Orientation Day

After months of mounting anticipation, I finally got a glimpse of the office that my friends have been raving about. It wasn't so much the spacious corner office with en suite bathroom, wall of bookcases or formidable desk that impressed me, but the waiting stack of blank file folders, fresh Post-it notes, box of paper clips and Uniball Micro pens. Small touches, but very welcoming.

It was a day of many little tasks: adding a new set of keys to my ring, moving boxes into the office, setting up my work email account. The tour of the contorted and sprawling premises impressed upon me the need to keep my keys at hand at all times. I ordered my work laptop, got started on Sunday's worship service, sorted out some paycheque paperwork and booked a lunch meeting for Friday.

Now that day one has come and gone, it'll be a matter of settling into a routine that works for my family schedule and the other staff. One item of concern, though... If I haven't been able to identify who fits the Dwight Schrute archetype in the office, does that mean it's me?

New Tech

In quasi-preparation for the new gig, I upgraded the cell phone and its attendant plan to join the legion of Blackberry users (which should help keep family and friends gainfully employed at RIM). Carrying the Torch in my pocket, I will enhance the dexterity of my thumbs with BBM-ing and the like, as I minister with Calvary United. Apparently, there's been audio-visual improvements at the church with the installation of screens and computer projection equipment last month.

In other news of technological upgrades, new Keiser exercise bikes were unveiled for use in spin class tonight. Despite a silent, smoother ride, the seat felt a tad too hard (not quite broken in?) and the digital readout of tension/gear and RPMs revealed just how much farther I had to go in keeping pace with the instructor. Of course, he decided to inaugurate our ride with a full-out 2 minute sprint. I'm really beginning to dread the song "Paradise City" by Guns N'Roses.

Cleared Schedule

This afternoon as we were filling in the new family calendar for January, I was a bit unnerved by the absence of anything to write in. Shelley has her evenings booked and trips to Toronto and Montreal coming up; the kids with music lessons, school days and daycare; I had nothing.

I'm sure that will change on Tuesday when I venture into Calvary United's office for the first time. I do have a lunch date on Wednesday with a friend who also starts a new church job. Until then, it seems I've got time on my hands.