Not Cold Inside, but Timing Is Everything

Posted on by Ilze

As I write this, I’m relieved to say it’s not cold inside, despite the slight hiccup with the heating system. The professionals we had scheduled to fix the compressor couldn’t make it today. Their earliest availability is December 27th—a date that couldn’t be more inconvenient for me. That’s the same day I need to be in Riga for my company’s Christmas celebration.

For those who don’t know, working remotely in IT means we don’t have a physical office. Instead, our team meets up every couple of months for work-related gatherings, and then there’s the big Christmas party to wrap up the year. I’ve skipped all the gatherings this year for various reasons: the long distance to travel, juggling renovation projects, and, of course, my own social anxiety. The last time my team saw me was at last year’s Christmas celebration.

The framed part on the left should be changed….

This year, I promised myself (and them) that I’d show up. After all, it’s a special occasion, and part of me misses the camaraderie. But now, with the compressor repair looming on the same day, I feel the familiar pull of competing responsibilities. Renovating an old house isn’t just about construction and design; it’s about managing the constant surprises and compromises along the way.

Still, I’m determined to make it to the Christmas party this time. It’s been a full year since I last attended, and I want to reconnect with my team in person. Zoom calls and Slack messages can only go so far. It’s funny how even when you work from home and thrive in that environment, those rare in-person moments hold a unique kind of value.

Here’s hoping the stars align, the compressor gets fixed without a hitch, and I make it to Riga to enjoy some festive cheer. Sometimes, it’s not just about keeping the house warm; it’s about keeping connections warm too.

Ilze

P.S. I’m waiting for my brother with his family to come any minute now.. I have a bad headache 😦

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12 thoughts on “Not Cold Inside, but Timing Is Everything”

    1. Thank you for your kind words and understanding. Jānis is resourceful, and we’re hoping he can come up with a temporary fix to hold us over until the professionals can step in. Life has definitely thrown a few curveballs lately, but we’re doing our best to push through. Your support means a lot—thank you again!

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  2. I hope that you can get the compressor repaired and still attend the gathering in Riga, Ilze. We never know what life will throw at us each day. Trials and tribulations! Headaches are always bad, I hope you feel better, Ilze. 😊

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes! We’re working on getting the compressor sorted, though it’s taking a bit of patience. I’m still hopeful about making it to the gathering in Riga—it would be nice to have something uplifting to look forward to. Life certainly does keep us on our toes, doesn’t it? Thankfully, the headache has eased a bit now.. I got a panic attach last night… can’t remember the last time I got one… It means I can work around them 🙂 Thank you for your thoughtfulness—it means so much! 😊

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            1. …but then again, I feel like I have nothing to wear. I hate this feeling—it’s more than just frustration; it feels like the weight of depression creeping in. Skipping outings and avoiding people can quickly become a dangerous cycle. Thankfully, my husband is encouraging me to get out of the house, and he’s even coming along since it’s a +1 party.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind wishes! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things will get resolved smoothly, and I’ll be able to make it to the company party. It would be a nice break from all the recent challenges. Your support means a lot—thank you!

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