Ab’s Blog

I feel like such a fuddy-duddy: I actually log in to WordPress to post to this blog. Library Clips has a list of over 15 ways to post. I’m going to try the browser extension. Via Lifehacker.

If you’re heading to NASIG this year, please look for me and say hello.  I’ll be starting a term as co-chair of the Electronic Communications Committee, but otherwise plan to keep a light meeting schedule.

Straight from Louisville I’ll be traveling to Spearfish, SD, for the Ex Libris Users North America meeting, where I’ll be doing an all-day SFX refresher at the Ex Libris Technical Seminar that precedes the user group meeting. Would you rather spend the day with me and SFX, or visiting Mt. Rushmore?  That’s what I thought.

Now that I’m into week 5 at the new job and my personal belongings have caught up with me, I’m ready to tackle a blog post again.  It sounds simple, but let me tell you, starting a new job is exhausting!  I hadn’t done it since 2000 and had forgotten that feeling that comes around at 2 or 3 every afternoon for the first couple weeks, the one where you want to put your head down on your keyboard and close your eyes for a minute, even though you’re in a cubicle and everyone will see you sleeping at your desk.

I was pretty frustrated by the fatigue until I started listing in my mind all the things I’ve been trying to learn:

• workflow diagrams
• SQL
• Web Services
• Unix
• travel tips
• Interwise
• the correct way to fill out an expense report
• where the supplies are
• how to set/un-set the office alarm
• Oracle
• Powerpoint animation

and, oh yeah, Verde.

This is in addition to all the random observation the brain is doing half-subconsciously: what’s the best way to get in touch with my manager? does she prefer e-mail, IM, or dropping by the office?  is that Hebrew I’m hearing over there? is it OK to pop my head up out of my cubicle to ask my neighbor a question? what does this button on my laptop do? should I just eat my lunch at my desk, or at that small table in the kitchen?

I’ve answered a lot of the questions and am making progress on the big stuff, but I definitely have a newfound empathy for new employees. If you’ve gone one at your place of work, take them to lunch or bring them some chocolate!