April showers bring May flowers

After three weeks on site with the client which included the first week of April, I prepared to fly to Atlanta for some training.  Not sure what to expect for the training, I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.  Of course, right before I leave, the weekend before, Alice and Amos come to Ann Arbor.  This is the second time they are here for recruiting.  I wish I could have spent more time with them.  Just like last time, I saw them for only a short time and then I had to leave for work.  Brian was able to spend some more time with them.

As luck would have it, Stephanie, our cousin, showed up on Sunday.  She was able to see Alice, Amos, Brian and me for the day.  It was great to have a mini reunion.  Unfortunately, I had to leave early because I had to fly to Atlanta.  April 10th weekend was very packed.  I think I had a total of 5 hours of sleep that weekend.  This compounded my sleep deprivation from the prior three weeks as I tried to complete all my work for the new clients.  Key indicators for sleep deprivation . . . worsened dyslexia, spoonerism and broken train of thoughts.  Thank goodness for my tan.  This hid the dark circles underneath my eyes.


April 12 through 16 was a whirlwind in Atlanta.  I didn't get to see all my friends.  I did make a new friend. (Hey Adrienne!)  Sunday ended up later than anticipated as the group came together and drank.  No alcohol for me.  Monday was great seeing Michelle, Dong and Peier.  Wednesday was group dinner was okay.  Italian again which is fine, for those who aren't allergic to pasta.  The mussels were good.  Thursday night.  Oh boy.  I didn't think I'd survive Friday morning class I was so tired. 

Last but not least, I was able to see Jane on Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.  I wish I was more awake and had  more time.  I was mostly out of it.  Maybe next time to Atlanta, I'll have more time to see friends and spend time with Jane.

March-ing through work

After returning home from a much needed vacation, work went something like this.  .  .  

Not sure how the Service team did it, but they completely destroyed our credibility with the California client.  Sigh.  Note to self, don't go on vacation until client has been transitioned to service!  Unfortunately, as things exploded, two other clients started up.

I was to be on site at two different continents at the same time.  That didn't work so well.  I really wanted to go to China.  Unfortunately, I was informed too late, had no visa and the cost of the ticket was only $5000 plus.  Maybe next time . . .

Three consecutive weeks were spent in bipolar Troy Michigan at the client site.  (Note to Steve, check the weather channel before coming to Michigan and pack appropriately for hot then freezing weather.)  Fortunately for me, I could drive there on Monday morning and then drive home Friday evenings.  The beginning phase is always a bit chaotic and tons of planning.  Late nights with a combo of a new school term was a recipe for disaster.  It was good to see Steve and Janell again.  It was good to meet Shirley too.  The team seems to be a decent one.  The three new additions will be fun with the storming.  I hope to be through to performing soon.

I have only 1 thought for Steve and Janell to roll their eyes.  Spring or Sparkling water?