So those who know me well would know that, included in my list of great qualities in a human being are rabid cussing and generous consumption of alcohol. My first day at CEU culminated with my giddy boss entering my office with a co-worker carrying a bottle of gin and announcing that they’re hosting a pizza and gin & tonic party to welcome me next week! These are clearly my kind of people. Reminds me of the beginning of another wonderful part of my career when, on my first official day at JPL, I attended a going-away lunch which was mainly frosty, fruity and liquid. Muchas gracias, Doña Maria.

Early in the day our wonderful admin. assistant Melinda took me around to meet more staff members. When we walked into the recruitment and admissions area, I swear, I instantly knew what it was like to be Lady GaGa, or Justin Bieber, ok, let’s not get carried away, maybe LaToya Jackson. Anyway, 4 women approached me all at once and one of them whose name is Edit, stared at me and – I swear – w/ a dreamy look in her eye said, “I’ve been waiting for you.” I looked behind me thinking perhaps the son of God might’ve made his encore but, nope, no, she was talking to me. Apparently a big project she’s been working on has been put on hold pending my help writing the copy. Wow. I seriously don’t think I’ve ever had a warmer reception at a new job.

Had lunch w/ another American colleague who truly is a fetus. I know I call everyone younger than me a fetus but, seriously, this guy is maybe 24. Yikes. I plan on ending every sentence to him with, “and remember, I’m old enough and slutty enough to be your mother.” 🙂 He is super nice and gave me lots of good advice/tips on hunting for apartments and local travel.

I got home tonight almost without incident. I only missed my stop on the bus and had to walk about half a mile back to the dorm. No fairy tales tonight but, overall, a pretty dreamy start to this leg of life.

C