn't need his assistance.
I did have some witnesses, but they didn't seem to think much of it. In fact, they seemed to think that Barry would have done this to me whether I was female OR male. Basically they were just defending him and made it out to be less than it was.
If Barry had touched my arm or my shoulder or even my back, I think that would have been significantly more acceptable than my toes... even though I still would not have appreciated it. Who touches toes?! People with foot fetishes. What is the draw to touch someone's toes while wearing a cast? I really shouldn't even have to justify WHY touching my toes was completely inappropriate. But apparently, I had to.
What if this dinner was being held in the summer, and his wife was in attendance wearing open-toed shoes... If someone touched HER toes, would he have blown a gasket or just laughed it off? Would he have said anything to the person who touched her toes? Most heterosexual men I know wouldn't DARE touch another guy's toes, regardless of whether they were sticking out of a cast or not... so I'm not buying that "he would have done it regardless" excuse whatsoever.
I confronted him about this issue, and in fact, I included the human resources department. Here's how it went down:
Barry: You know, I've gotta tell ya... this just caught me way off guard. I would have never thought in a million years we'd be having this conversation. First of all, I want to say I apologize. I didn't know that I was offending you. We were at this dinner, and you were kind of off to the side... and I was just touching your toe to get your attention to see if I could get you a drink at the bar, and apparently this thing didn't set well with you, so I apologize. I guess I just want to open up the conversation and just... what happened? What did I do that was so offensive? I really want to know because I don't ever want to do that again.
Me: I just -- I felt really, really uncomfortable. If it was like my shoulder or my arm or something, I could totally understand that. I just feel like it's a part of my body that I wouldn't expect anybody to go anywhere near. After you did that, you sniffed your fingers and said, "Ohhh, they're kind of stinky!" and I was really embarrassed, and I --
Barry: I did not do that...
Me: Yes, you did.
Barry: No, I did not.
Me: Yes, you did!
Barry: No.....
HR: I can't agree or negate that.
Me: Well I certainly wouldn't make that up, but regardless, it's done and over, but I just felt really, really uncomfortable and I just -- I didn't know what to do so I just kind of shrugged it off and sort of joked about it with you because it was a light mood and everybody was having a good time. The more I thought about it, the more it just really didn't set well with me. Then, I spoke to my husband about it and he just did not appreciate the fact that that happened... I don't know. It just put me in a really, really uncomfortable position, and I didn't want to make it out to be more serious than it was, but still at the same time I didn't know how else to handle it and so that's why I spoke to HR about it.
Barry: Well that's fine; I understand that you went to HR. That's the right thing to do. Again, I apologize, I didn't know it was going to be that offensive. I meant nothing by it other than to just get your attention to see if you wanted for me to get you a drink at the bar. I apologize. I just didn't realize it was going to be that offensive. It'll never happen again, believe me.
Me: Okay. I realize my toes were exposed; it was warm; I didn't have my sock on and whatever. I just didn't expect it at that time, and I don't think I would have expected it at any time from anybody that I work with.
Barry: I certainly understand. It won't happen again, believe me.
Me: Thank you.
I can speculate all I want, but the fact of the matter is that it was totally inappropriate and unjustified. I sincerely hope that I never have to deal with pervy guys like this ever again.
I have written about touching pregnant bellies and also touching me in general, but this post is about touching someone's feet. Specifically, when someone touched mine.
I was recently on a business trip to a different city in a different state in a completely different part of the country. Unfortunately, a few months ago I broke my leg when I slipped on some ice (which is also part of the reason I haven't been blogging) and I had a cast on one of my legs. It was a quick trip, but this trip was long enough to include 2 nights each with their own cocktail hour and group dinner.
I traveled on an airplane and in taxis with my broken leg, and in order for me to get around I had been using a Rollabout - a "knee scooter" - to keep my leg off the ground. This scooter is an alternative to crutches, and in my opinion it was a lifesaver.
The final night of the trip, a director-level executive (this is not his name, but I'll call him Barry) took everyone out for a nice meal at a nice restaurant after cocktails at the hotel. Once everyone was seated in the private room where dinner was being served, they opened the bar so everyone could come up and get a drink. I was waiting at the bar with a colleage, standing on one leg with my broken leg resting/balancing on my scooter. Before long I realized something was touching the bottom of my toes. At first I thought it might be a server's apron or a tablecloth or something of that nature, but it didn't stop so I looked behind me. Barry had left his place in line, walked over to me, tickled the bottom of my exposed toes (the small amount that was sticking out of my cast).... then he SNIFFED HIS FINGERS and loudly proclaimed, "Ohhh, they're kind of stinky!" in front of the entire room of about 60 of our colleagues.
I was so shocked and so uncomfortable, I just joked about the situation and said something to the effect of, "Well, it's not like I can wash my feet..." to which he replied, "No, but you could wipe your toes or something!". At this point all of his cronies were laughing at his "jokes" while I remained at the bar until my drink arrived, then quickly took my seat at a table which was 2 tables away from him. Before I left the bar, he asked if he could help get me a drink, but I assured him that I didn't need his assistance.
I did have some witnesses, but they didn't seem to think much of it. In fact, they seemed to think that Barry would have done this to me whether I was female OR male. Basically they were just defending him and made it out to be less than it was.
If Barry had touched my arm or my shoulder or even my back, I think that would have been significantly more acceptable than my toes... even though I still would not have appreciated it. Who touches toes?! People with foot fetishes. What is the draw to touch someone's toes while wearing a cast? I really shouldn't even have to justify WHY touching my toes was completely inappropriate. But apparently, I had to.
