O What a Day

And it’s not even lunch time yet! First, note to self, no matter if the scary movie isn’t really that scary, or that you’re only half watching it – switching between shows, don’t watch a scary movie right before going to bed. Last night I had the weirdest dreams including having bits of a friend’s brains all over me and not being able to dial 911 (the town I was in used a different number – kind of like how countries have their own version). So a little tired this morning.



Then on my rush into work, where the train kept breaking down, I started to stress a bit about a speech I was to give at the MassDEP. Ten years ago, I would have had the thing written and practiced a week ago. Now, I left it to the last minute, trying to think of what I should be saying and realizing I was missing information that I needed to look up and really needed my train to not be broken down because I only had a half of an hour to make it to the office, look things up, print, and run over to the event.



The train goes out of service a stop before my stop. So I hoof it through downtown and see not only one person, but two people I know. I think. I said hello to an architect I’ve worked with over the years who was biking in and hadn’t seen for ages. And then half a block later I pass a gentleman who is looking at me peculiarly and I realize I know him – but can’t recall from where.



Anyways, fast forward. I’m sitting up front before an audience of 50 or so folks and the commissioner is saying her opening remarks. And her speech is all nicely printed out and well prepared. Internally, I’m wishing I had maybe planned a little better. But in the end it all works out wonderfully. They laughed at the right moments and were plenty of questions at the end – some a little tricky. Could I have done better? Yes. Was I a bit rusty? Absolutely. But did it go well ? Check.



I walk briskly back to the office – still with the energy spike from the event (I ducked out after I was done). And get back to the office where I have to immediately hop on a call with a colleague in our Dublin office before they close for the day. I had been working on some business development that they were running with but it turns out, after the call with the potential client, they want to fly me over to Scotland for a meeting. I’m the in-house guru. Weird, as I don’t see myself as that role, but there you have it, and it’s flattering. I’ve been thinking I’d like to make it back to the UK and trying to think of some compelling reasons to put in front of my higher ups. And this works out nicely. Granted, not a done deal as we have to work up the quote but still, I get off the call and think – wow, what a day.