What a weekend!

Been a pretty crazy and very exciting long weekend here! This will be my run down of all the events so that everyone can know how much fun we (Sean and I) had the past two days, and so tht I'll remember it in the future.

Woke up early on Sunday and was lazy for a while, read my book for about an hour its getting pretty good! About noon, we were ready to leave on our first adventure. To San Jose. Not much of an adventure to start with really. Went to San Jose to see Sean's new Panera store near the airport. Looks very nice but not very open yet. After checking out the area a little and playing a round of smash bros at the local GameStop, we headed to the Mall. THE MALL. This is a pretty big mall, doesn't really compare to the Mall of America in Minneapolis but its still very big. Its called the WestField Shopping Valley Fair. and what I found interesting is that it is very carefully layed out and very diverse at the same time. So in one area would be all the kids stores and in another would be all the staker-punk stores and in another would be all the fancy BananaRepublic++ stores. It was a very nice mall and I'm sure if I had any money to spare I could have done some damage.

The best part about this mall is there is a Cheesecake Factory Resturant attached to it. OH MAN. It was so very good. Prices weren't bad especially considering the portion sizes (there are pictures) The burgers were HUGE. Much to much food for me anyways. But we still have to-die-for cheesecake at the end. "Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cheesecake" It was amazing. Yes, I'm going to the gym soon.

After that we went to cupertino, to get Sean schedule and go to Target to get new sheets for the bed. The ones that it came with were horribly uncomfortable and I really didn't know how back until I slept in the new ones and ended up sleeping in till 11. new sheets are jersey knit and great!

Oh and watched the worst movie ever sunday night.

Monday (Today) the plan was to go to the beach (Which has wireless access by the way) but it was just a little to cold. wouldn't have been much fun and a long drive for not much fun. SO instead we went exploring... major adventure. The goal was to go into the mountains. So we headed out of here about 1-ish and headed towards what we thought was a park according to the map but was actually a golf course. Driving in the mountains is crazy! and the little car could barely do it. It was definatly struggling at more than one point. So figured out that it was a Golf Course and picked a new destination... Redwood Park. took a long time to finally get there but it was totally worth it. The redwoods were awesome! and the hike we took was pretty cool. I however was the exact opposite of prepared for a hike since I was wearing a skirt and flipflops. anyways I survived.

headed back to Mountain View and went to Pasta? to have dinner. It was actually very good tho the portions were smaller than I expected. I would go back again however and the service was great. Tonight, planning on playing a little scrabble and going to bed early.

Photos

Long Weekend and Video Games

I didn't have to work today, and I don't have to work tomorrow or Monday! WOO. Its cool but at the same time I'd like to be able to check my work email which I can't from home. Oh well. I'm currently sitting at Panera Bread just chilling out with my laptop. can't type very well but that could be the 2 coffees I've just had. The store is closed but cause I know the assistant manager I get to stay inside!

I spent most of today at home just cleaning the apartment a bit and playing video games on my computer. Without realizing it I nearly played 4 hours of CivIV today. Its Sean's game I barely know how to play but its pretty cool and definitely fun. Can't play it here tho. Its not meant to be played with a touch pad and I did not bring my mouse. One thing I'm looking for here tho is an old game console system for back at the apartment. Since the cable doesn't work and I doubt we will get it hooked up this summer it would be cool to be able to entertain myself with an N64 or SuperNES. They are fairly hard to come by for a decent price here. been checking craigslist (which is way popular around here) but they don't have what I'm looking for. If anyone has any other ideas let me know. I can only play so many hours of GBA before my eyes go crazy.

I've been recalling the past few weeks here, its all been very interesting. Work of course is overwhelming but its different things that have made the journey interesting. Some of the things I've noticed,

• Even when you think you are getting a decent deal and you've tried a dozen ways to make it cheaper people will still make fun of you and think you are nuts for paying so much.
• I do a lot of planning, and obsessing over details.
  
• It was a lot of work to actually get here and have everything planned as much as I did, and I'm not sure anybody else saw all those details.
  
• I find I talk about Sean a lot more here than I do at home, and I think that's understandable cause hes here with me but its a totally different experience for me. When I'm at home, I try not to talk about him as much cause he's far away.
  
• I think I like the idea of working at a big company with a small company/educational feel.
  
