Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhh!!!

[TomStillwell]

Frustration building...stress taking over...forehead vein pulsing...

[Tobias March]

Calma, calma, tranquilo....what vexes thee?

[Stressfactor]

Take a deep breath, two shots of borboun, then tell us what happened....

[Cam63]

Yes. *Leans towards scene in anticipation*

[Gladiaria_Alata]

Oh dear.. Angersplosion imminent! :eek:

Seriously now, what ails ya?

[TomStillwell]

stupidlazyunreliableignorantpeople aarrrrggggrhhrhrgrhrhhhhh!!!!!

[Flamebird]

That's no way to talk about Dave Rothe. :D

Seriously, DEEP breath; Now what's wrong?

[TomStillwell]

Can't go into detail. Just arrggghhhrhrrhrhrhrhrhreeehhhhhhh!!!

Face...going...red...

[Cam63]

Tom, you've been warned about zipping up your dacks too hastily.

[Samurai]

You said "unreliable"... if this is about needed some artwork, PM me...

[heystacy]

Sorry Tom. Hope you get to calm down. For a moment I thought you were ready to turn into the Hulk.

[TomStillwell]

You said "unreliable"... if this is about needed some artwork, PM me...

No, no...nothing like that Sam. But thanks for the offer. It is appreciated.

[Infra-Man]

Hope things turn out okay for ya, Tom.

[Jack Zodiac]

Tom, Tom, Tom. Don't get angry... get drunk!

Also, much more seriously, I hope everything with Everyday Heroes is going alright and whatever problem you're having right now is resolved shortly. Good luck, buddy!

[Azrael52]

We wuv u Tommy-wommykins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TomStillwell]

Okay, I played Civilization IV as a way to unwind tonight. Unfortunately the Korean, Chinese, Khmer, Spanish, and Egyptian empires were wiped from the face of the planet. Tanks & Bombers vs. Bowmen & Catapults...you do the math.

It boils down to the fact that essentially I'm working three full time jobs right now with all the stuff in my life.

And getting paid for one of them but doing twice my workload because of the great purge when 30 people were fired this summer.

I sleep maybe five hours a night. I'm busy most week nights and all weekend with family stuff. When I do vacation it's to work a convention. I pulled a muscle in my back a while ago and it's been slow healing because I rarely rest.

This has left me uber tense. There's so much I need to be on top of and when other people in whatever way bring more obstacles in my path...well, the stress adds up.

I need a serious vacation and to cut my workload in like half. Unfortunately I don't see any circumstance at this point that will allow either.

I usually don't vent. I don't breakdown. There's not really a release for me because I tend to be the rock for everyone else. Mr. Dependable.

Thank God for video games or I'd have had a stroke by now.

[Jack Zodiac]

Hey, I feel the same way about drinkin', pal. Uh, that's probably, y'know... not as harmless, but hey, whatever. I hope crap at work settles down for ya', man, and maybe next year you'll finally get a chance to relax and take a vacation with the family, 'cause you definitely deserve one. Hang in there, Tom! And you can vent at us whenever the hell you wanna.

[Cam63]

Yep. Jana Wendt all ya like mate.

[TomStillwell]

Well, my back decided it was time for me to take a break. I woke up this morning barely able to move without muscle spasms.

I'm heavily medicated and sitting it seems for today. It was my weekend to buy comics which makes it even more teh suck.

[Jack Zodiac]

Eh, you ain't missin' much. The Atom, sure, but that ain't goin' anywhere. And Howard the Duck and PS238. Oh! And Lobster Johnson! But really, that's it. Oh, and Annihilation, too, but other than that... :o

Take 'er easy, Tom! The body said it was time for a break, it's time for a break.

[TomStillwell]

Eh, you ain't missin' much. The Atom, sure, but that ain't goin' anywhere. And Howard the Duck and PS238. Oh! And Lobster Johnson! But really, that's it. Oh, and Annihilation, too, but other than that... :o

Take 'er easy, Tom! The body said it was time for a break, it's time for a break.

I buy comics every two weeks. So I'll be three weeks behind by next Saturday.

