First 9 days at Microsoft

It has been 9 days since i have started working at Microsoft and excitement is still there, amazingly. Everyone in the office are nice and helpful. I have been to couple of cafeterias and food is nice. I was really surprised to see Indian food in the cafeteria. They have taken into consideration indian programmers at MS. It is really amazing how many things/details these people have paid attention to.

Today i had pleasure of listening VP of MSN, Yusuf Mehdi in the morning. I expected him to an old guy but he is young intelligent guy. Very good public speaker, explained various plans very well. I wanted to take a picture of him but i wasn’t sure if it would have been appropriate thing to do. All the top level managers i have come in contact with at Microsoft has some sort of energy and enthusiasm. And they all believe in same goal of becoming number one and keeping customers happy. Microsoft is becoming more of customer focused organization, rather than product focused, at least trying to, and i think doing damn good job of it. Last week i had an opportunity to see BillB and Steve Ballmer speak, but unfortunately, i had to miss it because i had to be at the training. May be next time. But it is really amazing feeling to be working at Microsoft and realizing that product that is being designed at MS will be used by lots and lots of people. Exciting things are yet to come.
I have written up a post of my first couple of days at Microsoft, but i did not post it because i wanted to make sure with my manager about blogging. Of course, i am not going to mention any upcoming products/launches/features 🙂

Anyways, Dallas and Seattle are playing right now, goooo Dallas. Going to stay loyal to Dallas. Oh also, Seattle is going to Superbowl, first time in its franchise history. I would like to believe that i brought some good luck with me 🙂 I think Seattle has really good chance of winning it all. However, i think game will be won by the team that does not turn over the ball.
Tejas

Tomorrow: First Day

Tomorrow is my first day at Microsoft. Wow, soo weird. Tomorrow whole day and half day on Tuesday is New Employee Orientation. Wow, it’s wicked. This is what I have heard about Microsoft, let’s see how much of it is true: They make you work hard (I don’t mind that), people are nice, there are lots and lots of meetings to go to, lot of bureaucracy, good benefits. I think that’s it. So let’s see, how much of it is true and how much of it is fiction. Also, Microsoft was voted as one of the best companies to work for, how nice 🙂

It finally stopped raining in Seattle, oh my goodness, 27 straight days of measurable rain. But I think it is much better than snow. Since it is not raining outside, I could see the snow at the top of the mountains, it is spectacular. Since I have been here I have seen the Sun only two times for a brief period (10 seconds to be precise). Oh well, I’ll get used to it. But this place is beautiful, I must admit.

In Sports (I sound like a news anchor), two amazing games. How did NE lost to Denver? Also Steelers/Colts game was insane, wow. That was one hell of a game. If that guy only had gotten away from Ben (QB), it would be solo different. I was cheering for Colts because I think Payton is an amazing QB. How did Vanderjet missed the field goal, he was supposed to be THE best field goal kicker in NFL, ever. What happened? He didn’t even miss it by few inches, he missed it by a mile, how do they go cold in such a situation, don’t they get paid millions to do just that (kick in such a close games)?
But since superbowl is getting closer, I would predict, either Seattle of Steelers to win it ALL. That’s my prediction, don’t hold me to it.

I should have written lot more about me starting tomorrow at Microsoft, but I am weird like that. It won’t hit me till I am there tomorrow.

Tejas

First day in Seattle

I got to Seattle last night and oh boyyy Seattle certainly stand up to its reputation as “it rains a lot in Seattle”. It has been raining here for the past 24 days and it is forecasted that it will continue to rain until middle of the next week. I guess i better get used to this.

My temporary housing is really nice. This is what i get to see when i go in the balcony of my apt, lots of talllll trees and view is just beautiful. Its an amazing view for me, because you DO NOT get to see this in Dallas 🙂 Its fun to explore the new city and find new restaurants and grocery stores and roads and on on and on…
Monday will be my first day at Microsoft and i am really excited. I still can’t believe it, WOW. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning new skills.

Tejas

Sports: UT wins the Rose Bowl

Wow, what a game that was.  Hat off to Vince Young, this is what QB supposed to be.  Part ball thrower and part runner, especially in critical times.  What a way to lead the team to the championship.  Marveleous.

It was an amazing game with each team trading leads.  Finally TX was able to make the key stop in 4th Q with 2:40 remaining and also get the touch down on 4th down and 5.  That was an amazing game.  Vince Young has an amazing future ahead of him.  This shows who REALLY deserved the Heisman Trophy.  It’s alright, Vince will win it next year.

Even though i didn’t go to UT, the school that i went to is part of UT System, so obviously i am going to support UT 🙂  Go Longhorns 🙂

Tejas Shah