Resolution Number 1
I resolve to read the documentation, not just browse through it looking for how to fix the mess I've gotten myself into but, actually read it before starting the installation.

Resolution Number 2
I resolve to listen to complaints from users. This means I stop trying to solve the problem before they've told me what it is. Too many times I've had to start over because the really important part of the problem wasn't contained in the first five words of the complaint.

Resolution Number 3
I resolve to find a nicer way of telling frustrated users that "RRV Bucket corrupt" means they've just lost three years worth of important documents and there's not a thing I can do to recover it.

Resolution Number 4
I resolve to be less abrupt with the help desk staff when they ask me how to recover from "Error 4000". If the error message was more informative, maybe they wouldn't need to ask me.

Resolution Number 5
I resolve to be more patient with the clerk who insists on creating elaborate documents in Word before copying them into Notes memos. That she expects all the formatting to be maintained shouldn't amaze me.

Resolution Number 6
I resolve to be less astonished when the manager who declined a repeating meeting complains that it no longer shows on his calendar. Nor should I be surprised when the same user creates a new meeting from the declined meeting expecting it to appear on his calendar.

Resolution Number 7
I resolve to devise a more technical-sounding phrase for inexplicable computing inconsistencies than, "it's a phase of the moon". Though some users find the description humorous too many are simply bewildered.

Resolution Number 8
I resolve to better anticipate when the server guys upgrade the hardware or firmware of the Domino servers without telling me. After all, it gives me such wonderful stories to tell while explaining all my grey hairs.

Resolution Number 9
I resolve to maintain my calm when security guards call expecting me to be there 24 hours a day to answer their questions. My number became popular after it was mistakenly put on wallet cards as who to call for all Notes and password issues.

Resolution Number 10
Finally, I resolve to take the next catastrophe less seriously. The wall next to my desk has grown softer over the years and pounding my head against is no longer as satisfying as it was.

May your New Year contain enough moments of humor to get you through the crisis-of-the-week and leave you with amazing stories to tell.

DominoPower Contributing Editor Nancy Hand is primary Notes admin at a remote site for a large corporation. She earned both Novell and Microsoft certifications in network engineering before being introduced to Lotus Notes. The 3,000 users she supports constantly challenge Nancy to keep up with their creative missteps. With a background in art, she brings a different perspective to working with computers and their users. In the past, Nancy has worked in the fields of accounting, criminal justice, and museum display. To balance the challenges of the job, she continues to draw and sculpt between stabs at writing novels and designing knitware.