Starting a New Job Soon

I'm starting a new job the first week in February. I am excited about the new job and fretting a little over how I will handle the new schedule - very early mornings, commuting 30 miles one-way, working weekends. On the other hand, off at 2 pm most of the time, hiking some nearby trails after work, meeting people who are actually HAPPY to be where they are, just being in the beautiful surroundings. Wish for something long enough and it may actually come true. Of course, one must do the work, too, which includes agonizing over leaving the current job (the job which is fun when corporate technology is working properly but extremely stressful when it's not, and it's not most of the time), filling out the darn paperwork for each individual job, which takes about 2 hours, and then waiting... and waiting. And waiting. All things must pass, including the time it takes to go through the process.

I was hoping to work at a nearby university, but describing the time between completing the application process and actually getting a call about the job cannot be adequately conveyed by the word "waiting." It could be compared to watching the seasons pass, observing the growth on an old oak tree, counting the minutes until vacation starts. I think you get my point.

I got a happy birthday email from my old boss in Houston. I was pleasantly surprised to hear from him. He's a very thoughtful guy and remembers details that others soon forget. Thanks, Paul!