What if this dinner was being held in the summer, and his wife was in attendance wearing open-toed shoes... If someone touched HER toes, would he have blown a gasket or just laughed it off? Would he have said anything to the person who touched her toes? Most heterosexual men I know wouldn't DARE touch another guy's toes, regardless of whether they were sticking out of a cast or not... so I'm not buying that "he would have done it regardless" excuse whatsoever.
I confronted him about this issue, and in fact, I included the human resources department. Here's how it went down:
Barry: You know, I've gotta tell ya... this just caught me way off guard. I would have never thought in a million years we'd be having this conversation. First of all, I want to say I apologize. I didn't know that I was offending you. We were at this dinner, and you were kind of off to the side... and I was just touching your toe to get your attention to see if I could get you a drink at the bar, and apparently this thing didn't set well with you, so I apologize. I guess I just want to open up the conversation and just... what happened? What did I do that was so offensive? I really want to know because I don't ever want to do that again.
Me: I just -- I felt really, really uncomfortable. If it was like my shoulder or my arm or something, I could totally understand that. I just feel like it's a part of my body that I wouldn't expect anybody to go anywhere near. After you did that, you sniffed your fingers and said, "Ohhh, they're kind of stinky!" and I was really embarrassed, and I --
Barry: I did not do that...
Me: Yes, you did.
Barry: No, I did not.
Me: Yes, you did!
Barry: No.....
HR: I can't agree or negate that.
Me: Well I certainly wouldn't make that up, but regardless, it's done and over, but I just felt really, really uncomfortable and I just -- I didn't know what to do so I just kind of shrugged it off and sort of joked about it with you because it was a light mood and everybody was having a good time. The more I thought about it, the more it just really didn't set well with me. Then, I spoke to my husband about it and he just did not appreciate the fact that that happened... I don't know. It just put me in a really, really uncomfortable position, and I didn't want to make it out to be more serious than it was, but still at the same time I didn't know how else to handle it and so that's why I spoke to HR about it.
Barry: Well that's fine; I understand that you went to HR. That's the right thing to do. Again, I apologize, I didn't know it was going to be that offensive. I meant nothing by it other than to just get your attention to see if you wanted for me to get you a drink at the bar. I apologize. I just didn't realize it was going to be that offensive. It'll never happen again, believe me.
Me: Okay. I realize my toes were exposed; it was warm; I didn't have my sock on and whatever. I just didn't expect it at that time, and I don't think I would have expected it at any time from anybody that I work with.
Barry: I certainly understand. It won't happen again, believe me.
Me: Thank you.
I can speculate all I want, but the fact of the matter is that it was totally inappropriate and unjustified. I sincerely hope that I never have to deal with pervy guys like this ever again.
Monday, August 13, 2012
#105 Audibly-Ticking Watches
Recently I had to attend a meeting with everyone that works in the same building as me, regarding some topics that applied to me and most that did not. While attempting to NOT look like I was falling asleep, I was quickly distracted by someone behind me who I thought was fidgeting. I HATE fidgeting. I thought this person's leg was literally going to bounce off of their body and land on the floor behind me – that's what it sounded like.
Alas, I was mistaken. It wasn't until after I had already shot the culprit a few dirty looks did I realize that they were not, in fact, fidgeting... it was their wristwatch making the noise.
This person had a wristwatch that ticked 4 times every second. All I could focus on for the rest of this boring meeting was this incessant ticking, and I seriously just wanted to rip the watch right off of this person's arm. It just kept ticking, and ticking, and ticking... My head was about, what, 2 or 2.5 feet from this person's wrist? Why could I hear every single tick that came out of this thing? I'm sure other people could hear it, too. Why weren't they bothered by it? Why wasn't the wearer bothered by it? Does the wearer have a hearing impairment? That would be the only way that I could possibly fathom this person is able to wear that watch without being driven completely mad by the relentless ticking of this fucking watch, but I know for a fact that the wearer can hear just fine.
I understand that mechanical watches require the ticking in order to keep time, but with such a new, sophisticated timepiece that this person was wearing, one would be inclined to think that the manufacturer would have placed greater emphasis on buffering the sound being emitted from the device. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
I am not opposed to people wearing watches – I wear a watch (one that ticks) every day on my wrist. I just don't think watches should be able to be heard any farther away than about 2 inches from one's ear (or less!).
Alas, I was mistaken. It wasn't until after I had already shot the culprit a few dirty looks did I realize that they were not, in fact, fidgeting... it was their wristwatch making the noise.
I understand that mechanical watches require the ticking in order to keep time, but with such a new, sophisticated timepiece that this person was wearing, one would be inclined to think that the manufacturer would have placed greater emphasis on buffering the sound being emitted from the device. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
I am not opposed to people wearing watches – I wear a watch (one that ticks) every day on my wrist. I just don't think watches should be able to be heard any farther away than about 2 inches from one's ear (or less!).
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
#104 Early Enquiries
Mornings are generally rough for everyone, unless you're one of those freaks who are peppy and spirited all the time (including first thing in the morning)... in which case: you're annoying. So, if we work together and you happen to arrive before me, please wait at least 10 minutes before asking me any questions (or pretty much talking to me in general).
