Today 7June2023

Today we had some challenges in the data conversions in Nike production systems, so I was in war room mode all day. I was not free until 5:30ish, and Susie did not see me until the evening. So the blog will be short as most of the day was crises management and analyzing data issues–none of the details belong here.

Starting in the morning, I woke just before my alarm at 6AM and was still getting out of bed when the alarm sounded on my iPhone. It is a work-from-office day, so it is a rushed morning. I made liberal coffee in my French Press, which I enjoyed with a slice of pastry and a banana. While the electric tea kettle was heating, I watered my roses using the hose in the backyard and the new hose in the front yard. I was in my robe and slippers, and when I used my new hose rolling, the action forced the water out. The hose’s nozzle was under my robe when I pulled the last of it in, and I was treated by an intimate cold shot. My neighbors may have heard mu reaction.

I was now quite awake without coffee (by a process I would not recommend). I took my breakfast and coffee into the office and quickly read my emails, Slack updates, and some news to be prepared for my work day. Soon I was late getting in the shower and was seriously rushed. Dressed, I grabbed more coffee in a travel cup and boarded Air Volvo. I was only a few minutes late and sat through the first hour of status meetings.

My boss, Brad, pointed out an update in Slack that I missed that our data conversion was running slow. The message was sent while I was traveling, and then I was in a status meeting. After that, my day was spent working on this issue; the details are, as I said before, best left out.

I did get some free coffee and bought a sandwich from the self-service. It was a decent club sandwich. While working in an ad hoc war room, I ate that while trying to help define the issues, collect evidence, and create a narrative that fits both. I called the hummingbird house and told the folks that I would be late to see Susie. Leta, Susie’s mother, called me to see what was wrong (I usually connect with her at Susie’s in the early afternoon). I told Leta I was working on an issue and would likely connect with her later. Dondrea suggested, and I agreed to forego my gaming night with Z. Wednesday is my usual night to meet up with Z at the church to play board games.

At 5:30PM, we had some ideas and some minimal improvements. Our narrative was closely aligned with the evidence and also aligned with our software vendor’s findings–all good. I headed out to see Susie and enjoyed heavy traffic on Highway 26 and 217. I finally reached Susie after 6PM. Anassa, the usual weekend nurse aide, was filling in for tonight. Susie was eating dinner. Susie was falling out of her wheelchair and slumping over–she was exhausted. Susie got some food in her, and some Ensure but was ready for more rest. Anassa got Susie comfortable in her bed, and I got M.A.S.H. (season 3) running for her on the TV in her room. I just stayed and watched with her for about ninety minutes. I did take a call while there and had more messaging on the potential fixes to our issues. Susie was happy that I stayed for a while, and we called Leta and chatted for a bit.

Soon, I needed some food and a break. I gave Susie a kiss, and she asked for another, which I provided. I ensured Susie’s safety by putting out the crash pad next to the bed and lowering the bed onto the pad (making the distance of a fall shorter and locking the pad in place). I said good night to Anassa, who will check on Susie (we both need to know that everything is good when I leave).

I drove a short distance to Red Robin and ordered a large Stella (beer) and a Smoke and Pepper Burger with fries. Their best burger, I think. I finished with a cup of coffee. I watched the NBA playoffs and saw Denver crush Miami by fifteen points (I think). It was a good break, but I also answered more Slack messages and followed along–the issues are still being handled.

Next, I took Air Volvo home to the Volvo Cave. It was getting dark as we had not yet reached the summer solstice, and the days were long. I read for a bit and relaxed. I then hopped on another work call. I suspect I will be up to 2ish and have a 7AM meeting. Oh, the life of computers–sleep when you are dead!

The classic meme for this

Thank you for reading.