Today was my first day of work. People have asked me how it went, and I’m not quite sure what exactly to say. Mostly I’ve been saying “it was good,” and that is very true. It was good. But it was also many other things. So, in case you were thinking of asking about how my first day of work went, here are some of my responses.

• It went well. I like my co-workers and my supervisors and the rest of the people who make up my (approximately) 12 person office. The work seems challenging and interesting, though I really haven’t had a chance to do much of it yet. The environment is very open, though definitely driven. It’s nice.
• It was long. The hours are definitely not 9-5, and that is not any easier on the HR day.
• It was hot. I’m not sure if I’m getting sick or if the air conditioning does not function within my optimal temperature range, but I was warm all day.
• It was exciting. I loooooooove picking out my pens and highlighters, etc. from the office supply cabinet.
• It was conflicting. For example, my excitement over the announcement that I would be getting a company Blackberry was dulled by the realization that a company Blackberry was an expectation for constant connection to work.
• It was painful, particularly for feet that had to spend 10 hours in heels having strictly worn flip flops or sneakers since I left my office job in August ‘06.
• It was hunger-causing. But seriously, that’s everything in my life, so no biggie there. But I thought that maybe my stomach acid had begun to digest my internal organs by lunchtime. I’m going to have to adjust to a no snacking schedule. Okay, realistically that’s a minimum snacking schedule.
• It was exhilarating. I take the light rail system (trains) to get downtown. I figured out all the stops and the timing and the return tripping and the ticket buying. And the surprising part is that it went without a hitch. Successful navigation makes me happy, especially environmentally, economically-friendly navigation. Plus it reminds me of being back in Europe, except now I can understand the announcements.
• It was a reality-check. I. Have. A. Real. Job. Where I am expected to be at every day (including some weekends). And. This. Arrangement. Goes. On. Indefinitely? whoa…. This is probably not the right reaction, but I spent a fair amount of time during the HR discussions wishing that I had ditched more classes when I had the chance…

Basically, I like it and I think it will be a nice job. So mostly: “How was your day?” “It was good.” : )