[Jack Zodiac]

Every two weeks? Well, crap! Then you also missed Madman, Daredevil, the new Grendel mini, Deadpool, Blue Beetle and Teen Titans.

That blows, man.

[hellokittykat]

Well, my back decided it was time for me to take a break. I woke up this morning barely able to move without muscle spasms.

I'm heavily medicated and sitting it seems for today. It was my weekend to buy comics which makes it even more teh suck.

Aww I hope you feel better soon Tom!:( But yeah, this is probably nature's way of telling you that you need to chill out a bit.

(((HUG))):(

[Red Jack]

My SUIT script will be done by the end of the week.

[Stressfactor]

Tom, I know this may sound frou-frou for a guy but have you thought about saving up a little cash and getting a theraputic massage? Seriously. I've developed some spinal problems in recent years and have a chiropracter make adjustments from time to time but this usually does little to relieve basic muscle tension. The drugs are alright but there is nothing like a good back massage. It really losens stuff up, relieves tension, and its also a moment of quiet that you can have all to yourself.

You don't have to go to one of those fancy day spas either -- check with your local hospital they can probably point you to someone who does theraputic massage if they don't have a program for it there at the hospital.

Good luck! I feel your pain!

[Cam63]

Good luck with your back, Tom.

[TomStillwell]

My SUIT script will be done by the end of the week.

That's awesome. It's not part of the stress issues but it sure does make lighten the load some.

[TomStillwell]

Tom, I know this may sound frou-frou for a guy but have you thought about saving up a little cash and getting a theraputic massage? Seriously. I've developed some spinal problems in recent years and have a chiropracter make adjustments from time to time but this usually does little to relieve basic muscle tension. The drugs are alright but there is nothing like a good back massage. It really losens stuff up, relieves tension, and its also a moment of quiet that you can have all to yourself.

You don't have to go to one of those fancy day spas either -- check with your local hospital they can probably point you to someone who does theraputic massage if they don't have a program for it there at the hospital.

Good luck! I feel your pain!

Maybe I can get George Jefferson to walk on my back.:D

[Samurai]

Maybe you need something more visceral than Civ 4... try Call of Duty 4, it works much better to relieve stress IMO! :)

[Reverend Smooth]

I usually don't vent. I don't breakdown. There's not really a release for me because I tend to be the rock for everyone else. Mr. Dependable.Maybe it's time to give your friends and family the privilege of being your rock.

[MacQuarrie]

Well, my back decided it was time for me to take a break. I woke up this morning barely able to move without muscle spasms.

I'm heavily medicated and sitting it seems for today. It was my weekend to buy comics which makes it even more teh suck.

So did mine. Wednesday morning, I was sitting at the table reading the funnies when a stabbing pain suddenly manifested out of nowhere and landed squarely in my right shoulder as if an invisible Vulcan were applying a nerve-pinch. Either that or somebody here got a new voodoo doll.

I went to the chiropractor on Wednesday and again Friday and spent Thursday applying heat and ice. I'm not medicated, just manning up and toughing it out. Just don't ask me to look to the left.

So you have my sympathy, Tom.

[Reverend Smooth]

I can't wait until I can afford a proper corset. My loose spine does the same thing if I move around much, and there's been a spot that's been out for a month and a half, and tight binding would at least keep it all compressed properly. x.x

Shame guys can't do corsets without looking like they're into bondage. Which is fine, but I don't think Mac and Tom are into that scene.

[CutterMike]

Tom -

Is there anyplace in Chicago that rents hot-tub rooms by the hour? Fortunately, I don't have back issues (It's knees and ankles, for me!), but my ex-, who has had back issues that drove her out of her chosen career, always appreciated an hour-long soak in steaming water with massage jets.

Actually, an hour etc., etc., is a good thing at ANY time, but especially when you're spasming.)

If there's no place nearby, there are water- or bubble-jet hydromassage units that you can buy that can be placed in any tub. They're not as ideal a solution as the real thing, but might help. Do a search on "portable whirlpool", or "bubble spa"

In any case, take care of yourself, and - as Rev said - give your friends and family a chance to help YOU, for a change. (Who knows...? Maybe if you let the hint slip out, someone might even be willing to swing by your LCS and pick up you stuff, so you have something to read while you're recovering!)

