~:[Day 308]:~ Monday Workday

 

~:[Day 308]:~ Monday Workday

It was the Clippers first win at the Intuit Dome. While I wish that this win came on the day we attended the game, I think finally breaking through to get a win meant a lot to this team. This team missed out on a few chances to win due to late turnovers, missed free throws and in one case, allowing a team to start the second half 15-15. That's not how you get it done. However, aside from Portland, they played solid teams and were competitive in each. However, in dramatic fashion, down 26, they came back and won. I enjoyed watching the updates on my phone of the comeback as I worked through the night preparing for a number of upcoming events. It's never easy to stay focused, but when you have something to keep you going, it makes it a lot easier. I ended up the evening sorting through my files and figure out where everything goes as I am wrapping up a major overhaul of my digital workflow. I know things will change and another crash is sure to come, but for now, I enjoyed a productive work day and also a historic win for the Clippers at their new home.

~:[Day 307]:~ The Whole Picture

~:[Day 307]:~ The Whole Picture

I posted a picture of this dog during Halloween. I only posted the second photo, from which you might deduce that the dog is a bit psychotic. It was quite fitting with the costume. However, the dog is pretty happy-go-lucky as you can tell from the other photos and the psychotic look was only a yawn. Our currently society often makes judgement of people from a snapshot of a strip of frames of someone's life. A momentary action can sometimes be the way that someone sees you. I agree that you should do your best to behave with decency at all times, but should be really be "ruined" when we lash out once during the many interactions we have during a day, week, month or even year? As I thought about our society, I reflected on how I act and how I look at life. I do my best to give people the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time, repeated or intentional actions lead to losing that privilege. People make mistakes and if that moment was truly only a snapshot of how they are daily, I am bound to forgive them. I hope that we can all look at things objectively. Figure out if our initial response or judgement was correct by giving people the benefit of the doubt. Sure enough, some people will prove that is who they are, while I believe many others will show that they truly are different from what you originally perceived. We all have bad days and moments and I hope that allows us to see that others do as well. Let's see the whole picture in hopes that we can spend less time being angry and frustrated and more time enjoying life. 

~:[Day 306]:~ It's Crowded, Be Patient

 
~:[Day 306]:~ It's Crowded, Be Patient

Behind the drink and dessert are the props for the current collaboration going on a the Arcane Maid Cafe. An alum started this place up and it was cool to visit during their collaboration. They are collaborating with Stein;Gate and thus, they have a "future" menu where you items are delivered through that cool contraption that he built. It's quite impressive. It did get a bit crowded since it was a Saturday. Luckily, I came early and shot most of the clips for the reel I was going to make before they all came in. There was a bit of a delay, but I waited patiently. As I did, I thought about how we are not too considerate in our current world. We've lost our patience and our compassion for others. I know many who are patient, compassionate and kind, but a growing number of incidents of people who are impatient. As I drove to and from the cafe, I was greeted with a number of drivers who definitely met this criteria. The number of times I've seen people drive through the shoulder to pass others or fail to be able to wait for a short period, is something that has come with our instant gratification society, which I've mentioned before. With efficiency comes impatience sometimes. I hope that, myself included, we can all take the time to understand, be patient, and if we do need to move on (or quickly pass), do so in manner that is respectful (and legal). I've always thought to myself, if I'm running late, I should have planned better or just understand that sometimes, it's crowded, so I need to be patient. I will do my best to constantly remind myself what impact my actions have on others and I hope that we all can do the same. It's easy to veer of track, but it's just also just as easy to get back on track if we care enough to do so. After a great dining experience, I vacated my seat so the next diner could sit down and said my goodbyes before braving the freeway once more. As road rage began to creep up, I let my foot off the gas a bit and thought to myself, I'm not in a hurry, just relax and be patient. I went home to wrap up some work and felt a little better as I laid down and relaxed. With a loaded schedule as of late, efficiency has been the priority, but I hope that moving forward, I also remember to focus patience and consideration for others. 

~:[Day 305]:~ Festive

 
~:[Day 305]:~ Festive

It's that time of year after the costumes come off, that people begin their transition into the holiday season. Holiday music usually begins after Halloween, as the decorations begin to appear, often times skipping over Thanksgiving. It was a fun night celebrating the closure of Halloween with the team as we held our annual Halloween potluck. It's always great when the athletes can spend time together and enjoy the time they have together. Similarly, as the holidays approach, I hope that we get to find the time to spend with our families and truly cherish the time we have together. With each year, the time we have together grows shorter and as much time as we think we may have, it may not be as much time as we originally thought. Cherish each day and each moment, especially as we head into the season of festivities. I hope that we can appreciate the quality time we can share together over the the glitz and glamour of what the holiday's often get overshadowed by. Focus on what truly matters, the precious time with family and friends, the greatest gift of all and the thing that shines brightest during this holiday season.

