The Celebration

My team organized a few celebratory activities yesterday that I have to admit I really enjoyed. They took me out for lunch to celebrate my new job. It was a relatively small get together. The seven of us went out for pizza.

Later in the day my supervisor and co-workers arranged a small social with cake and drinks. Most of the IT department was present to wish me well. I'm often suprised how many people tell me that this is "such a great opportunity" for me and they say "I remember when I was offered a similar opportunity". The strange part is most people finish their story with a excuse why they didn't take advantage of the opportunity. I wonder if most of those with aspirations to work abroad don't take the plunge because fo the stress, frustration, or the sheer terror.

We'll, I probably don't know what I'm in for, but I'm sure I'll never forget it.

Thinking of everyone in the office I wonder which of the personalities I'll miss the most? I wonder which of my co-workers I'll remain in close contact with given my new assignment? How will our relationships change when I go from a "doer" to a "manager"?

Shopping Spree

We'll I've known for about a week or so that I'd be gonig to Switzerland for sure on a three year job assignment. Things have been crazy ever since and I don't expect much change until after I've been in Switzerland for a few months.

I have a friend currently on assignment in Switzerland and in talking to him he was warning me of the high prices. After a few long conversations I decided that it would be best to run out and buy everything that I might need while still in the states. I bouth two pairs of shoes, I heard running shoes run over $200 in Zurich. I also bought a jacket, a computer, and I'm sure there will be so more shopping before I go.

I've been hording my DVR recordings thinking that I won't have much access to english language TV. I've been burning all sorts of TV Shows to DVD. I think I've collected over 100 hours of stuff so far.