You know your last day is slightly more epic when…
4. July 2008
Rachel
…it’s also Bill Gates’ last day.
People keep asking me “isn’t this a bittersweet moment for you?” Well, first of all, I usually associate bittersweet with chocolate, particularly chocolate chips for cookies. I suppose it is a great to have completed my third internship with, by the way, an FTE offer already on the table for next June =) BUT I don’t want to leave. I keep thinking “Shit, I really have to leave Monday morning.” I can’t extend my time out here, unless I feel like paying for my flight home, which I don’t. Tomorrow will be exactly one year until my start date. I haven’t accepted the offer yet though. I still have some thinking to do.
I miss Ben who I haven’t seen since November. We haven’t talked that much since I’ve been gone; mostly because of his girlfriend. I think she feels threatened by me, which is a shame, because it’s heavily impacted my friendship with Ben. He’d do just about anything for her, even if it meant sacrificing our friendship. First of all, no significant other should give that type of ultimatum. I’ve faced similar situations with the best girl friend of a guy I was dating, but I’ve never made him chose between a friend or me; it’s not fair, and it’s selfish. It’s legitimate to express concerns about the friendship, but not to say, “Either it’s her or me”.
On another note, Mike and I decided that we really never like ‘Lil Jon’s food. What it really comes down to is the great times we’ve had there. We went there last weekend, Mike ordered the Taco omelet, I the #2 special minus the toast, plus one extra scrambled egg. We went to pick up his car at Nate’s maybe 45 minutes later… breakfast was not sitting well for either of us. I think we’ll stick to the memories we had there, instead of the food.
Anyway, I started this post a few days ago, which means I’m home now. I’ll do a quick update on how my final days in Washington went:
I did my final presentation to my team and a few other people (including my coach and my sister!!). I think I nailed it. I was nervous at first, but once I got going, I was able to crank out my topics without needing to refer to my slides a whole heck of a lot. I met with my manager the next day and received a recommendation for hire for a full time position with the company! Yes, exciting, but it really doesn’t mean anything. Since I would be joining the APEX program, I had to get the go-ahead from them first before I would see any type of job offer. Pretty much everyone I talked to told me I had nothing to worry about, and ultimately they were right. I met with HR last Thursday and received an AMAZING offer. I wish I could go into details, but it’s confidential, at least for now (I think haha). I didn’t take it right away. I was still a little in awe at how quickly all of this was happening. I wasn’t expecting to hear back about jobs until early fall. Now, I can go through my senior year knowing I have a fantastic job waiting for me in a fantastic location. I’m really looking forward to moving back West, but for now I’m trying to enjoy home and Boston as much as possible!
I miss my house, I miss my roommates, and I miss my friends. I can’t believe I second-guessed my decision to move out to Washington. It was one of the best experiences of my life, at times a little shakey, but I don’t regret my decision whatsoever. I made some of the best friendships and what’s good to know is we all expect to continue where we left off either back in Boston or, when we’re all finally back in Washington full-time. AHH, I’m so excited!
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Two more weeks, and counting
16. June 2008
Rachel
An interesting recollection brought a smile to my face earlier this morning.
This time last year, I was out in Seattle visiting Cathy. We went to the same beer festival then that we are going to today. I remember most of the day was spent indulging in great beer and dreaming of intern possibilities at Microsoft. I told Cathy “You just wait, I’ll be back here next year…and life will be good.” Well, here I am.
So I’ll say it one more time…You just wait, I’ll be back.
Great, it’s settled, I will be back, only this time as an FTE, with medical benefits (which we all know I need based on my medicine cabinet haha). As a side note, I’m ready to take the plunge and go off of the Azasan. I made an appointment with the GI specialiast that I first saw two years ago when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s. I keep reading online and hearing from other doctor’s that this is a bad idea, but being on a medicine that can cause cancer isn’t a great idea either. I think I have been in remission long enough to explore other options that will keep me flare-up free.
Two more weeks to go before I ship off to Bristol. I fly Alaska on the 30th of June; 8:50AM departure. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing.
