Talking Politics with Shaayla

This being the presidential election year in America, Shaayla's school is also taking the opportunity to educate them on the meaning of elections and of course, who's running for presidency. There's no doubt Shaayla recognises Obama and McCain now. She even points out the name 'Obama' on bumper stickers. She's also made up her mind about who she thought would make a better president...

This was how a conversation with Shaayla went one evening :

Me : (pointing to an image of McCain on TV) Do you know who this man is?

Shaayla : John McCain

Me : That's right..just like Obama, he too wants to be the President of America

Shaayla : What's President?

Me : A president is like a leader...just like the line leader when you line up in school? He takes care of everyone.

Shaayla : oh...

Me : So, who do you think will be a better President?

Shaayla : I think Obama

Me : Why? Why not John McCain?

Shaayla : Because I think Obama is a better line leader!

Me : ?!?!?!?

Shaayla's in the Olympics

Shaayla started her new school year in Junior K on August 18 with Merryhill School. It's a familiar place to her as she had been there since Jan 2008 for preschool. She took to her new grade really well and as her teacher, Ms Aimee, says...she's very sociable. She enjoys her classes and even enjoys homework. They receive about 3 to 4 worksheets each day and she's very enthusiastic about doing them (and doing them properly!).

Her school organised the first ever Merryhill School Olympics and they even had an opening ceremony this morning.
Shayman, our little boy, is also growing fast. He just turned 5 months old last week and is now a busy and happy baby. He hasn't yet learnt how to roll over, but has instead got the hang of sitting unassisted.

He also enjoys visits to the park when his big sister will push him on the swing.

Does NETAPP Suck?

Good question. They have been top 10 on the list of "Best Places to Work" by Forbes Magazine for the last 6 years. That was my train of thought when I joined them in Dec. You would think that Forbes Magazine would have certain criteria to fulfill before a company gets on that list. You would think!! I was shocked to find out that they do not provide exit interviews to all those who have left. Their exit interviews are with a 3rd party company (ExitCheck) that contact you, if HR provides your name to them. Tricky isn't it? I have friends who are still waiting for HR or the ExitCheck to contact them for an exit interview. I think you and I know why HR does not provided ExitCheck details of everyone that leaves. I had to email the HR department and ensured that I was contacted to give feedback but colleagues who are still there say nothing has changed. HR basically talks to you, nods their heads, takes down notes and files it away in case there is a law suit. As for correcting executive behaviour that amounts to harassment, they do nothing.

I am not afraid of putting this down on my blog because you will find similar complaints when I left. I specifically spoke to HR and mentioned this to them, although I learnt that they did something about it but it's more of a "Cover my ass" sort of thing, if you know what I mean.

To think that they are No.1 this year was a shock in itself. Once I got news of NetApp getting the top place, I knew for a fact that you never refer to the "Forbes List" at all. I wonder who actually refers to this list. If only I could publish what I went through and send that to Forbes, it would be sweet but why waste time on something that cannot be fixed!!

4 Hole-In-One!

Call it a fluke or call it 'skills', but I scored 4 Hole-In-Ones, albeit it was only at mini golf. But, golf is golf, so I'm glad.

We played mini golf at Golfland at Milpitas on Saturday with Katelyn and Sarah, Shaayla's friends from her preschool. The girls certainly had fun.

Shaayla's Swimming Class

Shaayla had started her swimming lessons with Fremont Swim School about 6 weeks ago. She had really enjoyed her first lesson. But at the second lesson, she got her first underwater experience and was a little apprehensive after that. But we're glad she came round to it and has been enjoying every lesson since.


She completed level 1 of her preschool program and received her first purple ribbon last week. We were very proud of her achievement. Now she's really enthusiastic at each lesson.

A Relaxing 4th of July Weekend

We had a good 4th of July weekend, spent with good friends and good food. Maye and John invited us to their 'country' home up in Sonoma. It was an easy 1.5hr drive up north on the morning of 4th July. Guess everyone was either away or staying indoors, taking respite from the heat.

John's little 'cottage' was tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, and we had a great time just chilling out in his backyard.

Nicole with Shayman

On Saturday, we had a picnic at Vasona Park, Los Gatos, with Shaayla's good friends, Ryan and Alya. It was too hot for pedal-boating at Vasona Lake, so everyone just relaxed at the park instead. Of course, for the kids, it was the carousel and the steam train ride that was the highlight of their afternoon.

Shaayla and her pals, Ryan and Alya