• I miss my friends and family a lot. Its hard being away.
• I know people will hate me for saying this, But I miss Sheik (the cat) more than I expected. Bailey too, but I'm used to being away from Bailey (the dog).
  

That's all I have right now I believe.

X3 was Awesome!

Went and saw my first midnight showing last night. It was quite an experience. The 12:00 showing was completely sold out hours before the show. (probably days but I'm not sure) I was happily entertained. People who are ravenous X-Men fanatics who do nothing but argue over details about the comics and who obviously had their hopes and expectations set to high, like Sean and his friends, may have been a little disappointed. However I thought it was great and everyone should go see it.

I'm kinda inbetween stuff at the moment at work, actually I've been writing this post all day inbetween meetings and such. But hurray its Friday and its also a long weekend. Haven't figured out plans yet but should try to do something with the days off. Hopefully I'll take some pictures of something cool so people don't get too bored with me.

Edit: The t-shirt bin was filled today. I was one of the very lucky ones to get a new t-shirt. WOO now I have blue and yellow. maybe next time (if I'm that lucky again) I'll try to pick up some different sizes. Its hard to take more than one when there is a big "Don't be Evil" sign above it.

Edit 2: Now I'm not going to name names here, but I was in the presents of billionaires today. That was pretty cool.

Edit 3: This is post 42!

Hummm...

Got an interesting article from Slashdot today. All about interns and blogging made me think about everything I've written so far. And I still think I'm in the clear, tho maybe I should change my blog name... I suppose it could get me in trouble. But really I only have good things to say about Google and gExperience. I've already learned a ton.

I'm pretty tired today. Actually had a busy day running around and the such. Tomorrow is going to be just as bad too. However it is Friday tomorrow and I get Monday off. WOO! I went to the social security office today to get my SSN. If I don't recieve it within two weeks there will be major problems. I guess I'm relying on the postal service agian.

Looking up a bit!

So, I have a car now. overloadedly insured. Probably costing me too much but I'm glad I have the car. Public transit is not very nice around here. I'm not saying I couldn't do it but its rather expensive and not very direct. I'm looking forward to being able to drive around a little more, see a little more of the area.

Also, I don't have to go to the US Orientation Meeting in SF tomorrow. I found out that the meeting isn't for me and I can stay here and work, which is great cause I'm getting a bunch more work to do. Woo!

Speaking of which... I should get back to it. It will be time to go home (7:30 ish) before you know it. Strange how I can now work a 10 hour day and not even care.

Frustrated

Sorry I haven't been posting as usual been having some frustrating times here. Work is fine, I have enough to keep me busy for a little while. Its everything else thats frustrating me. It rained on sunday so I didn't get to do much on my day off. The bike from hell fell apart... while Sean was riding it. and now that will cost a whole bunch to repair. Rented a car and thought that I had insurance but apperently I don't have either have to put insurance on the car or take it back. My parents are very upset with me. My Grandfather is very sick. Sean is frustrated with Cali cause he misses his friends and his city. Just having a crappy week so far and its only Tuesday.

And to top it all off, I think I grabbed decaf coffee this morning instead of the caffine I needed.

I'm awake too early for a saturday.

Its just after 9 and I'm awake cause I simply can't sleep in. My body is already adjusted to getting up for work. Actually I think my body is expecting food... I suppose I should find some eventually. It just won't compare to the food at work.

Last Night we went and saw the Da Vinci Code. Which would have been a great outting to meet some other interns and be more social with them. However, I could not believe how packed the movie theater was! like in the entire parking lot there was no spots left... the only option was to stalk people in the outer rows of the parking lot. Movie started at 10, we finally found a parking spot at about 10:15 and only missed a few minutes of the movie. The movie was average, I think I liked it but I'm not sure I would see it again. And apperently its nothing like the book and the book was way better. So I'm still planning on reading that.

I finally got my first project at work. And that's as much as I'm going to say.

Today, I plan on playing some video games and maybe reading my book. If I feel adventurous I may go and find my way to Sean's store and visit him at work. We'll see!

Day 3

Disclaimer:
I know I'm not allowed to say much of anything in my blog I'm not entirely sure where the line is I'm going with my best judgement and going to be on the conservative side.

