Requiem for a Gchat

When I started blogging, I made a vow to never write about my 9 to 5 job.

"Some things are simply OFF LIMITS!" I declared.   

But I've got to break the rule just this one time...

It started out like any other day.

I got up, got dressed and made my way into the office.

I clocked in, grabbed some fruit from the cafeteria and then headed upstairs to my cubicle. I turned on my computer, checked my work email and then logged into my personal Gmail account - and saw this:

After I got done side-eyeing the computer screen, I assumed that my internet connection was experiencing some sort of problem. Of course it was. Just the day before, I was Gchatting away. I logged out and logged back in and saw this. Again.

I kicked the computer tower. Knocked the screen upside the head, turned everything off and started from scratch. Same result.

Can we say DENIAL?

It was then that I went into the ugly cry.

This isn't me. But you get the picture.

Why Lawd Why?! The powers that be (read: the IT department) done went and disabeled my Gchat!

I don't ask of much from my 9to5 life: a steady paycheck, a micromanage free work environment, good eateries in the vacinity of my workplace - and my beloved Gchat. That's it.

Gchat is my lifeline to the outside world when I'm trapped in the confines of that tiny, beige cubicle; it's how I communicate with friends when I need a good laugh to lift my spirits out of the corporate doldrums that occupy my life space 40 hours a week.  Gchat is my everything!

Not having it in my life while at work is just...I just...I just don't know what to do. This has completely turned my world upside down. And the saddest part of all: It hasn't even increased my productivity. All I do is sit around, pissed off, that I can't talk to folks via Gchat.

This disaster has really taken a toll on some of my most cherished relationships.

This is no way to live!

And if you ask me, the IT department got it wrong.  They disabled Gchat but still allow us to have access to YouTube.

*scratches head*

That makes no sense to me.

A while back, they disabled Pandora and folks went nuts!  There were even a few phone calls made about the deactivation - and would you believe that they reversed it?

Allegedly, people complained that they were more productive with Pandora playing. LMAO.  Bull!  But hey, it worked.

I guess I should be grateful. There are some folks in the office who don't have internet access at all!

Yikes!

What's your take on all this?

Am I overreacting?

Should I count my lucky stars that I can still watch videos of 50 Tyson on YouTube, tweet with my favorite followers on Twitter and jam to my Luther Vandross station on Pandora during work hours?

Many of you communicate with the outside world during work hours.

What would you do if your employer blocked your internet access?  Or told you that there was no texting allowed during work hours?

Would you be able to survive?  Or would your world crumble like mine?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

PS. Read and comment quickly. This post is chock full of sensitive material and is liable to self-destruct at any moment!