I live about an hour away from where I work. So to be at work by 7am, I have to be up around 5am to leave my house by 6am to make it to work on time. Getting up at 5am doesn't seem to get any easier, even if I have been doing it for over 4 years now. Even after a 1-hour drive into work, I'm still not all that awake – not awake enough to want to talk to anyone about something I can't focus on until I've gotten situated at my desk for a few minutes. Most people drink coffee, but I don't, and I may or may not seek an alternative caffeine source in the morning to get me going, depending on how I'm feeling. Either way, what's the rush?
Regardless of how I'm feeling in the morning, just give me some space. I don't jump all over someone when they first arrive at their desk just because I have something to ask them – it's not polite. I expect them to extend me the same courtesy when I arrive, and I really don't think that's asking too much. Whatever you have to ask me can, and will, wait for me to get situated for the day. Things that I am dealing with on a daily basis are (fortunately) NOT life-or-death situations. So chill the fuck out already.
I live about an hour away from where I work. So to be at work by 7am, I have to be up around 5am to leave my house by 6am to make it to work on time. Getting up at 5am doesn't seem to get any easier, even if I have been doing it for over 4 years now. Even after a 1-hour drive into work, I'm still not all that awake – not awake enough to want to talk to anyone about something I can't focus on until I've gotten situated at my desk for a few minutes. Most people drink coffee, but I don't, and I may or may not seek an alternative caffeine source in the morning to get me going, depending on how I'm feeling. Either way, what's the rush?
Regardless of how I'm feeling in the morning, just give me some space. I don't jump all over someone when they first arrive at their desk just because I have something to ask them – it's not polite. I expect them to extend me the same courtesy when I arrive, and I really don't think that's asking too much. Whatever you have to ask me can, and will, wait for me to get situated for the day. Things that I am dealing with on a daily basis are (fortunately) NOT life-or-death situations. So chill the fuck out already.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
#102 Temperature Control (Air Conditioning)
Currently, I'm pregnant. The fact that I'm pregnant means that I'm warm pretty much all the time. Also, the fact that my area of the country has seen record-high temperatures for the past month or so means that I am extra warm. Take those things and add the fact that even when I'm NOT pregnant, I'm usually warm... and that's sort of a temperature disaster (for me, anyways).
There are literally only 8 people that sit in my area of the office (the rest of the building's occupants are split up into 2 more large office areas and multiple laboratories), so most of the guys I sit with are willing to deal with the temperature set slightly lower in my area of the building than the others. And when I say "slightly lower" I mean that while the rest of the building is set at 73F in the summer, I sometimes bump the thermostat down to 72F or (GASP!) 71F.
I don't know about you, but I feel like 73F via air conditioning in the summer is still pretty warm for an office building. It is especially warm if you're out in the lab moving around and doing work and when you return to your desk to cool off, you can't really do that because 73F is really not that cool. Of the 8 people in my office area, there's my pregnant self and a menopausal woman, and neither of us mind the cooler temperatures. In fact, she welcomes it! Of the other 6 males, 4 don't really say anything, one guy minds but doesn't really speak up about it (or wears a lab coat or a thicker shirt), and the other guy constantly complains about it being "SO COLD in here".
The complainer sort of has no room to complain, in my opinion. He exercises like it's going out of style, has about 5% body fat, and is older and bald - bald, as in, has absolutely NO HAIR on top of his head. If he had some hair, he'd have something to keep the heat in! I also find it interesting that some guys are complaining about the temperature being too cold. Generally it's the womenfolk who don't hardly get up and move around that are the main complainers... and they're ALWAYS cold in the winter (and I never hear the end of THAT, either, but that's another post for another time).
Now when I turn it down to 71F, that feels really nice and cool to me. I will really only do that if we have some 90F+ days outside because the air conditioning can't keep up in the office that well when it's that hot outside. Today, for example, it didn't even reach 80F outside - I didn't touch the thermostat, but I was a bit warm. To combat the effects of the complainer voicing his opinion, I have even gone as far as to install a small fan on my desk to blow on me to keep me cool. This also serves as a bit of white noise, which helps me stay focused and drowns out the other annoyances of the office.
I think what irritates me most is that everyone has to comment about it. "Ohhhh, it's so cold in here!" or, "Geez, I forgot to bring my coat today" or some other sarcastic comment about the temperature. Suck it up, bitches. It IS NOT that cold! If you live in a part of the country that experiences all four seasons, you should be prepared for anything.
When it comes to office temperature, don't you think the temperature should be a little colder as opposed to warm? When it is cooler in the office, you can always layer up. When it is warmer in the office, you can't really remove too many layers. Plus, when it is too warm, people start to sweat and then it starts to stink. I don't know about you, but I would prefer NOT to bask in the scent of my coworkers.
There are literally only 8 people that sit in my area of the office (the rest of the building's occupants are split up into 2 more large office areas and multiple laboratories), so most of the guys I sit with are willing to deal with the temperature set slightly lower in my area of the building than the others. And when I say "slightly lower" I mean that while the rest of the building is set at 73F in the summer, I sometimes bump the thermostat down to 72F or (GASP!) 71F.
I don't know about you, but I feel like 73F via air conditioning in the summer is still pretty warm for an office building. It is especially warm if you're out in the lab moving around and doing work and when you return to your desk to cool off, you can't really do that because 73F is really not that cool. Of the 8 people in my office area, there's my pregnant self and a menopausal woman, and neither of us mind the cooler temperatures. In fact, she welcomes it! Of the other 6 males, 4 don't really say anything, one guy minds but doesn't really speak up about it (or wears a lab coat or a thicker shirt), and the other guy constantly complains about it being "SO COLD in here".
