I finally decided to move on the new position.

The five and a half years experiences at DDTI are invaluable. I really have a lot of passion to devoted into my work at my first three years. I could stay overnight to fix a memory leak. I could try to improve a product even I am not assigned to do that.

I liked the people I work with, and apparently, they liked me too.

Yes, I am frustrated by some minor issues. I am not sure why I am not paid at a fair market value. I don't expect to be paid more than others because I don't think myself smarter than others. I tried NOT to take any of those attitudes to my work because I understand what is considered professional.

The surprising thing is that they did make an counter offer to try to let me stay. I am really surprised at how much I am actually appreciated at the final days of my work. They want to increase my salary more than what I have been increased in all five and a half years. I just don't feel comfortable to take this counter offer.

I think I am a loser in this process too. I have this value in the company, but can only have them pay me that value when I decided to leave.

I decided to move on, and I hope I can restore my passion to the software development.

The trip.

I have been on vacation since last week, and traveled Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It was a great trip, partly because I really haven't been in those parts of the country that much.

The best city in my view is San Francisco, including its suburbs. The weather is so nice, comparing with the cold Columbus. I was told the summer is also very nice.

I also got to meet a lot of friends I haven't seen for years. They are doing very well, and I am really happy for them.

Now, I am back in Phoenix, and will spend most of the time in hotel and have some time to read some books.

I had a new friend in this trip - Microsoft Streets and Trips with the GPS receiver. I am very happy with it. The problem with the traditional maps is that sometimes, it's harder to locate where you are, but with the GPS, you are always aware the current location. That makes a big difference. And the map is pretty accurate. The only time I have some issue was when I drove in the skyscrapers in SF, the GPS signal seemed to be blocked by the buildings a little bit.