Tech Life

I got a new job, what a relief! It's definitely next-level in terms of technical concepts, and I'm absolutely surrounded by smart people. I'm drowning in brains. Such a nice change from being surrounded by incompetent people in previous jobs! Great benefits, excellent location, and tons of perks. I love being in a challenging environment where there's so much room to grow, and people are so helpful and intellectual that it's impossible not to.

This is what I needed to really stay in Seattle. The opportunity at hand is certainly a milestone in my career and I'm going to love it for a long time - I can already feel it.

New Year, New JOB!

So far, 2013 has been fantastic.

Firstly, I finally got some SNOW! But more importantly, I got a new job. =) I know, I know... I just started working at Expedia a few months ago. I did enjoy travel writing and I had some pretty interesting coworkers. I received a contract extension last week... but I also received a LinkedIn message from a recruiter shortly after accepting said extension. The message mentioned a Technical Writer opportunity that I would be qualified for. And it surely sounded interesting! So I called back, and before I knew it I was interviewing with the manager.

The interview could not have gone better. I mean like literally, there is nothing else I could have brought to the table in retrospect. We talked phones, work environments, and the industry for a solid hour. Longest and best interview ever! I'm so excited to be writing about phones again, I couldn't think of a job that I want more at this point in my career. The best part of all was getting an offer for the job even before I got home from the interview. Got 'em!

I have one week off before starting my new gig, and I've been wanting to start a new blog. So I did! Enjoy.

The New Jay Oh Bee

So, the new job is officially fan-tas-tic! =) Much more fun than I had anticipated, and I don't know if I could ask for more. Well, more money, but you can always ask for more money. As far as coworkers, environment, management, and actual work goes, I seriously couldn't ask for much else! Great benefits, corporate discounts, company lunches, fully-stocked kitchens, and happy hour. OMG, it almost feels too good to be true.

And the work? I really enjoy the projects because they're so hands-on and I definitely get to see all of my effort in the final result. Right now we're between projects, so I'm learning how to code HTML and CSS. Yesterday, I made my own webpage! I'm learning tons about MS Office also - so many things I didn't know you could do in Excel. I'm already nearing the end of my second week, and I'm still excited!

There are so many lunch places to explore in San Mateo, and so much sunshine out there to bask in =) I met with Nick and Jon last week for Santa Ramen, YUM! I haven't had much free time but I've managed to get to HH a couple of evenings and went to Regina's birthday last Saturday. It's difficult going out, what with all of the waking up early and working at BMW on Saturdays still. Although, the commute really isn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I honestly don't mind the drive. I haven't decided how to decorate my cube yet, but I'm thinking frogs will be all I need!

Right now I'm packing for Seattle, I'm flying out after work tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have time to blog about my trip, got lots of fun activities planned and am sure I'll have plenty of pictures. SO much going on, so little time!!!

The Office, Going to the Office, Office Attire

Guess who got their glaaaaaassessssssss :) Picture immediately per Chad's request! I picked them up after tonss of shopping. I drove to San Mateo this morning at 8:30 to see how the commute will be, and I got "to work" right around 9:10. I guess it's going to take 45 minutes door to door, which really isn't so bad. I didn't expect much less, this will just take some getting used to.

I went to Bridgepointe, Hillsdale, Serramonte, and then back to Hillsdale! I bought work clothes and work shoes, and a few extra things in between. Actually, quite a few extra things. Oh well, it's probably going to be a while before I get to shop again! And this is my last Monday off... ever.. until the next holiday. LOL.

SO when I was at Target, I noticed that they have these new carts made up ENTIRELY of plastic. And they're COMPLETLEY SILENT! I think this is pretty dangerous, because every aisle is a blind corner and you really can't tell when another person is approaching. It reminded me of The Office, when Andy pushes Dwight into the bush after sneaking up silenty in his Prius.

I've been watching The Office the past few days, and I sincerely hope that my new job is like that. I hope there's a Dwight, and a Kevin, and also a Jim. Not a Michael though, don't think I can handle that. Maybe I'm expecting too much... but a girl can hope, can't she?

Grand Opening, Grand Closing

I interviewed for a tech writing position on Monday, and was surprised at how relaxed I was. I think I've finally fully grown into my personality. Someone once told me that you don't really know who you are until after college, when you're 20 something. Now I understand. But anyway, if I was nervous at all it was only because I've never interviewed for something and not gotten the job. My winning streak was on the line!

Tuesday morning I got word, in the form of a job offer. I accepted earlier today, and informed BMW. On one hand, I was really excited! And I knew they would be happy for me! On the other hand, I'm really sad to go. So many fond memories and great relationships have stemmed from BMW, and I really and truly enjoyed my time there. An experience I will never forget.

But here I am, embarking on a new journey. Growing up and jumpstarting a career. I've started building my "work wardrobe" and will continue to do so for the next weeks. No more jeans and t-shirts! But hey, August will be an amazing month. New job, Seattle trip! SO MANY ACTIVITIES!!