~:[Day 304]:~ Take Over the Moon

 
~:[Day 304]:~ Take Over the Moon

Where can these young minds go? As far as they want. A madman might say he wants to take over the moon, but is he truly a madman? It's obvious that we should keep our realities in check, at the same time, we shouldn't allow ourselves to limit ourselves especially when we know we are capable. I hope that the young minds of this world know that. From solving world problems to mathematical equations to setting records whether in sports or other areas, we all have the potential to do great things, but first, we have to believe we can and second, we need to do all the things we need to do to get there. Even when the chances are slim to none, be like the minions and have the hope that these great things can be accomplished. On a day where we dress up as someone else, I hope that we can find it within us to confidently be ourselves and stride proudly forward knowing that we are capable. Many may judge, may joke, and may try to hold you down, but show them that even the moon itself is not out of reach. Let's shoot for the stars!

~:[Day 303]:~ Another One

 
~:[Day 303]:~ Another One

Just because we have thousands of selfies, doesn't mean we don't need another. As we continued our adventure trying to take a selfie a day, we captured another moment. Even when you think you've said "thank you" enough or "I love you enough" or done a good deed enough, it's okay to stack another one on top of it. As while some people say quantity over quality, it doesn't mean that quality doesn't equal quality. Keep adding to your collection of compliments, good deed, and positive thoughts and affirmations, as you can build them up for when you need them the most. Life is definitely full of ups and down, so pile on the good things when you can, as they may just be the things that help you avoid some of the deepest pitfalls in life. Keep loving, living and appreciating!

~:[Day 302]:~ A Quick Stop

 
~:[Day 302]:~ A Quick Stop

It's cool when you get a quick stop by from alum, especially those you haven't seen in quite sometime. As I at lunch with an alum, I later was joined by another alum who was in town. I think it's pretty cool to think back to the old times and chat about how things have changed. While many things have stayed the same, there are also the many things that have changed over time. For both him and us, we lead different lives than we did before, still yet, we also often times haven't strayed much from the path that we were on. I have students who take a 360 from where they were headed, but many times, they just continue on the path to where they were headed. I am blessed to have so many alum who are work hard and are good natured and thus, it's no wonder that they find success on the road ahead. Although it was just a quick stop, it allowed me to relish all the wonderful years I worked at the school and truly cherish the time we shared together. Even if it's a quick stop, it means a whole lot. 

~:[Day 301]:~ A Little Wacky

 
~:[Day 301]:~ A Little Wacky

We started cross country spirit week and I overdid it a bit. I ordered a wig for my crazy hair day and ended up just dressing like one of the purple minions. It ended up being a good costume although most people wondered why I was dress up. They kept saying, Halloween is not until Thursday. I guess I can just be a little wacky teacher today instead. Although only a handful of athletes remembered to dress up today, I was still okay with dressing up all day, even though I didn't want to wear purple. Regardless, I lasted through the day and ended up making a good memory. In life, so many people are hesitant to do something unless other people are doing it, whereas they should just go out and do it. You may feel a bit out of place and a little wacky, but at the very least, you're being you and doing what you wanted to do. Don't miss out on the chance to make memories and don't be afraid of putting yourself out there. 

~:[Day 300]:~ A Reason to Smile

 
~:[Day 300]:~ A Reason to Smile

It was a perfect evening. It was overcast in the day, thus not too hot and cooled off nicely into the evening. As the crowd pulled in, the excitement built. It was great to see Jae on stage. He seemed relaxed as he soaked in the moment. His smile was genuine as it seemed like the joy of this experience had taken over. Watching him perform, I knew that he liked to move back and forth across the stage. I chuckled as I watched the cameraman struggle to keep up, while I felt like I knew his path. It was great to crack that smile at the end of his performance, but even better to see a smile on his face. The arduous road that he's traveled hasn't always been easy, but I am sure that being on this stage performing with such an iconic band, meant the world to him and gave him a reason to crack that smile. For all of us, I hope that we find that reason to smile. Whether it's family, love, goals or more, there is something in our lives that can bring a smile that nobody can destroy. All the trials and tribulations you've faced, will all be insignificant when you can find a reason to crack that genuine smile. The road to finding that smile is not always easy, but when we put our guard down and worry less, we're more likely to discover exactly what we want. All our lives, I'm sure many of us felt the weight of the expectations placed upon us, however, just remember that you need to be you. Find your path, figure out your plan, and do your best to discover the thing more valuable than any treasure you can discover in life, a reason to smile. As while it's easy to mask the difficulties you're facing in a given day, it's much harder to hide a genuine smile that's been accomplished through all the work that you poured into something and the perseverance you showed in the most difficult of moments. The moment you have that breakthrough, is a moment where that beam of light will flow from your incredible smile. For each of us, there is no one right answer to finding happiness and thus, I hope you travel your road confidently and find a reason to smile. 

~:[Day 299]:~ Oh, What a Feeling!

 

~:[Day 299]:~ Oh, What a Feeling!

It's cool when you have a few athletes who can stand out among the masses at Mt. SAC. It's not easy to be towards the front of the pack and thus, it's cool when you're athletes have a shot at the win in a race this iconic. One of my girls had a solid race and took home second in the varsity girls race and one of my boys won his race as he came from behind after resevoir. It was not just cool to see him win, but to also run a very tactical race, which I am there for. Of course, I am definitely one who favors a team over individuals, still yet, you can't ignore how good of a feeling it is when your athletes are able to collect wins like the one today. What are your most memorable "wins" in your life?