I don't think any of us really like awkward situations. When we can look at it as a personal challenge, something designed to strengthen us, then its viewed as a positive vehicle for growth. Oh, joy, but the other times when your butt is over a barrel.
The issue started when my computer went out and I had Christmas cards to make for a client at work. My computer is the hub of my work with Lisa Howell Photography, Art with Heart (information hand outs, creative things for the group in therapy,) organization, the paperwork for the non-profit---- you NAME IT. I love my jobs, which is why I'm a cyber work-aholic. It brings me great joy to say that....
I have WORK to do!
But computers don't care... and it went out anyway. The first time was when we got a new hard drive--- we backed everything up and it was fine, yet a pain, to get back up and running.
Then we downloaded what I thought was a virus.... had to wipe out everything and then start over fresh by reloading Windows and all the other programs necessary to sustain our work, business and creative life. Restart number two.
It continued to act bizarrely. The sound went out, the hardware wouldn't work.... the only thing that might have worked was the thumb drive~ and I say "might" because we didn't check it.
We get the computer guy over to check it.... he fixes what he can (the sound never came back!) but we decide to plug speakers into the earphone slots and just "make-do".
Stephen tries a few other things that evening to get the sound to work and BAMMO it goes out again. An argument ensues~~~~~
We get it wiped out and start over again. We load everything back onto it.... It looks like the Cosmos is against this poor woman ever getting her Christmas Cards done because just when the pc gets to a usable point- zap, it goes out again.
I download Windows updates (since the computer hasn't been updated for a week or more now) and then-- I swear, I can't make this up, it goes out again.
But- through all of the triumph and agony, we learn something:
IT IS THE WINDOWS UPDATES THAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUES!!!!! Every time window's updates finish and prompt a reboot, the system fails and can't be brought to life even in safe mode. No getting to a screen to "system restore", either.
Its not so much the stress and pressure of having one's hopes elevated and then dashed over and over again, its what it does to those around you~ If I thought some compensation would be available, I'd go for it. Lost time, lost work, lost clients, lost reputation.
Because in the meanwhile, I was supposed to have Christmas cards created for some clients--- which couldn't be done--- and then on top of that, in the distracting hustle reloading programs, I forgot an appointment. This poor woman had to drive from Pass Christian to Ocean Springs for nothing. Man o man... Well, her Christmas Cards are on me, thats the minimum of what should be done.
I called the lady, apologized and left my number on her answering machine and I'm having to deal with the fact that she hasn't called back. And why should she? From her perspective, I look like an irresponsible, lackadaisacal hoo hah.
To my boss/friend, I had to tell her that today was the first day that everything was loaded and ready to go, but I hadn't had the chance both load programs and work on this person's orders. Ugh---- and that politically, I thought it best for her to finish her order and let me take up two other orders because this lady is flat out- and justifiably-- p*ssed off at me.
No matter how uncomfortable this makes me- and it does- she probably isn't comfortable dealing with me and that is the important issue (or else she's have called back by now). I'd rather Lisa work with her and elevate her comfort level while I work with 10 other orders. I don't know if Lisa will take me up on the offer, but it still stands.
Personally? I'd like the opportunity to reconnect with the lady and have my apology be personal, but if that won't happen- it won't happen. Maybe a card would be best? Hmmm.
Being ok with the answer even when the answer is no.
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