#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!!!!

Snow Day

After loaning out our snow gear to several families in December, we were finally able to enjoy a Snow Day for our family.

We wanted to snow board and get the kids an instructor, but due to peak holiday season, the resort had no openings all week.

So we did what we've been doing last few years - snow tubing and sledding down the hill. We picked a resort vs parking on the side of the road and going at it ourselves....and it worked out perfect!!

The weather makes a huge difference when it comes to enjoying snow and cold weather - we managed to pick a sunny warm day, just before the storm on weekend which closed down all major highways through the Sierras. And we are lucky that we live 90 mins from the mountains, so our Snow Day plans are always last minute, after checking the weather and road conditions!

The pretty drive through the Sierras on the way to South Lake Tahoe....

The resort area had a picnic area with benches, which really helped my friend and her mom who are not very mobile at this point due to health issues. We had packed a picnic lunch of sandwiches and snacks, and a gingerbread chocolate bar which my kids were very excited to try (they loved it).

We started out with snow tubing, and I couldn't get any pictures or videos as the kids were going very fast.

The daughter took a break and built these 4 small snow men near our picnic benches.

After tubing, we switched to sledding...and all of us took turns sledding down the hill. Its my favorite part of snow days, the thrill and adrenaline rush is amazing.

We ended our day with the kids and their daddy in a snowball fight.....thank goodness for puffy ski pants and jackets which provided much needed protection :)

And finally a family picture to end the day!!

Hope to make it back on the slopes for snow boarding later this year....the kids were very excited to try it out!

Have you been to the snow lately?

Choices

Choice #1: No Bollywood Movies for kids

A friend pinged us with a movie invite for "Simmba" today. I rarely watch Bollywood movies in theatre, and our kids have never watched any yet. The only Bollywood movie RnR watched at home over summer was Dangal - we took 3 days to finish it but it was related to boxing and girls, so it was inspiring in some ways.

I politely declined the invite. The friend kept pressing why - she wanted company for her kiddo it seems. I stuck to my ground but was left feeling the odd one out. She remarked that everyone takes their kids to Hindi movies. I simply said enjoy and moved on.

Choice #2: Stand up against people who bitch about you behind your back

I distanced myself from a so-called good friend when I found out from several sources over the course of 6 months that she had nothing but negative things to say, not just about me but also about my daughter (why??). I feel so dumb that I thought she is a well wisher - I went out of my way to keep our friendship, invited her family over many times, and also let her take advantage of me when it came to babysitting and play dates.

The issue is that our kids study together, take classes together, and we work together, in the same building/same floor. There is no choice but to bump into each other on many occasions, and I simply cannot fake my emotions all the time. At some point, it will show and I am worried how others will perceive it.

Choice #3: Avoid parties where alcohol is consumed

I have talked about this before. Hubby and I are teetotalers and we avoid parties where alcohol is consumed. If its a work thing, we go ourselves but when it's a family thing, we don't like to expose our children to that environment. It seems we are the odd ones out there too.

Choice #4: Disneyland

We've only taken our daughter to Disney once, when she turned 3. She hardly remembers her trip, but after that, none of our children have been Disney fans so they have never asked to visit. Californians, especially my American moms group, spend a ton of yearly Disney trips and passes. I don't know what the obsession is, and how you could go again and again to the same place? I found the rides boring, and everything very fake out there. I want to take both kids once, as a bucket list item of their childhood, but don't see ourselves being frequent visitors at all. Again, odd ones out around where we live.

I'm just in a pensive mood today, about the choices we make and how it affects us, shapes us. There is always this concern that your choices as a parent shouldn't impact your kids negatively, and I truly hope I can live up to that responsibility!!

Happy 2019!!

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy 2019 - may your days be filled with joy, adventures and love!

I feel very selfish as I write this post - I came to my blog today as I was feeling slightly depressed. And that too for a trivial reason.

We spent a quiet New Year's Eve at home - Hubby and I worked out at the gym from 5-6pm, while the kids watched and rated our performance. They consulted the trainer as well on their ratings :). Then we made a pizza loaded with vegetables for dinner (the kids enjoyed spreading the sauce and loading their favorite toppings), played a few card games and watched the NY Times Square ball drop on TV at 9pm PST, and called it a night.

