I can’t believe it’s been so long since I blogged. I’ve been crazy busy starting my new job and Keith is busy with his first year of Law School (aka 1L). My new job (which will not be referred to by name) has completely taken over my life. Luckily, I love it. This has to be the coolest employer in the history of the world. When they were recruiting me, everyone talked about how amazing the company is and how happy everyone is to work there. I had heard a lot of really good things about them but I thought that they were probably overstating their case a little. I was wrong. This place has exceeded all my expectations. Here are some of the hidden gems I’ve found at work. (I'll have to bring my camera to work tomorrow and take some pictures of this stuff because you'll never believe me otherwise.)
1- The bathrooms. I know that seems like a strange thing to appreciate about work – but everyone who has ever used a bad one knows what I’m talking about. These bathrooms aren’t just nice and clean, they are super high-tech. So much so that the first time I went into one I didn’t know what to do. I just stood there staring. I'll have to take a picture of the control panel (yes, I said control panel) for the toilet. I have to be honest here – I have never pushed any of these buttons. I am scared to try either the “front wash” or the “back wash”, let along the “dry”. I prefer to do this myself, thank you. I am more than terrified of the buttons labled “oscillating” and “wand cleaning”. I hope that is something that happens to the toilet and not to the user! Oh, and I forgot to mention that the seats are heated. This was not a pleasant surprise the first time I sat down, but now I kind of like it. Okay, too much information. Moving on...
2- The food. Now this is the part of my job that is world famous. Why did I list it as #2, you ask? Honestly, the bathroom made a bigger impression on my first day. That is not to be interpreted as a lack of appreciation, admiration and awe I feel for the food. First off… it's all free. That’s right, free. And we’re not talking frozen meals or wilted salad bars. There are 7 gourmet cafes on campus that offer all kinds of delicious and even exotic meals to choose from. All of the food is organic, fresh and always amazing. The original head chef (who left just a little while ago) used to cook for The Grateful Dead. There is a new menu everyday in each café. I haven’t had the same thing twice in the two weeks I’ve worked there. If you happen to be hungry between meals there are kitchenettes full of fresh fruit, power bars, baked chips, yogurt, cereal and such. I even found a kitchenette that has candy bins (like the bulk food bins at the grocery store!) Oh, and I forgot to mention that they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks – all for free. To give you a feel for what I’m talking about, here is what I ate at work today:
Breakfast: steel cut oatmeal with golden raisins and a blueberry-orange smoothie
Lunch: ceasar salad with wild salmon and fresh baked French bread
Snack: carrot with hummus dip and a diet Snapple
Dinner: veggie pot pie, line-caught halibut and salad
Today was a bland food day. I've had much more exotic things. I used to think that it was amazing that Microsoft offered unlimited free drinks. This knocks their socks off.
3- The shuttles. I live over an hour away from work. I hate commuting. The morning traffic is unbearable. So, what does my employer do to make me happy? They decided to drive me to work. I pick up the shuttle at the BART station or Park & Ride by my house and they drive me to and from work. And these aren’t just any ol’ shuttles. If a bus could be a limo, this would be it. These shuttles are sleek black with cushy black leather seats and tinted windows. Each seat has a laptop table and the shuttle has wireless internet so that we can log in to work and get a head start, or just read the morning news online. For those who aren’t quite ready to fire up their computer, there are also TVs showing old black and white movies and you can listen in via wireless headphones. In fact, I’m writing this post right now from my seat on the shuttle on my way home. Awesome huh? I don’t have to worry about traffic or crazy drivers or even the cost of gas or miles on my car.
4- Other cool tidbits: there is a full gym with group classes, professional trainers, a lap pool, cardio and weigh machines. There is even a sauna in the locker rooms. I have only had the time to use it once so far, but it was awesome. I plan to go as often as my boss’ schedule allows. Laundry rooms. There are free laundry rooms with free detergent so that you can do your washing while you work. They have timers that you take back to your desk so you don’t forget and leave your undies behind. I haven’t tried this yet since it would be hard to bring all my wash on the shuttle. If I lived closer, I would definitely do this. They also offer onsite, subsidized daycare. I don’t use this yet, but it’s a bonus for those with kids.
These are just some of the highlights. Not to mention how cool my actual job is, or the fantastic salary and generous bonuses. They’re working my tail off (it’s 9:30 pm and I’m on the shuttle coming home from work) but if I’m going to work, this is the place to do it.
Check out the fog-waterfall in the video below:
I felt really bad that we didn't have very nice guest accommodations for him in our 700 square feet apartment, but Jache was a good sport about sleeping on an air mattress in our living room. We had a ton of fun while he was here. The following are some of the things we did during his visit:
It was a little cold and windy, but very beautiful and fun. 
We drove across the bridge to a lookout point. It was really crowded because of the Memorial Day holiday, but we still got a great view and pictures. 
Keith took this gorgeous picture of the sunset. Doesn't it look like a postcard? 
