Shaayla's Winter Show

Today, we felt like our little girl Shaayla is really growing up. She's been practising hard in school for their winter show and finally, today was their performance at the Milpitas Community Center. She's been really enthusiastic about it and practising hard every evening as well.

This was going to be the first time she'll be performing on stage in front of a huge crowd. We had no idea of what to expect. But it turned out really well and she looked like she enjoyed herself.

Our 'Twin' Bundles of Joy

Suresh and I are constantly amazed at how alike Shaayla (when she was a baby) and Shayman look. We decided to dig through Shaayla's past photos for a comparison and these were what we found. They both have the same light-up-the-face kind of smile...such a joy.

Thank you, Po Po

It was with much sadness that we drove Shaayla's Grandma to the San Francisco Airport late Thursday night. Six months had gone by in a flash. Poor Po Po barely had time to get over her jetlag and Shayman was born...barely a week after she arrived. Since then, it's been busy busy almost everyday. But I think the greatest joy was seeing Shayman grow, becoming more cheeky and naughty each day. Without my Mum around to help the first couple of weeks, I think Suresh and I would have been running around like mad dogs.

Shaayla also enjoyed Po Po's company very much. Not a day passes by without her asking Po Po to play ball with her or to read her Princess stories to her. At times when my patience had been stretched thin, Po Po would still be very patient with her.

We only managed two very short holidays in the six months. One was to Fort Bragg in June and the other was to Santa Barbara and Solvang in August. We did manage to catch up with our friends at birthday parties and gatherings as well. And of course, Shaayla made a birthday card for Po Po's birthday on Aug 16.

Maybe Shaayla is really growing up. While she was sad that Po Po was leaving, somehow I think she understands that Po Po is going home. She has been great the past few days and we keep reminding her that we'll see Po Po in Nov when we make a trip to Singapore.

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!!