In a Western Place

It's been nearly 2 months since I started my new job and I think it's safe to say that I really enjoy it. The work is fun, and I'm good at what I do (I think so). My only complaint: lack of social interaction. We all work somewhat independently from one another... seated like statues in front of our respectful machines... equipped with noise canceling headphones and assorted beverages... absorbed in a world of Dreamweaver and Flash... thinking only in HTML, CSS, javascript and/or actionscripting. I'll talk to people as we pass in the halls, but overall there hasn't been an opportunity for me to get to know many of my co-workers. Much less their names.

Finally an opportunity for a happy hour presented itself last evening and we left work a wee bit early to meet up for a few drinks around the corner. I had a lot of fun, and it was nice to have a non-work related chat with folks and match names with faces. I was invited to dinner with a smaller group in the Castro. Matty joined us, and the drinks continued to flow while we waited for a table. Things started to get a bit fuzzy around the time we were served... and thankfully, I didn't do/say anything to embarrass myself in front of my new cohorts (then again, everyone was pretty plastered so who would have known?) We both had a really good time, and I hereby officially mark today as the first day that I showed up to my new job, with a hangover.

At least I'm not the only one.