Work Status

So I found out today that I would not be rolling off my project at the end of the week as planned :(... The entire project team got extended till July 20th. As it is, we may be extended till the end of the year. My senior manager has shared some of his intentions and goals for the project and how he thinks I would fit into the overall scheme of things. I had my little catch-22 moment. I mean for selfish reasons, I want to stay on the project - my travel option is amazing and if I pace myself well and if I can find people in the places I want to see or anyone up for travelling then I can visit almost anywhere my mind can dream off. So with that I am excited. On the flip side, I have been involved in testing for so long that I am looking to branch out, I think the client really likes what I've done in that space so I'm not sure that they would be all excited with me branching out too far from testing. Anyway, I was able to ask for some project planning related tasks and my manager has promised to give me that as well as a better leadership role.

I still need a break though.... I mean, it has become more difficult to pack my bags and head back to California every Sunday. I mean I know what I signed up for but it doesnt make it any easier. I am becoming more desperately in need of a vacation...

So my Asia trip plan is going okay. I found out that Cathay Airlines has an All Asia Pass deal that sounds amazing. Yowo and I need to confirm dates and look into the project. We may be using that option since we have have soooooo many places we want to see. Anyway our trip is moved to August so in the mean time, I may be going to South America or Canada... for a quick gettaway.

Plugging in

So today, I had a group meeting with members of the Dallas office and part of our meeting was raising money to support Junior Achievement (A organization that helps to promote kids and schools and .....) Anyway, we had a bowl-a-thon and I mean I know I cant bowl but over the years, I think I have gotten progressively worse. I was teased all through the game. I was somewhat embarrassed and tired. Actually for some funky reason, I am still jet lagged or I've completely lost my sleeping schedule..

Anyway, a senior executive, who is close to my career counsellor was very adamant about me hanging out with the team so I did join them, i figured what the heck, it can only improve my career. A few other executives join us and over beer and lemonade ;), we just chit chat and talk about events going on in Dallas, bowling, music and how I had no idea on any of the songs that they were playing at the bar, our different ages and all. My career counsellor shares my story about how I want to work on an international project for about 2 - 3 weeks. One of the senior executives thought I was really funny, his quote, you must have believed everything that they told you during recruiting. He did mention Argentina though so not sure if he was teasing me or if he was serious but it sounds like I may be getting an international project or at least, they have me in mind for international projects. Anyway, I walked away feeling like a part of the group. I've never felt like an outsider but today I felt included... connected. At least 2 very important Senior Executives know me somewhat personally and I couldnt have asked for a much better time considering that laddering sessions (promotion and salary raises discussions) are currently underway :)... Hopefully it all pans out in my favor. I'll keep you posted