I had made packets for them to work on their favorite memories from 2018, as well as resolutions and goals for 2019, so we brain stormed some ideas, but they didn't pen down anything on 31st.

I went to bed grateful for a TERRIFIC year for our family!

BUT - these last 2 days, all I see on my FB feed is pictures from parties, and it seems we are the only ones that chose to have quiet evening at home. FOMO - fear of missing out - came to me big time. And the only thing that I thought would help me is either writing a blog post or reading my favorite blogs!

And it did not disappoint - I read Preeti's blog on how she always welcomes the new year and instantly, I zapped out of my funk and felt better. I just needed to connect with like minded people, and filter out the noise around me. I also made a resolution to spend less time on Facebook and more time on writing this year.

So tell me, how was 2018 for you? and how did you spend your New Year's Eve?

Here's how 2018 went for us - I have SO much to share, I better make time to pen things down!!

I am BACK :)

Hello Hi Namaste Salama Aa Gaye Phir Se Karne Hungama....

Sorry for disappearing from the blogosphere for so long. I didn't intend to take such a long break, but I am back for good now. I've missed writing, and more than writing, I've missed reading all my favorite blogs - Ramesh, Sriram, SK, so many more....hope you are all doing well.

I just read my last blog entry from June 2016 where I wrote about my UK trip - WOW, has it been 2 years that I didn't write anything here? Ouch!

Life has been kind and generous during this time. No illnesses or health scares, family is doing well, kids are doing great, and work @ Intel is creatively challenging but still provides me enough flexibility n balance as a working mum.

Kids are on summer break right now, and my parents will be here next weekend to spend the summer break with us. All of us are looking forward to their company!!

On the personal front, I took a break from running in 2015, 2016 but I picked it back up in 2017, and have been consistent at it.  It's all I think about, read about, and do most days. I've run many races since I resumed in August 2017 last year. A couple weeks ago, hubby decided to join me for his 1st half marathon, and we ran it together - a memorable experience for both of us!!

My next race is the Ragnar Tahoe in July. It's a team trail relay race, where you take turns and run for 24+ hours non-stop as a team. I've never done something like this before, and it's going to be challenging, especially at 7000ft altitude, the uphill climbs and a possible middle-of-the-night run. I'll keep you all posted on it - I'm nervous but excited!!

(https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/trail/tahoe_ca)

Another thing I have immensely enjoyed since September 2017 is working out @Orange Theory Fitness. I love the coach led, interval training at this gym, and it helped me lose so many inches as well as lbs. I participated in many special events (like the dri-tri, which is a dry triathlon at the gym - 2000m rowing, 300 reps of body weight exercises, and a 5k run on the treadmill). A year ago, I was in no state to even complete it. I finished my first dri-tri in 54 mins - and I know I could have done better!!

After every workout, we also get a summary in the form of a bar chart below - I love analyzing the numbers....whether its my heart rate, or calories, or the zones, it's my jam! I used to go into the orange/red zone very quickly in the beginning, but my cardio health has improved and it takes a huge effort now to get into those zones and bank some splat points.

I have put my Orange Theory membership on hold for the summer, as we go to another gym with pools and kids activities as a family. It's been only 10 days since my last class, but I miss it terribly. I was addicted to it these past few months.

Summer is here - it's my favorite season of the year. The days are warm and long - we try to spend a ton of time outdoors. We've done local hikes, water play at splash parks, biking and park picnics so far. We have a camping trip coming up this weekend, followed by a few days exploring San Francisco and the bay area. Kids have been swimming at every available opportunity, and I'm hoping to take them whitewater rafting this weekend on the American River.

So - how are all of you doing? What exciting adventures do you have planned for summer? How has your 2018 been so far?

I'm hoping to post a lot more in the coming days....stay tuned!!

Back from vacation....

Me to Daughter: "What did you enjoy the most in UK?"
Daughter: "Spending time with family" :).

We returned last night from our UK trip. We have family based in London, and friends all over UK....and we had an amazing time out there. I am going to miss the superb London public transport system a lot. I fell in love with it.

The trip has changed all of us. The kids loved mimicking the British accent throughout their trip. We were fortunate enough to not experience any sort of racism out there. In fact, I found the people much better (polite, respectful, well dressed, well mannered) than the US. Whether it was traveling during peak hours on the tube, or taking long distance trains, we found ourselves taken care of very well. The kids were always offered a seat, and most people volunteered to move around (without being asked) to provide adjoining seats to us.

