Note
Drove to Mildura and back today to give a seminar. No running. I left at 6 this morning, which was possible because of a comedy of frustrations last night. We were travelling back from the north east and had to drive past my work place. Its 15 minutes from there to home. Julie dropped me there to pick up a work car for the early start tomorrow morning. The comedy began soon afterwards.
1. We have just migrated to an computer car booking system. Of course, my work computer was at home, as was my electronic diary, so I didn't know what car I had booked. Logged onto another computer. Network appeared to be down. No access to booking system.
2. Rang Julie to get her to interrogate electronic diary. Tried to get onto other computers, but building alarm system went into alarm mode, so I had to run around to find a deactivation station. The PA was blaring warnings, I was running, and just then my mobile rang. Family wanted me to buy rice and tinned lentils.
3. Eventually checked another computer and discovered network was available on some machines, not others. Extracted the car details. Went to get the keys... to discover the key board was no longer where it should be, and no indications of where it was. Had to search the whole building in minimal light. Found it eventually in the public lobby. Moved because of recarpeting.
4. Got in the car, then realised that it was LPG only and it was less than half full. Did some mental calculations and realised I would be well advised to fill it that night. Noted who the inconsiderate sod was who had not refilled after previous use. Wasn't surprised.."JT", the usual suspect who was once centre manager and made the rules for others, and henceforth has never believed they apply to him.
5. Drove off to find a service station. There are two servos very near work, both BP. Of course our organisation refuses to get a BP card because they can get a slightly cheaper deal from Caltex and Mobil. Its a long way to those servos, especially at 7pm on a Sunday evening. Proves the bastards that make these sorts of decisions place no value on our time. Yet more partial accounting masquerading as savings.
6. Ended up at the local Coles super market. The only tinned lentils available were ORGANIC. Its against my religion to buy organic lest some marketing guru interpret this choice as proof I believe the bulldust espoused by the organic movement. No choice. I grabbed the tin and muttered.
7. With the required groceries and then discovered that there was a line of 20 people at the express checkout. Yet more accountants valuing my time. All I could do was wait and bemoan the available reading on the magazine stand. Does anyone really want to read what Britney has done next, or who Brad is dating, or why Nicole is so upset yet again.
Finally the evening looked up at this stage. I realised I could use the new car booking system to always get the car before JT, and make sure it is short of fuel when he gets into it. And I know I can convince others to do the same as well. I am not the only one he stuffs around. I can see a guerilla campaign developing.
Postscript. Its a 15 minute drive from work to home, but it took almost 2 hours.