What a SUPRISE!

So, we're sitting in the conference room for the yearly Systemwide Trainers Conference, when they begin announcing the Trainers of the 2nd Quarter. The first was for "below" wing, and it went to ANC Ramp Trainer Chester Long. I had the pleasure of working with this "Hawaiian" in Austin. Then Donna begins reading the intro for the "above" wing Trainer. As she's reading, she mentions that something about jumping in and painting while assisting with a station opening. I'm thinking, humm, I did that. She goes on, and says that this Trainer created a Image proficiency review. Humm, I did that too. Continuing, she says that this Trainer created a C-20 powerpoint. Okay, wait a minute. I think it's me! I had my head down, then raised it to see Heidi with a big smile on her face. ...and the Trainer of the 2nd Quarter is... Colin Leong. OMG!

Not only was I shocked, but actually proud. This is an affirmation that I LOVE what I do. I enjoy sharing what I've learned and making it easier for others. I can only hope to continue to live up to the (now higher) standards the Customer Services Division has set.

I guess we all need help

Look what I found in Austin!

Jade Buddha for Universal Peace

While touring Sydney, the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace was on tour at the Chinese Garden.

Not all is lost...

Even though my camera was taken, I luckily saved some of my Austrailia photos to my desktop. So, here they are.
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View from our room at the Marriott Sydney Harbour

Another view, but from the Club room

The Syndey Opera House.

The Opera House at night. Spectacular!

Camera Stolen !

I'm now in Austin assisting with the Station opening, and had some good pictures of the city. Including the State Capitol building, University of Texas campus, the Airport etc. We got back to our hotel one day, and sat down to eat egg rolls, and I set my blue folder down on the floor. Well, I forgot to take it up with me, and when I realized it, went back down to get it. It wasn't there, so I checked with the front desk, and they had the folder, but camera was gone. Anyway, boohoo. Luckily, I had sent some of the AUS pictures to Karen, and I think I have my SYD/PER pictures on my computer at home. So, here's the one I like. Luckily, I sent it to Karen and she forwarded it to me.

I'm in Sydney, New South Wales Austrailia

Some quick pictures of my Sydney trip thusfar ...

Sydney Harbour Bridge

People walking up the bridge

The famous Sydney Opera House, from the bridge

Kim, Creighton and myself in front of the Opera House

Chicago, 26JUN-29JUN

Left for ORD (using my V space, booked a year in advance) on Friday, 26JUN. Went to the Taste of Chicago opening weekend, and it was pretty good. Two years ago, it was wall to wall people, but this time it was tolerable. Weather was pleasant, nice breeze, and space to enjoy the food. Yum, deep dish pizza, riblets, frozen bananas, oh my tummy!

The next day I went to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the Harry Potter exhibit.

It was pretty interesting, even the guides had English accents. Lots of original props used in the movies. You could see how Harry (Daniel Radcliff) and especially Ron grew (in terms of clothes sizes) during the years. Sorry, they didn't allow any photos. Bought a Azkaban prisoner T-shirt to commemorate my visit. ha ha

I've been telling everyone that Chicago is a awesome place to visit, especially in the Summer. There is so much to see and do, festivals, events, etc... Deciding to venture out, my hotel concierge suggested to go to Halsted for the Pride parade. Okay, I said, what the heck. It was PACKED! Now this was the crowd I expected at the Taste, not a parade. What a diverse crowd, gay, lesbians, and lots of straight (?) couples. I settled in under a small tree (for shade, it was clear and hot) next to these drunk lesbians. They were crazy!

Relay for Life - Mt. Tahoma H.S.

AS sponsored a team for Relay for Life. We raised over $3,000 on our first relay! It was a fun experience, but for some, staying over 24 hours is a bit crazy. All those that did, Lisa, Wendy, Diane, Erika, and Joyce, was sick by the end. We're doing shifts next year. Nonetheless, we all had fun for this awesome cause.

Whew! All that walking wears me out!

Ancient Chinese Secret

I've been cooped up home sick these past days. I'm using my "chinese medicine" to help me thru it. I think it worked! I'm much better now. I just wish I could find a chinese allergy medicine.

Chelsie Volleyball Tournament

It's the last time Chelsie will compete in the Las Vegas Volleyball Classic. It's always held during Presidents Day Weekend. Their team, Oahu 18's Tommy, did okay. They finished 57th out of 100 teams.Some other pictures taken while in Las Vegas.

SFO New Year Parade

San Francisco continues to celebrate Chinese New Year with the Grand New Year Parade. It's sponsored by a competitor I won't mention. I did not know that this parade is one of the top ten Best Cultural Parades in the USA, cool. It usually rains, but it was nice and nippy.

The outgoing Miss Chinatown USAMiss Chinatown 2009, Court and contestants.The final float, Miss Chinatown USA 2009
(okay, it's not the best picture, looks like she's flipping the crowd)

Narcissus presentation

The Au In Kwai Family Club is the official vendor for the Narcissus plants. As part of the festivities, we present the newly crowned Narcissus Queen and her court with their own Narcissus flower plants.

Oh my gosh! Who is that lucky guy presenting the Queen her flowers?

Au Family Narcissus Sale

Every year the Au In Kwai Family Club sells Narcissus plants as part of the Narcissus Festival. The narcissus flower is prized by the Chinese during the New Year festivities. Not only is it very fragrant, but also beautiful. There are two types of plants that are sold, the upright and the "crab claw" styles. The crab claw style takes much time and patience to cultivate. Here we are cleaning and prepping the bulbs for sale.

Dr. Francis Au and Dr. Cora Au (sitting) they're in their 90's!Jerry Chan cleaning a crab claw narcissus

After all the decayed and old scales of the bulbs are removed, leaves trimmed and non blooming bulblets removed, they are placed into styrofoam containers till we plant them into pots the next day.And the final product all planted are ready for sale.Above is the upright style, and below is the "crab claw" style.My "cousins" in front of the boothCallman and Francis Au