Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2006. Mattie was almost four years old in this photo! One thing I learned about Mattie early on, and that was he was a busy fellow. The quintessential multi-tasker! The one thing he loved doing most of all was building. It did not matter the material, Mattie could improvise. But as you can see, Legos were a favorite! This was Mattie's version of a cruise ship! Mattie absolutely loved boats and ships and I am saddened that he never voyaged on a cruise ship, as I know he would have been enthralled over such an adventure.
Quote of the day: Disappointment was never a thing you looked for, but it had a wonderful way of clearing the mind. ~ Stephen King
If you have been following along the past couple of days, then you know in the beginning of the week, I learned that the electric company was planning on installing a large transformer box practically in the front yard. Seriously I do not understand how a utility company could even consider doing this work without checking with residents impacted by such an addition. When I tell you that I worked my way up the channels of this electric company, I am not kidding. On Wednesday, because of all my emails and previous phone calls, I received a call from a manager. He agreed to come visit with me today and walk the site and figure out other options for the box placement! Truthfully, why couldn't the other people I spoke to provide the same kindness, professionalism, and ability to think outside the box?
Right before my meeting with the electric company manager, my landscaper came over. I have many stone pavers that have popped up due to the snow and cold. They are too large for me to manage on my own. In any case, we walked through the issues together and we came up with a check list of things I need help with this spring. I take it one issue and problem at a time, and I consider myself very fortunate to have a solid group of professional men who can assist me. I know I can trust them, they are reliable, and given that they know I am managing things myself, they are very kind and help me find cost effective ways to address these tasks.
All my life, I have been a great advocate for other people. If someone is in trouble, I am your girl! I can be fierce. However when it comes to myself, I am not always as persistent. Instead, I save my strength for others. But the issue of this transformer wasn't something I would let go. Myself and my neighbors work hard on our homes and we take pride in them. So why on earth would I want to see a metal box right outside my windows. As I kept saying.... I bought a house without a transformer in the front yard, and I shouldn't have to accept one now. Bottom line, the electric company was going to install this service in the most expedient, cost effective, and streamlined manner possible. Which means parking this thing on the front lawn. When the manager was on site with me, he quickly got up to speed with the issue and my vision. A vision which focuses on maintaining the aesthetics of the lush space.
At first the proposal was to move the box further up the yard. I still did not like that idea. I then said that this box should go on a flat space in the front yard that is already camouflaged with trees and bushes. I got push back at first, because the fear was utility workers may not see the box if it needs repairs. To which I said, you have to be kidding me, as we were only talking about five feet from the proposed location! I told him if his workers couldn't see a large metal box in this space, then truthfully I DON'T KNOW HOW TO HELP THEM!
Any case, we are now working out the details and I feel moving this box preserves the look and feel of our community. The manager and I got to talking, YES even though it was damp and raining, about the importance of the human connection. I feel it is important for him to give his team feedback. They maybe a utility company and their goal is to provide electricity, but no equipment or utility exists in a vacuum. These things always impact human beings and when dealing with people, one has to always reflect and be cognizant of the human impact on the services being provided.
Needless to say, guess who is also getting written up? Yes this manager. I have asked for the name and contact information of his boss, because I think his boss needs to understand how competent, capable, and professional this fellow is, and how his ability to think outside the box, listen to his customers, and come up with a viable solution distinguishes him from the rest. When I find people who are passionate about their jobs, are committed to doing it well, and working collaboratively to find a solution, I take notice! Such people can truly transform a regular day into a better one.
Why am I mentioning this story tonight? Because when I wonder is Vicki still in there, today the resounding answer was YES.
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