Amazing the difference a boss makes!  I did not realize how empty was my work spirit until "The Captain" left and I was on my own.  And given the lack of communication, I had a lot of catching up to do on the 'black hole' areas.  Those I was not allowed to administer, even though it was part of my job (leave that to the Wormtongue that left before the captain).

In the last 2 weeks we have done more, and fixed more than in the previous 6 months (ok, that might be a slight exageration - but only slight).  I am now partnering with the WAN team and we are getting results in days instead of months.  Security is still a hold out, but there are signs of cooperation there as well.  And the network is getting better and more stable!

And I am learning again!  I forgot how fun that was!  Latest one is Split Tunnel!  I did not know that was possible, but it will fix the latest issue with minimal compromising from Security) and we are talking minimal!  The Security guy will love that!

vendors seem to want to go out of their way to help us!  The Big Mucky Muck (CIO) at DSS is very pleased that he no longer has to bow at the alter of the Network god!

For my regular readers, who have noticed that I have been posting very seldom and not much, now you know why!  On Call may be a be-atch, but that is the only down side!  And my co-workers?  I am impressed with how much they are now shaking the terror of the Captain and striking out!  If I get the Captains job (not much suspense there - it is whether I will accept it), I am definitely going to be busy writing letters of commendation.

Something the captain was incapable of doing.  But he is gone, and learning is fun!  And even the Horta can now program a router!  We have made great progress!

Did I say I am loving it?

Tired?  Yes, but very satisfied with my job.  For the first time in 3 years.