It seems my employers are out to confuse me. Not content with rearranging the office whilst I’m off ill for a day, meaning that suddenly the artists are sat where the programmers are meant to be and the designers are all off in a little room of their own, they’ve started employing more people without me noticing. Our office isn’t particularly big, and there aren’t a huge number of us working there – less than 20, at last count – so basically, everyone knows who everyone else is. It’s therefore quite embarassing when you realise, when you’re standing in the kitchen, waiting for the kettle to boil, that you have absolutely no idea who the guy standing next to you is. Turns out he was a new artist, and he’d been with the company for nearly three weeks (one week of which, admittedly, I was in foreign parts).
And even if I am introduced to people, that’s no guarantee I’ll remember who they are days, hours – or even minutes – later. Shortly after I was introduced to another artist who joined us several months ago, I forgot his name – but immediately decided that it was probably Rob. Which, naturally, it wasn’t. I managed to conduct several conversations with him before I worked it out; I may even have called him Rob on several occasions, but he never mentioned anything to me, so who knows.
At least I can’t miss the new guy who started this week – he sits directly behind me, and as he’s a programmer, occasionally asks me questions about how our code works and things. And I’m fairly sure his name’s Dave.
Or is it Albert?
Sinbad?
Geoff. That could be it.
Ah, yes. He’s called Quetzacotl. Definitely Quetzacotl.
(or am I thinking of someone else?)
Ah – those new guys will be Hamish, Gary and Paul. But not necessarily in that order. And I believe we have an Ian joining us next week. Is that any clearer?! 🙂
Hamish? Top.
Sharky: I know all that *now*, natch. It would’ve been more useful to know it before I’d called Gary ‘Rob’ several times, or had to introduce myself to Hamish whilst admitting that I had no idea who he was.
Custard: Despite his name, though, he doesn’t appearly be overly Scottish and/or mental. Shame.
I call everyone Bob even if I know their name. makes things simplier.
Parm, that’s rubbish. Replace him. With me. I can be Scottish *and* mental. Well, mental anyway. Have you seen the scar on my arm that won’t heal…
Custard: I *think* we have filled our current quota in terms of staffing requirements… Hope that scar heals soon!
There was someone at Wythenshawe who was convinced for about a year that I was called Pete. She only realised I wasn’t when I failed to respond to her shouting ‘Pete!’ in my face. True story.
I called a guy in the choir ‘Bernard’ for 6 weeks, despite his name being Graham. He didn’t seem to mind.
See, I remember people just fine, as longs as I’m not directly introduced to them. Which works out pretty well, as Custard always forgets to introduce me to people. Oh, and ask him how he got that scar before you decide whether to sympathise…
I barely remember who I am, let alone other people. If it wasn’t for the note I had beside my bed telling me who I am, where I am, why I’m there and where I work I don’t know how I’d get anywhere or any thing done! :o)