[TomStillwell]

I asked my wife to go to the LCS...she turned me down flat.

It's okay. I think tomorrow I'll be better and able to do stuff.

[Reverend Smooth]

I asked my wife to go to the LCS...she turned me down flat.
What a crappy thing to do. o.O

[sunshinegirl]

hope you're feeling better, tom.

[TomStillwell]

What a crappy thing to do. o.O

Well, she had lots of stuff to do since I was down for the count. I don't really blame her.

Thankfully I'm more mobile today. I'll hit the shop later.

Mac, I hope your shoulder feels better.

[MacQuarrie]

Well, she had lots of stuff to do since I was down for the count. I don't really blame her.

Thankfully I'm more mobile today. I'll hit the shop later.

Mac, I hope your shoulder feels better.

The flaming electrified icepick of Thursday has settled into a dull ache. Didn't stop me from putting down a kitchen floor in one of our rental units yesterday. But I've gotten pretty good at ignoring pain.

Hope you're feeling better. If I were in Chicago I'd go to your funnybook emporium for you. Hey! Send Kevin!

[sk716]

...

Hope you're feeling better. If I were in Chicago I'd go to your funnybook emporium for you. Hey! Send Kevin!

Or Brian, or Lester.

[Reverend Smooth]

Can either of you afford chiropractors? Those folks are godsends when it comes to a tweaked back.

[Tad Sivana]

Let me chime in with another vote for theraputic massage.
You need to work out the necrotic tissue that builds up when you ignore some of your muscle groups, (like say, if you sit at a computer drawing all day), and loosen things up.
Take it easy, drink lots of water.
One more word;
Advil.
Feel better.

[TomStillwell]

Can either of you afford chiropractors? Those folks are godsends when it comes to a tweaked back.

I can afford one. I just don't have time for one.

[MacQuarrie]

Can either of you afford chiropractors? Those folks are godsends when it comes to a tweaked back.

Mine has beat on me twice this week and I'm going back on Wednesday.

[TomStillwell]

Brad sent new Honor Brigade pages. That always makes me feel happy.:)

[Cam63]

Mine has beat on me twice this week and I'm going back on Wednesday.

Yeesh.... Three time's a charm, I hope.

[DaveRothe]

That's no way to talk about Dave Rothe. :D

Seriously, DEEP breath; Now what's wrong?

I read that, Flamebird! (Shakes fist)

[LewisH]

I was lucky enough to be doing some Christmas shopping last weekend and had a nice Swedish lady demonstrate an electric back massager to me. I didn't buy it because I don't have anyone who would use it on me but it definitely felt great as far as relieving muscle tension. Then I had another kind woman demonstrate the benefits of natural salts from the dead sea on my skin. Another product I did not buy but having someone massage your hand with salt is surprisingly soothing as well. So what I figured would be
a stressful day of running from shop to shop to find the perfect gift turned
out to be very relaxing instead.

I'm going to give a link to a site for some back massagers in case some of you think it might do you some good (and you are lucky enough to have someone who will apply it for you.)http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=hpc-index&field-keywords=back%20massager&results-process=default&dispatch=search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-1_hpc-index_7389244_1&results-process=default

[TomStillwell]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their support during this time.

Along with all the little things, there was one very big issue causing me a great deal of stress. It's a tough situation that is still being worked out but the support of some YABs friends has really helped.

I'm not someone who asks for help too often so people tend to think it is not needed. I'm very glad these folks stepped in to help. And I'm grateful for all your support.

[TomStillwell]

Yeah, had one of those days again.

I'm absolutely hating my work now, hating my commute to and from work, hating the people I commute with, and hating my co-workers. The only redeeming qualities of my workplace are stability and a good paycheck. If I was single I'd quit in a heartbeat.

I'd give up a lung to be working full time in comics right now.

Looks like I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.

[Darediva]

*Dangles carrot on a stick that is CAPE 4*

There is something worth working toward...it's the motivation I use for myself!

