My new job digs...

Okay, so just a quick post tonight because I know some people have been thinking I've really been slacking in the blog department. I have an excuse!! I have a new job at Texas State University in San Marcos. New jobs are always a stressful thing, but I'll have to say my phase-in has been extremely comfortable. This is my first experience at a state job and I have no complaints. Maybe I lucked out. I work in the Technology Department and everyone is extremely nice, courteous, respectful...including the students. And the benefits!!! Oh, my GOD!! I get full health benefits at no cost...plus life insurance for me...and my kids while they're under 25, retirement that they kick in more than I do, they pay you for taking time to walk around campus for a "wellness" thing, they pay you while you take a class to further your education, you can join the student recreation association (health club) at $10.00 a month, you get discounted tuition rates for taking classes, you're encouraged to take little classes on job performance which you get paid for during working hours. But here's the best thing...we get two paid weeks off at Christmas. Whoa! That's in addition to the vacation hours you accrue through the year at eight hours a month. Not to mention regular holidays. So I officially get 28 days of paid days off my first year. How cool is that?? I didn't get a single benefit at my last job, so it's like I died and went to heaven!

So here's a little tour around campus. This is the building I work in.


Lobby.

Lobby looking out.

Lobby looking in...that's me in the reflection.

The campus library.

This is a little art gallery on the top floor of the library. I thought this was a cool picture of Georgia O'Keefe. I like the reflections I got in the shot. You're not supposed to take photographs in the gallery, so don't tell anyone.

This is "Old Main," the first building on the campus.

This is a view from the top floor of the library towards the building where I work.

The student union and bookstore.

Texas State is very proud of the fact that Lyndon Johnson graduated from there. I'm not totally sure that's something to be proud about, but whatever. When I was taking this picture, a student came up to me and told me that students put little accessories on the president from time to time...hats, jewelry, etc. I'll have to check him out now and then for any adornments.

A nice view...

...and very nicely landscaped.


And another perk! I get to buzz around the campus in this little guy...and park wherever I want! Something unheard of on college campuses!

So, besides all this, I'm still working part-time at the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung, so I've been a tad busy to say the least. I'll keep trying!