Hello, again

Sorry for the delay. I've gotten some nudges about my lack of postings lately. And I do apologize. But, like every writer, I have an excuse: I was on vacation!

I spent a week with Oma in Oregon; that was life-changing to say the least. She told me stories about her past I'd never heard (the details of which I'll post about later). And I got to tell her how much I love her--and how I wish she could live forever. As the words were coming out of my mouth, I couldn't help but think to myself: "Damn, I'm lucky. Isn't this the conversation people always wish they could have had?"

Last but not least, I also got to spend some quality time with Chris at Stanford. Good food, good friends, good times.

I'm back now and have started the new job. This place can only be described as Initech. You know, the fictional corporation from Office Space? I literally deal with TPS reports and Excel spreadsheets all day every day. (A friend of mine suggested I get a red Swingline stapler. I think this is a must.) And, after my first day, I can safely say I had a nervous breakdown.

At least now I know the warning signs: the tightness in the chest; the overwhelming urge to cry; the feeling of utter helplessness; nausea; etc.

A positive side effect of this breakdown, however, was the stunning revelation that I'm no longer emotionally invested in my work. I will pass my days at this place. I will learn the tasks well. I will participate in office gossip. I will arrive and leave on time. And I will hopefully make some friends.

But really, I've officially stepped out of a career and into job.

Here's a highlight from day 2:
I'm sitting at my cube, waiting to get instructions about what to do. I decide I should catch up on my celebrity gossip, even though my computer screen faces the hallway and everyone walking by can see it. I see what perezhilton is up to, but when I try to visit the site, an error message appears saying that [my username] was trying to access pornography.

What?!

I immediately close the page, whip my head to see if anyone saw, and vow before God that I will never try to read celebrity gossip (unless it's found in the LA Times, New York Times, or CNN) ever again.

This is an excellent exercise if one is trying to increase their heart rate.