The complainer sort of has no room to complain, in my opinion. He exercises like it's going out of style, has about 5% body fat, and is older and bald - bald, as in, has absolutely NO HAIR on top of his head. If he had some hair, he'd have something to keep the heat in! I also find it interesting that some guys are complaining about the temperature being too cold. Generally it's the womenfolk who don't hardly get up and move around that are the main complainers... and they're ALWAYS cold in the winter (and I never hear the end of THAT, either, but that's another post for another time).
Now when I turn it down to 71F, that feels really nice and cool to me. I will really only do that if we have some 90F+ days outside because the air conditioning can't keep up in the office that well when it's that hot outside. Today, for example, it didn't even reach 80F outside - I didn't touch the thermostat, but I was a bit warm. To combat the effects of the complainer voicing his opinion, I have even gone as far as to install a small fan on my desk to blow on me to keep me cool. This also serves as a bit of white noise, which helps me stay focused and drowns out the other annoyances of the office.
I think what irritates me most is that everyone has to comment about it. "Ohhhh, it's so cold in here!" or, "Geez, I forgot to bring my coat today" or some other sarcastic comment about the temperature. Suck it up, bitches. It IS NOT that cold! If you live in a part of the country that experiences all four seasons, you should be prepared for anything.
When it comes to office temperature, don't you think the temperature should be a little colder as opposed to warm? When it is cooler in the office, you can always layer up. When it is warmer in the office, you can't really remove too many layers. Plus, when it is too warm, people start to sweat and then it starts to stink. I don't know about you, but I would prefer NOT to bask in the scent of my coworkers.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
#096 Disregarding Privacy (Childbirth)
A good friend of mine recently delivered a baby. All of her friends (including me) were really excited for her and giving her lots of words of encouragement on her page of the social networking site to which she belongs.
She alerted everyone (via her page) that she was going into the hospital overnight and they would begin the process of having the baby the next day. Then she updated everyone that labor had begun. Several hours went by and there were no updates from her, and her friends started to get really anxious and nosy. One person posted (after several other comments), "She hasn't answered yet... is that a sign?", and another person posted later, "Anything yet????". Finally, someone posted, "The suspense is killing me." YES, the suspense is killing EVERYONE! The fact that the new mother didn't find out the gender of the baby (during her pregnancy) added to the suspense, but did all of these people need to constantly hound her to find out what's going on? The answer to that question is NO.
People, where are your manners? Give the woman some privacy! When she's ready to tell the world, she will do so. And she did (imagine that!). She posted a picture with the full name, length and weight of the baby once she was ready to snap a photo with her smartphone and update her social networking page. I can only imagine that she was completely exhausted after being in labor for what seemed to be about 6 or 7 hours, and once the baby was out I'm sure all she wanted to do was hold the baby and cuddle and get some private family time with her husband and her new baby. I can't even fathom the amount of text messages she probably received, in addition to the dozens of comments left on her page.
Encouraging comments (before) and exclamations of congratulations (after) are completely acceptable. Constantly trying to find out what's going on and insisting on finding out the status of the birth is unacceptable. NO ONE is entitled to this information until the family has decided that they are.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
#093 Touching (Pregnant Bellies)
To further rant about the topic of touching, I don't understand how people are so drawn to touch a stranger's pregnant belly. I have to believe that everyone, at some point in their life, has been related to or very close friends with someone who has been pregnant, and that woman has allowed them to come in contact with her pregnant belly. The fact that a complete stranger can see a pregnant woman walking through the mall or in a grocery store and will approach that woman and touch her belly, with OR without asking, is beyond my comprehension. I just don't see how it's AT ALL appropriate!
If you see a pregnant woman, and you're tempted to touch her belly, do yourself a favor and compliment her on her outfit or her hairstyle instead, or even tell her that she looks great (even if she doesn't). She will be very thankful that yet another stranger didn't attempt to touch her belly.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
#091 Airline Seating (Getting In and Out)
I understand it's somewhat difficult and often tricky to get out of the window or middle seat when the person on the aisle is somewhat large... but, when possible, DO NOT grab on to the back of the seat in front of you. The person sitting in that seat, with their seatback completely upright, is trying to be mindful of others and not encroach on anyone else's space... and you should do the same. When you grab onto that person's seat, you disturb them in the process. It only takes one instance of this to happen to make a person go completely apeshit on your ass.
Perhaps you could ask the person sitting on the end to politely get up so that you can more easily access the aisle? I would think most people would be inclined to oblige (unless they’re sleeping, I suppose).
Monday, February 27, 2012
#090 Slamming Doors (Hotel Rooms)
Hotel rooms are generally very basic, but one safety feature most of them seem to have is the heavy, self-closing door. This is especially helpful if your hands are full of luggage or if you simply forget to push your door closed all the way. Unfortunately this feature can also be very annoying if you're trying to sleep and people down the hall from you are going in and out of their rooms with the doors slamming behind them.
On a recent business trip I stayed in an older hotel that had modern accommodations. The hotel was located in a pretty nice area that seemed to attract mostly middle-to-upper class patrons. All of the doors in this particular hotel were of the heavy, self-closing variety and every time someone used their door (and it slammed) the wall seemed to shake each and every time. This is particularly aggravating when you have changed 6 time zones and your schedule has not yet acclimated to the new time zone. Taking a nap is next to impossible unless you're a very heavy sleeper, and since I'm a light-to-medium sleeper... needless to say, I didn't get much sleep on this trip. Luckily most of the people seemed to be my age and older, so most of them went to sleep around the same time I did, but it was still something that I could have done without.
