[Prudence]

So, you know how my job sucks? Well, Monday my boss was so busy trying to figure out the travel system that she had to actually let me do some work. Shocking, I know - allowing one's employees to perform the job for which they were hired. I got to brief a colonel who's pretty sharp and asked questions that I had to actually think about to answer - but was able to answer, because I actually paid attention to the training I had to take and I actually learned the concepts. And he apparently was impressed by me, as was reported to me the next day.

Then, Tuesday, my boss had left on the above-referenced travel, as had every single other person in my little unit, so I was the only person available to attend the very secretive limited-attendance meeting about up-coming changes and how they would impact us. And I was actually able to articulate concerns that were relevant and insightful. And wrote a summary and ccd my boss's boss on that email.

It was the best two days I've ever had in the 7 months I've been there. I actually got to think. People asked me questions and I answered them. And I demonstrated that I wasn't merely an ambulatory pudding packet. Sure, when I get back from DC I'll be back to data entry and web surfing, but for two days I had a taste of real work. I had to stay late and everything. It was beautiful.