2020-10-13

daily note
  • ☀️Daily Log:
    • YVR ✈️ SFO #work
      • Flying out in the morning at 0800
      • Scheduled a Uber ride at 530 but after arriving early the driver cancelled and dipped…
      • Almost got my luggage stuck inside the condo as I try to bring my 3 checked-in bags out to the street because I left the keys already
      • Then one luggage was overweight while another was over the max allowable weight
        • Had to swap some items into the golf bag carrying my longboard
        • Eventually got it down to having only one overweight luggage (which costs $100!! 😳)
        • Reimburse luggage costs
      • The flight has a 3 hour layover in YYZ because the border security at Vancouver is less random
      • TN application did not go smoothly
        • The main border guard was slightly junior and was being supervised by another border guard
        • They first ensured my education background and job description matched the requirements of meeting the engineering criteria under the TN status
        • The supervisor was hung up on the job title (Software development engineer), which included the keyword “software”
        • She was not satisfied with the misaligned job title with my job description/education
        • They were about to reject my application based on this, they asked if I can reach out the law firm to adjust my job title with work
        • After an hour or so of delays, I communicated back and forth with the law firm without a final change, the main border guard decided to approve my application of 3 years of TN status!
      • Both flights I had an empty seat in the row
      • Picked up all my checked luggage and took the blue train to the rental car companies
      • Drove south on I-101 from SFO to Mountain View, took about 30 minutes, and unpacked at the temporary corporate housing
    • Corporate Housing
      • It is a large complex, that feels like a resort - 4 or so buildings surround a middle yard with swimming pools, hot tubs, seating areas, couches
      • My unit is a big one-bedroom with the washroom interconnected with the living space and bathroom. There is also a walk-in closet, balcony, full kitchen and two TVs
      • I feel pretty comfortable living here
      • Tried to wipe down as much as possible and unpacked my clothes and productivity items
    • Grocery at Trader Joe’s
      • First shopping trip to stock up on some simple foods at none other than Trader Joe’s
      • The vibe was super positive and there was tons of interesting things items that I will probably come back to get more of
  • Retrospective::