I have reached the “discount on my gozleme” stage of QVM-local. They now know me, know my order and - per my receipt - charge me about half of what they should.
This client keeps trying to slide more work into any proposal I give, it's really frustrating. I say it costs $X to do Y, they agree to the cost but then say oh we want to include Z too. No, the price is for Y only. I hate having to put my foot down and say no sorry, it will cost more to include Z, but I have to be firm or I'll get walked all over. Then they do it again.
They're in the service industry as well, they know exactly what they're doing. Makes it worse! And they're getting very good value from me to begin with, squeezing that scope for all its worth. Prices are going to go up I think.
In a previous job, had one particular client that was very famous for this. Our manager would always tell us to not agree to anything unless it was in writing.
Client showed up to site one day (I wasn't there) and left a bunch gear for out crew to install, way out of our scope of works.
I took photos and asked him how soon he wants a quote for the works, or is he happy for us to proceed and just charge the hours. Otherwise, when should we expect his crew to show up and install.
Kept putting his calls through to voicemail for a couple of days (with my boss's blessing). The first few messages were pretty antagonising, but by the end of the 2nd day he was very keen for a quote.
Mind you by then my crew pretty much finished the install, so we charged him accordingly, plus 20% on top of margin for being a wanker.
Arrived at my northern WA destination yesterday afternoon, thank goodness the nights are cool so I could sleep in my campervan. Lovely to be with family but my socialising meter is at zero and I was honestly pooped after all that driving. Although this van has been very comfortable to drive...
Things are a bit intense with this part of the family atm as well - pregnancy hormones, grandparents clashing with the kids, grandparents don't even like each other, someone has a bad cold... I'm going to make sure I build in enough me time to recover.
Idk why as I've gotten older I seem to be becoming more of an introvert; I came out west to stop being so alone but I guess I've gotten so used to my own company that being social truly requires more effort.
E: that's a lot of negativity though. There is so much beauty in the landscape, and it's so radically different to anything in Victoria. It seems like old school neighbourhood vibes still survive in parts over here, too. So far..
Things are a bit intense with this part of the family atm as well - pregnancy hormones, grandparents clashing with the kids, grandparents don’t even like each other, someone has a bad cold…
That sounds like a typical family 😁
Always some sort of manufactured drama that gets escalated or ignored until it gets worse and worse.
Not sure how north you are but if you get the chance swing by Murchison River Gorge and kalbarri for the lobsters. At the time I think they were $20. Buy them off the boat and bring it to the restaurant and they'd cook it for you.
Oh dude I wished I could spend more time in that area. I only got to visit the skywalk and nature's window but then had to keep going up to make it to the Karratha area in time. Going back down to Perth via the inland route but I'm definitely going to revisit the Murchison River and Kalbarri area again, would love to do some hikes in the cooler months
We have a black cat that hangs around and has gotten brave enough to walk along the fence outside our bedroom window. Apparently it sends Alfie utterly batty!
I cleaned the van's windows, using one of the sprays that helps stop rain sticking to it. It's also supposed to reduce ice formation. Finger's crossed on the last one, having to de-ice the windscreen before you can go home from a 12 hour night shift really sucks.
I get close, I zoom in, I make sure there are no reflections or shadows, the sun is pretty much directly overhead and I choose subjects that have a high contrast against the background
I have healthy amount of sick leave (it rolls over for us), which is great just in case. I also think that mental health days are a justifiable position.
I got through a morning of chatting and lunch, and after a bunch of bombshell comments on other family members and various political opinions it's now time to hibernate for a bit. Sadly my campervan is absolutely boiling but I've cracked open a window to see if that helps. I should've brought my real summer clothes like those Uniqlo cool tech things, not t-shirts 🫠 30°C and the sun is biting!
Today is mostly do-nothing day, tomorrow I'll go see the rock art and maybe a bit of town, Saturday more town stuff and stocking up, Sunday I'm heading off for 3 nights at Karijini with enough supplies I hope...
Lovely day. I've gotten the lawn mowed and gave the mower a thorough clean. It's actually warm enough to have windows opened and the fan on to get some fresh air.
