Friday-Ahh in Day to day life from a woman that turned 60 in Oct 2014 and who lives on a farm and Retired on January 2, 2016. I plan to do more sewing, work outside in the yard and just enjoy my retirement.

Woke up at 3:30 this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep. I’m excited. Too excited to sleep obviously. My Division has had an inspector here from HQs all week. He did miss Wednesday as he had to take another inspector to the airport which is about 3hrs away. I did expect him to be there Wednesday afternoon but that didn’t happen. Yesterday at 1 we met with my Director so my inspector could pre-brief him on the inspection results. The inspector and I had many phone conversations regarding one of my branches and that conversation continued throughout the week. I am over “protecting” my boss. I’m done being an enabler for his lack of follow through. I was and still am wondering if I’ve gone over “that line” but I don’t think so. My boss was himself in that he made the HQs inspector wait past the appointment time for over 10 minutes and close to 15. Inspector not impressed. Inspector asked me, before boss arrived in the conference room at boss’ building, not mine, if this was typical. Yes, it happens all the time. We had talked about my bottom employees not getting upgraded and meeting the requirements of the positions they hold. This has been included in some of our phone conversations and since one of the requirements is an inspectable item we discussed again. This was the only item on the inspection list that needs correcting. Ya think? In boss’ typical fashion, the conversation about 3 of my employees being the lowest graded employees in the positions they hold in all of Army, my boss segwayed the conversation on HIS grade. And how he should be a GS15. OMG!! There was a part of me that was glad he was showing my inspector what my life has been like over the years trying to get these employees and their positions in line with the regulations and standards. I’ve re-written their position descriptions numerous times over the years, completed the justification paperwork, the staffing papers, and all the other paperwork that is required and then nothing. It sits on his desk or in his computer and never is forwarded nor sent back to me for additional information or corrections. Inspector told me before we had the meeting with the boss that boss doesn’t know HOW to complete the mission. Didn’t make me feel any better. I will say that inspector was very impressed with all of my branches and the job each employee is doing. He told my boss that my branch is doing much better in all areas of the 22 installations he has inspected thus far. I was like a proud papa and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening smiling like an idiot.
Now, the question will be, will my boss get his a$$ in gear and do what needs to be done or will the paperwork that he has be shuffled and forgotten about until next time I bring it up. There are always excuses. Always.
This “fail” may be the force that drives the train. This will be briefed this morning in front of God and everyone so I’m praying that this is the turning point to get this done. IF this can get accomplished I will retire a happy woman. Actually estastic!!

Speaking of retirement. I have tentatively set a date of 2 January 2016. I will say that that date could be moved UP, depending on what happens in the next few months at work. My boss MUST recognize my employees and support me when I put them in for recognition. He MUST get that paperwork fine tuned and send it forward. He MUST acknowledge my Division as making HIM proud. You get where I’m going with this? He best NOT only focus on the other Divisions and their kudos or failures. He best take care of my little division who has made us look good. The pimple on the face, is him and he needs to pop.

So, it has been a busy week and I’m thankful and grateful that this is Friday. If it is possible I may take off early this afternoon. If not, I’m going to take a day off in the near future. Chris is my inspectors name and business wasn’t all we talked about. We talked about life, living, and retirement. He knows my goal but encouraged me to not allow the lack of support to be “all there is”. Retirement sounds even better as strange as it sounds, to know that my HQs actually “gets it” and would even support my retirement instead of staying to fight a losing battle. Your health and peace of mind being affected just isn’t worth it. He’s right you know. I suspect that Chris was another tool that God sent to me. Actually I’m sure that Chris is a messenger and I listened.

Sorry this is so long as least it feels as if I’ve written a lot. I still have a lot on my mind, but the time says it is time for me to “get up”. lol

Take care and God Bless