New Project

Chris and I worked on a few projects together this weekend. While I do love having my husband to do projects with, these projects aren't exactly the fun ones that I love doing with him. We did his school projects...and since you guys like seeing pictures, here's one of the things we were working on :

Oh yeah, 2 microcontrollers that talk to each other.  I've told you what dorks we are before...do you believe me now?  Anyone want any step-by-step instructions on how to program this up?  Or how about a 10 page report on all of the software and hardware that went along with making it possible to write my husbands name on it?  This picture was actually taken for the report, not for your viewing pleasure...but since this is a project blog, and that's my latest project...well, I thought I'd share!

The other project that Chris wrapped up this weekend that we've been working on for weeks was pretty close to what I do on a day to day basis.  Lots and lots of code and waveforms.  Anyone want to see a screen shot of a bunch of lines of code or some waveforms with a bunch of signals traced?!

Yeah, I didn't think so...just thought I'd check.

It was quite reminiscent of our college days together though.  Chris moved in our big 6 ft table and we worked side by side in the office.  I'm not used to having an 'office mate' anymore!  This is how we went through our undergrad degree together our last year.  Side by side, working together.  When you can work with someone on this kind of stuff, and then still have an amazing time doing all the fun things in life, you know you've met your soul mate.  Things are just better together.

I took this picture this morning...Chris's laptop was set up on the other desk.  The office is in major need of some redecorating...it's on my 8 million mile long list of things to-do eventually.

I called it quits relatively early last night and climbed in bed to watch Sunday night football.  When Chris came in at half time with a glass of wine and said he hit submit on his final report, for the third time in a little over a week, I cried.  These tears were tears of joy though.  He just has to have a telecon with his TA tomorrow morning on his drive into work to go over his report, and he's done.  Forever.  He finished.  He made it.

WE made it!!!  I'm beyond proud of him, words can't even begin to describe all of the emotions and the huge sense of pride I have in him.  He was a full time student as well as a full time employee, even earned a big promotion while going to school.  On top of being a wonderful husband.

I'm not going to sugar coat it, there were so many times over the last year and a half that I thought I can't do this anymore.  There were so many times that HE thought he couldn't do it anymore, but hand-in-hand, side-by-side, we did it.  Chris was always so grateful for all of the housework that I picked up so that he could focus on school, and has been so supportive on all of my projects that I've attempted solo.  I kept telling Chris that he could finish getting his Master's, that I could help, and that it wasn't impossible (even when I really thought it was).  Our undergrad Electrical Engineering degree was a tough program.  I remember phone calls home during college, bawling my eyes out saying that there was no way I could do it.  It was just too hard.

I know how hard the EE Master's program was, and I honestly don't think I could balance work and school as successfully as he did.  My brain turns off after work...I couldn't watch 2 hours of class or do homework and projects after working all day.  Chris did.  For a year and a half.  And he's DONE!!!  WOO HOO!!!

I'll stop my gloating now and get back to work...I did manage to finish up my one homemade Christmas gift this year, so stay tuned for a post on that later on this week!

Happy Monday!  This might be the happiest one yet for me for the past year and half!!

If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or subscribe to the feed reader to get future posts delivered to your reader.

Congratulations CHRIS!!!

I'm so proud!!

I've been dying to tell everyone Chris's big news, but we had to wait until he made a decision and today's the day!!

Chris is now officially a Senior Engineer!! That's a TWO level jump!! Remember this post? Remember me saying next up was CEO?! He's well on his way!!!

So how did this happen you ask? How, in these economic times, when our company isn't giving raises or progressions (that's what they call them...don't ask me), did Chris manage to jump up TWO levels?!

He's a super star, that's how!! (And he manages to smile and look good while working hard...like this):



I kid, I kid. Well, not really...I digress...sorry.

Chris was not content being worked to death for no reward, and applied for a Senior level position in another group. He saw the job rec open and went for it. After his interview, he told the hiring manager that he didn't want an E3 position, he wanted a Senior position...that's what he interviewed for, and he had all of the qualifications that the Senior level rec called out for.

His current group couldn't let him go without leveling the playing field and putting up a fight, so Chris has been going back and forth all week on which job to accept. Today was his cutoff date and he is officially a Senior!! After much much MUCH debate, thought, and conversation, Chris decided to stay with his current group.

I'm so proud of all of the hard work he puts into both his job and his school work. It's not easy to be go, go, go all of the time, and moments like this are when you realize it CAN be worth it! Go Chris!

I think it's about time for a celebration vacation, don't you?!

P.S. For Gold Plate

Just to elaborate on how big of an accomplishment the gold plate is...

Our group is called the Electronic Center of Excellence. In it, there are 816 people all over the world. Of those 816 people, 84 got nominated for the Outstanding Engineer award. Of the 84 nominations, 18 total people, from all of the sites, received the award. GO CHRIS!!!

Yep, I married a superstar!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Gold Plate

Congratulations to my husband!!!

He received word yesterday that he was getting an 'Outstanding Engineer' Award at work. They carve his name on a gold plate and give it to him as a keepsake.

In my goal of keeping positive (I think yesterday's blog was more sarcastic than negative), the gold plate means the company we work for really appreciates all the hard work and extra time he's given them over the past year. (My more negative side would've said blood, sweat, and tears..all for a gold plate?!...but I'm focusing on being positive, so I won't say that part).

It's a really big accomplishment, and I'm so proud of him! Next up, CEO!!!

Brilliant

I love the idiosyncrasies that go along with working for a big company.

I work from home because I'm allergic to my work environment (unfortunately just the environment, not the actual work itself), so on my work voicemail I state that I'm working remotely and to please call my cell phone, and then I leave my cell number.

Earlier this week I tried to call in to check my voicemail to make sure I didn't have anything new on there, and I couldn't, for the life of me, remember my new password. I called the helpdesk, who directed me to a website, and instructed me to fill out this form online. In the form I stated that I work remotely, and gave them my cell number.

That was Monday.

I called the helpdesk today to ask the status of getting my password changed, and after a few minutes, the lady came back to the phone. Here's how the rest of our conversation went (in very broken English on her part):

Helpdesk: "It says they called to give you your new voicemail password."
Me: "I didn't receive any phone calls, are you sure?"

Helpdesk: "Yes, they called xxx-xxxx and left a voicemail for you with step by step instructions."
Me: "So, let me get this straight....they called my work phone, and left me a voicemail on the voicemailbox system that I can't remember the password to, telling me how to change my password?"

Helpdesk: "Yes maam."
Me: "Um, okay, do you not see the irony in all of this?"

Helpdesk: "No maam."
Me: "Does the form I filled out say to call this number?" (I give her my cell number).

Helpdesk: "Yes, but they just called the number we have on file for you."
Me: "Okay, how do I get them to call my cell phone number because I work remotely."

Helpdesk: "I would suggest filling out another form."
Me: "Is that going to result in the same outcome?"

Helpdesk: "Yes maam, they will call and tell you how to reset your password...maybe you'll be at your desk next time, yes?"
Me: "No I don't work at work, I work at home. Nevermind. Allright, uh...um...I guess I'll just try back later."

Helpdesk: "Okay. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Me: "No, no...I think we're good."

Perfect. I'll just hope that my password comes to me in my sleep. Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" song has been in my head all day...