Hau'oli lā hānau Kati

Today is the birthday of one of my really good friends, Kati.  She has a Finnish first name because she is from Lapland, and an Italian surname because her husband is from Italy.  They are a true international couple and two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. 

I first met Kati when she interviewed for a position in our legal group.  Not only did she have a superb legal background, but she spoke 6 languages and was fluent in English.  We conducted the entire interview in English and I could not believe how easily she handled difficult questions.  We hired her immediately, of course, and I've worked with her since then.

Kati started in our London office, but a year and a half ago, she moved to our offices in Mountain View.  To my enormous happiness, she joined me in my office with another colleague, Cathy.  The three of us have gotten on famously since and we have lots of interesting conversations every day.

She is one of the smartest, most dedicated lawyers I have ever met.  When she took the California bar exam and expressed worry about passing (as everyone does), I assured her she would be fine.  And of course, she passed with flying colors - and was even invited to be a grader for future exams, an honor reserved only for those who score highest on the exam.

So while I sit in Hawaii today, I am thinking of you Kati.  Hau'oli lā hānau!

(BTW, it's pronounced How-o-lee Laa Haa-now)