Welcome Wagon

Greetings from Maryland!

I'm currently living in the Vancherie suite at the Old Cheseapeake Hotel in Havre de Grace, which is a harbor town on the Cheseapeake that has a lot of antique shops and old people. Atleast there are several bars in walking distance, including an irish pub with a 2 for 1 Guinness special! There's also a nearby promenade which is right on the water and leads to a lighthouse. And the hotel is only 5 minutes away from the brand new Mitre building where I work (the commute will be longer when I move into my permanent home next month though), which is quite convenient.

I really like the job so far! The type of work I'm doing is definitely something that interests me, and I actually enjoy working in a corporate atmosphere (my previous position was a full-time job, but it lacked a certain level of professionalism). Perhaps best of all, the people at Mitre are extremely friendly and welcoming.

Take my officemate Susan, for example. Just last night, she invited my boss (who still works in New Jersey but was visiting for a few days) and I out for dinner to an italian restaurant. At first I was nervous to go to dinner with my new co-workers, but I quickly felt comfortable once the meal began (although maybe it was the wine?). By the end of our dinner, Susan made a comment along the lines of "we're like a family." In a way, it's true. After all, I'll be spending 40 hours a week with these people. It's been a difficult adjustment living in a new state, but with such welcoming co-workers and the tremendous support of friends and family back in New Jersey, I know I'll be just fine.

My boss plans to permanently move down here in a year or so. She made it clear during dinner that she's in no rush to move, however, because she doesn't want to leave everyone she knows in New Jersey behind. I sympathize completely. When I asked her what exactly her plans are when she moves and how she'll allocate her time between New Jersey and Maryland, she replied, "I don't know. I'm just in it for the adventure." Cheers to that.

Then I returned to the hotel and realized that I locked myself out. Oops.