New job

I accepted a job today as Program Manager of Casual Games, in the Zone group at Microsoft. I start April 18th. I like my manager. "I feel like I started at the far side of the maze," I wrote, "And got -- or got led -- to the treasure at the heart."

Casual Games are ones for non-gamers -- like Hearts, Solitaire, Tetris, Hexic, Word Jumble, etc. You can play for free at zone.com.

Many angels helped:

Pat, who recommended me to Christina
Christina, who checked references, brought me in for interviews, and gave Joshua permission to approach me
Giancarlo, who gave not one but two detailed references
Rob, who wrote a stunning reference
Darryl, who wrote a fantastic reference
Michele, who wrote a awesome reference
Ben & Gwen, who prayed for me during each and every interview
Joshua, who chose to interview me for his group
Peter & Jason, who took me to a dazzling lunch
All interviewers in both groups, who gave profound attention
Chris, who enabled me to talk to the product unit manager
Jason, who sent free word-games to tide me through the wait
Mark, who kept hold of me through 15 interviews, even after I was no longer with his group
Everyone involved in my offer, who did it quickly
John, my brother, Joan, Radmila, Jeff, Kris, Michele, Jim, Patricia, Lyon, Kipley, JJ, Scott, Rik, =s=, and many others who gave unwavering support
the gods, the Mystery, and that butterfly's wing
Stanislavski & Chekhov, because they help with everything