G-20, Career Fairs, and Great Races

Life has been busy the last month and I am ashamed I let my good updating habits go by the wayside. Since getting back from DC we have had a lot of catching up to do with all our friends in Pittsburgh. This is an attempt to make up some lost ground.

The School Highlights are as follows:

- It's my last semester. I'm working hard to fight off feelings of senioritis.
- I'm on a great capstone project with Bosch, the company that makes car parts, power tools, and kitchen appliances.
- Last week we had the much anticipated 3 day career fair (it was really two fairs back to back). I felt I got some good face time with the companies I'm interested in and found some opportunities that look promising and fun for starting my career. I have started to hear back from a few and we are praying the interviews go well.
- I'm in a Conflict Resolution class that I have been enjoying. We read an interesting book, 'Difficult Conversations' put out by a group at Harvard. I liked it, I will probably write a review to put up later.
- I have been getting back into the habit of swimming. My goal is to go at least 3 times a week. My body is slowly adapting, the first time I went my arms felt like jelly after.

Some life highlights:

- Sharon is now 5 months pregnant! Wow, it seems like yesterday we found out.
- The G-20 just came and went in Pittsburgh. Interesting environment. Everyone in Pittsburgh was talking about it and dreading it. I only saw one protest march past the front of the school, but I heard a lot of police sirens and I'm starting to hear a lot of stories.
- The Elders Quorum had a Brazilian BBQ as their opening social, it was the best Elders Quorum event I've ever been to. I made cheese bread and people seemed to like it, despite the fact that it didn't turn out all that well.
- Sharon and I finally made it down to 'The Strip District'. It's not what is sounds like. It is a really cool street market. It kind of reminded me of Pike's Place Market in Seattle. It has an open flee market feel with a lot of street vendors, most selling Steelers garb and food. Pretty fun environment and it looks like some good restaurant opportunities.
- Pittsburgh's 'The Great Race' is happening today, a Pittsburgh tradition. It's almost like the Boston Marathon, except it isn't a Marathon. It's only a 10K.
- It is starting to rain more and the cool weather is starting to slowly creep in. The leaves are hinting at change, exciting.

You know when we get to the weather the conversation has died. Hope the update was informative.

Last Day of Work

The last day of work is the first day of unemployment.... It kind of felt like the last days of High School. Everyone in the office was your friend or suddenly was interested in knowing you. Instead of yearbook signing everyone swapped business cards, arranged, or expressed interest for continued association in the future.

The team went out to lunch and there was reminiscing over the projects and jokes being thrown around. My boss, after downing a few beers, blurted out, "So, you coming back?" I responded with, "Do you wanted me back". He said it would be great and everyone began to try and sell us on the firm, but no formal offers were made. It sounds like if I were to apply for a job there and let them know, I would most probably get hired.

It was a good experience and DC was fun, but I'm looking into some other options before I pursue this one. I am also open to hearing of other options, if you know anyone interested in a Masters student in Information Systems let’s talk.