Xmission

We are not party people. But last night, we went to a party to celebrate our ISP's 20th anniversary. Again, this does not really sound like fun. Strangely enough, it was. We've been with them from their first year in business, D first, then he sponsored me - back when they wouldn't take a new account unless someone who didn't need much technical help would vouch for them. I got an email that is just my first name, their name, and a ., .

The founder/owner is a good guy, CS major, who didn't follow his passion, but grew it from a seed of interest, with a lot of skill, incredibly good timing, and the ability to see the right action, then worked his ass off. He wanted the internet, and access to it, that didn't exist. So he built this thing for himself, and found that other people wanted it too.

D remembers when he was just a member of his friend's BBS, and a rave DJ. Which is why D so wanted him to win against Orrin Hatch (wasn't gonna happen, sadly.)

The nibbles were excellent, a long time since I've had shrimp. We didn't really talk with anyone, but the atmosphere in the room was pleasant. One employee chatted with us a few minutes, which was kind, nicely mingled. There were men in suits and women dressed to the nines, and there were people in sneakers, jeans and hoodies, with everything in between. For once, I felt no self consciousness about my clothes at a party.

And we were in my old workplace, refurbished completely, but still familiar. The old library moved to the new library, and an art & science museum upgraded it for earthquake standards, and made other substantial changes. But the space is the same, the rooftop garden looked untouched, and the view oh-so familiar. Odd, but pleasantly so. D and I had some of our first conversations in that room. Then we got to play in the part of the museum they had open.

Finally, we got a little package of swag, an Internet Survival Kit, someone had fun with it. Explanations aside, I think there are specific stories for each.


If you ever have a reason to work with Xmission, do so. No, this is not a paid endorsement, this is personal loyalty after so many years of being cared for. I don't complain much about spam for a reason, most of it doesn't get through to me.