Sweet. My new Threat Level 5 cd just arrived, which I am now hearing. This is very good, because it helps to offset what has been by far for me the dullest day since I started at The Company. (A name which I shall use to refer to it from here on. Why? Don't know. Don't ask.)

I now remember the real reason I dropped out of college. Spending the majority of one's time sitting in a stuffy lecture room being spoonfed information which, to paraphrase the little spiel in my employee bio, "could just as easily be gained in a fraction of the time by reading a good O'Reilly book" is not my idea of a fulfilling life. (Of course, that probably doesn't specifically apply here, since I'm fairly certain there are no O'Reilly books on this particular subject, but anyway...) Good thing it's only one day.

(If anyone involved with what I am referring to happens to read this, please understand that I have nothing personal against anyone. In fact, I found the instructor of the course, very competent and generally likable. I'm just babbling my personal bias.)

(While we're on the subject, another parenthetical statement. I've become quite aware that there are an increasing number of readers from inside The Company visiting here on a regular basis. (Aw hell. Screw the cryptic silliness. It's eSoft.) Not surprising, given that I made the (questionable?) decision to link to this page from my intranet autobiography. So, once again, I send a virtual wave to all new recruits who have joined this cult, whoever they may be. ;) )

Oh, didn't you know? By reading this page, and returning on multiple occassions, you give your implicit consent to have all your worldly property surrendered, liquidated, and the proceeds sent to me, The Leader. [queue Batman theme.] Da na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na LEADER!

Getting back on topic...

Yes, I was breaking... er... I mean... altering on-the-fly, my official ramblings policy regarding talk about work. My previous position was essentially that I wasn't going to say a damn thing about anything that happened within the vicinity of the Interlocken Complex. This overly stringent idea, I have come to realize, just wasn't a good one. I found myself making all sorts of really dumb statements which were completely devoid of context, all to try to stay within the letter of my self-imposed rule. So as of now, it's being revised.

Of course, as before, my lips are sealed about any info I may know about products, developments, business partners, etc. If you want to know about that stuff, everyone knows the place to go. (Yes, even you, Cobalt. Silly little wusses. Oops. Sorry. Just letting a little of my "Carry the Company Spirit High and Proud" sentiment leak out. Damn! I just thought of something. I should scan my logs for hits from that domain. Hmmm... Wonder if there would be anything interesting...)

So anyway, my new policy is: I might talk about specific incidents the readers of this page might find interesting, or recount mundane conversations, or make general observations about corporate life. The following criteria must be adhered to at all times (in both spirit and letter):

1. No company secrets, or anything resembling company secrets, or anything even resembling something related to a company secret, shall be talked about or ever referred to. <voice style="Cordelia">Hello? Duh! I signed a contract.<voice> And even if I hadn't, it's just common sense. (I never signed any such contract when doing stuff on x13, but simply assumed such behavior.)
2. No personal info about anyone employed by or involved in any way with eSoft shall ever be divulged. If it's ever questionable, I keep my mouth shut. This item is actually a general policy I have anyway. It's just extra important to follow here.

I think that's a bit more reasonable than giving myself a total gag order, like I have been doing (most unsuccessfully, I would add). So, now that that's cleared up...

Yes, as anyone might have guessed, today I spent a training day, listening to lectures about... stuff. It was required, and, I would admit, probably even good for me to attend. But still, I just can't help but be glad that the day is over. (Oh, and does the image of PowerPoint[y-hair] slides printed on sheets of 8 1/2 by 11" paper ring a bell to anyone reading this? Anyone from a certain part Nebraska reading this page? Yes, a dead ringer. ;) )

Besides learning of lots of useful information (in one ear, out the other), I think it was good in another way. I'm fairly certain I flunked the "not required of me but I took it anyway" test at the end (I didn't stick around long enough to find out), but I have gained a new insight. Now, more than ever, I appreciate the job I have.

Why? Because every two seconds, it seemed, I found myself wishing I could be back in my cubicle doing something useful. [swap full. brb]