Today was my first day at my new job.  It’s been a little over a year since the last company I worked for was sold and I was laid off. I’ve done small things in between, but this time it’s got a real professional, established feel to it.

I wanted to write something proper, but I’m a bit tired. It’ll take a few days for me to adjust to this new schedule. No more staying up late watching old Star Trek The Next Generation reruns!

So instead of writing complete sentences and well-formed paragraphs, here are just some random thoughts in no particular order.

What I did today: Got familiar with a new shopping cart software, Magento. I’ve come across it a lot lately and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was very similar to other ecommerce solutions that I am already comfortable with such as MonsterCommerce (now Network Solutions’ CommerceSpace) and SearchFit.  As part of getting to know Magento, I created a new category and added a new product, complete with images, a PDF download, and even an embedded YouTube video.  Feeling my way around Magento took up the better part of my day as I added custom options to existing products.

I did some bug testing of the website and the ordering process, providing suggestions for improvements or corrections.  I also edited the stylesheet for the order form to fix some spacing and layout issues.  I even got to create a new button for the checkout process!

The environment: I am on the top floor of a huge building in a very busy area of Wilshire Blvd. The area has a very “business district” feel to it with shops catering to all the office workers. There’s many cafes, parks, trendy yogurt places, an underground food court, Starbucks, Subway, spas, bars, drugstores, major bus stops, post office, a subway station and more. It’s like this for several blocks. My building has a courtyard with a water fountain surrounded by a garden and wading pool along with outdoor seating and shade trees.  I like the vibe of this area a lot.

Our office has floor-to-ceiling windows with majestic, unobstructed views of Los Angeles and beyond. It really is insane. Los Angeles is built so low and we’re not even that high up and yet we are in comparison.  I can see forever and it’s a bit overwhelming at times.  There’s a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and sink though they seem infrequently used.

The people: Our very large suite is split up into several small offices since we’re not the only company in there.  So far, the handful of people here, whom my boss introduced me to, seem pleasant.  He himself has been really easy to get along with and seems quite laid-back, intelligent and inquisitive.

The technology: I have admin rights on my computer. Let me repeat that: I have admin rights on my computer! I cannot begin to explain how happy this makes me. With my previous employer, whenever I needed a program to do my job, I would have to wait until the IT guy finds the time to come and install it for me. It was so frustrating.  Today, I needed Notepad2 (my favorite text editor) to work on the CSS file. It was a breeze to just download and install it. I was also able to install the myriad of Firefox extensions I need (Colorzilla, Web Developer, SearchStatus, etc.) without having to wait on someone else.

My computer is fast and runs the latest programs.  I also have two monitors.

The Commute

Those of you who know me know that I don’t drive, I don’t want to drive, and I don’t like to drive, especially here in L.A.  At my old job, I was one of several who took the Metro (subway) to work. It was super convenient and the company provided us with monthly Metro passes.

My new job’s major cross street is the same as where I live. It’s just 3 miles south.  I took the Metro Rapid bus this morning that runs up and down the street and timed the trip: 13 minutes!

The regular bus (with more minor stops than the Rapid) also runs the same route.  Additionally, I can take the subway (a bit roundabout since it goes east first, then south, then splits and I have to catch a connection back west), or if I’m feeling ambitious one day, simply walk. Perhaps in the summertime I’ll work in some exercise after work and take advantage of the end-of-day stress-reliever.

Okay, that’s it for now. Time for some zzzzzzzzzzzzz’s.