Meetings

This has been the week for meetings. Conducting, scheduling and rescheduling. Who would have thought it could be so difficult to get a group of people together in one room at the same time? Or to set a phone conference and hear everyone say, "I can be available then." It was so much easier when we were kids. We'd go knock on our friend's door and say, "You want to go...?" and away we went--usually to find more friends to go wherever we were headed. Now that we're adults we have to check our schedule, our co-worker's schedule, our family's schedule, and, I swear, someone must have had to check with their neighbor, their dog, and their astrologist since it took nearly two weeks to finally schedule a meeting. Don't get me wrong, I love productive meetings. They're usually energizing and create more ideas, leads or generally positive outcomes. The ones that give me the biggest headaches are the ones that only produce the need for another meeting. Thankfully, my next meeting isn't until next week--someone remind me to check my horoscope over the weekend.

Slow Progress

Have you ever had that dream that you are running as fast as you can but getting nowhere? That has been my waking life this week--without the inevitable beast right behind me when I look over my shoulder. At least the final negotiations for the contract through the end of June are nearly at an end. In addition to the youth program funding, I have secured nearly full staffing and operational budget and one of the elements in the adult training program. So far, the one project that I had hoped would be a priority and funded first is still bogged down in the appropriations process. Thank heavens July is a new fiscal year and I have a few more months to really push that part of our program.

This experience has definitely cured me of my fear of meeting people and speaking to audiences. I would not recommend it as a solution to anyone else in this position, however, unless they don't mind trading their phobias for gray hair, ulcers, and sleep disorders. Hopefully Eric can find some happy hour specials up my way!

Still On Hold

We were supposed to receive information this week on our funding and program progress...Still on hold. I did do some snooping and found out our youth training part of the program has been approved for full funding. Hooray!! It is very hard to be patient through this long process. The start-up date has been delayed several times and there are constant adjustments to the program elements. I don't seem to mind them so much when they are at my direction but when outside forces create the change it is somehow more difficult to adjust. At least these frustrations will give me more empathy for those that will be coming in for help. Funny how I missed that Detour Sign.

So It Begins

My reason for creating this blog is to gather useful information that will contribute to our workforce program. Having this information together in one place, that can be accessed from anywhere, will save time finding the websites and resources. It will also eliminate the tremendous back strain from carting around piles of papers from site to site.

This is where we celebrate the triumphs, vent the frustrations, and probably gripe about the detours. But with enough luck--the sights on the side roads will lead to new discoveries on the pathways to Square Two!