I was in Redmond a few weeks ago doing some work with Microsoft Learning regarding their new .NET Framework 3.5 Professional exams they are developing for the MCPD certification.  I cannot say too much but the entire process to develop exams at Microsoft is interesting and way more complex than I anticipated.

The picture is me before going into Building 41.  The building in the background is Building 40 where the super smart people involved in Developer tools are located.  I also ate in the cafeteria between 40 and 41 so I saw quite a few people eating like Anders Hejlsberg and John Lam that I respect as developers.

Alan Stevens (who is a great friend and I recommended for the MS Learning work) and I did so many things for the 3 days we were there.  The people we met at the exam sessions were all very cool and great to chat with about the work they do and their views.  We also got to meet many people in the evening and hang out with some "famous" people.  My wife did not know any of them them but they are famous to me and probably most that read this blog.

Thanks to all the new friends I met in Redmond those three days.  I knew most from Twitter but only knew them by a icon and a username.  Great to put a face to their digital identity.