Lonesome Chicago

Tennis Lesson

Had my first tennis lesson this evening. It was fun. Learned forehand today. I was sooo happy coz the couch said I was a natural and I have a very nice form. :) After 6 lessons I will be able to play tennis with my cloud 9.

Support Chicago Cares!

I am proud to be volunteering at the 15th Annual Chicago Cares Serve-a-thon on Saturday, June 14. I am one of 8,000 volunteers who will register to make Chicago a better place as we paint, plant, build and beautify at schools across the city.

I am writing to ask you to make a donation to Chicago Cares and support my commitment to volunteer service. Chicago Cares creates, manages and leads community service programs that meet the city's most critical needs (more than 200 every month!) Chicago Cares' year-round community service programs make Chicago a better place for all of us, and they can't do it without our financial support.

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift of $25 or more to Chicago Cares. It will mean a great deal to me. My goal is to raise at least $250 for Chicago Cares.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support. I need to turn in all of my donations by June 14, so please make your donation today by visiting www.chicagocares.org.

All gifts to Chicago Cares are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Chicago Cares

Zion Nation Park

Went hiking at the Zion National Park in Utah on May 3. Beautiful sandstone cliffs. The weather was perfect for hiking.

Zion National Park

You are my sunshine

Words and Music by
Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamed I held you in my arms,
but when I woke dear, I was mistaken,
and I hung my head and cried.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy when skies are gray
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

I'll always love you and make you happy
if you will only say the same
but if you leave me to love another
you'll regret it all some day

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy, when skies are gray,
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

You told me once dear you really loved me
that no one else could come between
but now you've left me and love another
you have shattered all my dreams.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy, when skies are gray,
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

San Francisco & Napa Valley

Trip to Bay Area

Silly Me

Just an emoticon () would put a smile on my face for the entire afternoon... How pathetic am I?!

April Fool's Joke

Background History: [Colleague #2] who has a history of not showing up for work. [Colleague #1] is upset at [Colleague #2]'s behavior and doesn't understand why [Boss] is tolerant of [Colleague #2]'s behavior.

~~~~~

[Colleague#1],

[Boss] and I have talked about this and we have decided to delegate this important responsibility to you. We can't think of a more suitable person to handle this extremely crucial task given the professionalism and timeliness you demonstrated everyday at [Company]. We believe you would perform this duty to the perfection. No other person in our office can possibly be in charge or is even deserved to be in charge of such an important duty.

Here's what we have in mind:

As you know, [Colleague#2] will be moving down to the [City] area in April. In order to improve his attendance at the office, [Boss] and I think that it would be helpful to [Colleague#2] that YOU would give [Colleague#2] a morning call at 6:44 on weekday morning. And a follow-up call at 7:29 am. If he fails to show up at work, you would then head to his apartment and knock on his door and employ whatever means necessary to get him out of his bed.

Again, we think highly of your talents in coming up with ideas of encouraging [Colleague#2] to get up in the morning and come to work. And given your excellent track record in being the most responsible person in our office, we believe you would handle this task beautifully. We understand this is no easy assignment. And we wouldn't have assigned this duty to you if we don't think highly of your abilities. We appreciate your willingness to take on the most difficult tasks and your most positive attitude in accepting this challenge.

[Me]

~~~~~

[Colleague #1],

Keeping it real, [Me] and I discussed this at length yesterday and we know this may prompt a knee jerk reaction-not necessarily positive. Therefore, we ask that you please sleep on it and really consider the value this will bring to the organization. It would be greatly appreciated and a real show of your team spirit. Thank you for considering this very important request.

[Boss]

~~~~~

[Boss],

I hope this is an April Fool's joke!

[Colleague #1]

~~~~~

[Colleague #1],

Oh yeah, it is April 1. Like I said, your immediate reaction was not expected to be positive. Why don't you sleep on it, we can talk seriously about it on April 2.

