Having the three months of Summer Vacation was great. I must figure out a way to make a habit of it. I’ve learned several things worth noting during this break—some surprising, others less so:

• I missed being attached to HP more than expected: The intensity of the loss of ‘family ties’ hit me harder than I expected immediately after leaving HP and for the first few weeks of summer. I’ve spent far more time with the people of HP than any other group of people in my life; including my own family. HP defined me in many ways.
• I miss being attached to HP less than expected: After about four weeks of separation anxiety, I experienced no noticeable post-partum depression. Sure, I’ve kept active communication ties with several colleagues, but I really don’t miss being part of HP nearly as much as I expected. My intense loyalty to HP seems to have been more about the people and the projects than the company: I could buy a Dell today without hesitation. I wouldn’t have expected that at all, a few months ago.
• I love having Summer dedicated to relaxation and Art: This summer’s MARBLE/marble symposium was pivotal for me. I have discovered more than ever before how important artistic expression is for my basic happiness.
  
• I miss working with technology & I miss being on an active development team: I simply can’t escape it. I love technology and it’s rapid rate of change. I miss the adrenalin rush from being on a team working passionately toward a common goal. I miss having opportunities to directly and positively impact human-computer interaction. (And, I miss the income). So…I bumped up my search for a fix a few weeks back. I have come across quite a find: I’m now working at a small, vital company which reminds me very much of the environment I loved so much at Snapfish. And it seems to be an excellent match. There is plenty for me to work on in areas where I have experience and passion. And, it’s got me back working with the .NET Framework, which I’ve missed and love. I may end up liking this outfit more than HP and Snapfish! I would have never expected this. Especially locally. More on this to follow, I’m sure.
• I miss HP. Just yesterday I received notice regarding another Patent that has been awarded from the U.S. Patent Office (this one would would be especially fun to work on!). This makes 24 total (not counting international). I loved and miss the supportive environment for invention and creative thinking I enjoyed for many years at HP. I don’t know if I will ever find that anywhere again. Even at HP. (yikes. I’ve got to be careful. As part of my generous exit bonus, I’m contractually obligated to not say anything disparaging about HP, ever. I love HP, I love HP…..)
• [21-JUN-08 UPDATE]: Triggered by an investgation of the state of software patents for my current imployer, I happened to run across web access for the European Patent Office. Received my latest patent plaque from HP last week. Ever curious, I decided to do a quick scan:  European Patents: 65; US Patents: 27

Filed under: Art, Life, Software Design, Technology