The first day went well. I even attended my first meeting.
The second day, I forgot my badge and sneaked into the parking garage behind an unsuspecting salesperson, and then stowed away on the elevator and slipped through the badge-controlled door. I think all those episodes of 24 have prepared me well for my new job.
Today (the third day) I was thinking so hard about some data conundrum as I walked to the ladies' room that I instead walked quite confidently into the mens' room. Luckily I realized the mistake right away, apologized to the lone (and quite clothed) occupant, and swore to deny any rumours of this having happened at all.
I love not being the boss of anyone. I could have a hundred times the number of people to be responsible for and would still be very happy. I sit at a modern curvy desk with a view of Lake Union shared by about 200 other folks. I get there early in the morning and become slowly aware of the noise level rising to a steady low drone, like falling asleep on Grandmama's couch while the grownups talked about kinfolk.
I have two screens to share the contents of my computer display, and lots and lots of data and databases in which to immerse myself. It suits me.
Mr. (Sherlock) Holmes has done quite nicely without me, having taken up companion duty for Zach and Sherah and Lyubo. He greets me excitedly when I get home, turning circles while up on his hind legs, convincing me that he missed me.
The baby surprise is, well-- surprise!! -- not sewn up yet, and it may be another week or so before I become accustomed enough to my new situation to have the energy to life a needle of any type.
I can't blog much, but I do check my email and my comments during my half lunch hour, so could you please tell me what *you're* doing? Think of it as reverse blogging. It would make me feel all warm inside.
Posted by Sheila at February 3, 2006 05:55 PM Posted to | TrackBackA desk shared with 200 co-workers startled me for a moment until I got sensible....good luck with the new regime! Do keep blogging when you have time, I enjoy your posts.
Posted by: carol on February 4, 2006 02:37 AMSo happy to hear it is going well for you. And I'm happy for Sherlock too. What peace of mind it must give you to know he is doing well.
Posted by: LaurieM on February 4, 2006 08:34 AMThis sounds great, Sheila. It sounds like the job will really suit you.
I took a class last Sunday at Acorn Street from Karen Alfke on her top-down sweater "Unpattern." I probably didn't actually need to take a class to do this, but - well, I just like taking classes. And you always pick up little tidbits of ideas that way. I came home and immediately started a sweater using some boucle yarn that I have had for a very, very long time. It's very freeing to know that I can just knit downwards until I run out of yarn (as there is marginally enough for a sweater) and then figure out something creative for an edging to finish it off.
Does this mean you aren't going to the Madrona Fiber Arts retreat next week?
Posted by: Katie on February 4, 2006 10:30 AMKaren A is a fun teacher, isn't she? I like the vision of you taking the last stitch with the last of the boucle, seems very efficient and still inspiring, since the edge is a whole other project.
No, I didn't sign up for the retreat this year. Too many things were happening and I knew I couldn't plan that far ahead. I guess it was the right decision, but I'll miss seeing all of you there.
Posted by: Sheila on February 4, 2006 10:42 AMCongrats on finding a job where you can be a cog in a pleasant wheel.
Posted by: carla Rey on February 5, 2006 06:40 AMWell, Sheila old girl -- a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into. You with a real job, me going to classes. I was so looking forward to meeting you and watching you needlepoint (maybe learning how to do it myself).
Maybe after we each get accustomed to our change in schedules -- some day?
So glad to hear the job suits you. And Sherlock -- love to hear about him. Give him a tummy rub for me.
Posted by: Catherine on February 5, 2006 11:19 AMHi, I was attracted to your site by the title, Mutually Reclusive! It made me laugh because I am a bit of a hermit myself. I could live in a shed as long as I had my yarn and needles with me, oh and maybe a pen and some paper. Enjoyed hearing about your first days on the job too as I began a new job the end of December. I'm just brand new to blogging but as time goes on I will be posting about my additions (which are knitting and writing.) Come visit anytime!
Posted by: Karen on February 5, 2006 03:10 PMReverse blogging! I love it.
The new job sounds good, so far. Do keep us posted.
As for me, your reader-turned-reverse-blogger, I am working away at my software development job. I am knitting a simple but satisfying Manos sweater (folkloric), a Sivia Harding diamond shawl, and a dazzling array of socks. I am vowing to finish my Grapevine sweater before summer.
I am also hanging out with puppies. My dog, a jack russell/poodle-shi tsu cross, has 3 adorable puppies, almost 4 weeks old. They are starting to play charmingly and now love to be petted and cuddled.
I'm glad Sherlock is adjusting well to your new job. Children and dogs usually seem to adjust to things, even when we think they won't.
I hope you still find time to knit and spin and weave and enjoy yourself, Madame!
Posted by: Carla on February 6, 2006 07:37 AMHey there. I'm also a reader-turned-reverse-blogger. What a cool idea! I have an hour for lunch, so I can get a bit more done.
I started this job in September - it's a temp job, so I may be doing the whole new job again in the near future. I am also loving not being the boss of anyone, and am quite content in my little cubicle with my computer and stacks of forms to "compose."
Between blogging episodes, I'm working on a scarf. I'm using the Harry Potter scarf pattern, but using my own colors.
Well, that's it for now - hope you have a good day...
Posted by: Cynthia on February 6, 2006 10:08 AMHere's today’s entry for you to read. I am a software engineer, too, only my focus at the moment is testing.
As for knitting, I am working on a baby blanket for a friend of my daughters, the second 'waves of grain' sock and Fjorgyn by Elsebeth Lavold. I have the fronts and sleeves knit, but am at the stage where I need to sew them together before I do the hood and front bands. Perhaps that will be my Olympic effort, although since I do "day" care in the evenings 3 or 4 days a week, my time for knitting that needs attention is short. Maybe I should stick with getting that baby blanket done before the child is old enough to drag it around with her.
Hope your work goes well, and that you still have time to do your crafts. I know some weeks I just can’t even be bothered to pick up a needle or shuttle.
Reverse Bloggging- terrific idea. I was inspired by your Christmas dish towels AND story...I get the same reaction with my knit socks, hats and gloves. My rule: crafts for the crafters in the family ONLY! Anyways, back to the towels...have bought the book by Marguerite Porter Davison and am going to warp tonight. Planning on using some organic color-grown cottons in the stash. Wish me luck and I hope they look as good as yours!
Posted by: Carrie on February 9, 2006 12:32 PM