Splendid Swiss Isolation – Day39

Splendid Swiss Isolation – Day39

0700 “Cause you’re a sky…” Oranges. Still no coffee. This morning, I have discovered on the DPD tracking site, that the new machine was supposed to be delivered yesterday. At 0715 it was on the delivery truck. At 1745 it was back at the delivery center, notion “Unsuccessful delivery attempt. Act of nature beyond control” Pardon me? What is that supposed to mean?? Well, maybe the route was just too full and complicated and the poor guy was exhausted. Let’s hope for today.

0800 European Board call. Re-start preparation. Good and lively discussion. Focus on the business ramp-up and how to help our dealers, europewide. We have a clear concept, let’s quickly align this and get ready. France and Switzerland will be the first to open up so this determines the timeline. Germany is already open for five days, we have to profit from their experiences.

1000 Mentoring session with one of my mentees. We decided to work on presentation skills: preparation, target group key messaging, the art of powerpoint and actually presenting. He is very well prepared, does a great job. I wonder what I can do to push him further, go to the next level. In two weeks we’ll go there. Together. That was fun.

1100 Calls, conferences, talks and video chats. I have 90 min for approximately 15 different calls. I am not sure I’ll make it for lunch on time.

1230 Lunch. Whatsapp from family: “Dad, we’re outside. We start without you?” I wrap up and leave the office, can’t stand another day to let them wait, especially as my next call is at 1300. Pasta and salad, talks and laughter. The twins want to garden this afternoon, make a jump in their 5k project. The youngest has another online classroom, homework and finally would like to have some math coaching with her brother. It’s Friday and as funny as it seems, we are looking forward to the weekend. But first to tonight, we have a birthday dinner coming up. My wife leaves, she has ordered something at Migros and is quite secrecy about it. Can’t say I am already hungry, but definitely looking forward to it.

1300 Experience exchange with the German colleagues. Good insights, mutual helping. We do have a couple of common dealers so we’ll be able to put the findings together and discuss it with them. It’s all about being prepared. And yes, we will be.

1400 Business update. Energy is rising. We will be prepared.

1500 Italian. I did not finish my homework and in addition there’s a grammatical concept I have difficulties understanding. We do it live and today, it’s difficult. Can’t find the words I need. Mess up my grammar. Am tired. Thanks teacher for your patience, I am quite an amateur today.

1615 Video call with a candidate for a management position. Good discussion, we start to have a decent short list for this opening.

1730 That’s it. Bike. Heavy discussion on my way out with my eldest who is clattering pots and pans in the kitchen. “Dad”, she says, “we eat at 2000 sharp. Do the short circle tonight, you will be returned, showered and dressed at 1945. Don’t let me down”. How could I. Did I spot a cake in the corner of the kitchen? Short circle it is, Ostwand again, 16:08. Three seconds better, not much, but if I keep this rhythm, I’ll be under 10min in half a year. Well… Back home quarter to seven, daughter looks relieved. What does she mean by “dressed”?

2000 We’re at the table. Cloth, nice cutlery. Porcelaine. The big show. All dressed up, proper trouser, ironed shirt. No tie, can’t remember when I wore one the last time. Apéritif: Chilled champaign with pieces of freshly cut parmigiano reggiano. Entrée: fresh salad with a grilled crottin de chavignol (French goat cheese), grilled with honey and rosmary. Wow. Main course: Wild loup de mer, mashed peas, green beans, the slightest hint of thym and olive oil. The fish prepared in a salt crust, this is fricking finger licking delicious. And when you think that it can’t get any better: For dessert a homemade cheese cake that is absolute Champions League. There is this guy who makes a fortune with these delicious round little cheesecakes in Freiburg in Germany, on the market place. He started out with a little booth, nowadays he run’s half a dozen shops and you’d better make a reservation if you want to have one of his little treasures. Regularly, when my parents visit, Dad will make a pass there before heading to Zürich and this is always Fiesta when the cake arrives. No longer necessary, this stuff my daughter prepared – for the very first time – is way better. Mouthwatering, slowly melting on your tongue, not too greasy, but not to light either, compact and heavy, with a super delicious crust on the outside. I could eat the whole thing but I have to share. Thank you, thank you so much. Plus I get presents and candles and the entire treat. Love you, family.

2230 This was deeply satisfying. Nobody wants a movie or any other activity. All straight to bed. Well, except maybe our son, he will probably have a team shootout on this PS4 together with some of his friends abroad. It’s weekend, it’s perfectly fine. After this cake, there’s not much I would have possibly prohibited J

2300 Good night. Week six ended. Weekend.