#19 in 2019

I can't believe I'm writing this -

I begin my 19th year at Intel today.

I never thought I'll be working for the same company all these years when I started interning with the company on 1-8-2001.

And what a long but fulfilling journey it has been!

I started out as a test engineer working on ATE's (automated test equipment) - writing test programs for network devices.

My next job was developing a small tester with a 3rd party to test a new memory technology that Intel was developing at that time. Intel sold the 1st generation and then canned the product.

From there, I moved on to a role as a DFX (design for test/manufacturing/etc) engineer, working on RTL code for a memory technology that was a joint venture as well. This project got cancelled early on, and it was the year I got married. Within months of our wedding, I had no project to work on. 70-80% of my team was laid off. I survived.

After a few weeks of ambiguity, we formed a small memory path finding team, and picked up an FPGA project to work on. And soon after, we started working on another big project, which was in path finding for several years. It is now a product, which Intel will be shipping this year. A key milestone for my career!

I wish I could publicly talk about my work, but due to IP issues, I can't.

I don't see myself as a VP, GM or CEO of a company, ever. I've managed projects but never people.

I am happiest working on technical aspects, defining architecture or root causing silicon/platform level issues, or enabling customers with new features. And I love mentoring new hires or junior engineers on our team, whether its issues with their job function or team, or whether its coaching them to push for a well deserved promotion. I currently have 6 mentees - 4 females and 2 males - and my conversations with them about work, work-life balance, and life in general - are so enriching and fulfilling.

I hate politics at work, and dread going to senior level meetings where I have to watch what I say, and things are interpreted in several different ways. Lately, a lot of back stabbing has been going on with our project, and I cringe when I'm involved and have to defend myself. I'm hoping this aspect of my work improves this year, as soon as possible.

Let's begin Intel Inside #19!!!!

What makes me feel alive....

:: Helping a local Indian mom, practically a stranger to me, with international child abduction. Using my network to line up lawyers, paperwork, finances, tickets, etc within a couple of days. And more importantly, providing strength, trust, and a listening ear....

:: Cooking a Gujarati lunch for my American friend and admin at work, who just finished chemotherapy and got an all clear on her illness. She loves our simple homecooked meals, and spoils my children rotten. And even though she is the one who is sick and recovering, she ALWAYS bakes cookies for us and brings them every single time we meet.

:: A movie date night with a longtime friend's wife who is new to my part of the country. Shopping, dining and travel tips, tidbits on life with 2 kids and work-life balance, and providing a listening ear to her daily struggles as she settles down here....

:: Volunteering to make a fall rainy day gift basket for the daughter's school. A first for me. And in the process, connecting intimately with 2 moms who were part of my team. Learning about African culture, their life story, their kids. Sharing a bit about us too.

:: An invitation to volunteer and support World Relief Sacramento, which helps refugees settle into the Greater Sacramento Area. The Syrian crisis is still on my mind, and I will use this opportunity to do something about it.

:: Through a volunteering position on the Executive committee for a local non-profit, it's been a pleasant surprise to find a group of like-minded Gujaratis who have extended our close circle of friends and family here. Kids have also found new best friends, and we are hoping for lots of fun times ahead with this group.

:: A calorie busting, sweat dripping cardio workout at home. And the sweet pain that follows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWy_aOlB45Y

:: And last but not the least, Chocolate!!!! THIS Orange Marmalade chocolate and it's wrapper.....you can't beat British classiness....

How do I look :)?

This picture is from last weekend.

A couple of things happened while I was on vacation in India.

First, I lost 10+ lbs (I think 12 lbs but definitely more than 10). YAY! All the weight that I gained during my second pregnancy is gone. I didn't have to diet, or exercise. Just breastfeeding the baby full-time and watching what I eat helped me lose it. I also had to cut out dairy from my diet for a few weeks, and I'm sure that helped me shed some pounds. Now I have about 10 more lbs to lose....its the excess from my first pregnancy with the daughter, and as I introduce a little bit of exercise this summer into my routine, and continue to be mindful of my calorie intake, combined with breastfeeding the baby past his first birthday (or as long as he wants to nurse), I will be able to shed it.

Second, I cut my hair shorter. A lot of people are noticing it and commenting. My neighbors in India were very sad....they never commented that they loved my long hair, but after the haircut, they told me they had always longed for hair like mine. After coming to the US, the person who is disappointed the most is the husband :). He had grown a mustache while we were gone, so when we met him at the airport, he said he grew it to mourn my haircut without his consent - LOL!. Personally, I love the shorter do. I can wash my hair everyday and leave it open and don't have to spend much time caring for it. I had loooooong hair for 10+ yrs and a change was overdue. With a toddler and an infant, I barely manage to shower everyday. There could not be a better time to enjoy this new hair style.

Both refreshing changes for me....looking forward to enjoying summer and being outdoors and active!