What a difference!

I've just finished the first week with my new company, and I can already tell that it's a much better place.

My first clue? I had a working phone and computer by lunchtime on my second day of work. The phone system is NORMAL - we all have caller ID and a sufficient number of conference call lines. My new laptop computer worked immediately (although I am trying to adjust to Groupwise, a definite step down from Outlook) and I even got a flat panel monitor by the end of the week.

During the interview process I noticed that the office is very clean - carpet, walls, bathrooms, break room, etc. This week I noticed some ants running across my desk, and within 15 minutes someone came with bug spray!

Strangely enough, everyone I've met so far is happy to be there. No one claims that the place is perfect, but the consensus is that management is honest and works hard to do the right thing by clients and employees alike.

This company's software is not as complex as the software at my former place of employment. The high-level concept is more straight-forward; transactions are money, not medical information. Project complexity seems to arise from networking large numbers of vastly distributed end users.

Interestingly enough, we don't really have to sell our product; our VARs (Value Added Resellers) do much of the selling for us. Many of our clients are unaware that they use our software - it's very "behind the scenes".

The workplace is relatively laid-back. No one shouts, and the workplace is so quiet that I find it requires a bit of an adjustment. I'm also thrilled that the office is close enough that I can go home for lunch.

On to the home front - our house is a disaster right now as we are in the midst of that kitchen remodel. I haven't had a kitchen for nearly two weeks. We have had to do more than just rip out the cabinets -

• It made sense to tear out and replace the old window while we were tearing things up.
• An old, ugly flourescent lights in the ceiling was removed. We added recessed lighting and repaired, painted, and textured over the hole where the original light was mounted.
• Someone added storage space in the kitchen by ripping up a wall, tearing out studs and inserting shelves. We had to tear out the shelves and add support for the cabinets and backsplash that will be on that wall.
• We had to move and add outlets.
• The kitchen sink will be moving over to where the dishwasher is now. We also need a water line for the refrigerator. The plumber came out for the first of a two-part operation - stubbing the water lines, prepping for the ice-maker line. He'll be back once the cabinets are up, but before the counters are done.
• Speaking of counters, we decided to go with granite tile. Solid granite is too much of an investment for our modest neighborhood, and I just wasn't up for ceramic again. I've done a lot of research on this forum :

http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?s=a08bfa4633eae3d13564fddef6070390&f=1

• We bought the cabinets from Home Depot, and the granite tile from Floor & Decor Outlets. There's a new one in the next county.

I'll be posting pictures soon...