Too much too loud too fast too overwhelming gaahhhh

Provide a general-purpose scripting language for all Windows versions
Simulate keystrokes (supports most keyboard layouts)
Simulate mouse movements and clicks
Move, resize and manipulate windows
Interact directly with "controls" on a window (set/get text from edit controls, check boxes and radio buttons, select items in drop-down lists, etc.)
Create complex user interfaces (GUIs)
Work with the clipboard to cut/paste text items
Provide a scriptable RunAs function for Windows 2000/XP/2003

That was me yesterday, at work.

I run database reports. I am the only person in my group who does and I'm the only one who has the software to do so or understands how to use (that's not bragging, it's just a fact). Reporting is slowly being transitioned over to another group so that I can do more business analysis, but that day is pretty far away and in the meantime there are still plenty of reports, plus reporting will never really go away because of ad hoc requests. Right now, it's really just regular reports which are going to go away and all of that is at a very, very preliminary stage.

Yesterday, a Monday, was a long day. It was going to be. Everyone knows that. I share my calendar for that very reason. I just run report after report after report, all day long. Plus I am working on a project to try to get me even better access (for ad hocs) and have been pounding away at that for a while and would like to finish it this week. I have to wait for a data feed in order to start everything. The feed is always late on Mondays. Yesterday, it came in at about 10 AM (normally it's done before 8 AM). So I start scrambling to get things out.

I do Report #1. So far, so good. Then I start #2, which is long and takes up all of the random access memory on my computer (I can't even run email). I go off to try to help one of my successors in reporting (ha, I have three people who are going to do what I've been doing) get access to the software. He and I are having a devil of a time of it. We finally get him access but the program does not work (he needs more access). We also start the process of trying to get him a scheduler. I also need a scheduler.

I go back to my desk. Report #2 has run. I then go apply to get a scheduler. I run a bunch of macros on Report #2 and push it through an Access database. I then realize that the figures from this week are the same as last week. I know that this means; it means the query is failing and the only thing I can do about it is to rip it up and start it all over again. I send out an email telling people that I think it may take me all day. Meantime, I start Report #3, which also takes up all of the random access memory on my computer.

Then a colleague complains that something we sent out last week is causing a bunch of questions to arise. I start answering those questions. Then the big boss tells me that the ticket I opened up in order to get access to a scheduler has been closed. Is it resolved? No, of course not.

Report #3 finishes. I go back into the ticketing system and convince them to reopen the ticket, but not after running through another accessing system that they (in error) referred me to, thereby wasting even more of my time. A boss (not the big one) comes over. Got a minute? No, sorry, not today. He goes away but sends me three emails. I never even get a chance to open them.

I run Report #3 through several macros and an Access database. It's done, I send it out. Then I start working on replacing the query for Report #2. As always, I eat at my desk. I take about a five second break to look at CNN/SI.

The big boss asks if anyone can help me. Uh, no, thanks for asking, unless they want to learn database querying. And, by the way, the ticket's open again, please approve whenever it comes in. She agrees.

Another question on one of the reports from last week. I explain to the questioner that all he needs to do is scroll to the right in order to find the answer. My patience is wearing thin. I don't need to be teaching people how to use a mouse.

Report #2 seems right. I run it and send it out. Oops, a field is missing. I have to add the field. I do so. Then I run it through macros and an Access database.

People start asking me when the reporting transition will happen. Not soon enough.

I then work on yet another Access database. I also spend about 20 minutes on that other project (the one I mentioned at the beginning). There is no way in hell it will be done in a week if I can only devote 20 minutes a day to it.

I also spend time trying to get online help with java scripting, to see if I can use that in my work.

Oh, and all of this was done to the backdrop of filling out my annual review form (the interview will be some time later). I'm tempted to just tell the real truth about the job but instead I spin it as usual and hope for the best (and a raise).

When I finally raised my head, nine hours had gone by. I slept well last night.

Today promises to be at least slightly better as I have fewer reports due, but I still have to document Report #2, work on the project, run two other reports today, work on an Access database and continue looking for online java scripting help. Plus there's those three emails I never opened and the ad hoc report that they allude to.

I'm a lil tired. 'N you?

I browsed the web all day. It was my first day back from vacation.

Yesterday was good. Today will be better.

Place your order here for the pick-me-up of your choice....

1) A Serious Bar of Chocolate

2) Can of Red Bull

3) Double Shot of Expresso

4) An Hour With a Hot Male Masseuse of Your Choice

You're not a masseuse, RP?

I see a little role playing in their future!