I wish I didn’t have to leave, at least not yet.
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I Will Miss You, ‘Lil Jon
9. June 2008
Rachel
I will miss you Red Robin, Jack in the Box, Taco Time and every other fast food restaurant I never ate at but enjoyed driving by every morning on my way to work…Ok, I ate at Red Robin once, when I first moved here. Above all, I’ll miss ‘Lil Jon’s, my favorite family owned breakfast joint that my favorite men (my roommates) and I frequented on weekends. I’ll miss the eggs & hash browns (smothered in hot sauce) and all-the-toast-you-can-eat special. When all I need is an unrestricted breakfast, loaded with unnecessary calories, this is my go-to meal. It’s worth every five of my dollars and 95 cents of my change.
I know I’ll be back here eventually, probably not far from my first Bellevue home, where it all started, but 12 months seems like a life time, especially since I’m leaving behind a lot more than my preferred west coast restaurants. I still have three weeks left, but already I’m anticipating what it’s going to feel like when I finally have to say goodbye. I just don’t want a few things in particular to be heavily impacted by my absence. I guess won’t know how things will turn out, until they do. I want to make a few trips back out here during the school year, but now that I have invested in a second concentration, the chances of that have decreased considerably. Anyway, enough of this sad talk.
I’m looking forward to the summer back east. The weather has been less than desirable here. Temperatures have been hovering in the upper 50’s to lower 60’s with cloudy/rainy skies. We had a bought of gorgeous weather, which must have been a freak accident. I’ll finally have more time to practice yoga. I’d like to eventually invest in becoming a teacher. Vidal told me that becoming a yoga teacher requires more than polished poses; I first have to conquer inner conflict and find peace. He’s right. Anyone can take a three month long course to become a certified teacher, but it takes decades of practice and patience for a true yogi to emerge. I think I found my calling, haha.
I lost my train of thought…the neighbor’s dog is outside, barking, again. See Below:[singlepic=7,320,240,,left]
He has a loud and annoying bark for such a small, pudgy dog.
I’m not ready to leave yet. And to think, back in December I was worried I would become homesick, hate my job, and despise everything about the state of Washington.
This time, next year, I’ll make a point to re-read this post. Hopefully everything will have neatly fallen into place and I’ll be back here picking up right where I left off <3
Tentative Agenda:
Home - June 30, 2008
Boston - September 2008 - May 2009
Home - May 2009 - July 2009
Back to Washington! - July 2009
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Bring ‘em out
8. April 2008
Rachel
Motion-controlled remote for the Xbox? Yes, please!
Oh, I would say it’s about time. I drooled over PS3 and the Wii when they released their first motion-controlled controllers in 2006. To tell you the truth, I was a little surprised to not see Microsoft trailing close, if not right next, PS and Nintendo. I’m sure they have a good reason for the year(plus) competition gap; something is in the works, I can smell it. According to the article the Xbox controller is “designed to do all the Wii remote does, and more.” I’m curious to see what the “…and more” encompasses. I mentioned to my manager a while back that I was interested in the Xbox team. Exactly what I would be interested in doing, I’m not really sure. Regardless, I’d still like to see what opportunities are available.
The Wii is definitely a different gaming experience than the Xbox; I think that’s why I’ve enjoyed playing it. It’s the only console we have in the house as of right now. If I didn’t know any better, I would think we host nightly golf tournaments in the living room. I can hear Aviad’s shouts of disgust after completing a horrible swing…there goes the golf ball, into the lake. Our quote-wall has now turned into a scoreboard, cluttered with the latest Wii Sports standings. Unfortunately, I haven’t made it on to there yet. There has been talk about purchases an Xbox and rock band, but no one has acted on it. I’m trying to keep my finances in order so I can support myself during school for my last two semesters; I can’t go dropping hundreds of dollars for entertainment like that. If I had an infinite supply of money, it would be on my list of things to purchase. My only problem would be finding time to play it.