It truly is, I feel very lucky to have today off. I've now also put down some cardboard to cover the weeds in the new garden bed areas. It looked like a lot more cardboard when I was trying to find room for it in the garage than when it is laid out.
Mid-year review: apparently I am made of titanium with many, many expensive sparkly bling things. Biggest pile of horse crap but it would be idiotic to correct them 😹
102 Comments
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 15 pts · 1y
I have reached the “discount on my gozleme” stage of QVM-local. They now know me, know my order and - per my receipt - charge me about half of what they should.
This is great
tombruzzo@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
That is a level of Gozleme consumption I aspire to
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Half price equals double gozleme
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 13 pts · 1y
Just made a meeting for next week with the boss to discuss the KPI drama
Thornburywitch@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Slay the bastards!
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
They will bend the knee to the Alamut! The eagle's nest will not be ruined.
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
🦅
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
🤞
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Fuck yeah, go get 'em!
tone212_@aussie.zone · 12 pts · 1y
This client keeps trying to slide more work into any proposal I give, it's really frustrating. I say it costs $X to do Y, they agree to the cost but then say oh we want to include Z too. No, the price is for Y only. I hate having to put my foot down and say no sorry, it will cost more to include Z, but I have to be firm or I'll get walked all over. Then they do it again.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Gotta love the old 'hey, since you're already doing this, can you just add........'
So frustrating. Have they tried the guilt trip yet?
tone212_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
They're in the service industry as well, they know exactly what they're doing. Makes it worse! And they're getting very good value from me to begin with, squeezing that scope for all its worth. Prices are going to go up I think.
SaneMartigan@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
scope creep.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
In a previous job, had one particular client that was very famous for this. Our manager would always tell us to not agree to anything unless it was in writing.
Client showed up to site one day (I wasn't there) and left a bunch gear for out crew to install, way out of our scope of works.
I took photos and asked him how soon he wants a quote for the works, or is he happy for us to proceed and just charge the hours. Otherwise, when should we expect his crew to show up and install.
Kept putting his calls through to voicemail for a couple of days (with my boss's blessing). The first few messages were pretty antagonising, but by the end of the 2nd day he was very keen for a quote.
Mind you by then my crew pretty much finished the install, so we charged him accordingly, plus 20% on top of margin for being a wanker.
Catfish@aussie.zone · 12 pts · 1y
The FishieOne has finally figured out the window shelf. I should be ashamed of disturbing him.
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Hiya Fishcat
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Hi FishieOne 🌞
Catfish@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
blink
Eagle@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
The dog has claimed one of ours. Her dismount reminds us that dogs are not as graceful as cats.
Catfish@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Ha! I'm envisaging a scramble to get in and a resounding thonk on out
Eagle@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Yep, that's about it! Bloody weird dog.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 12 pts · 1y
Bro came over w/ bubs:
Thankfully everything was pretty relaxed.
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
But I'm not going to be happy until I get a butters update.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 11 pts · 1y
Apparently butters doesn't like the baby lol.
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
😎😎😎
...maybe this raises the option of getting custody of butters...
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
🥰🥰🥰
bubs has excellent taste in the latest dino wear 👍🦕🦖
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
I would go a t-shirt with that design
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 11 pts · 1y
We went back to the botanical Gardens today to do some bird watching.
Purple Swamphen
Crested pigeon
And what I thought to be a crested pigeon but turned out to be bark.
I really struggle to take pics outside
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Nice shots. Those swamphens are an absolute nuisance.
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
This one we named Keef the meth head. He was going off his nutter at the other birds.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Classic Keef
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
I like the bark. V. photogenic
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Twas good looking bark.
anotherspringchicken@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Punk pigeon! (AKA squeaky pigeon)
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
And Dino Chook!
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 10 pts · 1y
Arrived at my northern WA destination yesterday afternoon, thank goodness the nights are cool so I could sleep in my campervan. Lovely to be with family but my socialising meter is at zero and I was honestly pooped after all that driving. Although this van has been very comfortable to drive...
Things are a bit intense with this part of the family atm as well - pregnancy hormones, grandparents clashing with the kids, grandparents don't even like each other, someone has a bad cold... I'm going to make sure I build in enough me time to recover.
