Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I get in a lot of trouble because I all too often do and/or say things without really weighing the consequences. For example sending text messages while drinking. Not a good idea especially when you read them the next morning....(Doug, the answer to the question I texted to you recently was 2 bottles is at least 1.5 too many).....
As I was leaving the service center last month I told Gilberto and Deepa that I would come back if needed, but then quickly added, "but not in December".
Deepa asked, "Because of the holidays or PCES?"
"Both", I answered.
A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in my supervisor's office with another co-worker discussing a project we have been working on. I mentioned that I had not missed these meetings while I was on my "three week vacation" in India. "So you wouldn't mind going back in December?"
CRAP!
I froze. I she kidding??? She's fairly new and I still haven't figure out when she is joking and when she is serious.....
"Is that a possibility?" I ask and get a non-answer. The meeting ends and I stew over this for a week....Again for those of you who don't know, I also have issues obsessively over thinking issues (unfortunately not on my actual job - which explains why I am still in this one)....Regardless, I am a tech not FS/FL (FL meaning Free Labor) and nobody owns my time! They can't make me go.
So early last week, in full Jihad mode, I walked to her office and said, "Were you serious about me going to back to Mumbai?"
"OK this is the unofficial December schedule", she says and whips out a calendar.
I look at the schedule, "I'll do it but only if I can fly no later than December 21st".
"Great!" she says. "We just need to get approval."
CRAP!
"Keep your thoughts in your head when you are thinking!" Oh sure that part stayed in my head as I mentally kicked myself. I should mention that I am really good at beating myself up for doing stupid things.
I know I could have taken it back. Maybe I should have taken it back. But I didn't take it back.
This morning, my supervisor came into my office to tell me the Unofficially Official became a little less Unofficially Official and closer to Official. The group of trainers has been chosen and just needs the blessing of the global cost leader. The decision should be made by the end of the week. I called the travel folks and e-mailed Tulasi (an OP in Mumbai) regarding hotel accommodations. I have seats held and would actually be home on December 20 (darn I hate when the later flights are booked).
Good thing I bought that little Christmas tree to tuck away a suitcase.
