I’ve been a project manager for over a decade. That suggests a few things.
- I’m organized.
- I make sh&t happen.
- I REALLY like lists.
Phrases like Type A, OCD, and Post-It Hoarder might even be crossing your mind.
Well. Okay. Fine. I like when things go according to plan. At the very least, I like HAVING a plan. Some sort of scaffolding upon which to begin arranging my masterpieces.
I also really, really hate messing up or not meeting my goals.
I’m learning to take a step back, harness my Zen, be the river flowing around the rocks, yadda yadda…
…And if any detours from my plans are funny, I’ve gotten REALLY good at embracing them.
Here are a few recent favorite fails “detours.”
The Mannequin Did It! (1 of 3)
On Monday, my manager, Karla, and I enjoyed lunch during one of our biweekly check-ins. After covering business, we dug into fun stories from our personal lives. We laughed, I finished my tray of warm, delicious bhindi masala, and left her office with, as usual, a skip in my step. Life is grand!
When I returned to her office later that afternoon, I noticed something strange on her desk.
“Did I do that?” I asked, horrified, picturing my steaming, fragrant lunch resting on the gleaming, elegant wood in that exact same spot just hours earlier.
Karla burst out laughing. “I wasn’t going to say anything…”
I immediately started Googling replacement desks.
Now That’s What I Call Commitment (2 of 3)
Okay. I can’t take credit for this, but I just love it.
This is a sign around the corner from my house. You know when it looked fantastic? Halloween.
Do you know when I took this picture? Yesterday.
At least they’re ready for 2019. This project manager approves.
I Just Wanted an Excuse to Post this Picture (3 of 3)
Did you know I went to Dubai in 2016? …That’s okay. Most people missed it. Even people in Dubai. A fairly last-minute meeting brought my boss and I there for a whirlwind 36-hour trip.
A fellow project manager was our tour guide and he crammed in lots of exciting stops for us. My boss was especially tickled when he took us to a restaurant called The Meat House.
At one point, he brought us to The Dubai Mall and led us towards a little kiosk. Before we knew what was happening, people were handing us shiny things, saying, “Put this on. Now hold this.”
My boss and I glanced at each other warily, but it was too late. There was no getting out of this.
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Anything you’re apologizing to your coworkers for?
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Go Jules Go 
I’m a type A list maker from way back. I have been known to write “make list” on my list of things to do.
😉
I write things on the list that I’ve ALREADY DONE that day just so I can check them off.
It’s the feeling of accomplishment. I get it…..
I know you project manager types from over 20 years experience as a project sales guy. You definitely like your punchlists. I dealt with Bechtel, Fluor, Parsons, Toyo, Panduit, ABB, to name a few.
Parking in the rear? I am trying not to Snicker.
If I don’t know any of those names, are they going to kick me out of the Project Management Clubhouse?
Yes. You can not be a he man.
🤣🤣 I need to get a few tips from you! 👍
Tip #1: Next time your manager asks you to have lunch, insist you go to a food truck. Where you have to stand and eat.
Problem is I’m my own boss 😮 👍
Huh, I don’t see the project manager at all either… Weird. My biggest concern is that your boss has the WORST case of StarFacitis I’ve ever seen! Scary.
I know. We’re not resting until we find the cure. Especially because I heard that as things worsen, I might see symptoms such as her unfollowing my blog.
There are special ways to remove a ring like that on a desk – google it before you buy a new desk! You’re the best, JS, thanks for making me smile first thing in the morning. That is some A+ fridge labeling, btw. You continue to be an inspiration. xoxo
I knew you’d be just the person to ask about that. Babs (mom) found a link suggesting mayonnaise, but they did not specify whether or not it could be vegan… AND – LIKEWISE!! xox
I love when things don’t go according to your plan, so much funnier!
That is a dangerous comment as I sit in limbo waiting for my final grades to be posted… 😉
Okay, let’s do this:
I have done the refrig bit, still do, and will do in future.
The sign is hilarious.
Never been to Dubai, not really into that part of the world.
I leave food and stuff everywhere now and forget – it’s my new post-stroke life!
As for the exercising thing, come on, Girl – You look very nice from that angle – I would not have even noticed the tag! Seriously, cute.
Scott
Thanks, Scott! I’m glad someone appreciates snafus as much as I do!
What’s a great life w/o them?
You should put the picture of you dressed up all bling-bling in Dubai on your business card!
And oh…how I would love to “harness my Zen” with a shirtless Zac Efron! Is that what the cool kids are calling it these days??
I believe the cool kids are calling it “not giving a flying F*#% because I’m too busy enjoying my Doritos.”