Due to my travels last week I haven't been able to continue my walks. That's said, I resumed evening walks this afternoon after getting back from the church. 
As you see in the above image, I just did only half hour this time around. But never mind, I wanted to resume!
One of the highlights for me in 2107 was attending the wedding party of my niece, Ashley's marriage to Duminda on June 3rd,2017 in LAX. Though it was rather a quick trip just for 3 days, it was loads of fun; not only the opportunity for bonding with family & friends who live overseas;but also a grand wedding party
I met my good friend and brother Boy Scout Amith in LA during my brief visit to the US last week. We got to know each other when we were Boy Scouts back in Royal College1 and have fond memories in doing adventurous activities of all sorts that were part of being Boy Scouts. Since we left school and the Scout movement, we had moved on different paths in life.
In chatting with Amith, he seemed to have had even more adventurous life over the last 30 or so years, in Sri Lanka and also in Canada, before he moved to United States. He is doing extremely well in his own business ventures, whilst he's still the same old humble personality. It was indeed so delightful for being able to catch-up with my friend.
The first 2 photos2 below were captured in a scout camp some 30 years ago, followed by next 2 photos that were taken when we saw this time. I have to say Amith hasn't changed in physical appearance at all, except he is grown up taller resembling his father.
Leading Boys School in Sri Lanka
Digitised image taken from Troop Scout Log Book in August 2013
Exhausted ! I wasn't very happy not to see the software application enhancements that I had requested in the list of Big Ticket items in the 2017/18 IT OPEX budget. So, they had called up a meeting this morning to discuss it among some people, including me.
Even after putting my case forward about the tangible benefits (direct cost saving of US Dollars 400K) the department has gained in the 1st month of this financial year due to partly using the application, in it's current status; the leadership does not seem to approve funds for further enhancements and developments. I was told that, we should not always chase after dollar sign; but look at to statisfy certain group of employees by prioritizing enhancements and developments to other application features. I'm not sure whether it's even worthwhile contuning to fight a battle, if others are not interested in taking every effort in controlling expenditure and to improve processes.
What I achieved this evening. Like yesterday, I walked all by my self again. Started a couple of minutes earlier than usual 6.30pm. 
This evening I did solo in my walking as both of my friends were occupied in some other activities. In the beginning I wasn't sure whether I walk all by myself. Oh well, I thought I will. I still set up for an hour walk and completed 5 kilometres. And it was the all time best since I started this physical activity about 10 days ago.
I think walking alone, I walked faster than any other day as I didn't have anyone to chat unlike walking with friends. Samsung has awarded me with quite a few awards as you see below ? 
My boss constantly remind his team that we should do more of deep work rather than shallow working in our day job. Being responsible for opertions, I find it quite challenging to focus more on deep work as every time I try to get on with doing more of strategic work, invariably I'm dragged into deal with fixing day to day stuff and fire fighting. Not to say some of the issues coming along my way isn't important as they are directly have an impact to customer service and satisfaction; but the more I get those leave me with little time to get on with more important strategic stuff.
I've lately been feeling kind of frustrated about this. So last week I thought I must try and spend less time myself in any shallow work come in my way and delegate them to limited number in my team as much as possible. This new self discipline helped me to spend more time in planning for a couple of strategic initiatives, that would bring change in the operations and even cost benefits. I also managed to successfully organise and facilitate a couple of meetings among stakeholders from other business areas whom I need agreement and support to initiate those initiatives.
I have to say looking back at the last week in the day job, I'm very happy and satisfied of the productivity I achieved
One of my colleagues, after 22 years of service resigned and leaving the country on May 25th. I had the privilege of being involved in his recruitment and selection to the company. In addition to his wealth of industry knowledge and skills, I always admired him for his empathetic and kind behaviour.
A limited select number of people gathered last night at JW Marriott Marquis to bid him farewell.
I've been invited to a farewell dinner for one of the co workers who's leaving after 25 years of service. Though since of late, I'd rather prefer to keep out of this kind of social gathering, i have always had a high regard for this particular colleague who's leaving and therefore decided that I should go for this one.
In our 25th wedding anniversary reception, I had prepared these few words to speak at the end as vote of thanks; but as guests started to leave, I never was able to deliver the speech. I still have it typed-up in Google Keep app on my smartphone
Dear family and friends,
I hope all of you enjoyed this evening with us. As we are winding down tonight, Together with Shirangani and Stephanie, I'd like to thank all of you are present here. I know, some of you traveled long distance, some of you even with a very short notice. We very much appreciate that. As you know, Event such as this, doesn't just happen, lots of planning and preparation goes into it. Specially us not being living in Sri Lanka, that task was even more challenging. I'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our cousin sister Christine and her husband Sameera who tirelessly put this event together. We also would like to thank and appreciate all the support and help from both of our mothers, brothers, sisters, their children. Last, but not least, we also like to sincerely acknowledge, Rev Father Shanthi Kumar Weliwita, the management & staff of Malima Club House, CATS EYE GRAFIX for photographic services and the Band (………….)