week three? or: things I've learned at work, a list

1. My boss, who is a joy to work for, travels a lot. My job entails arranging for his travel and, almost literally, getting him out the door. I am very busy when he is in the office but things tend to grind to a halt when he is out. So far, I have been able to find work for myself in his absence but it may become a problem in the future. It has also been made clear to me that I can make whatever I like of my position and I am considering my options as I move forward. There is nothing wrong with being able to leave at 5:00 as my head is still somewhat torn between work and home but this will undoubtedly change in time.

2. A fellow employee, who sits about 30 feet away from me, has an awful cough. It's the kind of cough that has me jump to attention and wonder where the Maxair/Pulmacort/Proventil is as I am the mother of a person with Serious Chronic Asthma.

3. I have made friends with dozens of people, but especially one particular assistant who is scarcely older than Oldest. He has been absolutely delightful and assisted me with tasks that would bore many people and I am thrilled to see him each day.

4. The baked potatoes across the street are three times larger than the baked potatoes at the fancy baked potato store and much less expensive.

5. I've had a couple of lunches with the woman who had my job before me and I like her. She is young, French, adorable, and has lots and lots of good information for me. After speaking with her for extended periods, she with her French accent and me with my Tuvaluan accent, I have found that I no longer say my H's. So, for example, hours after a lunch with her, I find myself asking if the otel in Amburg is osting a cocktail party for undreds of appy travelers.

6. It is very very quiet and sometimes lonely where my office is. I am happy, when I notice this, to walk a very long distance to the mailroom to pick up envelopes or pens.

7. Because my boss is Very Important, I could ask for all sorts of things. But I don't. And I don't expect I will. I am very conscious of the way I am perceived.

8. The best way to deal with people who are condescending is to remember to say good morning to them. This rule probably works in Real Life as well.

9. Most people don't seem to mind that I am Much Older and, if I mention it, they seem non-plussed. I have stopped mentioning it.

10. Cranky people are best left alone. If someone else can be asked the same question, I ask the other person, if not, I am polite and don't take it personally. Cranky people are often just cranky and their mood has nothing to do with me...I've realized.