I know a lot of people say "work is crazy right now" but seriously, my work is crazy right now.
I've just been crowned emissary to OfficeMax for the entire library, at a time when we just moved in so everyone needs everything. I'm getting emails that say ASAP and IMMEDIATELY and BEFORE OPENING. When items arrive it's checklists and running around delivering. Stocking 5 public restrooms plus our 2 staff ones is no joke.
I'm also one of two Queens of Signmaking. Everything from "No change, no refunds" on money machines to the big phony check for the opening ceremony. I get to play mind games with the plotter (huge printer) to make my Word and Publisher docs actually print correctly, then inhale fumes from the laminator. Whenever I think I'm finished, I get an email from a volunteer who wants a sign for their souvenir booth. Oh, and a "Use other driveway" sandwich board. And a "Registration Here" 8.5 x 11. Hey, could you make a sign for our Golf Ball Drop fundraiser?
My signage skills have landed me the job to end all jobs - making each and every sign for the aisles. The sign guys promised me a "template" and delivered one piece of cardstock and said "use Arial". Right. We're opening when? In a week and a day? Great.
Every other day I'm training people to use the new RFID technology. Every other other day they're testing the sorting machine and I have to witness it not work, over and over. (It's in my work area.) I think the guys from the company just ran away after a while - I haven't seen them in a week. Repeat after me - I can't control it, don't worry about it, I can't control it...
Meanwhile, there are people to direct in other chores, like setting up enough recycling bins near public printers, getting enough hold slips for the Customer Service desk, pairing card applications with cards and flyers, etal.
I slowly stopped taking breaks. It's harder and harder for me to unplug at home. I was supposed to take this coming Tuesday off so I could work both Friday and Saturday, but I've decided I couldn't possibly relax at home during the week before opening. I did promise my boss that I'd start taking breaks again. Even as she praises my versatility, reliability, and capability, she tells me to slow down.
Only one more week to go - and then we deal with being open.
