In the last week and a half, I rounded out my time at NIS. It was of course somewhat eventful.

Now, as is tradition at NIS, when someone who has been around for a while leaves, Richard takes the whole group out to the Top of the Hub (which is the restaurant at the top of the Prudential Tower).

So on Thursday, since it was the best day for availablity, etc. Alyssa came down to my office after she was done work and we all went over about 5:30 to the Top of the Hub. We all drank and talked and had fun. This was Alyssa's first time to the Top of the Hub (not the first time with the NIS crew), so she was looking around at the view of the city. It is really pretty great.

So we spent the night drinking and eating and laughing with everyone. The people at NIS passed around a card wishing me well and hinting upon little inside jokes and they gave me a $100 gift cheque.

The best part of it, was as always, was Alyssa - Alyssa is always a ton of fun in any social situation, even with people she just met. I love taking her out with friends (whether or not I am footing the bill). Although several people weren't able to show, it was a fun night saying goodbye to everyone - even though I had nearly a week left of work. Fun stuff.

The last week of work was busy with getting projects finished up and everything documented and handed over. And time shuffled quickly along until Wednesday - my last day. By this point, I had packed up my office into a corner of the cube and I was running of my personal laptop. My shiny, new dual-core Macbook Pro was already packed away and in Richard's office... eveything was just about wrapped up. A spent the morning prettying up the resources for Ron to take over Dental School work, and talked with people in my group about taking over stuff.

I had a late lunch with Toby and Todd - they took me out on my last day to Bertucci's, which was quite fun. We definitely need to keep in touch now that I am leaving.

In the end, everyone more or less made and effort to wish me well and see me off. After emptying my office, I rushed home and collasped. We hung out and I readied myself for my new day ahead.

On Thursday, I started my job at the Volpe Center. I took the bus over to Kendall Square early in the morning and after arriving a little early, I met with Rosanna, the HR/Office Administrator person... she did a bit of orientation and toured around. After meeting my office mate, and getting my computer equipment, I filled out more forms and installed some software. I talked with my immediate supervisor and was finger printed for security.

I went out for lunch after security to a nearby pub. It was actually a little overpriced but the food was good. I will learn the ins and outs of Kendall, but its a pretty cool area.

Afterwards, more setting in and meeting people before heading home.

The commute home was long, but I will get the swing of the bus as well. In the evening we hung out with the Potters playing Mario Party, etc.

Once I get security clearance and get acclaimated to the way P3I does things, this job will be pretty easy to do with some good room to improve the procedures and quality of the web content (and my supervisor - Micky - seems to be thinking the same thing).

Should be some good fun.