Bosses' Day

Today is Bosses' Day! Traditionally, I've signed the card circulating the office and pitched in $1-2 for the communal brownies baked by one of the office brown-nosers.

I felt out of place today when I realized that, in my new job, I don't really have a boss. Sure, I kinda sorta report to the CEO and COO, but both of them gave me limitless freedom. The CEO signs my expense reports and the COO gives me feedback on my projects and encourages me to forge onward....and that's about it. In my first month, I had a big meeting conflict and asked the COO for advice. He shrugged and said, "You're in the big leagues now. You figure it out." My secretary got me out of the bind with some cleaver calendar management. When I wanted to notify a few folks of my approaching vacation, my secretary just popped it on everyone's calendars. When I was sick, I emailed my secretary and she cleared my calendar and let everyone know I was out of the office. Whenever I have an grant application due, a meeting to plan, or even a card to sign, my secretary notifies me.

In a weird way, I think my secretary is actually my boss! She brought in these wonderful, homemade Italian pastries, complete with rich, warm, apricot filling to celebrate the day. I still feel a bit uncomfortable accepting such gestures. I feel like I should be making her homemade pastries...yeah...that would be a great project for the weekend. Except I'd have to buy the mix at Meijer because I usually burn toast and ruin boiled water!!!