I have a policy at work. If something takes me at least ten minutes to complete and I have to do it at least twice, it’s worth automating. That leads me to a project I’m working on. We have a program at work called CMST. It’s where recent college grads learn about our business by working a year in each of three positions within the company. At the end of each rotation, they change positions and business units. The program is really amazing for the people who are in it, but it’s a bit of a pain for me because I have to change their security settings in our project management system when they go to their next rotation. Our CMST manager told me today that about 50 people will be changing rotations in the next few weeks and that means I have a lot of work to do. Obviously, I need to automate this process. I have the basic logic almost written, and it hasn’t taken me long. The hardest part isn’t completing the security changes. The hard part is the output that sends a confirmation stating what was done in detail. Isn’t it ironic that the work is easy, but explaining the work is hard? Go figure.
On the other side of that, Emily, our contractor filling in for Debbie, is working out rather well. We had one of those CMST moves today, I briefly explained what needed to be done, and she did it flawlessly. It’s really nice having someone who knows what they’re doing and can just get it done. In all honesty, she’s not really filling Debbie’s shoes that much because this is Debbie’s slow season. My boss brought her in to take some load off of my shoulders in my busy season. At least that’s what I’m choosing to believe. 
If Emily works out, I really hope my boss will bring her on full time to manage the project management system, allowing me to focus on the DBA and CRM aspects of my job.
In other news, I had to go to the vet today to pick up Reggie’s flea and tick meds. I found a flea this morning and realized that he was two weeks late in his treatment. I need to call the vet’s office tomorrow to schedule his heart worm testing. We don’t think he’s been tested since he was a puppy and needs to be tested. Assuming he’s negative for heartworm, he’ll go on preventative meds for that.
I have to admit that I was being lazy today and didn’t want to walk Reggie in the rain. I put down a puppy pad so he could go. The little shit scratched at the door and wouldn’t pee on his pad. Instead, we went for a walk and he peed and pooped outside. I’d say he’s doing really well at the “we potty outside” thing now. He’s not going to let me be lazy.
Tomorrow afternoon, I’m off to see my primary care doctor’s covering physician about my back. And then tomorrow night, I’m having dinner with my cousin Marilou who is in town for a conference. It’ll be great to see her.