I'm dealing with all kinds of holes these days. Holes in my planning, rabbit holes at work, holes needing to be dug for new septic tank at the small cabin, and literally holes in my entry wall. Where do I start?
Planning Holes
The summer just seems chaotic with so many things needing done, but unable to firm up plans. At least we got a room booked for Chicago later in the month, but as far as anything else, the calendar is empty but a list of things in some status, just not resolved. Oh, we are going with friends to the horse track the end of July. That's a firm date.
Nothing new has come in the market for my daughter to look at. DD2 has a gazillion job applications out there but no responses. She's very bored and wants to be more productive with her time and earn money. Oh yes, I've a list a mile long at home- it's the earning money part she'd like. My son can't firm up plans yet either.
Rabbit Holes
In covering some of the Help Desk for our data system, I'm learning how poorly the external users understand what and why they need to do to meet the program reporting and payment requirements. It's got me digging in our external manuals and short training videos, to see that much better guidance is needed. I really liked the person that just left, but it's starting to seem like she probably spent too much time diving into "fun" and interesting projects, but minimalized the core needs of the system users. Even our internal documentation is spotty. It's there, but disjointed and requires looking for answers in multiple places as she never got around to consolidating. It's going to be a long transition. I know she too was one to go down rabbit holes, but had I known how unconsolidated guidance materials were, I'd have directed her to prioritize differently.
Septic System Holes
This is on DH's plate with his grandparents old cabin. They knew it was coming, but in efforts to save thousands, the guys are trying to coordinate some of the physical labor. As they're comparing calendars, his sister apparently speaks up and decided DH could just move his day off or take vacation days to accommodate others schedules. She's really full of deciding other people's priorities and schedules for them. Why she felt it was her place to say anything is another hole, but her mouth usually spouts something to annoy him!
Holes in My Wall
Isn't this just lovely? This was my wall with my kids senior pictures. This is what it looks like now after having to get pipes replaced to the bathroom. Anyone want to place bets how long it will take to get the sheetrock, taping, mudding, and painting done? Put a date in the comments. I might as well make a game of it.
I know this plumbing issue and the septic system are necessary and normal life and home maintenance, but certainly not fun. I'd just like to get some of the holes in life filled in a bit better and sooner. Can you relate?
Sorry about the holes in the wall, & septic situation. Neither sound fun at all.
ReplyDeleteI work with a team that, on the outside, they are great, & knocking it out of the park. I offered to partner with them on an area where our businesses overlap. Turns out, things are wildly inefficient there. It takes someone who is really close to the details to notice. I've suggested streamlining until I"m blue in the face (we're talking could save around $1M/year), and it's always "not a top priority", etc. It's so tempting to escalate, because their VP would definitely find it a priority. I've been trying to find a way to build share goals that work towards this efficiency, and assign someone on my own team to basically make it happen. Not because it's totally my remit, but because waste & inefficiency make me crazy. It's a giant pet peeve.
Sounds like there are some opportunities to make big improvements on the workstream moving forward, which I suppose could be a good thing in the long run!
The biggest challenge was she was probably a mismatch experience and skill wise for what the position actually needs, so was trying to make the job a bit different, hoping for increased scoring and compensation. She was bored with the day to day needs, so seems like bare minimum was done to free up time to work out of scope. Your situation would frustrate me.
DeleteI like the thought of filling holes. It is a nice way of looking at things that are askew, and do I ever have a bunch of holes that need filling__right now!
ReplyDeleteSeeing the hole in my wall and then all the other gaps made me go off on a tangent!
DeleteSorry about work. Sounds stressful. I hope the new hire will be able to improve things a bit.
ReplyDeleteUgh sorry the cabin and septic system. Your sil sounds too bossy.
Hmmm my guess is July 1 for the patching and painting. Hope the plumbing issues are fixed now. I have been living with a kitchen remodel for months now, but hopefully the granite will be installed in a few weeks and it will be done.
Have a great weekend.
I had to smile reading " your SIL sounds too bossy"- that is a true statement for sure. Good luck with your kitchen project.
DeleteSounds like your SIL would get right on my last nerve too!
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky I didn't directly hear her, but DH was livid with her bossiness at him.
DeleteI hope your house is back together quickly. It's always a bit stressful to have work done and things out of sorts but it feels good once it is all done.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Friday!!
The new shower is great. That's a good thing. I've got a ladder still in the entryway.
DeleteOh Honey, what a mess. Has your daughter ever thought of putting a add out for a full time sitter in a private home? I bet she could write her own check right now. You have handsome kids.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing. Sitters/Nannie’s here make good money especially since she can drive them places. Nan
DeleteShe'll likely do some back up, for people that she already knows, but at this point, not likely as her main job.
DeleteI think Sept 11 is a good date. From what I could see, you have beautiful children. Having things undone drives me crazy. Maybe you can at least get the kids back up and all that insulation covered.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope it's months before then! He does have new sheet rock up and the insulation is covered. It's the taping and mudding and repainting that will go on. I didn't want full views of my kids, but they are beautiful.
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