Phoenix Paper Data Capture Center

November 18th was our big Grand Opening - with executives from Census, Lockheed Martin (our prime contractor) and Vangent (the sub-contractor for the Phoenix site) participating in a ribbon cutting ceremony. I didn't have any specific responsibilities, but everything went really well - if I do say so myself.

Overall work is going well. My corworkers are all great. I have a lot more space than I did in my cubicle in DC, and a lot less work material to store. The change of scenery is nice - I can leave my office and see more than other people in meetings or at their desk. It's a "production" site where we will process about 50 million Census forms from March - August next year.

I really miss the plants I had in my office in Suitland. I did buy an arrangement, but I don't get any sunlight in my office, so it's already starting to die. :-(

There seem to be more work sites blocked than I used to have. It's probably for the best, but it's also hard not to get any blogs, Facebook, or anything that looks like it might be a job search or entertainment related. Connectivity at home is slow at times, which also makes it difficult to stay connected.

Travel logistics continue to be a nightmare with work. I ended up taking care of the transportation out here myself, and am still fighting to see what I can get reimbursed.