Pretty good day today, Visited San Fran today with the rest of the User Experience Research Group. Had team building day! Which means, group picnic at Golden Gate Park. Really cold day today in SF, well... cold by CA standards. most people were wraped up in blankets huddled by the BBQ for heat, not the Canadian tho.... Went for a short drive (to get warm and) to see the Buffalo herd... also know as ... one bison. That was a bit of let down. When we got back, the group's frisbee stuck in the tree and all the guys throwing bachi balls at it... smart group. No body was hurt tho. The park ranger finally came by and said the would get the tall truck to get the frisbee and the 6 balls that were stuck in the tree now down. Caused quite a scene, but everything was finally returned. Thats basically the cliffnotes version of the story, was a lot more funny to actually be there.

made it to Google in time for breakfast this morning... Smoothies made right to order, Very cool. Carpooling again tomorrow in time for breakfast again! The new plan is to carpool when I can to google... one of my 'neighbours' here is interning as well, and he has a car, so I am very very thankful to him and will probably buy him a present for all the trouble.

So Tired....

Been a very long day with a LOT of information to absorb... A lot of lectures and paperwork and orientation. Even a lot of buildings to underderstand and find my way around. All in all a good day tho. Basically all I can say (after being lectured on security and the such) is that the food is great.

Steak for lunch at Charlie's Grill. Was a good day.

Everything you hear about it is nothing compared to actually being there. Its almost hard to believe.

It felt like being a freshman all over again at the same time.

Anyways... My work term report is 98% done... i just have to put some finishing touches on it and mail it in. Which is great news cause now when i get home from work i can read or play video games if i want.

Tomorrow is the big day....

You know... I thought I would be more nervous than this. Tomorrow is my first day. Had a busy day in the sun today so I''m really just tired. I'm sure I will have tones to write about tomorrow.

Wish me Luck!

Swimming Swimming in the Swimming Pool

Today, we went swimming! Very exciting, I haven’t been in a swimming pool in a long time, defiantly missed it. However I must say, swimming just isn’t as fun as it is when you are little. No games to play just treading water and keeping cool. Keeping cool was the goal, It was fairly warm day today! Went on a long walk to grab some tools and necessary food.

Trader Jacks. What a cool place! All organic foods and all fresh foods… defiantly going back here again. Couldn’t carry enough with us so I just grabbed some organic raspberry jam. Really really good!

World Market. So this place was interesting too, Kind of like a pier 1 store… here we picked up two chairs and a small table for the patio. Not overly comfy but they do the trick.

Pick Up Stix. The Chinese restaurant across the street. Very clean, made to order food. Just great orange chicken, can see spending a whole bunch of money there this summer.

More Exploring

So ... Walmart Bikes ... uh yeah ... the bike itself is fine, the assembly, like Will commented is a little sketchy. Its not that bad, I just needed to grab some tools to fix it up. But heres the story... So I'm biking along planned on doing a big tour of the "city" and the handle bar is getting lose. So okay... it is shifting everytime I move my arms. Its also turning so the breaks are either above my hand or directly under them... either way I can't get to them. Not that it matters anyways cause the front break is so lose that it doesn't do anything anyways. Sure I'm probably luck I'm still alive but I have no regrets. Bought some tools tighten everything as best I could... Should work for a while.

While out exploring I got to see a little more of Mountain View. Did a quick tour by the Googleplex... man do they ever have a lot of buildings. Didn't do a whole lot else but work on my report today. Sean arrives tonight, can't wait to have see him and have someone to talk to here.

Writers Block

So yeah... I sat in the apartment for a lot of today so far, trying to work on my work term report. There is SO much that I have to do on it still. I am very thankful to Kate at the co-op department for letting me email it in. However it just let me procrastinate a little bit longer. I've never had a case of writers block this bad.

Earlier this morning I did go for a nice walk, in the opposite direction of yesterday. Walked about a mile to the Washington Mutual Bank. I got my checking account set up. Very exciting... I guess... However, it took about 15 minutes and I didn't require my SSN. Which is good news, cause I can't get it for another few days.

Nothing else new here really, just getting used to the area. I should try to get to the grocery store I suppose. I just don't want to carry everything home. KD for dinner here!

Hopefully one of my last big purchases

I suppose in comparison its not a big purchase... just something to get around with this summer. If the heat doesn't kill me. Biking home from walmart today in jeans with a heavy backpack wasn't that much fun. BUT I have a new bike to get from here to there with. The picture makes it look blue but its more green really. Its out on the patio right now. I'm not sure if I will ever use the helmet, but I thought to myself "what would aunt deb do?" and I bought the helmet just in case.

