"Reading Mode/Mood"
For certain uncertain force, I was back to my long-term interest these days - reading!
I let aside the Colina biography (famous soccer referee from Italia), Harry Potter, and even the newly acquired Da Vinci Code (well, comparatively, I bought it in the US); even though I know all the mentioned books are good and that was exactly why I bought them and keep them in my collection. (p.s. I love to read but even more to own books!)
Having done a few chapters in Colina's book, I started the Da Vinci book, which is of course a book under spotlight, 4 days ago. And "terribly" it has become my accompany throughout these midnights, despite the fact that I have to wake up at 7am and go to work with my new schedule here in Florida! This is exactly what I missed for a few months and something I always enjoy - READ like a thirsty man seeing an oasis in the desert!
The Da Vinci Code is amazing, to me, with the following contexts:
- Given the fact that so many praises it receives, I was already having high expectation. It is not always easy to tackle with high level of expectations. So it is a great accomplishment!
- Simply I love detective stories; plus, the fact that it is related to some Christian backgrounds, histories and ideas. (well, even myths)
- In my reading records, there were not many books that will keep me reading it days after days...I know it is the kind! I call it the bond. (or "yuan" between reader and the author)
VIVA reading mood!
Florida Facilities
Over this past week, I had been enrolled in the Orientation program for our Florida locations in the company. It was absolutly eye-opening: firstly the fascinating architecture, structure and the IT infrastructure and media solutions we have in our Global Technology & Information Center (GTIC). To name a few, the server room which makes the company the best/most desired 100 IT firm to work in (enough thought we are not an IT firm!); the over 120 security cameras, Hurricane/lightning-proof building; having a bunch of satellite dishes on top of our office building which monitors all broadcast and cable signals in the entire US territory, etc...
Then, it was the satellite locations (surrounding our main campus in Oldsmar) - Venice, Weatherfield and Crystal Beach in Florida State. I visited our printing plant, editing center for diary measurement (a methodology we used in TV ratings), Call Center which handles over 6 millions calls this year so far...
There are a lot of new, interesting and amazing things I have been experiencing down here so far, in the sense that I would never picture when I sit in the Sales/Marketing office in New York City. Then of course, all sorts of practices (similarities & differences) we witnessed within our company in various locations - the norms, staff management and dedication towards the company. After seeing all these, I feel very much charged up for our upcoming challenges/rotation starting next Monday! In a few words, "I'm loving it! (being in the company and all the learning)"
First Traffic Accident Witnessed
Around 9-9:30pm, my colleague was driving a Hyundai and we were 3 mins away from home on the highway in Tampa, Florida; just when we made our second last turn before going back to our Rocky Point Island, I experienced my first closed encounter with an accident and so as in America! Our car was making a left turn while another car in the inside lane was trying to go straight. As you will imagine, the vehicles "kissed"! We were very lucky that the speed of both of the car was rather slow possibly due to the steep turn and also the unfamiliarity to the local traffic for both drivers.
Since that was the first accident my colleague had also, so he wanted to make sure everything is done correctly though it only created a small scratch on the left side of the car and thankfully nobody was hurt. So we ended up pulling both cars off from the highway and waited on the grass aside the intersection or the "venue", and waited for the cop to come. Of course, my colleague made calls to the Police Department and so as his insurance company. It was funny that since the intersection is between the areas where the State Police (highway patrol or whatever it is called) and the local county police; thus he was being diverted for a few times. Anyway, the cop finally came after a long wait. After a brief understanding of the accident, he decided to file a traffic form for us (for the insurance!) and basically letting everybody go.
Well, afterall, all what I could recall is waiting and waiting; but it was a "good" learning experience, as I would never know how it actually should be dealt with. And it was good that we learnt it from a minor collision.
First Week of August
Having this upexpected one-week off from work after the move from NYC is actually quite nice - it helps me adjust to Tampa, or Florida type of life easier and faster.
Spending my week basically seeing or I should say driving around: I went to the beach in Clearwater, which is the farthest of west coast of Florida State; visiting the historic Ybor City which the cigar industry was a boom in late 19th Century and turned into a museum area now; then the countryside scenery - golf courses, lakes and not to mention the gorgeous looking houses! It was very relaxing and it seemed that I have not got that for the presious time. I do not mean to say that I do not like the kind of life in HK or NYC, nor I prefer this type of life in Florida. But maybe I would say I prefer a balance of the two. Seems a little greedy but it is very true for me that I could have a colorful city life with lots of entertainment to choose form and then also a quiet side of my personal life. I guess this is what we Chinese call "Harmony".
So, feeling like tourist here for the week will mean a tough time adjusting back to work life of course...haha, well, but I had done that for many times (everytime after I traveled). Again, I think it is a good balance and I am excited to go back to work and start my new rotation in the Oldsmar office indeed!
