Outrageous Thoughts of Babble
by Peter Knight
1.27.99
Mood—Stressed. Everything I do today is counter-productive.
I had to dress up for work today. Well, not really. I felt like I needed to. Customers were coming to visit and I knew that I had to present a prototype that I was working on—a web-based interface into the next generation digital radiographic system. This was going to act as an alternative to current technology, offering plenty of features, and paving the way for new Internet-type technologies to come.
I had worked on this feverishly up until last week. It was really cool. It was the first time I actually got to work with DHTML. And, I made some custom graphics and laid it all together in a simple, yet functional web page.
During the end of last week, I had to tend back to my upcoming deliverable of imaging algorithms. It is pretty complex. In all actuality, I did not think up the actual algorithms. Kodak Research does that. I take some of what they prototype and spin out a full-fledged object-oriented software library with it. This is the first time in my professional life that I have ever done stuff so scientific; I am a pretty pictures type-o-guy. Needless to say, the feeling of accomplishment can be rewarding.
The software library has a drop dead due date in a couple of weeks. I revisited the work again after a couple months of working on other things and had to run the algorithms through some automated tests. I figured this as a formality and more of a sanity check. What returned was unexpected and unwanted results. Images were failing left and right. Looking at the deadline now seems more of an obstacle. Atop other works to do, this is the same as wanting something done yesterday. Usually, something like this would cause a slight slip in schedule. But, with the FDA involved, this was not a pretty picture.
I feverishly worked through lunch, and declined the complimentary meal that came along with customer visits. The presentation I was to do was now just a figment in the back of my mind.
Roger, the manager, stopped by to see if all was well. He informed me that my web interface presentation was to be pushed out to possibly 1:30 and to show up in the lab then. I continued to work and trudge onward.
Before 1:30 had arrived, I had found that about 80 percent of the images had succeeded, and had compiled a list of the failed ones. Things are just too far behind. I will have to come back and tend to this later.
I walked over to the lab, and impatiently mixed in with the crowd until about 2:30 when it was finally time for me to present the new web-based prototype. The general consensus was that the customers were pre-swayed in the opposite direction of what I was about to show them. They had heard what we have done, and were still swayed toward the older way of doing things.
I started my presentation.
They were impressed, and the snazzy web-based interface started making waves. Compared to the alternative, this was more pretty, sexy, and expandable. It was not what the customers were used to, but some of them were willing to venture especially after what I explained what would be possible up the road. They started talking among themselves, and asked more questions, about more possibilities. And, I reaffirmed their ideas. There was more talk and more commotion. It was being approved. They liked it. But after I noticed the sway in the customers, I noticed a backlash in direction from management. Maybe it was my perception, but it did not seem to impress Kodak itself. I did not quite understand.
I decided to stay quiet.
After loitering for a while in other presentations, I decided to step out for a breather. I started thinking to myself that I did all that I could do as a consultant to Kodak. Everyone has their beliefs, and all I can do is offer my opinions.
Headed back to my cube tired, I was slightly unsatisfied, but nonetheless, complete with the presentation. Displayed on my monitor was a failed image of the software library I was working with prior. I have to tend to this, but there is no time now.
Looking at the time, it noted 4:00. I reached over to the phone to call Elizabeth to let her know that I was going to be late. She did not sound pleasant, possibly hesitant about something. After some coaxing I received the response—I’m so f*ing sick of this dog (Beejing). I really hate him. I hate cleaning up after him when I come home from my day (sometimes he makes a mess). I don’t know what I have to say for you to finally get rid of him.
Background Synopsis
o Elizabeth is a very sweet person. This is uncharacteristic of her and obviously had a frustrating day too.
o Beejing can be messy sometimes. He is still a puppy.
o This is a frustrating atypical day. I'm going to sleep now (hopefully, things *reset* for tomorrow).