Update...

Well, working from home had mixed results.

On one hand, accessing my email and calendar is incredibly fast and it doesn't tie up the phone line. On the other hand, we found that the cordless phone seems to interfere with and disconnect the wireless signal. We will have to problem solve and see if the phone can be changed to a different channel. (Worse comes to worse...we go back to corded phones.)

The other problem is minor but important. To access the wireless signal we have USB adapters that plug in. But you need drivers installed on the computer/lap top/Xbox for them to work. The lap top I brought home doesn't have a wireless network card installed and I did not have the administrative privileges to install the drivers needed to use the USB adapter. Therefore, no VPN access for me.

It turned out okay. Most of the files that I needed to work with were attachments to emails in my inbox, which I could access. So we are calling it a success and on Monday I will corner the powers that be to get the drives installed on the lap top so that I will be good to go next time.

No rant required. God, sometimes I love technology.

Finally...

Today we finally joined the 21st century and got wireless high-speed internet. It's so fast...it's scary. We no longer have to tie up the phone line for hours downloading windows updates or patches. Thank the gods.

Of coarse the kid now wants a subscription to Xbox live and various other software for the PC that simply wasn't possible to run on our 24.4 kb per second dial up. We went with the wireless router, so that we can access it anywhere in the house or even the tent trailer in the back yard...if that's what floats your boat.

I brought a lap top home and plan to work from home tomorrow. This ability may be old hat to some of you but personally, I find this option too cool for words. We will see how effective this turns out to be...I have the phone number for tech support handy.

Update to follow tomorrow...let's hope it isn't a rant.

Update...

The new job is...amazing.

I'm working with a group of dynamic, self-sufficient dragon slayers. They all believe in what we are doing and are committed to contributing to the success of our agency. It is quite a unique experience.

Most of the staff members are new, like me, and we are creating processes and making stuff up as we move forward. There isn't any blue print to follow. We are one of 14 new government agencies, mandated to transform the health care system in the province of Ontario. No one has done what we are trying to do. We are flying without a net. It is soooooo cool.

Everyone I work with, without exception, is talented, motivated and truly believes that we can change, at least our part of, the world for the better. And they are a lot of fun too.

Today in our weekly staff meeting, one of our senior directors wanted to know what every one's schedule was like at 2:30 PM. She then informed everyone that we were going on a small road trip and attendance was mandatory. We all headed to Dairy Queen for a sundae. You have to love a company that can be silly and managers that say things like "It's my job to ensure that you are having fun. What's fun for you?"

I've been working at the new job for almost two months and it feels like two and a half weeks. It's interesting and it really has been a lot of fun. It doesn't feel like "work". And hey, I get paid too.

Life is good!