Did some exploring today... Everything I need is fairly close to here. Theres a great store across the road... almost the same as Walgreens. And Blockbuster is like two seconds away. And most importantly (maybe)... expensive coffee from starbucks. Tomorrow going to set up the bank account hopefully. 

Stealing....

HEY I made it!

I'm here... in Cali... sitting on my couch... stealing wireless internet from a neighbour... going to keep this short incase i get cut off... but the flights went well... its been a very long day... all my luggage got here and the apartment looks great... freshly painted. haven't ate anything yet. May wander later... they are still setting up the furnishings in my apartment.... all the extra stuff like dishes and sheet... I should probably be helping...

I hit my head pretty hard on my way out of the cab... which was less than $50 before tip so it was better than i was expecting but my head really hurts...

now i can't get a hold of anyone on my phone... no phone set up in here just yet... I'll let you know!

In Detroit...

Currently sitting in a Best Western in Detroit, right beside the airport. Wireless access is great. The laptop works really well.

I got across the border just fine. We managed to hit shift change at customs, so that was interesting. But I got my Visa and into the country, only cost me $6 this time. I'll happily pay that much to get my J-1!

Now I wait till the morning to fly out west...

The Countdown is on...

I'm starting to have short panic attacks about all this.

If everything goes as smoothly as it should... I'll be fine. I've done a lot of planning and a lot of thinking about all this and I should be okay. I know in my head that I'll be fine I can handle it ... I just don't always remember that... and then I can't breathe.

Plans for today:
The Bank
The Mall
The Gas Station
and a LOT of packing

Plans for Tomorrow:
Co-op Breakfast
Lunch with Family
Head across the border (bout 4ish)
Get a hotel for the night with my parents
Try to sleep

I'm not sure what type of internet access I'll have available to me. But we will see when I get there. Hopefully I'll find at least a wifi cafe to post my safe arrival.

I had another great weekend at home. Got to see a lot of family and have some good times with my parents. Me and my mom went for a bike ride, which was a lot of fun going thru the woods and out to the peir. More pictures are available on the right hand menu.

I have a place to live!!!

Oh man... huge sigh of relief...
The check made it to the final destination today which means I have a place to live. It may not have furniture by wednesday... but I'll sleep in the tub.

Also today had my picture taken for another news article (Windsor Star). I think its great to promote the school and the co-op program and I think the U of Windsor could use the publicity

I'm in Grand Bend this weekend for the last time this summer... work term report moving to the back burner again sadly... I did get a good chunk of it done the other day few more really good days at it and it should be done.

but man... gonna miss those Grand Bend sunsets

So much left to do...

Why is when I still have so much left to do, I can't accomplish anything.

I've got a pretty good start on the work term report... At this rate it will be done by September. The problem is I'm having all sort of problems else where. I've decided I pretty much can't trust the postal service. Still waiting to hear if the overnight letter I sent on Monday has got there yet. If there was any good way to send it electronically I would have. The first package sent by Xpresspost was supposed to be there by May 1st, guaranteed, but its not. The other thing that they did wrong, really the first thing, I ordered my book end of March, received it 4 or 5 weeks later, it was only supposed to take a week. AND! They almost didn't get my package at CDS, that was a scary night as well.

Hopefully I don't lose my apartment thanks to the postal service.....

I've noticed there is a whole lot of people reading the website now and that's pretty cool. I hope my writings are enough entertainment to keep you coming back. And hey! You could always leave comments if you wanted.

#include

As I sit back and watch my life moving around me, I wonder if the other soon to be interns are experienceing the same publicity. There was an article in the DailyNews at the University about m upcoming adventure. Infact most people are probably reading this site because of it. My parents also informed me that the local newspaper at home is putting out an artical about this trip. I don't mind the publicity I'm just a little overwhelmed by it. However... Thank you to all who are visiting my website and are interested in my life.

Today was my last day at ITS, I spent the day training the new co-op students to do the job I did over the past year. I think I scared them... there was a lot of information to take in. Didn't really realize how big my job really was. Last Friday was my offical last day of work, I even carried out my "clean out your desk" box at the end of the day. It was actually really sad. I've become such accustom to that place that I'm really going to miss it. So we all took a 4 hour lunch on Friday and celebrated the next step. Good time was had by all!! I'm gonna miss them too, its been a life changing experience...