Erieversible

I left Erie on Sunday evening and drove to find my corporate apartment in Buffalo.  Thanks to the miracle of GPS I arrived without any hassle.  Due to the weather conditions I drove the full way without cruise control and it was much more like driving the motorways in the UK.  I arrived a little tired, rather than bored.  Now, if they’d add some features to Interstates to make it more entertaining I wouldn’t mind the drive so much

Apartment fine.  But no internet access.  Cable, and a cable modem with necessary wires, but no access.  Sorted that out this evening, eventually.  Apartment office says Time Warner to blame, Time Warner say apartment firm to blame, the usual stuff.  Luckily, the usual stuff that I’m used to, so it is now sorted.  All credit to Time Warner who were very responsive.  No idea where the bill is going though!

The first two days of the job are orientation days.  Hectic, far too much information to take it all in.  At least on Wednesday I should have some peace and quiet.  (That’s a joke….)  Lots of stuff to sort out - I need to find a medical practice here and register everyone so we can join the company health scheme.  I need to understand the complexities of the US tax system.  (Another joke….does anyone understand them?)

So, end of day one.  Lots of emails to catch up with about the house purchase, but maybe after work tomorrow I can head to a mall or somewhere and find a decent pillow.  Ho hum.

Well, maybe not the last day of freedom but certainly the last non-weekend day that I can do what I want.  On Monday I start work, and the US practice of giving only a handful of vacation days each year to employees will mean that days like today become precious.  I had 30 days vacation a year in the UK - that’s one of the things I gave up with the move!

It won’t be fun being away from home 5 days a week, but unlike when the rest of the family moved over here in the summer and left me behind to tie up loose ends (like selling the cars and house!) at least we’ll be back together at weekends.  And it shouldn’t be for too long, as the house purchase progresses smoothly.  Touch wood.

So what have I been doing today?  Nothing special.  I’ve had a lot of days like this since the summer and I am raring to get back to work.  When I suggested a start date of 8th December the company said that was a lot sooner than they were expecting, but luckily they are delighted to get me sooner rather than later.  At least if I find it hard going I’ve got the Christmas break to look forward to.

Today we were in Buffalo for the Home Inspection.  It’s a much more formal process than in the UK, and a much more efficient one.  We returned along I-90 with the report in hand, a copy on CD and various other paperwork.  We just have to read it now - a fun evening awaits.

I start work on Monday 8th so there’s a load of planning to do.  Less so for me - I just need to pack a case and find the right apartment that’s been booked.  Back at the rental everything ‘normal’ will still be happening but with one less adult (aka Taxi driver) to handle it all.  And with Christmas approaching that won’t be an easy time.

But I’ll manage

Ouch!!