G’day to y’all,

That’s my Australian greeting to my American friends. Writing to you on the 26th of January, it is not only Chinese New Year but also Australia Day. Reminds me of how mixed up we all are. I can’t believe it has been 5 years since Terri and I moved to California from Sydney, Australia.

I am writing this update while attending a Tokyo reunion next month in Huntington Beach, California. It is being organized by a Sacred Heart alum and most people attending will be from St Mary’s and Sacred Heart. But what has become my current SoCal gang will also be there: Scott & Kyoko McCoy, Carlos & Rhonda DeCouto, Ray & Nina Bristol and Carol “Johns” Duran. We all get together a dozen times during the year – and I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be able to enjoy the past, present and future with old friends.

(Left:) Nick & Terri Reid, Ray & Nina Bristol, Ryan Bristol, & Jeffrey McCoy.
(Right:) Rhonda & Carlos DeCouto, Scott & Kyoko McCoy, Jessica McCoy & Chris Bristol

Nick with Merit Janow ('76).

Everyone seems to be linking up using Facebook and I am no exception. I started with Facebook half way through last year as my older son Tim, was traveling through Europe. It was our way of keeping in touch, as well as living vicariously through his posted photos and blogs. Well, thanks to my kids starting me off I am now linked to 63 people, mostly ASIJ alumni. I am particularly enjoying my voyeuristic role, such as watching the Calcote sisters write to each other – Cherrly. Nancy & Janet – as well as being able to see their photos. It has also allowed me to communicate with Dee Mulligan Clum and catch up with her recently and meet her 17 year old daughter Aja. The previous time I saw Dee and Bernie was when I was in transit on the way back to Sydney, stopped in LA to have dinner with them and they told me they were expecting. So we worked out it had been 18 years. Thanks Aja. Heard from Aurora Isabel Gomez, (’73) via Facebook – she currently lives in Greece and Keiko Mutoh, (’73) who lives between Dubai and Tokyo. I just linked up with Yen Chjuin Hong King (Helen Hong) and as she lives in L.A. look forward to seeing her in the not too distant future. Without Facebook I have enjoyed catching up with Rich Leone in Atlanta, Keiko Fukui Rahn in Tokyo, Merit Janow in New York and Jessie Furness here in Orange County.

Nick with Deidre Mulligan Clum ('73).

Nick with Keiko Mutoh Rahn ('73).

Enough reminiscing.

As mentioned, son Tim (23) was traveling through Europe most of 2008. He had been accepted into a graduate trainee position as a derivatives trader with Liquid Capital in Sydney before leaving for Europe. With the global finance meltdown we were worried that his job offer would be rescinded, but it wasn’t and he started his traineeship on 08 December 2008. 8 trainees were started and it was a highly competitive environment, with mock trading, games, studies etc. Much like Survivor, the weaker were voted off earlier (fired) and the final hurdle was to pass an exam, which Tim did yesterday. He has just been confirmed into full-time employment. Other than working in a supermarket to get through college, this is his first real job and he is enjoying the corporate environment and the camaraderie.

Sam (21) is in his 3rd year of college in Santa Barbara and is majoring in Communications. He has a dream job, to help him get through college. He works at a doggy day spa. He gets paid $13 an hour to play with puppies. If you knew Sam, you would know that he is in heaven. He has moved into an apartment with his girlfriend Mandy, so we are learning the dynamics of being parents of children in serious relationships. I am sure many of you can relate.

Terri continues as Director of Sales & Marketing at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. Today she is working with her overnight bag packed, as her niece is in labor and has asked that Terri be with her for the birth. Needless to say, I am happy to be here, at home.

Nick and Terri.

(Back:) Joanna, Chris, Jonathan, Terri and Nick.
(Front:) David and Etsu Reid.

My parents live 20 minutes away, in Irvine, and it is a blessing to be able to see them on a regular basis and to be able to do for them, when the need arises. My mother will be 80 in November and we are planning a family reunion to celebrate. We did this two years ago when my dad turned 80 and we had so much fun that my mother requested a repeat performance.

My brother Chris, still lives in New York working in the banking industry. You can imagine how stressful that is at the moment.

Sister, Joanna, is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Nathan Jastram. They live in Mequon Wisconsin. Celeste Giunta Brand lives there too. I can’t believe my little sister will be 50 in a couple of weeks. When I was in Japan for my 50th, I came across the most wonderful little store in Gion (Kyoto). Kasa-gen, specializing in handmade Japanese umbrellas. Thinking ahead, I bought one for Joanna for her 50th. As luck would have it, she was just in town visiting. So I wrapped it carefully, and attached a letter of explanation to the TSA, asking that they not spoil her surprise. Apologizing for the strip search that would not doubt ensue, I sent Joanna back home to Wisconsin.

Sister, Joanna, is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Nathan Jastram. They live in Mequon Wisconsin. Celeste Giunta Brand lives there too. I can’t believe my little sister will be 50 in a couple of weeks. When I was in Japan for my 50th, I came across the most wonderful little store in Gion (Kyoto). Kasa-gen, specializing in handmade Japanese umbrellas. Thinking ahead, I bought one for Joanna for her 50th. As luck would have it, she was just in town visiting. So I wrapped it carefully, and attached a letter of explanation to the TSA, asking that they not spoil her surprise. Apologizing for the strip search that would not doubt ensue, I sent Joanna back home to Wisconsin.

I continue with my mixed bag of work, running a representation company for the tourism industry as well assisting a friend seeking hotel acquisitions in California & Hawaii. I am also doing the marketing for a new golf product, called The Putting Lane, which I hope you will see on store shelves this summer. Lastly, I continue to wait for funding for my pet project, Poseidon Undersea Resorts. A lot of people think we are crazy, but then they said that about most people who try to pioneer something new.

I am blessed with a wonderful family and good friends. This year I am particularly proud to see my father’s contribution to the civil rights movement in 1964 lead to America’s first black president. Ever think it strange that somebody who is half-black and half-white is still classified as black? Irrespective of your politics, I am sure you join me in welcoming in this new era of racial equality for America.

Peace on earth.

Nick