2010

October 2009, I left Juniper Networks and joined Huawei. I expected some adjustments and thought I was older, wiser and mellower then. I was right only for one of the three. I learned a lot about Huawei and visited Shenzhen several times. It was a treat to reconnect with friends at that corner of the world and reacquainted Hong Kong. Then I left Huawei in March.

Did I take less risk? You kidding? I joined this smallish company at Seattle. Yep, that started the 6th move in five years. Again, we left a four-bedroom sub-urban house and began the city life in a two-bedroom apartment. Seattle’s summer was lovely. It did rain frequently, as rumored, but they were mostly light drizzles and not constantly. Sun came out in most days and we enjoyed exploring and experiencing Seattle.

In May, we went back to Taiwan together and met up old friends. It was a blast and too short. In July, we had a big family re-union in San Jose. It was the last BBQ in our beloved Walbrook house. The kids brought their spousal units (or would-be ones) and I felt blissfully old.

Later in July was the long-planned Yellowstone trip. We spent four days in that park and got very close to many Bison. As any good trips were, we felt we should come back again someday. Soon after we came back to Seattle, Michelle and Vincent came checking us up. We went to Mt. Rainier. It turned out to be a cloudy day so I told myself to come back again. Then came the event of the year: Amy’s wedding in September.

It was a beautiful wedding in San Diego in a golf resort. But it was also an outdoor wedding on a record hot day that suit was punishing. As always, it was a big family reunion and we caught up with many. At night, cousins and their partners had a Diablo party in Sara’s house. She was a good hostess and everyone had a great time. Yep, Diablo III is now an anticipating event. That will be a new exciting party. I was wondering if these kids will play Mahjongg together when they get older. Hmm…

Seattle’s summer ended with a vengeance: record cold and snow storm came in November. We, both kids, and Mike, had a white Thanksgiving that include the usual turkey, ham, all the trimmings. Right after, we took a trip back to Taiwan together. I had my business meetings and I-Woan met up friends. Christmas sneaked up right after we have rid the jet lag. Karen arrived via San Francisco where she attended a conference, Jennifer from LA directly.

Seattle felt like home after several times with the whole family together. Except for Monty, nothing slowed down even a bit. We still miss California, but lesser.

What to do in 2011? Hmm…