Well, it’s time to recap the last week, which was my first at CloudRaker. Overall, I wasn’t wrong about my first impression. Everyone’s pretty cool, and the work is more challenging, even if it’s only because I’m not an expert with CakePHP. The “contract” I’m on right now is rather impressive, not necessarily code-wise (although it is!) but just with the level of achievement the client represents. I’m not sure what I can and cannot disclose, so I’ll keep it to subtle allusions. What matters is that it’s pretty big, and it’s certainly valorizing to be working on it. Aside from actual work, they gave me a Mac Book Pro to work. Isn’t that great? I’ve never actually owned a Mac, so I’m still getting the hang of things. That fucking apple button is the most annoying thing in the computer field since spam. However, I did manage to gather my knowledge and installed Ubuntu on it. Ha. All in all, I’m looking forward to Monday morning, which is, if you know me at all, quite something.

The first week was a bit unsettling though. Movember was in full swing, and it was rather scary to be surrounded with hairy people. You can get your dose of fright on the CloudRaker Movember site, but be warned, it’s hairy and alive. However, the awards are out and the mustaches are off, which is a relief! I’m strangely looking forward to participating next year, I’ll have to meditate on the motives for that. Either way, my hat is off to the CloudRaker, Taxi and Toxa for not being afraid to look ridiculous for a good cause.

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I learned a new meaning of the term today. It is appropriate enough to share it with you all. It’s from Jodi Picoult‘s “The Pact“, which is a great (albeit rather cheesy for some of you with exceeding testosterone, but you probably don’t read anyway) novel.

“… there’s a specific term for the kind of relationship that had developed between Chris and Emily over the years”

“What’s that?”

“Fusion.” He smiled at the jury. “Just like the physicists. It means that two personalities have bonded together so strongly that a whole new personality is created, and the separate ones cease to exist.”

Jordan raised his eyebrows. “Could you run that by me again?”

“In plain English,” Dr. Karpagian said, “it means that Chris and Emily’s minds and personalities were so connected there really was no distinction between them. They grew up so close that they couldn’t function without each other. Anything that happened to one of those kids was going to affect the other. And in the case of the death of one of them, the other one literally would not be able to go on living.” He looked at Jordan. “Does it make more sense?”

“It’s more clear,” Jordan said, “but it’s hard to accept.”

Dr. Karpagian smiled. “Congratulations, Mr McAfee. That simply means you’re mentally healthy.”

Nuff said.

From a great book, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks:

I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.