To celebrate new beginnings, the geek side of me couldn't stop myself from installing Windows Vista, Microsoft's Windows XP with Aero (basically).
Wednesday, March 14 would bring me down to Redmond, WA for a second time. The first time I was going for a full time position at Microsoft. Getting down there for the first time was a true adventure, indeed. The plane flew down to Seattle after being delayed 2 hours. It circle Seattle and finally made its way back to Vancouver on an account of fog. So I had to taxi home and drive my ass down to Redmond in my Civic. My original 10am arrival time was transformed to 6pm - a whole day wasted traveling. Because I had woken up at 5:30am to catch my initially scheduled 8:30am flight, I had to pull over and catch some Z's on my way down.
Anyways, back to March 14th. I drive down once more for an interview with...Microsoft. Crossing the boarding was a pain in the ass. The told me to go to customs where a dude asked if I had narcotics and firearms twice. Twice. "Do you have narcotics? Firearms? Narcotics? Guns or firearms?" Do I look like a Triad member to them? They even went so far to confirm I had an interview with Microsoft (or more accurately,
Volt.)
Anyways, this time they offer me a position on the Xbox Live team. And do I accept their offer? No. On Friday morning they call me and make me the offer, wanting me to give them an answer over the phone. (What's up with that? The first time they give me the boot. Second time they ask what it would take to make me say yes on the spot.) Because I had a final (4th) interview with Accenture to go to later on that day, I stuck to my guns and said I needed time to think about the offer. After the interview with Accenture, they offer me a position. And do I accept their offer? Yes.
Why?
Number one, they're 5 minutes away from home, while Microsoft is 2 hours away from home in another country. Second, I love
Vancouver. It's the best city in the world. Period. Redmond is boring, but there's probably many things to do and explore if you're a local. They have pho for 5.15USD (large), 6.25USD (xtra large), and all you can eat
Japanese buffet with unlimited sashimi and dungeonous crab for 25USD. Third, Volt is offering me a contract position for 24USD/hour. That seems like a lot, but after rent and living expenses, I'll be broke-ass, especially in Redmond, where rent is notoriously expensive. (Redmond is populated by Microsoft employees. Go figure). Accenture is offering salary which rivals Volt, minus the rent, and a full time position with benefits. I'd be a madman to reject Accenture. Fourthly, and not lastly, the parties at Accenture. 'Nuff said.
So March 19th, 2007 is the start of a new life, and a fresh beginning. But with every birth, there is a death. (Or is it the other way around? Well, in my case, it's birth then death). I miss Jess, and I believe I still have strong feelings for her. I hope she's doing well wherever she is, and staying safe from this mean world. I hope she finds someone who would love her the way she deserves, and who will marry her and take care of her forever. December 2, 2006 marks a death in my life, but life continues, and God continues to be gracious, merciful, and faithful.
