the first hint that something was amiss

as m has stated, i'm the newest member of this three-ring circus. although it became evident early on that we operate in a military-like work atmosphere, (no speaking in the hallway, no outside fraternization, etc.) my first real clue that something was up (especially with k) appeared on the very first day! all fresh-scrubbed and eager for my first day at work, i arrive at 8:45. i push the buzzer and am buzzed into our unassuming little building. k has rushed downstairs to meet me--or to ward off would-be robbers based on her urgency--and without saying hello, tells me that "we don't open until 9." thinking she may not understand who i am, i gleefully state my name and that today is my first day. without a smile, and without acknowledging my announcement, k again tells me that we don't open until 9. puzzled, and confused as to whether i'm meant to walk out the door and stand there for the next fifteen minutes and then repeat this process, i ask if it would be ok for me to get settled in my office, "while i wait."

her grimace says no, but she relents all the same. on to my office we go, and along the way she informs me where The Boss Lady's office is, the library, the bathroom, etc. she leads me to my new office, turns on the light and leaves me to wait for the 9am start time. after i turn on my computer, i realize i don't have the password, so i go to k for this information (i now know this was my first mistake). not one to cut corners, and, say, just tell me the password, she escorts me back to my office to visually confirm that i have managed to turn on the computer and that i do actually need the password. i do. she leans up close to me and tells me that my password and the password to all the office computer is *london. yes, she whispers it. i confirm, "london?" she nods.

she then says, "well, i mean, i've never been there, but that's the password. not that it's any of my business!"

that was my first clue.

*m, s, this is NOT our real password. please do NOT start using it. i will be sending out a reminder email right now, one later today, and one a month from now so that you are better able to retain this information. let me know if you need any assistance in this matter, or if you have any questions. i would be happy to reply (once i have a response). let me know if you have any suggestions.