NAAAP Seattle Part 2 of 2

The final day of the convention was Saturday August 19. I hung out with my hostess Felicia and chatted with her til 3am.

I got up and was worried about catching a timely bus on a Saturday morning into the city from West Seattle. I was ok. The bus was EXTREMELY punctual (something I am not used to) I knew the schedule was 8:40am and I got there at 8:39am. I was well on my way taking Bus #22 for $1.25 (as it was non peak time).

This morning, I missed breakfast (but there was more fruit and baked goods). Leewa got me some stuff and we went to the first session of workshops. We chose "Planning for Passion" led by Curt Rosengren. He was enjoyable. He said a lot of stuff I have heard before but the there was a twist. When he mentioned to figure out what you were "passionate" about , then dig deeper and keep asking ,"WHY?"

When he asked, "Who likes cooking?" I raised my hand. Then he asked why to me repeatedly. So it became obvious that the "liking of cooking" opened the floodgates of a multi-layered answers.

The next session I did not participate in, I decided to go to the job fair. I had some buddies to say hi to and then went to the lunch session. I got to sit with the NAAAP Boston president's wife SeJung. She is a lovely woman and we had a nice conversation. Turns out the NAAAP National Board was debating the merits of the two candidates who I think are qualified.

Surprisingly, one of the candidates sought me out to discuss my role in the future of the National Board. I have to say I was a bit flattered to say the least. But I have to mull about what I want to do. I do believe in the mission of NAAAP and I have made many treasured friendships through the organization and met many great people too!

After lunch, I sat in a workshop "Motorola's Asian Business Council: Modeled for Leadership Development and Business Relevance" led by a top Motorola executive David Lum. I heard he led a morning session that was well attended on another topic. I sat in for a little bit.

Then it was time to chit chat with someone from San Diego and other friend JL about NAAAP and a NAAAP Seattle member too. We talked about the difficulties of organizing and starting programs and chapters in this case San Diego.

At 3pm, I met up with a close friend from college JLuo. It was a gorgeous day and we meandered around the city after meeting up. I needed some errands to do and visited Nordstroms (per recommendation from a close friend and Oprah) on some chores I needed to do. Then to Nordstrom Rack, I found two t's for others. I got a cute tee for my sis which is very appropriate----a cute pink cloud with a miffed look with the phrase--"I am in a bad mood, stay away." I HAD to get it for my sister even my brother agreed it was a great fit for her.

I enjoy looking around Pike's Marketplace and seeing this one fish market where the guys throw their fish and seem to have a ton of fun! Then we decide to rest our tired tootsies and have some iced green tea latte (at an original Seattles Best Coffee place).

Back at the hotel and change for the GALA night (big highlights are the NAAAP National Awards, Banana Republic Fashion show and Sex in Seattle (performance). I catch up and find out that John F. of SF won as the new National President. (CONGRATS!). We were chatting as he was writing his speech.

We hang out a little at the reception before the dinner and I took a few pics. (Later I accidentally expose the roll----UGGGH very klutzy move on my part). Rose asks me to sit at her primo reserved table. I have a blast! I do end up doing some photography duty for Em (Chicago). It was fun to help her out. Dinner was nice.

The award ceremonies was hosted by many people (from NAAAP national board) so this tag team approach was very different but cool. NAAAP Atlanta was the big winner of the night nabbing many honors but the top one (two years in a row) Chapter of the Year ===only NAAAP NY has done it before. NAAAP Toronto went home with two awards (not too shabby).

Onwards to the fashion show, it was great music, cute clothes and everyone who participated was not a model. But it seemed like everyone had tons fun! I wish there was more of an actual stage for the 'runway' which was more makeshift. For those who sat in the rear they could not see much of the models unless they went on the stage. Great job Nancy K! (She is event planner /model /events guru and I miss her in Boston).

We do the NAAAP Chapter pics (first time in a few years) which I think it is good to do. After the festivities there are choices of game night (games/poker etc), hanging at the presidential room (I got to hang out with Rose a bit more and party a bit on the outside terrace). I wore the NEW NAAAP Boston t-shirts and got some "thumbs up" for the design and style. I like it alot being a red T with a tasteful design and wording.

I head over back to my friends by 1am and Felicia lets me see a fabulous night view of Seattle from West Seattle (breathetaking indeed).

Thanks for hosting me--Felicia and Nien!