When I am in this situation and I am aware of things that bother others, I will always do my best to make sure I don't become one of "those people" when it comes to these things. The majority of people won't even realize these things are bothering others. I, however, will make it a point to hold my door as it is closing to make sure it doesn't slam upon latching. I wish others would do the same.
On a recent business trip I stayed in an older hotel that had modern accommodations. The hotel was located in a pretty nice area that seemed to attract mostly middle-to-upper class patrons. All of the doors in this particular hotel were of the heavy, self-closing variety and every time someone used their door (and it slammed) the wall seemed to shake each and every time. This is particularly aggravating when you have changed 6 time zones and your schedule has not yet acclimated to the new time zone. Taking a nap is next to impossible unless you're a very heavy sleeper, and since I'm a light-to-medium sleeper... needless to say, I didn't get much sleep on this trip. Luckily most of the people seemed to be my age and older, so most of them went to sleep around the same time I did, but it was still something that I could have done without.
When I am in this situation and I am aware of things that bother others, I will always do my best to make sure I don't become one of "those people" when it comes to these things. The majority of people won't even realize these things are bothering others. I, however, will make it a point to hold my door as it is closing to make sure it doesn't slam upon latching. I wish others would do the same.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
#089 Massive Flight Attendants
Traditionally, flight attendants have been younger, good-looking females. Lately I've been seeing more and more male flight attendants, and I think that's great. On a recent domestic flight I had a flight attendant that was neither female nor good-looking, but he was funny and that definitely made the experience better.
What I DON'T think is great, however, are 300-pound flight attendants that can't fit their fat asses down the aisle without brushing their massive thighs against every passenger along the way.
I am by no means slim, so I am not really one to judge someone based on their size. But if it's your job to provide service to people and you are supposed to provide the best service possible, I feel like providing the best service possible is NOT rubbing up against every passenger as you waddle down the aisle while serving food or beverages.
When I must fly on an airplane I generally take the aisle seat when possible so I do not have to climb over others when I get up frequently to either urinate or simply stretch my legs. On average, I get up about once per hour, so a middle seat wouldn't really work either (unless I was seated next to someone that I was travelling with, which I wouldn't mind asking them to move... but a complete stranger – no). I don't choose the window for the same reason, but also because leg room is restricted on the window seat – the wall comes down on an angle and leg room is limited.
I recently took an international flight that was about 7 hours long, and on this flight there was a blonde female flight attendant, maybe early-to-mid-40s, about 5"5' and she had to weigh every ounce of 300 pounds or more. Since this flight was an overnight flight, I was desperately trying to get some sleep because I had to go straight to work once we landed at 7:30 am local time. I had my neck pillow, a pillow behind my back, and a blanket over me to try to be as comfortable as possible... and I swear she must have bumped me 23 times throughout the entire flight, and every time she walked past me from the rear her thigh brushed against my arm and dragged the blanket down off of me. I was SO CLOSE to saying something to her but I didn't want to be "that guy" and cause a scene on the airplane and godforbid have an air marshall have to restrain me for the rest of the flight or something.
I feel like this is borderline unacceptable. I'm all for equal opportunity and not discriminating, but seriously? Her uniform was literally bursting at the seams! I doubt she was always that large, but I feel like perhaps I should complain to the airline or something.
Monday, December 12, 2011
#081 Touching (Me)
Hi, do I know you? No?? Then DON'T TOUCH ME.
I have worked with some people in the past that think just because you have casual (non-work-related) conversations with someone from time to time, that gives them the right to put their arm around your shoulders and give a "buddy hug", lightly shove or poke or rub your arm, bump shoulders, or otherwise touch or grab you on your person. Well, I am here to tell you that these actions are completely unacceptable. If we don't get together outside of work, you have no business coming into contact with any part of my body other than my hands or forearms (sometimes this is required when working in confined spaces).
I am by no means a prude in any way, and I am aware that in other cultures it is totally acceptable and even expected to kiss each other on one or more cheeks as a formal greeting (and I'm sure there are others that require intimate touching but none are really coming to mind right now), but where I'm from it just doesn't happen like that. A bow, a nod, a handshake... these are all acceptable. Touching me in any way other than that is not.
I have worked with some people in the past that think just because you have casual (non-work-related) conversations with someone from time to time, that gives them the right to put their arm around your shoulders and give a "buddy hug", lightly shove or poke or rub your arm, bump shoulders, or otherwise touch or grab you on your person. Well, I am here to tell you that these actions are completely unacceptable. If we don't get together outside of work, you have no business coming into contact with any part of my body other than my hands or forearms (sometimes this is required when working in confined spaces).
I am by no means a prude in any way, and I am aware that in other cultures it is totally acceptable and even expected to kiss each other on one or more cheeks as a formal greeting (and I'm sure there are others that require intimate touching but none are really coming to mind right now), but where I'm from it just doesn't happen like that. A bow, a nod, a handshake... these are all acceptable. Touching me in any way other than that is not.
Friday, November 18, 2011
#079 Replenishment - Hygiene Products
Living with anyone can be challenging, whether it be a spouse or children or parents, but when any of those people are not "on the same page" as you when it comes to keeping the house stocked of the things you use frequently, it can be rather frustrating.
