I guess it is safe to start being public about the new job. Tomorrow is day 12 and I seem to be doing well.  I am really liking the student database we use - it is so easy to learn, and it allows you to *fix* *your* *own* *boo-boos*.  Amazing.[1]  Most places that have Colleague resist change to other systems - and I can see why.  Really like the system.  I will be very vocal should anyone propose going to any of the databases I have tried to learn how to use.  I really like the people - very much like a family - which, you know, when I consider my family, is not always a compliment, you know?  However: people are helpful and friendly.  This place has an interesting custom: when you are a new employee, a long-term (well, longer than oneself, at least) employee from another area is assigned to you as a mentor.  They take you out to lunch and give you the low-down on the institution from another perspective.  I had my mentor lunch today, and very fun it was.  I have been seeing students and still managing not to tell them whoppers (yay), and I am learning the stance  - how firm I need to be about requirements.[2]  Also, like my boss very much - he is not a micromanager, which can make me nuts in about 5 seconds, and he is very clear about his goals.  Relief. 

Very happy.  Not free of anxious about jinx, but very happy.

[1] - really: this is an amazing attribute - most databases I have attempted to learn require an feted guru, imported at great expense, to correct data entry problems.  This really puts the brakes on the speed of learning, let me tell you.
[2] - some places only seem to have requirements so that there will be something to appeal and waive.