congratulations!

Congratulations to my father, the 2009 Produce Marketing Association's Floral Marketer of the Year!!




Last Friday, my dad was awarded this honor at the PMA lunch right before Condeleezza Rice gave a keynote speech. The award was a surprise, so he was completely blown away. I was so proud to see my dad up there on that stage, speaking of his gratitude to his company, family and God. Times have been rough for his business because the economy and he's had to make some tough decisions. But in the midst of everything, he's never compromised quality of product nor the integrity of his company. You've done good, Dad.

Also, belated congratulations to Tommy and Karen and their 1st baby Audrey! Karen was my roommate in college, and I had the pleasure of hanging out with her, Audrey and some old college friends last Saturday. Babies are such a joy! And a heck of a lot of work.

Mommy & Baby

3 generations!

And, I haven't forgotten about posting Japan pics. It's just hard to choose my favorites!

good bye, japan!

What an amazing 2 weeks! I think what I enjoyed most was experiencing daily life in another ethnic culture. The Japanese put so much emphasis on quality, excellent customer service and attention to detail. I can be so America-centric and was reminded that there are other ways of doing life. Props to my mom and her intensive planning and my dad's generosity for allowing my sisters and I to enjoy such a wonderful vacation!! Today (which is Thursday in Japan), my parents and I are catching a flight to arrive in LAX, Thursday afternoon PST.


Sayonara, Japan. It's been real, but it's time to go home.