Take, for example, deodorant. You (hopefully!) wear it every day. You (hopefully!) want to wear it every day. So, when it starts to run out, perhaps you should either a) put it on a list to get at a later, but soon-upcoming date, or b) go out at your earliest convenient opportunity and get some more. The key is to NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU'RE COMPLETELY OUT. Personally I prefer option A because then you can do the shopping more efficiently (getting other things you need instead of making a special trip for one thing). Let's face it: you can't really "improvise" when it comes to deodorant.
Other examples of this irritating behavior can include the replenishment of toilet paper, contact solution, diapers, baby wipes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and the list goes on.
I suppose waiting until you're completely out of something to buy more of it works for some people, and those people apparently can live without being presentable to the general public.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
#072 Touch Screens
Newer technologies are pretty amazing. Ten years ago, if you would have told me I would soon have a "smartphone" or own anything with a touch screen I'd probably think you were out of your mind. But these days a lot of things have touch screens, from smartphones to tablets to grocery store check-outs.
I'm not sure if it's a generational thing or what, but I find it hard to believe that adults still struggle with touch screens. I recently witnessed a child as young as 3 operating a smartphone, so children are being exposed to these new technologies very early and are adapting quickly... as they tend to do with everything in life.
A 50-year-old person I know got an iPod Touch and they kept pressing on it rather than tapping the screen lightly. I had to remind them that it was an iTouch not an iPress. Tap it lightly, that's all you need to do. Yes, there are some features that will activate when you press and hold an icon, but I was trying to show them the basic functionality of it and it took them some time but they finally got used to it.
I was travelling this past weekend, and I flew on a plane that had a "media system" integrated into the back of the seats. Some programs were available for free, and
some you could swipe your credit card through the back of the screen to pay for additional programming. A mid-to-late-40s couple was sitting behind me on the plane, and the woman was sitting directly behind me. For some reason, on this flight the programming would time out after 30 minutes, so it was necessary to re-load the program you were viewing. I happen to be watching a movie on one channel, and each time it timed out I would have to re-select the movie through a series of menus. The woman behind me was apparently having a tough time deciding what to watch, because she proceeded to press (not touch or tap) the back of my seat incessantly until she finally decided on something... which felt like an eternity. Then, every 30 minutes of our three-hour flight she had re-load her program so she did the same thing each time. Each time she pressed the screen my seatback would move forward with every press, and it was highly irritating.
My travel partner almost did the same thing as that woman, but I quickly reminded them: "Don't forget, someone is sitting in the seat in front of you, so make sure to tap lightly.". I said it rather loudly just in case anyone else was listening, because it really applies to everyone.
I'm not sure if it's a generational thing or what, but I find it hard to believe that adults still struggle with touch screens. I recently witnessed a child as young as 3 operating a smartphone, so children are being exposed to these new technologies very early and are adapting quickly... as they tend to do with everything in life.
A 50-year-old person I know got an iPod Touch and they kept pressing on it rather than tapping the screen lightly. I had to remind them that it was an iTouch not an iPress. Tap it lightly, that's all you need to do. Yes, there are some features that will activate when you press and hold an icon, but I was trying to show them the basic functionality of it and it took them some time but they finally got used to it.
I was travelling this past weekend, and I flew on a plane that had a "media system" integrated into the back of the seats. Some programs were available for free, and
My travel partner almost did the same thing as that woman, but I quickly reminded them: "Don't forget, someone is sitting in the seat in front of you, so make sure to tap lightly.". I said it rather loudly just in case anyone else was listening, because it really applies to everyone.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
#068 Auto Ferry (Smoking)
I live on an island, and I have to drive my car onto a ferry every day (I have mentioned this before). I leave for work very early in the morning, and most of the time it's kind of dark outside and the sun is just starting to rise. It's pretty peaceful most of the time, so for the most part I just want to sit there with my windows down and enjoy the fresh air and the quiet until the boat is ready to leave.
With three rows of four vehicles, everyone is in pretty close quarters; if someone has a strong air freshener and the windows are down, pretty much everyone can smell it. Apparently there is a US Coast Guard regulation against smoking on the deck of the ferry (even though I've even seen the ferry deckhands do it), so they ask that if you must smoke to do it in your vehicle. The problem with smoking in your vehicle is that a) you will likely NOT have all of your windows rolled up completely, so b) everyone can smell your smoke anyways.
This morning, I was sitting on the ferry waiting for it to fill up before we took off at 6am, when a guy (approximately 20-22 years old) pulled up next to me with his death metal music blaring out of his older model Buick sedan. It was about 5 minutes before the ferry was going to leave, and only a couple minutes later he decided to smoke a cigarette. I didn't even see him light it, but I could definitely smell it.
If such a USCG regulation exists, I wish it would apply to ANYWHERE on the boat. Because let's face it: if there's a fire on deck, and even though you're on the water, the chances of putting out a gasoline or diesel fire is pretty slim. If the boat burns down, everyone's going in the water and if they don't die of smoke inhalation, there's a pretty good chance they will drown anyways. Why risk it? Yet another reason I think smoking is disgusting.
With three rows of four vehicles, everyone is in pretty close quarters; if someone has a strong air freshener and the windows are down, pretty much everyone can smell it. Apparently there is a US Coast Guard regulation against smoking on the deck of the ferry (even though I've even seen the ferry deckhands do it), so they ask that if you must smoke to do it in your vehicle. The problem with smoking in your vehicle is that a) you will likely NOT have all of your windows rolled up completely, so b) everyone can smell your smoke anyways.
