Second Week

Wow! I almost through my second week at Google. 8) It's been a whirlwind so far. This week has been all about the Google Top Contributor Summit 2013. I met quite a few TCs in the Adwords Community. Plus I've met as many if not more Googler from all the different product lines. The coolest has been Google Glass. As a photographer I am so excited about this technology. I spoke with Sara the PM for Google Glass and one of the speakers at the summit. I unabashedly ask her how I could into their explorer program especially for using the Glass for wedding photos. I'm crossing my fingers that I will be lucky enough to be chosen for the next round. Oh I can't close this blog without mentioning the the first night's social dinner event. Had a blast with great food and free drinks! My glass goes off to CHristine, Rachel, Phil, Bjorn and Mehdi who were mates for the evening. Too cool a bunch of smart yet fun people. Rachel and I didn't get to save the Goldfish in the colored Google glasses but Christine and I did get to keep our white pillows that lit up with google colors. 8) jp

2nd & 3rd Day

Belated entries for the last 2 days (mostly cause I was too tired once I got home to write anything!). 2nd Day Impressions: At last, I am back to drinking Red Bull. Only one per day but its like meeting an old friend. Back in 2011, I used to have 1-2/day at the Crittenden campus. Ahh the prodigal son returns...! What else, oh, I met a few acquaintances also from 2011. It's nice to see some familiar faces on the new job. 3rd Day Impressions: Oh Lord! Someone took the last Red Bull. The Googler I bumped into at the break room noticed my sound of anguish. His advice was to grab one early (and stash it!). His words, not mine but advice I may readily follow in order to get my daily dose of RB. Today I had the distinct pleasure to "shadow" one of the STO CSRs for an hour as part of my training to familiarize myself with Adwords (again) and the job itself. The gentleman I was paired up with was courteous, knowledgeable and professional on the phone during the entire hour I observed him. If he is typical of the average Google CSR than Google has some of the best CSR in the industry! Like other support centers in the industry, the majority of calls is not so much as fixing issues but being part counselor-engineer-yellow-pages to every caller. It's a high stress but satisfactory job when you resolved the customer's issues. That's it for now. Will update for today's impressions tonight! jp

Starting up my personal Blog!

With the start of my new job at Google, I've decided to keep a daily journal of what its like to work at Google. To give some background details of my job, I have to start with my last contract at Google. In 2011, I was fortunate to work on the SBS (SMB now) Verticalization Project. In a nutshell, the group I was assigned to gather the existing Google Adwords Small Business Sales customer data which was organized for accuracy. The reason was two fold: (1) gauge how accurate the data and demographics of the SBS Adwords customers' (2) Make this data available to the Adwords Sales team in order maximize the ROI when contacting their respective SBS customer. Fast forward to 2013. With my previous Adwords experience, my recruiter thought I would an ideal candidate for an opening with Google's Adwords Community. After several interviews, I was the candidate who did get the position. After having survived my first day today as newest member of the Adwords Community forum, I feel confident that this is the right career path for me! I also have to make a note of my first impression of my new team. Everyone I met in the team was super friendly especially as I am {excuse my gaming terminology) the FNG. Having said that, everyone one of them reminds of the last team I worked with in 2011. They are extremely talented, confident individuals. One of the great things about Google is they really do hire the best and the brightest. I feel honored that I get a second opportunity to work in such a great environment. More to come tomorrow...! jp

I forgot to post the latest family portraits from last month on my personal blog. Here they are... jp

Adobe kills Creative Suite, goes subscription-only

Interesting article from CNET, Adobe kills Creative Suite, goes subscription-only Could this be the Adobe's fatal faux pax? Last time I remember a company that tried a similar stunt, Netflix with their raising the price and splitting their streaming and DVD rental into 2 separate features, their stock prices tanked while losing a huge number of subscribers. I see a similar reaction with Adobe's new move. Time will tell. jp

Easter Photos

Here's a couple quick shots I took of my youngest niece and her brother on Easter Sunday. jp

Cool article on Med menu

Healthy eating equals good living. 8) http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/25/17087082-tasty-diet-cuts-heart-disease-study-finds?lite jp

Posting an old spring photo

SyFy news!

if your a Battlestar Galactica fan, you don't want to miss this new BSG series! jp

Solar Seminar SF Commonwealth Club tomorrow

If your a big solar geek like me, you want to keep up on the latest trends in the industry. Fortunately the SF Commonwealth club is hosting a great seminar tomorrow on solar energy trends. Check out the info below. jp ------------------------------ http://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2013-02-05/solar-flares Lynn Jurich, Co-founder, Sunrun Danny Kennedy, President and Founder, Sungevity Marco Krapels, Executive Vice President, Rabobank Lyndon Rive, Co-founder and CEO, SolarCity Through all the growing pains and political attacks, the U.S. solar industry is still moving ahead. Costs are down, new financing models are removing capital barriers for residential and commercial buyers, and sun energy is no longer just for hippies. What is the solar forecast for 2013? How will the trade spat with China impact the sector? The glut of cheap natural gas promises to undercut renewable energy, yet at the same time it can be a ready complement for when the sun is not shining and the wind isn't blowing. Join us for a spin around the sun. Location: SF Club Office Time: 5:30 p.m. check-in, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. networking reception Cost: $20 standard, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID) Also know: Underwritten by Orrick

Starting a new year

Since this is still early in the new year, I am continuing my efforts to update this my personal blog. Anything social media or technical photography will be updated on my other respective blogs. Thanks! jp