A Long Few Weeks
Dean
I recently started a new job. I have one complaint about it: the commute is way too frickin' long.
Otherwise, it rocks. The people there don't entirely trust me, they think I'm a little cocky and arrogant because I can do everything they need me to do right out of the gate. I have to be careful of that. But this may be the first time in many years where I actually wake up and look forward to going to work. I had despaired that this could possibly happen, but it does seem to be happening.
I have not entered Nirvana. But I seem to be entering a strange new "I do not hate my daily existence" mode in my career. Which is a pearl beyond price if you've ever experienced the opposite.
The pay could be better. But that's not the most important thing. It never is. So long as I can guarantee security to my family, which always is the most important thing, I can live with the pay. Plus, I like what I'm doing!
For the next few weeks I'll probably be pretty absentee here on Dean's World, and only answering threads now and then. That won't be forever, it's just that I'm learning the ropes. Just FYI.
Rumor has it that Ali wants to become a regular contributor again. I never actually shut his account off anyway (he's a good man, I trust him), so that wouldn't be hard. So rather than me answering his email, I just ask: would you like Ali back? You tell me.
(All questions should be that simple.)
Can I come back??
Just kidding! LOL!
Unfortunately the roads and highways in southeast Michigan are designed around Detroit as a hub, and as it really isn't anymore trying to get from southwest (Westland-Wayne) to anywhere else is a total hell.
Fortunately I now live less than a mile from the office. I look forward this spring to biking to work.
(gloat, gloat, gloat)
As far as I'm concerned, length of commute is a HUGE component of job happiness. Having a 10-minute commute gives me about 1.5 to 2 hours a day of elective time over people with the average 45 minute to 1 hour commute. Plus, with a short commute there's very little chance of a single point of failure that increases that time. But that commuting happiness factor can definitely be overridden by other factors. The best is an enjoyable job with a short commute, tho.
And sure, Ali can post here if he wants. :)
I too didn't know Ali had left.
Well, since his most recent post was yesterday, you might be forgiven for not noticing. (I'm reminded of a song, or maybe only a joke song title: "How can I miss you if you never leave?")
But prior to that, his last post was standing up for Dean on the Line in the Sand, nearly a month ago.
So when Dean posts a "No Islamophobes" policy, Ali stands up for him. And then judging by the continued presence of Ron and Kevin and last week's flurry of comments by Mary, Ali may be the only person who stopped participating after the Line in the Sand.
But when Dean posts a "What's Wrong with You Americaphobes" declaration in direct response to comments from Ali, Ali asks to come back.
Ali, you're confusing me, man. Does this mean Ron and Arnold are going to leave now? It would seem like the only possible outcome if symmetry is to be preserved...
You call your drive a commute?
Congratulations on your new job!!! That's great!
Ah, but the night skies are so dark and clear, and the evenings are so quiet and calm, and the walks around the neighborhood are so pastoral and relaxing.
And the weekends..... ah the weekends.....
55 minutes going to work. 70 minutes going home. Riding the brake each way. I'm just saying.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.