First Impressions

This week I started my new job. It is challenging to say the least. More than anything, it forces me out of my comfort zone because at the end of the day - literally - there is but one lesson to live by in my current vocation: Nothing personal, it's just business.
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So here are some of my initial observations from my first week:

1. My Cubicle looks and feels brand new. No stains, no odours, no pornographic desk calenders.
   
2. The toilets are sparkling clean. That really made my day.
   
3. I got dizzy when I saw the supplies closet with stationaries galore. I saw so many "equipment" I didn't even know exists.
4. No one is playing any office politics. The section is structured in such a way that all our jobs have unique responsibilities and symbiotic relationships.
   
5. I have an excellent boss. He's a very - rational, no nonsense, speak your mind, get to the point, don't have to be politically correct, there is no such thing as a stupid question, just get the job done - sort of boss.
6. I found out on the first day that I have 8 subordinates that report directly to me. That's a lot of pressure on me because I now have to seriously brush up on my people skills, not to mention the whole idea of being assertive and having to consider their welfare. Butt kissing/kicking 101. Why wasn't that taught in school?
7. I have observed the way my people work and I'm glad to say that there won't be no problems. They know what they're doing. They're a friendly bunch. They're very professional, but most importantly, they know that the buck stops with me.
8. I hate the fact that I have to wake up at bloody 0545hrs just to get to work because the journey takes a bloody 2 hours just to reach my desk.
   
9. It's only my first week and I've had a meeting with 2 vice presidents, apparently they had a good impression of me because I brought along some food - deep fried banana fritters & tapioca fingers - for the exceedingly long meeting (3hrs). They are funny down-to earth people. They don't like to pull rank. They have a very relaxed but professional aura about them. I'm happy that they too are my boss.
10. I'm quite delighted that I'm not required to wear a tie to work. I'm even allowed to wear short sleeve shirts. Coolio. Maybe my bright blue hawaiian shirt can finally see the light of day.
11. Lastly, one of the girls that I am working with is named Lorelei (that is not a typo), that's very close to Lorelai and those in my inner circle understands why I'm so tickled/delighted by this. heheh..

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So. That's that then. FD, get your act together. There is no looking back. Be a huge sponge. Soak everything in. This is in all aspects - except the 2 hr bus ride - a very good start.