We have a microwave AND a toaster oven.

heh.

They have non-perfumed fabric softener sheets, don't they?

totally. Bounce Free (or something like that) and non-perfumed laundry detergent (which also causes issues).

We have TWO microwaves and a toaster oven! Fear us.

My office has a stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster and many coffeemakers, since it conveniently moonlights as my house.

We have three microwaves, no toaster ovens, no (legitimate) refrigerators (but many departments have dorm ones hidden in their cubicles), and NO DAMN FREE COFFEE!!!

Um, sorry about that. You'd think after fifteen years of working here, I'd get used to it.

Well, if the fabric softener is perfumed, wouldn't that be included?

That's some slippery slope talk right there. I don't know what the answer is, but I'm pretty sure it's not banning all use of scented products in people's homes.

(I have perfume issues myself, so I'm definitely sympathetic. The smell of Irish Spring gives me a headache, too. But while I think you can delicately ask that people refrain from or be careful with their use of perfumes, I think getting into the vast realm of fabric softeners, detergents, deodorants, hairsprays, soaps, etc. with scents that cling to the wearer is kind of a non-starter.)

ETA: banning is a harsher sounding word than I meant. But honestly, unless you've got Anthony Edwards on Northern Exposure level sensitivities, I just don't think you can go there.

Which does suck, to be sure.

I think today I'll just have to suck it up, partly because I'm a wuss about one-on-one confrontation--I mean, what would I say, "Go away--you're making my eyes burn"?--but I think I'll talk to the staff about making a general policy against scented products here in the office/break room, and mentioning that I have a particular sensitivity to the smell of fabric softener sheets, so if people could use unscented or else minimize their time in the office (because there are other places chaplains can hang out if they don't need a computer for charting or email), that would make my life easier.

I am going insane looking for a new Dr. The info on my insurance website has been wrong for the two people I have called. GRRR.

We have microwaves and refrigerators in every kitchenette, free soda and fizzy water, free (dreadful) coffee, and the cafeterias. Everyone, come work for the Evil Empire! For all that it's called the Evil Empire, it's a really good place to work.

The thing is, I'm sure there are other people who use fabric softener that I haven't even noticed. I mean, it's a commonly used product, but it's been years since I've noticed it like this. I don't know why it's clinging so intensely to this particular woman's clothes on this particular day. I just know it's making me physically miserable to be in the same room with her.

My office has a stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster and many coffeemakers, since it conveniently moonlights as my house.

Ginger beat me to it. And while the amenities are fab, we unfortunately lose by virtue of NO FREE STUFF EVER and ridiculous self-employment taxes and no paid days off.

But then, I have my trusty sidekick with me always, so there is that.