detours

When I was running to the store this morning, I realized I was going to be in a traffic jam on my way back.

I live in a small city and although traffic jams on major streets are not unheard of at rush hour, on a lovely Saturday morning they are pretty unusual. Especially when there are no accidents, construction or other visible causes (which, since I was originally going in the other direction, I knew was the case).

(really – ‘traffic jam’ may be a bit of an exaggeration. Traffic was slow for several blocks. Meh. Where I live, that is a jam)

Once I realized there was going to be a delay on my return trip, I decided to take an alternate route to bypass the congestion.

I thought I had jumped on a street that ran parallel to the problem area.

Hah! I was wrong.

I’m glad I wasn’t on a strict timeline.

By the time I found a street I knew, I had backtracked … and was back at the beginning of the jam! Had there been a passenger in the car, I would have been very embarrassed!

This place was NOT built following a grid. Many intersections go off in five different directions. What were the village elders thinking when they created the first plan?

* * * * *

I saw a young woman jogging when I was out.

Have you ever noticed how some people are fluid in their movements while others seem to struggle with each step.

She was struggling with each step!

I love watching people jog/skate when they do it well. I didn’t enjoy watching her.

(When I say ‘skate’ I mean like how hockey players skate. Not figure skaters)

* * * * *

I learned how to create a power point presentation this week.

OMG. I have such good presentations for our sales meetings next week!

I told my son that I finally learned power point … he wasn’t particularly impressed. “It’s really easy, Mum!”

… then he said “don’t tell me you have things bouncing and flying and spinning? Awwww Mum. You do, don’t you …”

“White background … black font … nothing zipping around. That is a good presentation, Mum”.

He is a scientist. Obviously scientist’s presentations aren’t fun.

Mine is!!

Not only do I have things bouncing, flying and spinning – I figured out how to add SOUND EFFECTS! So, as I unveil a new report, there is a drum roll!!!

And, as I make an abrupt switch from one subject to another, I have a screen that says ‘… segue to next topic’ that has a lovely chime.

I had to do things like this because I am making the reps do some mandatory reporting, and our reps don’t think they should have to do anything or be accountable in any way, so I had to try to overshadow the message somewhat with smoke and mirrors.

It was also necessary to try to make them believe that the reason for making them do these reports is to:

“Help you take your sevice to … The … Next … Level!

And, this data really will help us help them.

But they won’t understand that and will just think that we are trying to Big Brother them.

So, at least they will laugh when they see the presentation (with the spinning star and hand clapping at the end)

… and then after they have time to think about it, they will get pissed off and decide that they aren’t going to bother completing the reports or submitting them.

Honestly – the only report our reps submit monthly is their expenses.

And I have no way to get them to comply.

I wish I had the same type of freedom.

* * * * *

My favourite flats got pretty much ruined during the summer (taking Moodie for walks in rain didn’t help) so I went and bought another pair.

I didn’t realize how bad they were until I put the two of them side by side …

* * * * * *

I’ve been working on a cross stitch stocking that I am going to give William and Nao for Christmas. Kind of a first Christmas together gift …

This is how it looks now:

This is how it will look when it is finished (hopefully):

There are already a couple mistakes, but hopefully they won’t be too noticeable when it’s complete. I understand that some people deliberately put mistakes in their projects.

If anyone notices any of mine, I am going to tell them it was on purpose.

* * * * *

I think my neighbour’s baby has arrived. I’m anxious to meet it!

* * * * *

It’s a nice day. I guess I should go out and enjoy some of it!

* I WISH YOU WELL! *