My Second First Day

Today was my first day at the architecture firm in Philly where I will be stationed for most of the time. What a breath of fresh air! Everyone was so nice and friendly. They were waaaaay more laid back than the NY office. Not as intense and serious. There was actually time to pause and welcome the new girl. In NY there is no time to pause. I'm pretty sure it's because everyone is mad about their commute in and they surely must be mad all day thinking about having to commute back. (Side note: today two different people shared with me that their commute into Manhattan takes an hour each way...my theory of "Mass Population Anxiety" in NYC due to commuting is solidly backed by hard facts)

What's really exciting is my new window "office". I get to look out onto the intersection of Market & 22nd Streets. It's not a glamorous view but at least it's a view. This afternoon, I learned that the receptionist's husband is attending Wharton as well. She was the first person I met when I showed up this morning and she was really nice. I'm looking forward to talking with her tomorrow. She left early so I didn't get a chance to chat with her today. Including the receptionist, a lot of the office staff is pretty new (have started within 3 months). Apparently, they are having a growth spurt. That's fun that I'm not the only newbie.

Kyle met me after work and we walked home together. It's about a 20 minute walk (that's MY kind of commute!) . We took the route through Rittenhouse Square which was very pleasant for a September evening. There's always people in the park picnicking or laying in the grass reading or walking their dogs....(makes me miss my Hunter!) sometimes there's concerts. There's also fireflies in the park. I don't know that I've ever seen fireflies in person because I was so amazed by the whole thing. It's a nice walk home and I'm glad Kyle and I enjoyed it together.

He has a study group over so I'm hiding out in the bedroom. I think I'm going to load more songs on my iPod. I really love that thing!

PS: I hear Rita (unfortunately not the Rita that Kyle and I would love to see hit Houston -- that would be a Rita's Water Ice franchise) is headed toward Houston. I hope everyone is safe and I'll be praying for you all. Mom and Dad - Remember if you have to go to the attic, first make sure you take Hunter and put some floaties on him since he doesn't like water and second, make sure to take an ax so you can hack through the roof. Love you.