The new life
I am settling into my job quite well (or at least, I'd like to think so) and I've been landed with a few major jobs right away. One is a major change, which involves a new SUN machine, and the installation and configuration of some CMS software, Tomcat and Apache. The idea is that I write an implementation document. Second job is trying to figure out how to build our very own RPM file, so we can install Apache easily into the directories we want, rather than the crap Redhat comes up with (it's all over the place) and pass on our configurations. Third is writing a emergency handbook, of which the bones are in place, but it needs to become a bit more substantial. So that's enough work to keep me busy for a while.
I do have to get used to the faster pace a little more, but I actually like that better.Strangely enough, it's a lot nicer to actually have something to do and have people appreciate your work, than playing around on the net all day, doing fuck all, and realising nobody really cares. Oh, and being in meetings about the stuff we could be doing all day, if only someone would make a decision. I know some people dream of that, but it gets bored really quick.
Another thing I have to get used to his money. At my former employer, I was used to just going the best and often most expensive option. Now I work for a commercial company, rather than a government sponsored foundation and cost suddenly is an issue.
The colleagues are much better. Average age is much lower and given the nature of my new job (basically, it revolves around the design and management of web interfaces and their interaction with remote systems) people tend to be by far more creative and interested in arts and such. It does make lunch conversation a lot better.
Lunch totally rocks too. Basically there's two big tables, around which everyone gathers. There's breads and everything you can dream of to put on it, and it's basically thrown in as a freebie. They're setting out rolls early in the morning, so we breakfast on that around 10:30. Besides that, the building just seems to be filled with candy everywhere. Chocolate bars, crisps, cookies, etc, etc. You can just take whatever you want... It's awesome and is really making an impact on my spending. Before, I'd probaby spend an average of EUR4 each day on lunch and stuff, and now it's zilch. Pretty good quick win, and it's fun!
All in all, I can't say I've had any regrets so far... It's all been pretty cool and easygoing and I just seem to fit right in.
A slight downside is that now I've started a new job, I don't actually have any vacation days built up yet, so I can't take any time off... That's a particular bummer when someone like Rufus Wainwright decides it's a brilliant idea to play Groningen, of all places. I caved in an bought a ticket today though, I will just have to figure out how long it's going to take me to actually get there.
I also bought a ticket to go see Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan again in August. I quite enjoyed them last time... I find Mark Lanegan quite intrigueing and am looking forward to seeing him again. By that time I should have my lens situation sorted out.
Speaking of... a while ago I went to this festival and started talking to this girl. She's studying journalism, and was talking to publishers about a concept music mag. She noticed me taking pictures, so we talked for a while and I promised I'd send her some pictures for her concept mag. Today I got an email of her, with her asking me if I'd be a contributor to her magazine... Of course she can't pay (deja vu Caroline?), but she said she might be able to get free tickets and whatnot... Woo. That'd be quite a welcome little extra. I have been spending a stupid amount of money on gigs lately! Of course, the whole thing is kind of moot until I get my hands on a new lens. Cool stuff though, let's hope the mag takes off (and if not, it will still be fun to see the concept mag with my pics in print). Now I just have to learn how to use the bloody thing ;)
