Chatty started her month long vacation this past Monday and I cannot tell you how much more enjoyable work is! I don't mind staying late and don't feel the need to pull my hair out on a daily basis. I can actually respond to someone's question to me without her trying to get her response in first. I literally didn't respond to someone asking me a question the other day because I was waiting for it to be answered by Chatty and then I thought "Oh wait, that's silence. I can respond!" The rest of us talk between ourselves, but not all the time and not about such inane things. I feel a lot more part of the company because people ask ME a question and I (and I alone) can respond. I can have a conversation with other coworkers without her butting in and taking over.

Her being gone just confirms that she alone is the reason I am frustrated here at work. It has been 4 days of pure bliss. 15 more days of it before pure hell returns!