Learning

As I move daily toward a full year in my new job, I'm still learning new aspects of the daily routine.

I've adapted very well to the work (I wasn't eligible for a raise or a bonus, technically, because I'm so new -- but I got both! Hooray!) and the office routine. My co-workers are the nicest collection of folks anywhere, and we always have plenty of snacks around, too.

I'm enjoying riding the train instead of tempting fate in the legendary I-4 rush hour, even though I have to drive to the station. Sometimes the train is very loud, thanks to boisterous or tired children, video games, or oblivious conversationalists, but I am getting a tremendous amount of reading done.

One unexpected challenge is that this time of year, I leave the house in the dark and return home in the dark. That lack of sunlight is somewhat balanced by the usually pleasant walk across downtown to and from the office. A few times it's been rainy and blustery, and that's been exciting! Mostly it's a chance to sightsee a bit and enjoy stretching my legs.

These last few nights I've gotten off the train just as the last glow of sunset is fading from the very edge of the horizon -- to see three spectacular planets shining brightly in the southwest: Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. I think I'm the only one who notices them -- everyone else seems bent on getting to their cars as quickly as possible -- but I try to enjoy them enough for all of us.