i'm back. my trip is over. so here's the deal. someone is leaving and i'm learning what they do. i'll fill in until a replacement is found. that's part of my new position. they're still trying to figure out exactly what my new position is. they basically just appreciate my efforts and want to keep me around so they're figuring out how to keep me busy. that means hybriding things to create a new position. i have to figure out how that breaks down into real terms. then i'll come back to train the new person to do this new hybrid position, then travel up to the san francisco office to train someone there. this way, there will be 3 people in the company doing the same basic functions and we can fill in for each other should the need ever arise. that they have asked me and trust me to do this is a very good thing. it shows how much they value me as a worker. i will give it my all and hope that my efforts are appreciated and translates into a promotion in pay and title.