Well, I just finished my first week of half-time (25 hours), in my new position as “Senior Usability Engineer.”

What am I doing now that I have this extra word in my title? Pretty much exactly what I did before. I think every engineer is a usability engineer—maybe some don’t know that they are.

This first week back felt v. productive. Lots of varied projects… everything from a partial web site revamp to carpet samples for our new office space. I feel like the company woke up from a deep sleep since I left for vacation 2 weeks ago, but it’s probably just a change in my own perception. Anyway, I’m hoping this change of schedule will keep my productive momentum going, both at the office and in my own work. I’ve never been much of a clock watcher in the first place, but at 40 hours a week maybe it’s harder stay focused on one thing. Especially sitting in front of that damn computer.

Which is what I’m doing now, so I don’t know why I bother complaining. But speaking of getting outside, I received my 17-40 f/4L lens this week. This is a pretty new addition to Canon’s EOS lens lineup, and I have no doubt it’s a solid lens. Eventually, when I am feeling irresponsible enough with my money, I’ll get a digital SLR to go behind this lens. Meanwhile, I’m going to get out there with the ol’ 35mm and see how it goes. I’ll resist the temptation to write a review of my new lens—using terms like bokeh along the way—because you’d see me for the equipment measurbator that I am.