Monday, February 02, 2009

Moving Offices

For the past month, this has been my office (and my hangout):

IMG_0847

Just about everything I need, from the phone to the TV remote to my books and files, to my meds and vitamins can be found on the bedside table. And yes, the upside-down lid of the wicker laundry basket, pulled up close to the bed, has been my desk. It's been kinda kludgy, but I haven't been working much, so it's worked out just fine.

Suddenly, today, I was back to work. In addition to two projects I've been overseeing for a few months now, two new projects are kicking off in the next week -- requiring meetings on campus at Microsoft. This is gooooood news!

But I'm a bit concerned because last Saturday, when I tried to get from the house to the car, drive (that's the easy part) and get back into the house, I was exhausted. And that didn't even include getting into an office, my own (which isn't handicapped inaccessible) or Microsoft (which are all accessible). By Thursday, I have to be able to do that.

So tomorrow, I'll be moving my office from the bedroom back to my home office:

IMG_0845

I won't have my foot up on a pillow all day, as it's been for the past month. Instead, it's time to give my foot the "trial of reality" because by Thursday I have to be able to head out of here, attend at least one meeting, and get back home without my foot turning as purple as the cast and without incessant throbbing.

One of my fears as a project manager is dropping a ball by not following through on an important detail of a project --and the projects I manage have a zillion balls in the air simultaneously, with a zillion opportunities to drop each one! But I'm ashamed to say that this is exactly what happened as I've project managed my recuperation. I didn't secure a handicapped placard for my car! Until I get that, Tom is gonna have to get me to and from my meetings because there's no way I can walk the distances from a parking garage to meeting rooms.

All this is good, though, because it all points to progress and recuperation -- and that's the goal. The past month of sleeping any time I was tired and watching What Not to Wear and Jon & Kate Plus Eight has been nice, but it's time to get back to the real world.

I just hope I can make it through a day in my office without signs that I'm attempting this too soon. Wish me luck!

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12 comments:

BethanyWD said...

Oh, good luck! Take it as easy as you can!

Anonymous said...

Great news, Carol! Take it easy at the beginning. Can you work part-time in-house for the first week, and the rest of the day at home? Is there a way to prop your foot up while in your office? I'm sure you'll figure out how to do this--just don't push yourself too fast. It is progress though! Yay!

LynnB

Anonymous said...

I think that any office featuring a napping cat is a great office!

Good luck with your meetings and movements, and, in the word of Hill Street Blues, be careful out there.

Goofball said...

ooh I am so glad for you that you get new projects to manage and that you'll pick up old rhythms again.

I bet it'll be hard at first and painfull, but things can change quickly. I noticed that as well: couldn't sit for an hour on Saturday, barely made it on Sunday on a train ride, sat cautiously working from home on Monday and by Tuesday I was driving to the office. So don't panick if it's not comfortable or easy at first (but don't overstretch it either!).

Good luck! Thumbs up for you.

Goofball said...

ooh I am so glad for you that you get new projects to manage and that you'll pick up old rhythms again.

I bet it'll be hard at first and painfull, but things can change quickly. I noticed that as well: couldn't sit for an hour on Saturday, barely made it on Sunday on a train ride, sat cautiously working from home on Monday and by Tuesday I was driving to the office. So don't panick if it's not comfortable or easy at first (but don't overstretch it either!).

Good luck! Thumbs up for you.

Anonymous said...

my thoughts are with you, lady. I'm sure you'll do it all with the grace you do everything.
Sending you my love.
jen

Anonymous said...

Thought this article was about PMOs (the office thing, in the title).

Anyway, reading through your post, "One of my fears as a project manager is dropping a ball by not following through on an important detail of a project", I was inspired to ask one of PM Hut's contributors to write an article on the "Worst Fears of a Project Manager".

John's Arts & Crafts said...

Great Blog! New Blog on the Hx. of the Lady Bug:
http://historyoftheladybug.blogspot.com/

Margaret said...

You sound both excited and apprehensive, which is exactly how I would feel in like circumstances. I hope it goes well! Take care.

Anonymous said...

Yay, you! But do take it slow & easy. It's amazing how we take our mobility for granted, isn't it?

Unknown said...

I'm sure your office will understand if you need to prop up your leg a bit. Just don't rush :)

It's already been a month so that's goo right?

Good luck with getting everything worked out. I hope it goes well!

Betsy said...

Good luck! Hope it all goes well, but remember to take it easy, OK?

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