This morning, I was sitting on the ferry waiting for it to fill up before we took off at 6am, when a guy (approximately 20-22 years old) pulled up next to me with his death metal music blaring out of his older model Buick sedan. It was about 5 minutes before the ferry was going to leave, and only a couple minutes later he decided to smoke a cigarette. I didn't even see him light it, but I could definitely smell it.
If such a USCG regulation exists, I wish it would apply to ANYWHERE on the boat. Because let's face it: if there's a fire on deck, and even though you're on the water, the chances of putting out a gasoline or diesel fire is pretty slim. If the boat burns down, everyone's going in the water and if they don't die of smoke inhalation, there's a pretty good chance they will drown anyways. Why risk it? Yet another reason I think smoking is disgusting.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
#063 Excessive Music Volume in Drive-Throughs
Imagine you've been working and you haven't eaten all day, and you're practically dying of starvation. You pull your vehicle into the nearest fast-food restaurant and go into the drive-through. You’re just about to place your order when a vehicle pulls up in line behind you with their music practically as loud as possible.
I don't know about you, but when I get super hungry I get really bitchy, too. So the fact that someone wouldn’t turn down their music volume while I’m trying to order some food would piss me off so badly that I might just be inclined to do something irrational. They will have to turn it down when they pull up to the speaker anyways, so when you're that close together everyone around you can hear it, too. This makes for very difficult order-placing and order-taking, and everyone has to repeat themselves to make sure it is correct which pretty much defeats the purpose of the drive-through (efficiency).
Do yourself and your surroundings a favor and save whatever hearing ability you have left by turning down your music ALWAYS.
I don't know about you, but when I get super hungry I get really bitchy, too. So the fact that someone wouldn’t turn down their music volume while I’m trying to order some food would piss me off so badly that I might just be inclined to do something irrational. They will have to turn it down when they pull up to the speaker anyways, so when you're that close together everyone around you can hear it, too. This makes for very difficult order-placing and order-taking, and everyone has to repeat themselves to make sure it is correct which pretty much defeats the purpose of the drive-through (efficiency).
Do yourself and your surroundings a favor and save whatever hearing ability you have left by turning down your music ALWAYS.
Friday, May 27, 2011
#057 Smoking (Outside of Buildings)
A little over a year ago, the state in which I live placed a ban on smoking inside restaurants, bars and businesses. I honestly can't be more happy about this law being passed! If you want to smoke, that is your choice... so long as it doesn't affect others who wish not to be affected by it. I mean, you can't completely control where your smoke drifts, right? The least you can do is be as courteous about it as possible, and smoke somewhere that is not going to affect others: the privacy of your car or your home are good examples.
So now that this smoking ban is in effect, smokers feel like their rights are being violated and smoke wherever they can whenever they feel theaddiction urge. As a result they end up smoking near the doorways of these restaurants, bars and businesses. Doesn't this kind of defeat the purpose of the law? I mean, when I go to a mall or go see a movie (places where smoking already typically wasn't allowed) I have to walk through a cloud of smoke just to reach the door! This completely disgusts me. The whole point of enacting the law is because "Clean air is fundamental to good health.", so if smokers can't go a few hours without having a cigarette (which is actually pretty sad when you think about it), the least they could do is move to a place that offers privacy from others.
Photo courtesy of my good friend, JC, taken in northern Ontario, Canada. I wish more places had this!
So now that this smoking ban is in effect, smokers feel like their rights are being violated and smoke wherever they can whenever they feel the
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
#053 Office Etiquette (Conference Rooms)
In an office setting, conference rooms are extremely resourceful. Whether you're having a conference through the internet, a telephone conference or even just a meeting with associates at your location, conference rooms can give you the resources and privacy needed to discuss project-related or sensitive topics.
At one of my previous jobs, my desk was situated directly across from the door to a conference room. That is, I could turn my head to the right and look directly inside the room and see all the chairs and the table. There would constantly be people meeting in this room, sometimes just meeting in person but often having telephone conferences. This room was actually constructed out of what was originally a few cubicles, so walls were constructed in their place to form an enclosed room. However, when they constructed this room, they did not insulate the walls. Every time there was a telephone conference I could literally hear every word everyone was saying when the door was open but ALSO when it was closed! Closing the door made the sound a bit more muffled, but I eventually kept a small fan at my desk and turned it on to drown out the noise.
When there are desks / cubicles near conference rooms, it is not polite to leave the door open. It's not so much the content of the meeting that needs to remain private (although often it is), but rather the fact that having a conversation about anything near anyone that doesn't need to hear it is kind of rude. Point 1: Keep conference room doors closed.
Another useful tool when it comes to conference rooms is the ability to reserve them. From my past experience, most companies manage the use of conference rooms through the company's email client. This makes it easy to see which rooms are available and when, and also to manage them when there is a conflict. However, it is SO ANNOYING when you actually book a room and someone else is using the room but didn't bother to check the schedule for that room.
Two days in a row now I have had a meeting in the morning, and both days there has been the same person in the room, using the room literally as a personal office. This person is a repeat offender – they frequently use this room without reserving it, then when I or others hover outside the room until they notice, they emerge from the room and ask, "Oh, do you have this room now?". Uhhhhhh... YEAH, had you bothered to check the schedule, you would have seen when my meeting was scheduled, so you can go call-in to your telephone conference either from your own desk or another conference room that was not reserved. Better yet, you likely know AHEAD OF TIME that you have to call-in to a telephone conference, so why don't you (*gasp*) reserve a room for that time so you can make sure that no one disturbs you! Point 2: Reserve a conference room if you need one.
