An American in Provence

While I was gone in Thailand, my office went through an internal rearrangement. Now, instead of being in the biggest room overlooking the square with two other people, I am all by myself in the meeting room, which overlooks the inner courtyard of the building.

Our office is the entire first (that is, second to you Americans), and it does a complete circle around the inner courtyard and staircase.

I often went there to escape the accordionists, but as I didn't have my computer nor desk there, it was mainly just to read in quiet.





I never thought I would say this, but it is almost too quiet. I feel somewhat isolated. Good think I am an Engineer and thus anti-social by nature, but still.


I bought a sound card and speakers for my computer so that I can listen to music quietly while I work.

It took me a bit to get used to being in this new space. I had spent almost 3 years where I was before, (started February 4, 2008). Started humming to myself "Nobody likes me, everybody hates me...."


So if you come in the building and hear someone bouncing off the walls saying "Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!" It is probably yours truly. But all in all, I think the move will be good for me. I also need to gain some independence and confidence.



(And I'm already thinking of it as "Megan's Office" not the "meeting room".)


Oh, and what has happened to its usage as an actual meeting room you wonder? There will be a smaller table put in my boss's office (the biggest room where the three of us once were), and this table is being kept where it is. If there is a company-wide meeting, it will be in MY OFFICE, and if they ever need to use and me to be ELSEWHERE, I'll have to go elsewhere. (Though hopefully not near the accordionists nor in the toilets.)



PS The police of Aix will be quite glad I moved too. I called them every single time the accordionists, or their sister/daughter violinist played, which was pretty much every day.
Everybody wins!


PPS Come to think of it, I think I am the opposite of claustrophobic. I like small, enclosed spaces. I especially hate the feeling that someone can sneak up on me. This should be perfect for me.