Hope your day goes better, and all the arseholes you have to deal with will vanish into thin air.

[Sarah Beach]

Yeah, had one of those days again.

I'm absolutely hating my work now, hating my commute to and from work, hating the people I commute with, and hating my co-workers. The only redeeming qualities of my workplace are stability and a good paycheck. If I was single I'd quit in a heartbeat.

I'd give up a lung to be working full time in comics right now.

Looks like I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.

So sorry to hear about this level of frustration. I've been admiring all you HAVE achieved this last year, and wishing I'd applied myself as diligently.

I use my excuse of a 40 minute commute, with the added "adventure" of hunting for a parking spot when I get home (which can take from mere moments after turning onto my street to another 50 minutes circling the neighborhood) to turn into a vegetable. I'm trying to shake that off. And I have only myself to be concerned about.

YOU, I admire! Hang in there, my friend.

[Erik Burnham]

Tom, since you're in the Airplane frame of mind, do what Robert Stack did: beat the shit out of some peaceful people.

That'll make you feel better. (;

Seriously though, keep plugging, man, you're on the cusp.

[Solaris]

Tom, since you're in the Airplane frame of mind, do what Robert Stack did: beat the shit out of some peaceful people.

That'll make you feel better. (;

Seriously though, keep plugging, man, you're on the cusp.

Either that, or find a blowup doll to replace him in RL. ;)

Hey, if they can fly a PLANE....

Seriously; Tom (and Jim), my sympathies on the back and shoulder pain thing. Ow. Both Troy and I have been there.

Ditto on the work, Tom. In fact, that's why Troy's traveling right now: we can't afford for him to quit. Sigh.

Aspects of life really suck sometimes.

But, at some point something good always comes along, that helps. I dunno what yours is or will be... but it'll be there.

[TomStillwell]

I guess the frustration comes because I used to really love my job and my workplace.

The law firm where I work had at one time a very family feel despite being one of the largest firms in Chicago with some very big business going on. It's not unusually to find people at our firm that started there right out of college and have been there 25-30 years, which is almost unheard of in most places.

The whole culture has changed. For years the staff and attorneys were considered a team. One couldn't succeed without the other. The staff knew the lawyers brought in the business and the lawyers understood that the staff helped them keep it.

A new administrator was brought in when the old one went to greener pastures. She considers the staff to be customer service for the lawyers. No kidding, she seriously has told that to the employees. Morale is really low now that we feel we're all expendable in the pursuit of lining the pockets of the partners. They seem more interested in making the lawyers successful than in making the firm as a whole, employees included, successful.

In August they fired around 30 employees because they said there just wasn't enough work to justify the workforce. So the staff suffered because of the inability of the lawyers to bring in and retain enough business, which is not the job of the employees.

One of my co-workers was fired. They gave me most of her duties on top of my own work. If you know me, you know that if there's an objective before me I will work until it's accomplished. It's a mixed blessing. If you give me more work I will do it, with no complaints, and do it well. Usually this leads to more work and more responsibility. I was recently given a pretty good raise for my efforts...and more work.

I dunno. If I wasn't making comics there would be no challenge before me that brought joy with triumph.

[Azrael52]

Tom, we love you, man. Hang in there.

[CutterMike]

Tom -

Stupid question: Where did the old manager go? Retired or to a new company?

If it's the latter, maybe a discrete phone call might be in order?

I mean money is nice, and more than once, when someone's asked me why I stayed in a job that I was bitching about, I've found myself using the old Goon Show line, "I'm sorry sir - they sneaked past me by thrustin' money into me hands!"

On the other hand, having a job where you are appreciated is worth a lot more, IMO

[Major Comma]

working where you are unhappy can eat at your soul.
even if its a slow process if you can change jobs ,
Give it a shot.
No matter how long it takes.

[Solaris]

I guess the frustration comes because I used to really love my job and my workplace.

The law firm where I work had at one time a very family feel despite being one of the largest firms in Chicago with some very big business going on. It's not unusually to find people at our firm that started there right out of college and have been there 25-30 years, which is almost unheard of in most places.