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Soul Searching 101
4. April 2008
Rachel
I talked to my dad on my way home from yoga, mulling over the latest quandary I let myself wander into. I’m sincerely confused and frustrated; frustrated because I’m confused (what a vicious cycle). I’m such a detailed-oriented person when it comes to just about everything, except boys. I don’t give myself enough time to evaluate my position in life, who this guy is, or how I feel about engaging myself in a relationship. I came out here expecting to stay single, on purpose. I thought it out, through and through. I saw no point in rushing something together over a six month period, only to leave for ten months or possibly never move back to Seattle (I plan on being back here, but hypothetically speaking). Lately, I can’t seem to find what makes me happy in a relationship; I’m in one right now, but I’m not feeling the way I had expected. I don’t need flowers, candy, or the stuffed animals; sure they’re great, but that is not what matters most to me. I feel like such a hypocrite saying, “I enjoy the emotional connection that I feel with a guy”, when I can’t even let myself open up to anyone. I put a wall up, and honest to God, I have no idea why. Maybe, I’m afraid of getting hurt. Legitimate reason I would assume, but I know that isn’t the only reason. Is it really me? Or is it the types of guys I’m fishing out of the dating pond? If you know the answer, please enlighten me.
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Sorry Mom, I still like it here
1. April 2008
Rachel
The room sits uncomfortably at 109+ for the second day in a row, with increased humidity, compared to the day before. I can feel every muscle in my body struggling to keep me balanced and centered as I lose my grip multiple times. With each position, Vidal encourages us to let go of all thoughts by concentrating on a center point in the mirror. It’s hard for me to completely turn off ideas and check-lists brewing in the back of my mind. When I actually can, that’s when I’m able to experience the benefits of yoga. Lately, I no longer perseverate over how hot, uncomfortable, or sweaty I am; it’s routine now and often welcomed. My next goal is to leave every problem, every worry, and all self-deliberation at the door; I want 90 minutes of complete peace. If I can accomplish that, gosh, I’d be so proud =)
I’m at the midpoint of my career as a Microsoft intern! I’m excited that I made it this far, but I’m sad that I’m almost finished. I love what I’m doing and the people who I work with. I couldn’t have asked for an overall better experience. Midpoint reviews are happening within the next few weeks. I scheduled meetings with my manager, mentor, and everyone else on my team. I’m hoping to walk away with some great feedback. I’ve never been critiqued before in a way that I want to receive feedback. If I’m doing horrible, I’d like to know! I’m sure, in past internships, that there were areas I could have performed better or more efficiently in. My managers would mostly give me positive feedback, which is good, but I feel like there is always room for improvement. I might not know where to look for that improvement and if I ask for it, or if someone else thinks I need it, I want to know where to find it!!! I feel like some managers, especially those new to interns, think they need to baby us. I won’t be receiving any babying after graduation, so don’t start now. Let’s hope I can squeeze out two more months over the summer here, after my internship is over. Cross your fingers for me, please!!
Happy April Fool’s Day!
Top 10 April Fools’ Day Joke Web Sites
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I work for Microsoft, I should know how to drive a car.
28. January 2008
Rachel
I’m embarrassed to say, I think I brought all the snowy east coast weather to
I was slightly more determined to get to work this morning than I should have been. My roommate, Aviad, suggested I go in later in the morning, or not at all if I was worried about driving. I’m so used to the Purple Bomber back home, which has gotten me through the worst of snow conditions. My Kia acts like a runaway sled. It apparently has ABS, which I have yet to see activate. Needless to say, I called Avis and asked for a replacement car with four-wheel drive and ABS. If they have one available, I’ll be picking it up later tonight. If not, I’ll bother them until I get one. We might be picking up around 1-3 inches tonight. If that’s the case, I will most likely work from home. It’s getting old giving myself mini-heart attacks because I can’t stop my car.
On a more pleasant note, I love where I’m living. I love everything about this place! I can’t believe this month is almost over. That means only five more months left, possibly seven, if I’m able to extend my internship! I’m trying to work my hardest to receive a full-time offer from Microsoft which I want sooo bad! I can already picture myself living out here permanently, I know, I wasn’t expecting that either. Lunch is almost over…more to come!
