If your boss is known to be nonconfrontational, and prefers to gossip and backstab, is a memo appropriate?

To continue my question:
My "boss"-and I use that word loosely, as this is just a crappy pay job until I find a teaching job, enjoys talking about everyone at the office behind their backs..She's a notorious gossip, and doesn't like confrontation, so if she has an issue with you, she will just gossip, but be sweet to your face.

She apparently has taken issue with me because I was about five minutes late a few days in a row. (My hubby and I share a car, and his schedule overlapped mine for a few days.She was aware of this, and I told her it would be temporary. She said it was "fine", with a smile.) Knowing this, she basically told another coworker about my "punctuality". This offended me. I know she said something, because I trust the coworker. Rather than confrot her directly, I handled it the same way she has handled all her gripes and concerns around the office: I sent her a formal memo stating my apologies for my lapse in punctuality, and reminded her of the temp situation.

I wanted to add that I stated in my memo that my husband no longer requires a morning lift to work, and that I do not plan on being late, unless there is a horrific traffic jam. I reminded her that I don't have a mobile phone, and can not call if I am in the midst of being stuck in a traffic jam. I said I would be at work all days, and if I need to miss a day, I will clear it with her ahead of time and give plenty of notice. In the event of illness, I will call as soon as as I can., etc...
I really can't stand this woman. She's a back biter, and I have no respect for that. I hope a memo will nip this in the bud.She had no intention of speaking to me directly. She just would have spoken her disdain behind my back and smiled to my face. Is a memo appropriate? I was kind, but very formal and businesslike in my composition of it.

Yes, the memo was appropriate, under the circumstances. I would also suggest that you retain a copy of all of your correspondence to your boss, in case she decides to take further issue with you regarding your puncuality, or tries to use it against you in the future.

Didn't you get that memo?

We are using new cover sheets for the TPS reports and we need you to go ahead and start using them...MMMMMKKKAAAAYYY?

Great....
Oh, and we are going to need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday too.....

Are you sure that you and I aren't working at the same place? WOW! There is an old bitty that is the "office manager" where I work and she is nothing but a two faced back stabbing psycho. She will eat you up to your face and you will think you have met one of the best people on the face of the earth until you turn your back. I wouldnt care what the tramp said behind my back. I would do as you wish and remember not to be too nice to her.