working stiff

So. I STILL like my job. It is extremely hard work and it takes up WAY too much of my time, but it is varied and interesting and takes a lot of focused concentration. It involves a lot of attention to schedules and details and tracking of progress, which my slightly obsessive-compulsive brain enjoys, and it is extremely educational.

I now have a new and fun additional part-time duty and that is helping to take fingerprints. Recent changes in US immigration law require that all applicants applying to enter the US have their fingerprints taken, electronically. All of the officers hate this job because they have to do it just at the beginning of the visa interview and it takes up too much time. But when I, who cannot adjudicate visas, do it, it is actually lots of fun. It gives me a chance to step out from behind my desk and actually meet people, which is nice for the other, more social and less obsessive-compulsive part of my brain. And the task that I perform is fairly straightforward and low-impact, so everyone is happy and friendly and kind.

My only real complaint is physical. I have now bumped into every desk, wall and door in the entire consulate, slammed both my foot and my hand in the door, smashed my teeth on my microphone, bumped my head on the wall, smashed my funny bones (repeatedly) on desks, pillars, and filing cabinets, stapled and scissored myself, and run over MY OWN TOES with my pushy cart.

I think I need to drink less coffee.