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22:58 - 03.12.05
convergence
Today started out slowly. My assistant and I did a supply run once we hauled tubes of maps and boxes of manuals/reference books upstairs to the work areas. A little at a time and it doesn't seem so difficult. Next up was to call a cleaning service to see if we could get the building scoured before we have all the furniture in. My assistant is sick and I almost have to keep my asthma inhaler constantly on the go. Not right to have to work in a venue that compromises one's health nor is it safe. Finally found a service available on weekends and willing after about a half dozen calls. Not too bad. He said he would come do an estimate within a couple of hours.

Next up headed off for the handyman store that looked after my fence to pick up some more supplies. I also wanted to pay off the balance owing on that construction so that I could feel something was complete. Sure enough though the billing was all mixed up. We spent about half an hour waiting for three of the staff to figure it out.

Finally finished with our purchases and popped into the local pancake house for lunch. I had an omelet because I had been craving eggs for weeks but hadn't got round to cooking my own. All I've wanted to do for the past month is grab some quick finger food when I've walked into my home at dinner time and then crash in my bed for a nap, before digging in to get a few hours of pre-election work done the balance of the night. The meal was very satisfying - another sense of completion somehow with that.

Arrived at the office and found the second telephone company rep was on his way. He had been given two addresses for us so we had to straighten that out first. Whenever we mention we are just a couple of blocks from Hooters almost everyone calling in knows exacty where to find us. What's up with that? We had to call the building manager to come open up the exchange rooms. He wasn't happy about that but we have to be able to take calls by Monday. In between the cleaning estimate was done. I was a little concerned because the cost was going to make EC gag. When the building manager arrived we explained about the health problems again and aked if the realty company would go half with Elections Canada on the cost of the carpet cleaning. An emphatic yes. Bonus.

The telephone specialist arrived and then the computer team called. We can't get in! Oh yes it's Saturday - one needs a security pass to move beyond that electronic eye at the main doors. The three young techs were laden with boxes, more boxes and even more boxes. We had wondered where all the rest of our technical equipment was, but figured it was lost in transit somewhere. I had already called the post office rep to see if we could track them down and also arrange for delivery of our next set of supplies - the Voter Information Cards.

I found myself working between the two groups and that was entertaining. Nice men all. My brother called and said he was on his way with the essentials - microwave, refrigerator, and coffee pot - oh yes and the training tools as well. Met him at the door and then there was almost a party going on it seemed, only my job was to keep everyone happy instead of just hanging out. Guess that's ok though. After a couple of hours my head was spinning trying to answer multiple questions at once several times in a row. It seemed as though each teams' workfow coincided and overlapped making their bids for my attention simultaneous.

In between were calls to our Automation Co-ordinator. First the techs insisted he needed to be there. Then they discovered that both hard drives they had been given for our server had been fried. Whatever that means. It does mean that we now have to wait until tomorrow for a new unit to be flown. Ditto for the balance of the phones. One of the other Returning Officers was very distressed that they were not scheduled for phones until Monday so I said I could wait a day for him to get their bare bones setup completed before coming back for us. We all have the same deadlines so sometimes being flexible enough to accomodate another electoral district seems only fair. That was how I viewed it anyway but the team in Ottawa was quite perturbed. Non Madame he must finish with your office first. Fine, not my call I guess. I guess I had also be certain that our receptionist and some of our revision staff are available to start work first thing Monday.

By the time we left for home we actually felt as though we had accomplished something for a change. On the way home the cell phone rang and the other tech let me know that the printer/fax for my home had arrived from Toronto as well. Could she bring it by tomorrow. Sure thing as long it is brought to the office. I can only be in one place at a time virtual reality notwithstanding. Tomorrow will be interesting. hope we can keep things all moving along evenly in the same direction. With every service lock stepped with all the others we all have to dance in the same direction at the same time don't you know. Two left feet not allowed.

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