there's a new guy at work

I've been in my current job for five years, so I've seen plenty of "newbies," especially the ones who have joined my group. We got another one today, the e-mail administrator for whom I gave up the cubicle I'd occupied for four years. It's always fun to see someone who's completely new to the organization. They don't know anyone or where anything is located or how the firm works. They're so gullible, I could tell them all about the secret swimming pool and wine cellar in the building and they'd believe me. Everything is new to them, so normally weird ideas and wacky comments are completely plausible. And, in our technical world, they're essentially useless for a week or two until they learn enough of the environment to do the job for which they were hired. I'm not trying to make fun of the new guy -- we've all been the new person at a job, and no matter what it is, there's always that awkward period while you and your co-workers adjust to the changes. But I've been here long enough that it's difficult to remember the times when I didn't know the people or the firm that well, so it's entertaining to watch someone new go through that experience. I need to remember not to confuse him too much or too often with crucial information and obscure jokes. OK, maybe with the jokes. It's that brief look on their face when they're not sure if you're serious or joking that makes it fun.