Will we survive the transition?

The new administrator has been named. She was quoted in the article about the program. She doesn't like it. No one at the office seems to be doing anything to proactively reach out to the transition team or anyone else with a new and improved program. The boss is on vacation and so is my team leader. Few of us are even around because of the holidays. The politicals are not responsive. What's going to happen to us? Do I just sit around and wait to be shut down? It seems like we should be looking to strengthen the program and relaunch or do something or be prepared to do something. This idleness is driving me batty. Doesn't help that it's Christmas. I went to a party on Saturday and got beat up by a hill staffer who thinks the program stinks too. Ughhh.

All Nighter

Unless you are sure you are going to get a big bonus or a big promotion, or someone's life is in danger, DO NOT repeat DO NOT ever agree to stay up all night waiting for a bad news story to come out and deal with the aftermath. There are many reasons why work can wait until at least 6AM and wouldn't it be better to get a good night's sleep so that you can power through a crisis first thing then to stay up all night dealing with it, then going to the office and having to deal with again because another person from the chain of command has to get filled in and put their stamp of approval on your work? The answer is yes. I thought it was crazy up until now that our Office of Public Affairs didn't participate on these late night and early morning calls once a news story hit, and I think that I finally understand just how smart they are.

GovTrip to Albany

Why do they give us per diem even if we don't necessarily use it everyday? If I eat three meals today and none is more than 10 bucks, I get to pocket $19 dollars. My colleague told me that I should not look a gift horse in the mouth and that I should consider the $19 pay for my hardship for traveling. What do you think taxpayers?

PS-Albany doesn't have taxis? Or good coffee. Please tell me if I am wrong.