[Boss]

~~~~~
At this point [Colleague #1] was seemingly mad and I had a hard time keeping my face straight. So as [Colleague #1] was writing the following email, I announced to her, "April Fool!" The following email was sent anyway and my boss had no idea that [Colleague #1] already knew about the joke.
~~~~~

[Boss],

I don't need to think about this request. It is not something I want to do. I feel that [Colleague #2] should be able to get up on his own. If you force this responsibility on me, I will give my notice immediately!

[Colleague #1]

~~~~~

[Me] and and [Colleague #3],

Holy Crap she's mad!

[Boss]

~~~~~
Phone rang and it was [Boss].
~~~~~

[Me] and [Colleague #3],

Man, you guys got her good. Way to go! [Colleague #1] is a force to be reckoned with.

[Boss]

Hiking

Sunol Regional Wilderness

quartet and dentist

Our quartet did a show at a local veteran's home Wednesday night. The show went real well except that I screwed up the last song--Traditional Blessings--couldn't quite hit the highest note in the song. I guess my voice was almost gone by the end. This is the first real on-our-own show we did by our quartet. Actually the Lead was sick and our chorus director substituted.

It was good to sing to the old folks. Think quite a few of them have Alzheimer's. They seemed really out of it in the beginning. Some had eyes closed. Some were mumbling. Some were dazed. But the most amazing thing was that once we started singing, you could see them reacting and responding to the music. Some were singing along even with their eyes closed. Some started to pay really close attention. I even saw tears streaming down one guy's shut eyes. The songs were the ones that were familiar with. The songs reminded them of the old days and things that they still remember. To me, those were very touching moments.

~~~~

Had a dentist appointment this morning. Haven't had one for at least 2 years. I was so worried that the doctor was going to say that all my teeth were rotting away. But it turned out ok. Will need to have some work done on a couple of molars next month. Other than that, everything was good. I got strong bone structure and fairly good teeth. Not susceptible to decay. The doctor suggested to take out a couple of wisdom teeth. Oh well... not so sure about that. I'll make an appointment with an oral surgeon and see. I was really really impressed by the hygienist. She was so good... and gentle. Not hurting one bit and My gum didn't bleed at all. Just amazing. Never had one as good as her. I am happy as a clam today.

A long absence

Sorry for the prolonged absence. Had been very busy. Heehehh...
Anyway...
I read an article on Chicago Tribune today, titled Happiness is overrated. I think I am going to read the book. I find there's certain true to the statement that "joy grows out of melancholy." And in fact, I do think that being in sorrow does increase creativity. I write best when I am a little down... or a little upset.
Alright... I am really tired tonight for some reason. I should head to bed soon. Good night, folks.

Bad bad weather

Worse weather I've ever seen in my life and I was driving through it tonight. I've seen snow storm... ice/wintry mix... but man.. this was just amazing. 50 mph wind... blowing snow. On the highway, visibility was almost zero. You know what though... I am glad I made the trip tonight coz on the way back I picked up someone who was stranded on the interstate. He was walking on the shoulder and waving and shouting "help" ... I stopped and he hopped in. Man, if he stayed out there 15 more mins... he could have gotten frost-bite and seriously hurt.

Update

Had a great trip to California. Gotta see my god daughter. Have to catch up with work now. Will post something soon.

the monday morn

A hug and embrace,
a kiss on the cheek,
a squeeze of the held hand...
make just about everything worth it.

TGIF

feel good this morning though I only had less than 4 hours of sleep last night. got in the office 8 o'clock sharp. since our office manager is not in, I have to man the phone and everything. quiet day. almost everyone is out of the office. I am looking forward to the weekend. TGIF

My fortune cookie says...

Sometimes travel to new places leads to great transformation.

PE

I passed my PE exam! I am now officially a Professional Engineer! :)

Happy New Year

Albeit a day late, Happy New Year!

I had a great time with friends over the weekend. The New Year's Eve party was great as well.

New Year... renewed hope.