Monday Roundup

Not much to report on and it’s been awhile since I did the good old bullet list of random thoughts, so here goes.

·         Slowing knocking out items on the list.  Yesterday I finally got two rolls of film developed.  I found them several years ago and had no idea what was on them.  They’ve been sitting in my “to-do” pile for about 3 years.  Turns out they are probably over a decade old.  Not the best quality pictures, but there were some of Walter which I appreciate having now that his is gone.  I was surprised how much it cost to develop film.  It was $10 each to just get them digitized - even more if I wanted them printed.  Times have certainly changed to digital these days.

·         Almost done with my first house project - my back closet.  I’ve spruced it up and am just finishing with the install of a new shelf.  I got wood yesterday and talked them into cutting it for me at the store.  I’m hoping to finish the last coats of paint tonight and install the shelves tomorrow and then I’ll be done. I really need to go around and just take pictures of my place because I don’t have any “before” pictures of my projects.  It’s not that glamorous of a project but I’m really excited about being more organized and having a home for some items that have been kicking around.

·         At work I had a new person start last month and another one starting this week so it’s been a lot of getting people up to speed.  Exciting to have more staff, but I’m always having to remind myself that there is no “perfect” staff out there.  There’s always a training period before they can hit the ground running.  The great thing is that they are super excited and willing to learn which is just what is needed.

·         Speaking of work, I have some April Fool’s day plans.  Last year, it was after the first when we were talking about past pranks that I came up with some good ideas, as is always the case, and I was smart enough to make note in my outlook calendar so they didn’t get lost.  It’s tricky since I am a boss, so I have to be careful and not cross any lines, but at the same time don’t want anything too corny.  This year, I have two jokes planned.  One for my floor and one for my department.  I bought a packet of googley eyes for the Vermont Rock Monsters and have a bunch left over.  I saw this on Pinterest and figured it would be perfect since we have a communal fridge.  I think I will have to bring in a bunch of yogurt and other stuff, so that I can just glue most of the eyes on at home instead of on site.  The other joke is an inside joke - we have three Charles working in the department of about 10 people.  We’ve joked about having a hiring policy requiring the name.  Our desks have the classic metal name tags and since we’re a large enough company the name tags are done on-site.  I talked to the guy who does it and he’s totally on board to help me out.  I haven’t figured out what they should be exactly, other than “King Charles” for my partner in crime (he’s my right hand man). I could just have everyone have a “Charlie” name tag, but that’s not too fun for the two guys who are already Charles (Charlie and Chuck).  Or I could do a bunch of variations on a theme. There’s Charlie, Chuck, Chip, Chas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, etc.  Any ideas?

·         Did you see this in the news today?  Talk about blowing one’s mind.  “Scientific Breakthrough Lets Us See to theBeginning of Time”.  Astronomy always puts everything in perspective.  Stressing over the little stuff just melts away.

·         I decided it’s time.  Last real vacation was… now I’ve forgotten already.  I was able to piggy back the London trips onto work trips last year but those were really just long weekends.  I haven’t had a proper week long vacation in some fun place for over three years.  I kick myself that I didn’t take the time to visit my brother when he was in Northern Italy (it was my first year at this company) or Greece (it was the year I was buying my place and had no spare money).  A colleague is into tracking all the good deals on flights so I’ve started keeping an eye out.  I’m thinking something in Europe for now since I’m comfortable traveling there on my own.  Initially I was reluctant because of the cost and I’ve been scrimping to payback loans.  I’ve been so good with the budget I’ll be paying everything off early this year and will be free and clear.  I realize mentally I’m just worn out and I really need something to clear things and rejuvenate me.  So I’m allowing myself to consider a trip this year.