My Week that Was - November 8

Just before 5pm. 11/3/2025 dwm

 It's the first weekend I didn't ride my bike but given it was cool (40s and rainy) on Saturday that was the right call,  Instead, we went to breakfast on Madison's east side, then stopped in several spots on the drive back to pick up a few things. 

 Productivity dropped after that, I did read while watching whatever football game had the tightest score and even dozed in the recliner. I started a new book, What's Next, the backstage pass to the West Wing.  I put a hold on the book through the Libby App back in January and it is finally available! Over the first day or two, I made it through the first section of the book. 

 We watched the show every week during its run, and I am curious to learn stories behind the stories. 

 The time dropped back one hour early Sunday morning, which, for a short time, adds sun to the morning and subtracts it from the afternoon. Monday's commute was the first rush hour driving into the sun. It was really tough along a stretch of the Beltline where traffic slowed as everybody struggled to see the car in front of them through the glare. 

It won't be long before I get home after dark. Monday the light was spectacular, enough to see while dark enough for the moon to come out early.

A locust tree glows. 11/3/2025 dwm

Wednesday, I spent much of the day packing the office to move across campus Friday. There is down-sizing involved in terms of office space and the inevitable expansion of stuff in drawers and on shelves. I expect more down-sizing after the move.

We had a meeting of the Foundation's Board of Directors Thursday morning. My job was to present the requests for their consideration. After answering questions, the board approved the slate of grants requested.  

Thursday was also time to finish packing for Friday's move. Our file cabinets are full of hard-copy records that have been in those metal boxes a dozen years or more without a look. Since there is a possibility we might need a file or two later, nine boxes will go into storage, if we don't need any files over the next 10 years, they will be shredded. 

Long before I knew November 7 was moving day, it was the day of my next blood draw. When scheduling the appointment, I couldn't get in at the Red Cross office, so I went to blood drive at the VA Hospital a mile away.  

The temp blood drive at the VA. 11/7/25 dwm

 The phlebotomist said the veins in my left arm looked good, so after the usual preparation, she inserted a needle. There was a sharp pain, which is normal, however the needle missed. The woman asked her colleague to take a look, and after a couple tries to get needle in the vein stopped. Would I consider using my right arm, I was asked. 

 "Sure," I said, and the second blood-taker looked at the veins in my right arm and found them in good order. There was another round of preparation because you can't use needles twice. 

When the time came, she slid the needle into my arm so smoothly I didn't feel a thing! I asked Kim if the needle was in, and she said it was flowing fast. A Red Cross employee for five years, she is among the top-five phlebotomists I've ever had.

From there, it was back to work. When I got back, three of our facility service technicians had already finished loading twenty boxes for the trip half-way across campus. Then the information technology technician came to move the phones, computers, and printer to our new office. 

I stayed to handle a few loose-ends, then went to the new space. There were boxes on desks, cabinets, and the floor. It took a couple hours to sort and unpack the boxes. Then, I spent more time putting some of the parts in their new place, but there will be more to do next week. 

When you finish giving blood, the workers advise taking it easy and to drink plenty of water. Well, I didn't take it as easy, like I usually would, working at my desk or talking to people. Instead I was thirsty from all the lifting, carrying, and organizing. Thankfully, I recognized my problem before it was too late, drinking water, cooling down, and resting. My boss let me go home early, and after some additional rest and food, I recovered. 

Many thanks for your time and attention, I hope you have a great week!