Idk why as I've gotten older I seem to be becoming more of an introvert; I came out west to stop being so alone but I guess I've gotten so used to my own company that being social truly requires more effort.
E: that's a lot of negativity though. There is so much beauty in the landscape, and it's so radically different to anything in Victoria. It seems like old school neighbourhood vibes still survive in parts over here, too. So far..
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
That sounds like a typical family 😁
Always some sort of manufactured drama that gets escalated or ignored until it gets worse and worse.
Hope you enjoy your time there regardless.
Bottom_racer@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
oh jeez, sounds like a handful.
Not sure how north you are but if you get the chance swing by Murchison River Gorge and kalbarri for the lobsters. At the time I think they were $20. Buy them off the boat and bring it to the restaurant and they'd cook it for you.
Also we need some scenic piccys!
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Oh dude I wished I could spend more time in that area. I only got to visit the skywalk and nature's window but then had to keep going up to make it to the Karratha area in time. Going back down to Perth via the inland route but I'm definitely going to revisit the Murchison River and Kalbarri area again, would love to do some hikes in the cooler months
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 9 pts · 1y
Don't tell anyone but I just had CCs and corn relish dip for dinner 🤫
CEOofmyhouse56@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
I won't tell anyone.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
sounds ok 😊
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
It was what I needed (I did have good home cooked lunch but sometimes you just need chippies)
melbaboutown@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
The black cat is in my yard! Better not let the Melbaby see that
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
We have a black cat that hangs around and has gotten brave enough to walk along the fence outside our bedroom window. Apparently it sends Alfie utterly batty!
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
I cleaned the van's windows, using one of the sprays that helps stop rain sticking to it. It's also supposed to reduce ice formation. Finger's crossed on the last one, having to de-ice the windscreen before you can go home from a 12 hour night shift really sucks.
::: spoiler Also made a few upgrades
:::
useless_modern_god@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
That is glorious.
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Omg where can I buy those? I want to sneak them on other people's cars are see how long before they notice
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
I got them on Temu.
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
Goodnight ❤️
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Night gibson
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 1y
beach 🌞
i really like this pic of the mussels, I like the sand, green sea lettuce, blue black mussels, white tube worm shells and rock
and I took a video of blue crabs
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
ha, you can hear a dog barking in the background 🐕
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
LOVE. Water is so clear and your camera is really good quality for the video 👌
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
TY 🥰
just my trusty old iphone7
I get close, I zoom in, I make sure there are no reflections or shadows, the sun is pretty much directly overhead and I choose subjects that have a high contrast against the background
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Morning everyone.
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Morning AJ ☀️
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 7 pts · 1y
Took a couple of sick days...cause why not.
Back to it today. Calendar blocked out to get shit done. Praying no one messages me and forgets I exist so I can actually finish my tasks.
Duenan@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
yes, why not, CBF days here we go!
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
I have healthy amount of sick leave (it rolls over for us), which is great just in case. I also think that mental health days are a justifiable position.
Duenan@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Thankfully mine rolls over too. I was just talking to someone about that today and they were surprised it rolled over for us.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
I think this is the first place I've worked at that does it. Not complaining been here like 8 years and barely used it.
Duenan@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
I've always taken it for granted but I appreciate it since I've had to take sick days recently.
I can't imagine where I'd be if mine didn't rollover, I think it's almost criminal that there's places where they don't accrue sick leave year on end.
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Ravioli?
Duenan@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Beef?
Catfish@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Can I order before Chef is up?
bacon@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
Yes
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
It is a beautiful day out there. 🌞
beach because the next few days will be rainy
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 1y
good night everyone
sweet dreams 😘
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
A rather bleh day.
Did manage to get to the gym, do shopping and do some music stuff but otherwise very low energy.
Looking forward to a night out Saturday night.
just_kitten@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
I got through a morning of chatting and lunch, and after a bunch of bombshell comments on other family members and various political opinions it's now time to hibernate for a bit. Sadly my campervan is absolutely boiling but I've cracked open a window to see if that helps. I should've brought my real summer clothes like those Uniqlo cool tech things, not t-shirts 🫠 30°C and the sun is biting!
