'Official' First day of work..

...after teaching for 2 days :) It is about 6:25 PM here, just got in from work

So went into the University and did a bunch of paperwork (waaaay more to come!). Ran into folks that I used to work with who seemed genuinely delighted to see me. A very nice feeling. One friend was not told I was coming and walked into the main department office and screamed (in a good way!). Interestingly, I am sharing an office with a guy who was my student when I was here last time (I even supervised his dissertation, which he plans on continuing as an MA, so we may work together even more). He is a really nice, really smart Deaf guy; so I hope my British Sign Language will improve quickly (although he wants to practice his ASL!!).

Seems like I will be getting the flat I looked at Saturday. I hope to move my stuff from Frank's to there on Friday. Since the place is furnished there really isn't a lot I need to get, but I plan on getting some household stuff, bed linens, etc.

Saturday is my birthday; the first time I am celebrating it in another country. Some of my outside-the-university friends asked if they could take me out; not sure what they have in mind, but knowing them, bail money may be required. I am actually meeting one of them in a bit for a drink; he will be the first person that I know from outside the University that I will be seeing; I hope it feels as comfortable as it has so far!

I still have this odd sense of deja vu mixed with a sense of uncertainty (regarding my new job and role, etc etc.). In some ways it feels like an incredibly vivid dream. I am using this first week or so to get my bearings around the department. My timing is pretty good, students will be on break next week so no need for lectures; I can focus on getting up to speed on the other details. Who would have thought that the teaching part would be the easy part!

I plan on taking some pictures an posting them when I am more settled in my new place.

Gonna grab some dinner now!

Ta!