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Where I Want To Be
4. January 2008
Rachel
I don’t even know where to begin!
I’m about 85% moved in to my
Since I haven’t written a previous blog entry explaining my move, I’ll do that now:
I interviewed with Microsoft representatives on campus in early November; it was last minute and unexpected. All semester I had been under the impression that they wouldn’t be hiring for the spring co-op cycle. My advisor sent out an e-mail a week before announcing that there would be interviews held after all. I think I’ve been waiting for this opportunity forever. Even if I don’t decide to come back full time, if I’m offered a position, nothing compares to trying out a company for six months. If I don’t like it, I can always go home at the end of the cycle, but I have a feeling there won’t be any negative experiences on my end; I’m ready to make this work for me. I know I’m only a co-op with not much experience but I want to be apart of something meaningful. I’m ready to be apart of an actual team and work on projects that play a role in the success of the company. I haven’t had that type of experience yet. I’m excited to start work next week!
Cathy, Kevin, Mike, and I flew out to
I have so much more to say but I need to catch myself at the right moment or this entry will turn into a bunch of rambling sentences. More to come later!
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I Found a Quarter Today
27. September 2007
Rachel
I have a new found respect for those on crutches or a in a wheel chair. I haven’t lasted through the third day of debilitation without wanting to bare-hand bend those intertwined pieces of metal. My upper body and right leg are tired from carrying most of my weight, then throw in two hour swim practices a night and you have one exhausted Rachel.
I hope I have never been as rude as some of the people I have passed on campus. One girl got really close to me as she was trying to pass on the left and knocked the crutch out from under me; she then proceeded to yell at me for getting in her way. I’m not asking for sympathy, maybe just an extra foot of walking room; I can’t seem to travel in a straight line these days. haha. I really shouldn’t be focusing on those who haven’t been so polite; MANY bystanders have stopped to help me open a door or lend an arm. Thanks.
I’m thankful to not have a permanent cast on. I have a temporary air cast which I can remove when I’m sitting down or when I swim. I’m sure I saw this coming way back when I first started having leg troubles. Either I have a high tolerance for pain or I’m very good at ignoring my body, either way, I ended up with little stress fractures along my tibia. I have an expected recovery time of about 4-6 weeks followed by NO running for six months. I’m a very active person; if I didn’t have swimming to resort to, I would go crazy. I will surely miss my Saturday morning long runs along the Charles or through the Boston Commons, especially now that fall is approaching. There is something so peaceful about watching the trees shed their orange and red leaves against the backdrop of a crisp, blue sky. I look forward to a full recovery and my first, early spring run!
I have a last minute interview scheduled for tomorrow with the Defense Intelligence Agency. I’m excited but a little worried about the lack of time available to me for preparation. I only have tonight! I will be meeting with the Deputy CIO which in itself will be a great experience. I don’t think I’ve ever had an opportunity to interview with someone that high up in the ranks.
On another great note, Kevin proposed to Cathy last Wednesday on their three year anniversary! I’m so happy for “the both”.
Anyway, time to go brush up on my wow-factor 
Updates to come!
I found a quarter the side walk today, successfully picking it up five minutes later. I just saved 25 cents on my next load of laundry.
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Seattle Bound
25. June 2007
Rachel
As said by Mr. Edward Murphy, “What can go wrong, will go wrong.” It was cloudy, cool, and at times rainy when I visited my sister in Seattle last week. We had planned my trip to visit during June hoping the weather would warm up and cooperate. Needless to say that was probably the only thing working against me throughout my stay. I came prepared though, packing mostly long sleeved shirts and pants. Despite the outside conditions, we still did a lot of walking around in the city.
