One place in my life that seems complex but isn’t is work. My system may seem complicated but it makes my life so very easy. I keep track of things using the GTD system coupled with a notebook. I spend time in the morning making sure my projects are broken down in to manageable steps and updating a website that syncs with both my phone and tablet and I keep track of the high level overview and time in my notebook. The notebook is an easy space to jot things down during the day and the website keeps track of the actual steps.
As for keeping the rest of the team updated I have implemented a wiki. I cut and paste from the GTD website and the team can see where I am anything at any given time. This also serves as a place to keep tips and tricks that the whole team can use. We aren’t allowed to use it for official documentation and instead are required to use Sharepoint. This has led, unfortunately, to a lack of official documentation. You see we are a Linux department in a Windows company and corporate policy ignores the fact that we have to run a VM just to check our e-mail. This does complicate my work life but it beyond my control. Which brings me to the point I actually want to make. Things beyond our control are just that and nothing more. As I try to make my life more simple I have to realize that these things exist and not allow them to derail my progress.
One of these things came up today. You see I suck at money but I am learning. (Feels weird to admit that) So we have developed a system to help me learn. This system involves two accounts and moving money around. We had two checks out and they cleared on Monday but didn’t post until today. We had the money to cover them but were waiting until they showed as pending in order to make sure they were covered. Well they cleared alright along with two overdraft fees. Long story short: the bank admitted they should have shown as pending, acknowledged that the account history shows we handle all of our checks this way (we write very few) and yet wouldn’t remove the overdraft fees. I have to admit that I might not have kept my cool but couple that with the history we have with the bank, Bank of America by the way, a solution is necessary. You see this is a stumbling block to my simplification for reasons I won’t go in to right now. My choices right now are to get stressed and likely cause more problems, ignore it and continue down the same path or switch banks. Since it takes time to get the direct deposit changed we are getting all the paperwork ready and will be switching to a local credit union next payday. This time I had choices and took the one that is more complex today but will simplify life long term.
I don’t have a wrap up paragraph or anything special to close with. So you will just have to settle for this: Thanks for reading. Maybe the next post will be more interesting.