Today is mostly do-nothing day, tomorrow I'll go see the rock art and maybe a bit of town, Saturday more town stuff and stocking up, Sunday I'm heading off for 3 nights at Karijini with enough supplies I hope...
TheWitchofThornbury@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
I just oversteamed tonight's dumplings. Do not recommend. Flabby dumpling pastry is not nice ...
tombruzzo@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Jathan from the podcast This Machine Kills is having a book launch in Carlton today. If nothing else, there's free beer
https://events.humanitix.com/sadowkski-the-mechanic-and-the-luddite-launch
Gibsonhasafluffybutt@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Actually looks really interesting. I wonder if I can sneak off with my laptop and have a look.
Seagoon_@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
sore back, I must lie down
imoldgreeeg@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Oh dang. Rest up
Duenan@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Take care of that. Hope you feel better soon.
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Woah there's an El Jannah charcoal chicken on Swanston st just south of Bourke St. Going to have to give that a go soon
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Yeah, it’s been there for a little bit. Haven’t tried it yet, please submit report?
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Will do
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Had El Jannah recently for the first time (different location). It was okay.
Charcoal chicken was nice, chips were good, the sandwich I got was very meh.
Still uncertain about the hype of it.
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
My understanding (from Sydney contacts) is that the quality varies widely. At worst, they’re what you got…and then at best, they’re god-tier
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Yeah that makes sense. The amount of people raving about it really shocked me.
Having said that, we have two very very good charcoal chicken shops nearby. Old school ones run by 3rd generation Greeks 😁
My comparison baseline might be higher than for others.
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
There's always one level or area in a Mario game that makes you wonder why the game developers hate you so much.
StudChud@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Underwater levels, or levels that do a damage over time lol
bacon@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Beep Beep 🚚
🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍈🫐🍓🍇🍉🍌🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥦🥑🫛🍆🍅🥝🥬🥒🌽🥕🥐🍠🫚🥔🧅🥯🍞🥖🥨🧀🧇🥞🧈🍳🥚🥓🥩🍗🍖🫓🍕🍟🍔🌭🥙🧆🌮🌯🥗🍲🍜🍝🥘🍛🍣🍱🥟🦪🍥🍘🍚🍙🐠🍤🪼🦀🐙 🍗🥮🍢🍡🍧🍰🧁🥧🍦🍨🎂🍮🍭🍬🍫🥜🌰🍪🍿🍯🥛☕️🍵🍺🍶🥤🧋🧃🥂🍷🥃🍸🍹🧉🔋
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 5 pts · 1y
Chef, I am craving a lobster roll, can you please help? With loads of lobster and lashing of butter!
bacon@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
🧈🧈🧈🧈🧈🧈
🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞🦞
🧈🧈🧈🧈🧈🧈
🍞
SpinMeAround@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
Ahhhmazing. Thank you so much, Chef!
Force_majeure123@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
POUTINE!
bacon@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
🍯🧀
🍟
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Salad sandwich please chef. I need vitamins
bacon@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
🍞🥗🍞💉
Catfish@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Baguette with pate & cucumber please Chef
bacon@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
🥖🍖⚙️🥒
Thornburywitch@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
As per Force please with a cup of coffee! Thanks in anticipation chef.
bacon@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 1y
🍯🧀
🍟
☕️
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Lovely day. I've gotten the lawn mowed and gave the mower a thorough clean. It's actually warm enough to have windows opened and the fan on to get some fresh air.
MeanElevator@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 1y
Yard work on days like today is an absolute treat.
RustyRaven@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
It truly is, I feel very lucky to have today off. I've now also put down some cardboard to cover the weeds in the new garden bed areas. It looked like a lot more cardboard when I was trying to find room for it in the garage than when it is laid out.
Catfish@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
Mid-year review: apparently I am made of titanium with many, many expensive sparkly bling things. Biggest pile of horse crap but it would be idiotic to correct them 😹
Alamutjones@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 1y
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-14/paul-kelly-how-to-make-gravy-sequel-rita-wrote-a-letter/105649008