Mid-point Mark
The next Thursday (June 28), I had my "mid-point review" with my manager, which is essentially a formal check-in to talk about how I'm progressing through my internship and whether or not I'm on track for the "next" thing, which for me, would be another internship, this time as an intern in one of the three disciplines: PM, SDE, or SDET (see this post for more information about the Explorer internship I'm currently a part of). This marked the halfway point of my time here in Seattle. While it is sad to think of how little time I have left in Seattle, this reminded of how grateful I am for the opportunity to work for Microsoft and interact on a daily basis with such smart, talented individuals.
Reliving childhood classics with the Seattle Symphony
Outside Paramount theatre after Les Mis
That weekend, I indulged in my theater-side and first watched the Seattle Symphony perform all the greatest Disney songs in a "Disney in Concert" special performance (for $10 at the student discount price) and then watched the 5th Avenue theatre perform Les Miserable as part of the 25th anniversary tour of the Broadway show. I loved singing along to my favorite childhood songs (something that many of you know I still do quite frequently actually) as well as watching my favorite musical of all time. I think my co-workers were getting a bit tired of my Les Mis craze that week as I had been listening to the soundtrack non-stop that week in preparation for the show. Both were amazing. The Disney concert was a timeless hit, with attendees such as little girls and boys in costumes to well-dressed adult Seattlers. With my week-long preparation of listening to the original soundtrack, I also really enjoyed watching the fresh interpretation of the 25th Anniversary show. I particularly loved the story of redemption and kindness that Les Mis is famous for as well as the characters Javier and Jean Valjean.
Potluck with friends
In addition to work and church, I've also been going (or trying to at least) to Microsoft's free salsa lessons after work with a few friends. In addition to having an extensive shuttle service that essentially serves as a free taxi ride to anywhere there's a Microsoft building, Microsoft also provides an array of social activities from intramural sports to dance lessons.
Dinner with the Lians (we cooked!)
A True American Experience
Back in high school in NJ, my friends and I would often joke around about my "American identity" (given the fact that I didn't know who John Mayer was and mixed up the Eagles and the Queens before). So, Emma, Kia, and Jess, you'd be very proud of how I spent my fourth of July (I think it was my most authentically American experience yet). I went to a church member's house for a fellowship BBQ (with great food I must add) and spent the day playing volleyball, videogames, and boardgames (all while in a perpetual food coma and state of consumption). I even watched a few minutes of Jackass (which has its funny moments but just got a bit too crazy and disgusting for me). After dinner, I headed to a fireworks show in a nearby small city, Bellevue, with some intern friends and watched the display in a packed park. Catching a ride from another intern, we got stuck in the parking garage because we were parked on the second story of the garage and everyone from the first floor had to get out first. Nevertheless, I had a great time hanging out with people all while feeling proud of my country and the freedoms I'm afforded.
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