At my current job, I sit near a manager's office (a small room with a window and door). Very often there are people that stop by to chat with him, have meetings, and also to have conference calls (rather than reserving a conference room). There are times when people will stop by either on purpose or just to chat, and they will actually stand in the doorway and talk to the manager as opposed to going inside the office, sitting down and having the conversation at a reasonable volume. Instead, from the doorway, they will carry on a conversation at a completely unreasonable "office" volume and joke, laugh and carry on for several minutes – once it lasted up to 45 minutes. The manager is pretty mindful of their surroundings, but it's the people that come talk to the manager that are completely disrespectful. Point 3: If there is a room with a door, get in the room and close the door before proceeding with your conversation.
At one of my previous jobs, my desk was situated directly across from the door to a conference room. That is, I could turn my head to the right and look directly inside the room and see all the chairs and the table. There would constantly be people meeting in this room, sometimes just meeting in person but often having telephone conferences. This room was actually constructed out of what was originally a few cubicles, so walls were constructed in their place to form an enclosed room. However, when they constructed this room, they did not insulate the walls. Every time there was a telephone conference I could literally hear every word everyone was saying when the door was open but ALSO when it was closed! Closing the door made the sound a bit more muffled, but I eventually kept a small fan at my desk and turned it on to drown out the noise.
When there are desks / cubicles near conference rooms, it is not polite to leave the door open. It's not so much the content of the meeting that needs to remain private (although often it is), but rather the fact that having a conversation about anything near anyone that doesn't need to hear it is kind of rude. Point 1: Keep conference room doors closed.
Another useful tool when it comes to conference rooms is the ability to reserve them. From my past experience, most companies manage the use of conference rooms through the company's email client. This makes it easy to see which rooms are available and when, and also to manage them when there is a conflict. However, it is SO ANNOYING when you actually book a room and someone else is using the room but didn't bother to check the schedule for that room.
Two days in a row now I have had a meeting in the morning, and both days there has been the same person in the room, using the room literally as a personal office. This person is a repeat offender – they frequently use this room without reserving it, then when I or others hover outside the room until they notice, they emerge from the room and ask, "Oh, do you have this room now?". Uhhhhhh... YEAH, had you bothered to check the schedule, you would have seen when my meeting was scheduled, so you can go call-in to your telephone conference either from your own desk or another conference room that was not reserved. Better yet, you likely know AHEAD OF TIME that you have to call-in to a telephone conference, so why don't you (*gasp*) reserve a room for that time so you can make sure that no one disturbs you! Point 2: Reserve a conference room if you need one.
At my current job, I sit near a manager's office (a small room with a window and door). Very often there are people that stop by to chat with him, have meetings, and also to have conference calls (rather than reserving a conference room). There are times when people will stop by either on purpose or just to chat, and they will actually stand in the doorway and talk to the manager as opposed to going inside the office, sitting down and having the conversation at a reasonable volume. Instead, from the doorway, they will carry on a conversation at a completely unreasonable "office" volume and joke, laugh and carry on for several minutes – once it lasted up to 45 minutes. The manager is pretty mindful of their surroundings, but it's the people that come talk to the manager that are completely disrespectful. Point 3: If there is a room with a door, get in the room and close the door before proceeding with your conversation.
Friday, April 29, 2011
#048 Airplane Baggage Storage
I've been doing a lot of travelling lately, some in cars but mostly on airplanes. On my recent trips I have flown in Embraer 145 jets which have only one seat on the left side of the aisle, and two seats on the right. Due to the curvature of the plane, there is more narrow space below the seats for foot room and extra under-seat baggage storage than there is actually at the seat-level. Also, only the right side of aisle (above the two seats) has the overhead compartment, which is considerably smaller than larger planes' storage areas. Having smaller compartments leads to some tricky baggage storage situations: some people have to gate-check their baggage such that they're issued a tag at the gate and their bag is immediately transferred from the sky bridge to the belly of the plane, or you must attempt to put your larger carry-on (if it doesn't fit above you) underneath the seat in front of you which significantly reduces the amount of leg room you have.
What I have a problem with is people who think it's okay to place their carry-on(s) in the forward compartments of the cabin as opposed to carrying their bags to the rear of the cabin and placing them near their seats. I understand that it’s kind of a pain in the ass to carry your bags (which can be awkward at times) through the tiny, cramped cabin and try to stuff them above or below where you're seated... but isn't it only fair to try to get them closer to your OWN seat as opposed to placing them in the space nearest other people?
When there is assigned seating, most airlines load the rear of the cabin first so that there’s less bumping of others and so that it’s more comfortable for everyone and to try and expedite the boarding process. But when the people try to board the plane last who are seated in the front of the cabin arrive, they have no place to store their bags because the people at the rear didn’t bother taking their bags to the rear of the plane with them! They are left no choice but to either suffer with all of their bags below the seat in front of them or underneath their legs or on their laps (or all three!), or they must walk their bag(s) all the way to the rear of the cabin and store them there, which means they will have to wait until everyone else has exited the plane to walk all the way back to retrieve their bag(s). This makes the whole boarding/de-boarding process extremely inefficient. If some passengers have connecting flights they must hurry off to catch, any delay could be critical to making their next flight! Any time saved loading and unloading the plane can make all the difference.
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