One of the parts of my job is handling database server replacements. Specifically, when a computer gets old we move the databases to new hardware. The trick is to do this without a lot of interference with the users’ work. So these events are scheduled for the weekends. Sunday is preferred because full backups are made of every database on Saturday night, so we have protection in case of failure. A lot planning and prep work has to be done in advance, much of which involves people in other areas in the organization.

One of these events is scheduled for this Sunday. However, there are two remaining tasks that have to be accomplished today, neither of which I can do myself. The people responsible for them are not in my area, and do not report to my supervisor or his manager (that manager). Apparently they do not share the sense of urgency I feel.

If we cannot do it this weekend, we will have to do it some other weekend soon–management does not want this to drag on. It has already been postponed once. That means

• September 30 — When colgaffneyis will be doing the setup for Big Island.
• October 7 — Big Island
• October 14 — colgaffneyis at the Mankato History Festival

I have been exchanging e-mails about one of these issues, and am now in the middle of an IM session on the other. No idea if this will work, and nothing I can do.