My flight to Seattle was very pleasant. I took the entire day off on Thursday so I was able to relax before leaving. I arrived at the airport around 5:00pm which gave me about an hour to get through security, find the bathrooms, and grab a snack. Checking in was a breeze, there was no line. My flight boarded and left close to on time which is always nice. I hate flying…I hate it with a passion. If I had the ability to drive to Seattle, I probably would’ve done that. BUT, I ended up sitting next to a very cute guy on the way there. We talked the entire flight which helped me forget that I was traveling thousands of feet above ground. Being so high off terra firma freaks me out. The flight was long but the good company made it more bearable.
I went to work with Cathy on Friday, met some of her co-workers, and went to a meeting with her. It was nice to get a first-hand view of what it’s like to work there. Never know, I may find myself working there one day!
Around 11:30 Cathy took me down to the cafeteria to get lunch. Then we headed to the Microsoft museum and the company store. We probably spent more time in the museum than Cathy wanted to. I found an Xbox in the gaming room…Gears of War was already loaded.
Saturday was the Washington Brewer’s Festival in Kirkland. Kevin came over for breakfast before we headed out. Out of habit, I started cooking the pancakes. We had no maple syrup so I tried making it out of brown sugar and water but Cathy had no apples (don’t ask, it comes out great…the apple is key). It didn’t turn out well, at all. I tried my hardest. At least I didn’t burn the pancakes. We left around 11:30 to get to Kristin’s. Being the responsible adults that we are, the bus was our choice of transportation. It took us a little over an hour just to get to the festival from Kristin’s. We had to transfer from one bus to another then wait for the shuttle. It was well worth the $20. The fee included a small tasting glass and six tokens. I only tried one beer that I didn’t like. Cristina made a great observation…it resembled cough syrup in both taste and appearance. My favorite, hands down, was the Old Chub, a dark Scottish ale. I’ve went to two liquor stores in Boston which supposedly sold the beer but I have yet to find it.
Sunday afternoon Cathy, Kevin, and I walked to the Public Market down by the harbor. The market easily became one of my many favorite spots in Seattle. I’m a sucker for fresh produce and seafood. I even found myself enjoying the crowds of people. We sat down for great drinks and lunch then went next door to the aquarium. On the way home we grabbed huge chocolate chip cookies just as it began to rain. I was too stuffed to begin eating the gooey goodness on the way home. It was worth waiting until later to truly enjoy it.
Monday brightened up nicely. The clouds stuck around throughout most of the morning but gave way by the afternoon. It was a lazy morning. Cathy and I didn’t get moving until around 12. We wanted to make the 1PM Seattle Underground tour. We would’ve made it in time if we didn’t stop for coffee. The tour must have sold out by 12:30, we arrived around 12:40. It wasn’t a total loss, there was a tour going out again at 2. That gave us time to go back to Starbucks and get a coffee for me. I’m glad we waited instead of going to do something else. I highly recommend the tour. It is something you really have to see to believe.
Afterwards we took the bus back towards the Space Needle. I don’t do well with heights but I really wanted to go to the observation deck. Cathy insisted we stand near the windows on the way up in the elevator (she wasn’t trying to be mean. I never told her I hate heights haha). I didn’t look down during the ride up. I kept my eyes glued to the ceiling. Once we got up there I was ok. I can look directly out towards a horizon and be ok. Looking straight down is what kills me! =P The view was spectacular. We walked around taking pictures here and there.
My flight left Monday night at 9. A very large man sat next to me and another women on the right side of the plane. Needless to say, I couldn’t change the channel on my TV. The remote was on his side of the armrest. I felt bad for the women on the other side of him. She needed to use the bathroom and asked politely if she could get by. He became so mad that he had to get up for her. I didn’t mind moving, I know having to go to the bathroom isn’t something a person can avoid. I didn’t sleep that much either. It was a louder on this flight, more babies and more coughers. I was so glad to be home but only because it meant I was able to get off the plane. I wish I was still in Seattle. Who knows, I may be living there permanently some day =)
I fall victim to this more times than I can count, mostly with my friends though. I’m not sure I would dare to correct my boss or other superior. Anyway, I thought this was an interesting read:
Is It Wrong to Correct Someone’s Grammar?
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