Hard to believe it’ll be 9 years ago this May 13th that I started into my career in the computer industry. I’ve wondered a few times where I’d be in life if I’d made different choices or work in different businesses.

We’re about exactly 170 days away from the wedding, and I’m pretty excited. Yes, I know, that’s still almost 6 months away, but it’s going to go by fast at this job. I can’t believe my first week here is almost over.

I met a coworker in the kitchen area today, who thought I was *much* younger – she started telling me her work history a little bit (I had asked her what she did for PG, and she explained how she ended up in this position) and said “I started out selling computers, probably before you were born.”

I thought to myself, “Well, unless you were selling Intel’s first processor (the 4004, released in 1971), I doubt it.” and gave an expression that cast enough doubt for her to explain what year it was that she was selling computers …

Her: “1986…”

Me: “Wow, thanks, you’re my new best friend here at work … by 86 I was 10 years old and had been programming my Commodore 64 for almost a year!”

… by her calculation, I’d be less than 19 years old.

… which would only matter if I still lived in Canada and wanted to buy alcohol.

The people here are great and the Perl code I’m going through is incredible. My first project will be a fun one and a decent challenge. Can’t wait to begin!