The weather was simply beautiful throughout the month of June. We got a few showers here and there, but frankly, coming from a dry, drought-ridden California, the rains were very welcome. I couldn't get enough of the green fields and parks and forests. Again, it was in stark contrast to the browns here in California.

We didn't dine out much, but I got to explore the local markets and made a lot of meals at home. Beans on toast has become a favorite of the kids. The cheese selection in UK is outstanding. Coffee was always good (much better than US), and I loved that we always got fresh milk and brown sugar (mostly fair trade) to add to our coffee or tea. Water is also served at room temperature. These are simple things, but water with ice and sugar laden drinks are a big turn off for me in the states.

We spent an entire week on the coast in Wales. Our friend A grew up there, and he hosted us during our stay in Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park. I am sure I will write a lot more posts about our time in Wales, but in a nutshell, that place is a wonderland. It has pristine beaches, lush green mountains, an amazing coastal walking path that would take several months to explore, tidepools, rock arches, wild life, dairy farms, lambs and cows, beaches to see the sunrise as well as sunset, and so much more. And when you have someone who grew up there to take you around, you see the place through their eyes, through their experience, through the local lens - and that is the BEST way to experience it! We also met A's family - his 76 year old mum (who is adorable), his sister and her family, and their pets. The kids couldn't get enough of the beach, and we came back with loads of sea shells and a heart full of happy memories from that trip.

Brexit happened while we were there, and we also attended a memorial of an MP who was shot down during our trip.

As and when I get a chance to upload pictures, I will write more.

As of now, we are jetlagged, but very happy to be home. The kids missed their bed, their toys, the garden, and that sense of belonging in this home and town that they've been since birth!

Still the same...

I read my post from April, and realized not much has changed in the last month or so....

We got a few offers for our home, but nothing worked out. We decided not to sell our current home. We will not be moving to a new house. Things have a way of working out for themselves....and this whole process has been very educational, as well as beneficial for us. Purging, cleaning, organizing the home has been the biggest benefit so far. My credit score had taken a beating due to some issues and those issues are resolved now. We've understood the local market criteria, how to stage a home, how to get ready for showings, do open houses, and have learnt a lot about the real estate selling process these past couple months. In a way, I'm relieved I don't have to move. We like this place, and the neighborhood. We are looking forward to enjoying the summer break here!

Things at work are still somewhat stressful. There is no clear direction for our group. The management has changed, even though our project and work has not. I've lived with ambiguity before, so I have not been negatively impacted so far. But you can sense the turmoil when you enter the campus each day. Lots of folks have cancelled vacations and sabbaticals, and in general, the mood is somber. Not an environment I would choose to be in, if I had that choice right now.

Kids have been falling sick quite a bit. It has been extremely difficult to manage these times. The son is napping next to me as I type this. He has high fever, and an ear infection. He vomited his dinner last night, leading to a ton of laundry and midnight bath, as well as a sleepless night for us. 

So yeah, that's life, but if you look, you can always find happiness and joy around :).... 

The daughter had a beautiful graduation ceremony for kindergarten yesterday. She has triumphed this year in a new school, made lots of new-diverse friends, and has grown so much. As parents, we did an average job. The morning routine was always stressful, the evening homework routine was also somewhat stressful, and we could have done a lot better in managing our emotions during this time. We have learnt from this experience and hope that the next year will be much better. 

We have a vacation coming up in June - YAY!!. Tickets have been booked and some trips have been planned. We will be meeting family and friends that we haven't connected with in a long time. Our travel and break from routine is very much anticipated! 

Kids have been learning canvas painting techniques with a friend who is an excellent artist. She lives on a 5-acre farm with chickens, dogs and tortoises. She plants a huge produce garden each year, and kids have helped her this year with planting. Our weekly visits to her place are always so much fun, as well as therapeutic!

Summer is here, and the kids have been having lots of play dates, park outings (including spray parks), and attending birthday parties. Weather has been gorgeous and they are also enjoying bike rides. They've been picking up germs and getting sick too, but I would gladly take these common illnesses in lieu of the awesome outdoor fun any day!!

Here's a graduation picture and a couple of our adventurous boy to end the post....such joy on the kids' faces - more than enough to evaporate all the stress!