Thanks to Ben and Jane for their early birthday wishes.

Today was a tough one at work. I was on the verge of quitting, and this time I really meant to. Either I'll be quitting or they'll be letting me go...one or the other...but I have the feeling it might happen in the not-so-distant future. And this time it wasn't even Dragon Lady! Apparently, one day as I was receiving (as I am wont to do as a receptionist), I leaned on the armrest of my chair and had a short conversation with my fellow receptionist. Apparently, the boss saw me, and because of that incident, he apparently feels that we don't have enough work to do at the reception desk, so the boss and the office manager ("Fussbudget" we call him) had a meeting with the other two receptionists this morning, telling them that they are to cease and desist all conversation and keep physically busy for their entire 8 hour shifts, even if there is nothing left to do. Just keep looking busy--no matter what. Did they tell me? No. Did they have the guts to tell me that I had apparently done something wrong by conversing with my co-worker? No.
I have no problem with admitting a wrong-doing. If I was in the wrong, I was in the wrong and I'll not do that doing again, but at least have the respect to include me in meetings that involve me...have the respect to tell me that I made a mistake...let me know that I messed up so that I won't do it again! Have either the boss or the office manager said anything to me yet? No. I was LIVID, dear readers, when I went on my lunch break. Rather than take a half hour, I took a full hour and I have no shame in that. I had to call my father to calm me down, which he failed to do, though I do love him for trying, and now when I'm in the office I feel like I'm being followed and spied on. What kind of work environment doesn't permit you to speak to each other? Especially when you're done with your work! It'd be one thing if we were just shootin' the breeze and being lazy... I've worked hard for them for nearly a year, and up until about two months ago, I never felt out of place or unwanted, but if I have to listen to the office manager say "Well, you're (just) a temp" one more time!!! Maybe he doesn't realize it, but it's de-humanizing to say that to someone, even if it's true. Were it not for another person in the office celebrating her birthday tomorrow, we would not be observing my natal day at all because, as the office manager pointed out to me, I'm just a temp and temps don't get birthday celebrations. I'm pissed, I'm hurt and I'm frustrated, and I thank you all for allowing me to vent.
Ms. Ellen Burstyn's show, STORIES FROM THE OLDEST CONFEDERATE WIDOW, or whatever it was called, has closed officially after opening last night. Wow.