The whole culture has changed. For years the staff and attorneys were considered a team. One couldn't succeed without the other. The staff knew the lawyers brought in the business and the lawyers understood that the staff helped them keep it.

A new administrator was brought in when the old one went to greener pastures. She considers the staff to be customer service for the lawyers. No kidding, she seriously has told that to the employees. Morale is really low now that we feel we're all expendable in the pursuit of lining the pockets of the partners. They seem more interested in making the lawyers successful than in making the firm as a whole, employees included, successful.

In August they fired around 30 employees because they said there just wasn't enough work to justify the workforce. So the staff suffered because of the inability of the lawyers to bring in and retain enough business, which is not the job of the employees.

One of my co-workers was fired. They gave me most of her duties on top of my own work. If you know me, you know that if there's an objective before me I will work until it's accomplished. It's a mixed blessing. If you give me more work I will do it, with no complaints, and do it well. Usually this leads to more work and more responsibility. I was recently given a pretty good raise for my efforts...and more work.

I dunno. If I wasn't making comics there would be no challenge before me that brought joy with triumph.

Classic case of how to fuck up a good thing; typical of the business world. Some people have never heard of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Sounds like it's good and broken, now though. (Stupid new administrator!)

I HATE stories like this. Family-feeling and teamwork are so rare... you really want to see it continue, when it does happen. But all it takes is one jackass in the wrong position... sigh. (And I hope you'll forgive me for saying that I hope someone shoves "morale" and "bottom line" right up her ass. She broke the one mistakenly thinking it would help the other.)

[TomStillwell]

Tom -

Stupid question: Where did the old manager go? Retired or to a new company?

If it's the latter, maybe a discrete phone call might be in order?

I mean money is nice, and more than once, when someone's asked me why I stayed in a job that I was bitching about, I've found myself using the old Goon Show line, "I'm sorry sir - they sneaked past me by thrustin' money into me hands!"

On the other hand, having a job where you are appreciated is worth a lot more, IMO

He went on to be the administrator for a much larger international firm.

I could easily switch to another law firm...I get headhunter calls all the time and I've turned down offers of more money from other places. But I want to get out of this field and into comics. Switching to an unknown firm with much less vacation time (I have four weeks after ten years) seems a bit foolish, especially when stability is so important in a family situation.

I'll just do what I do...keep working and develop a body of work publishers can't ignore.

[Stressfactor]

Don't suppose you could stage an underground revolution? A palace coup?

I've gone through the horrible work situation before and seriously if there is ANY way you can safely complain or make some suggestions then do it. Sometimes the only way something will change is if enough people complain enough times.

[TomStillwell]

Don't suppose you could stage an underground revolution? A palace coup?

I've gone through the horrible work situation before and seriously if there is ANY way you can safely complain or make some suggestions then do it. Sometimes the only way something will change is if enough people complain enough times.

I'm sort of my own worst enemy. Outwardly everything seems fine. They pile on the work, I bust my ass to get it done in a timely fashion and properly, they think everything is fine. It's just not in my nature to purposely do less than my best, even if it is harmful to my own well being.

I'm taking a sick day tomorrow to take my daughter to the doctor. We'll see how well they get by without me shouldering the load.;)

[Stressfactor]

You might want to see if you can get at least one other employee on your side.

I worked for several years for someone who was verbally and emotionally abusive. I was literally being driven to drink by this situation but could come up with no way out when one of my co-workers stood up with me. We calmly, logically, and rationally presented our case. We worked the system to the letter of the law and eventually our boss was forced by the powers that be to take a sabbatical (one that she, ironically, ended up never returning from due to her being assigned to another position).

While one of us, alone, was not enough the two of us together were able to change the situation. The only caveat I would make, though, is something we were VERY careful about -- we went out of our way to make it clear that we were NOT ganging up on anyone, nor were we trying to make this mean, petty, or vindictive.

Whatever you decide to do or not do about your situation, though, I do wish you the best of luck. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Honor Brigade is one of the BEST independent comic books I've seen in a long time. You have such a talent and most of all HUMOR in your writing that I think a lot of writers working for the Big Two today could take some lessons.