How Not to do Things

I guess I've gotten my indoctrination into the real world of Systems Analysts/Government Workers. Initially I was assigned to work with another analyst who has an office somewhere in Ga and telecommutes. She created the powerpoint show for the HigherUps to view, and all the documentation my office mate and I were working on, we presented to her. So about a week ago, I was appointed 'Point person'. OK, I said, not having a clue what was supposed to be happening. So here's what I've learned from this Project From Hell:

SA/Government Workers are quick to place blame. 'It's not my fault.'

They also don't seem to know what has to be done, unless told.

Even when the lead programmer says it can be done in 4 weeks, question her sanity.

Take the initiative and Take Charge. Noone else wants to.

Few of the 'experienced' analysts will lend you a hand.

Do what you can but not at the expense of free work. I don't get paid overtime (and therefore won't work it) and I don't do weekends. (Although in retrospect, I probably should have worked harder this weekend, so I can leave early on Wednesday. But then, that's not to say I won't be putting in extra hours tomorrow and the next day.) This statement is also why American companies hire Asian workers, they don't complain about working overtime, low pay, comp time or time off.

Believe that everything is The Most Important Thing, but also do a reality check. This project is just a small (tiny, tiny, tiny) part of a major problem. Few institutions will be Heavy Users, at least for the next month. It's Thanksgiving Week and this is the Government, how many people do you think are really at work and are really working?

Another Reason Not to Work on the Weekend
I had a party this weekend, the first one I've had in years. I enjoy having parties, it forces me to clean up my house, and I like the compliments on how cool my house is. About 10 people showed up, which quickly fills up my living room. We could have moved outside, but it was a bit chilly and I didn't start the fire in the chiminea. Lots of wine was consumed (imagine!) and people I hadn't seen in a long time showed up. It was fun. But the Hit of the Party was Miss Katrina, the Fearless cat/dog I have. She head-butted everyone, licked some hands and sat on everyone's lap and actually took a cat nap in a few. The other kitties pretty much hid until dinner time, but Miss K was there to help me entertain.
Someone left thru the side door on the front porch, which doesn't always close tightly behind them, so Miss K did make an escape at the end of the party. I walked around the house about 1am looking for the kitty, but I knew she wouldn't go far, so I went back in. Finally, around 8am, I did go out in earnest to look for her. She, of course, came right up to me and rubbed against my legs. She'd hidden in the wood pile. She was a bit disturbed, hissing a bit when I picked her up, but she was glad to get back in where it was safe (and there was food!). And she slept most of the day.

What Was I Thinking?
Most people left relatively early, around 12:30 or 1am, but for some reason, I watched a DVD I had laying around and slept on the couch. I finally got up around 8-ish, logged on to do some testing, had breakfast and then I was off to the Bead Show. I figured since I was already over on the Other Side of Town, I packed up my bike and took a bike ride. I rode 17.6 miles, I wanted to do 20 miles, but it was getting late. All the appropriate body parts hurt this morning, stiff legs, arms, shoulders. Tomorrow will be worse. But I'm thinking of hitting the trail again on Friday.

Thoughts

In the news this morning, 2 8-year-old boys were arrested in Cobb County for rape and kidnapping an 11-year-old girl. This is so sad in so many ways.

I watched the last quarter of the Cowboys/Redskins Game. Reminded me of the George Allen Days, as my dad called it 'Heart attack football'. Catch up ball, short passes and out of bounds. Great job guys, almost pulled it off. Did you know, Dallas spelled backwards is Sallad?

And I won't even mention the Falcons. I didn't watch that game, but I've heard all about it. With the confusion of The Stupid One and his issues, along with a new coach, I'm writing off this season as a learning curve. Even with #7 I don't think he could have helped the ineptitude of the rest of the team. Hopefully next year will be different, but they've been saying that ever since I've been here in Atlanta.

Thursday and Friday of last week, I made almost $200 on my jewelry, with orders for almost $100 more. So I spent almost $200 at the bead show. What fun! And yes, I promise next year I'll hit it seriously. I need to implement some marketing ideas, inventory control (I'm all about automating!), and I will get a webpage and I'll hit the Festival circuit.

More to come...
As things happen, I'll be posting. Thanks for taking the time to read. You're opinions are welcome but if you have to start calling me names, don't bother, I won't read them. As my Dad says 'Opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one.'