sTmykal

The conversation usually goes like this...

Person: Hey Mike - want to do something?
Mike: Sure. What did you have in mind?
Person: I don't know. Can you come up with something for me?
Mike: A fall from a great height would probably do you some good. Let's try that.

Nevermind that this happens on an almost daily basis when people come to linger in my cube around lunch time, knowing neither where they want to go nor who is driving, but the week-end is starting to look like this too. Be it friends or family, all ask for my time but have no idea what they want to do with it. Even worse is when they seem to think the plans hinge on "when it's good for me", when they are the ones with spouses, children and time schedules. I just have me. It's not too hard for me to work up a schedule for myself.

I'm pretty much a "first come first serve" kinda guy. But it doesn't help me when someone asks me to block out time for them a week in advance and then switch their plans at the last minute - especially after I've either turned down other invitations or held off doing something because I'm the responsible one. It seems like common courtesy, but it's lost on some.

New rule - Those who request my presence shall in the future have a written statement of purpose and should be prepared to present this statement along with a Power Point slide presentation detailing how I will benefit from their ill wrought plans for social engagement.