~:[CH15 - Day 153]:~ One Last Goodbye

 
~:[CH15 - Day 153]:~ One Last Goodbye

The odds were stacked against me. I had a mega album to finish, a room to clean, and a bag to pack. There's no way, right? Despite the stacked schedule, I took the risk and met up with a friend right before heading out. Not the best of choices, but it worked out in the end. I wrapped up the mega album, finished cleaning my room, and packed my bags. I still don't know if I forgot to pack something, but regardless, I do know that I wrapped up most of what I wanted to finish for the day before heading out. It might have been wiser for me to stay at home, but still yet, that final goodbye is often worth it. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, thus, if you get a chance to see someone, see them. Seeing them meant that I will have two more things to work on when I am away, but those two things are well worth the quality time I had. That one last goodbye, priceless. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so enjoy the current moments you have and never take them for granted. As I leave, I always think of what will happen and what will change when I am away. It feels like a child going off to college, as the distance does not allow me to return home for a bit, however, change is inevitable and instead of regretting that I didn't get to say a final goodbye, I try to make the most of my time. I am often asked, how long do you sleep or how many hours to do you have in a day? It's true that I work a lot, but still yet, I don't mind working a little later if it means I could get something priceless in return. I'm sad to depart as there is the basic comforts of home that I will leave behind, but even more so, it's the connections that will temporarily be disconnected that I will miss the most. It won't be long before I am back, still yet, I was glad to say one last goodbye until the next time. Peace out. 

~:[CH15 - Day 152]:~ Closing Out the Year

 
~:[CH15 - Day 152]:~ Closing Out the Year

It sounds a little weird to most as I say I am closing out the year, as in reality, it's June 1st. Of course, for most educators, this time of year is the time where we wrap up our school year and head out on our break. Every year, there is a bittersweet end to the year as I am excited for the adventured ahead, but also have to say goodbye to another group of students. I quickly cleaned up my room, turned in my keys, then headed home to clean up my room. I was way behind. I took on the task of reorganizing under my desk and to give you an idea of how it is down there, I had to do it with a mask. Even then, I am still suffering. Regardless, I felt good as I wired everything together and got to sorting through everything. By night's end, I wrapped up cleaning my office and everything was in order (well as good as it would be with the time I had). I was lucky to get an invite to dinner, my last before I headed out. We enjoyed a delicious meal as we chatted. I couldn't stay too long, but it was nice to get out for a bit as I struggled with the tall task of getting everything in order. When getting home, I went down my to-do list and it seemed like it might be insurmountable before I left, therefore, I got ready with my plan B. While I struggled a bit with closing out the year and getting everything taken care of, I was happy that for the most part, everything was mostly in line. With only one day left until departure, I can't say with confidence that I am ready, but the reality of life is, are we every really ready? Congratulations to all those who wrapped up today! 

~:[CH15 - Day 151]:~ I'll Have to Pass

 
~:[CH15 - Day 151]:~ I'll Have to Pass

I probably have been trying to do too much in a day as my schedule has been crazy this year. Even today, I was trying to make my dad an early birthday dinner and do a photoshoot. With the cooking taking a bit more time, I ended up staying home and cooking, working on my to-do list (mostly photos), and also cleaning up, as I have a lot to work on. I don't feel like I put a dent in the mess that is my room, but at least I got through some of it. It will be a busy two days upcoming based on my progress, so my go to phrase may be, I'll have to pass. Dinner ended up being amazing and I ended up getting a lot of the photos processed, still yet, there is much work to do and so very few people will be able to see me out in the wild over the next two days. I'm a bit sad (and stressed) to be leaving so quickly, but at the same time, I'm excited for all the new projects I have lined up this year and all the places I'll be able to go.

~:[CH15 - Day 150]:~ Networking

 
~:[CH15 - Day 150]:~ Networking

I had things on the agenda today, but nothing felt stressful. It was a relaxed feel as school was over and now, I just focused on prepping for the months ahead. I went with an alumni to connect him with another alumni as he begins his new journey in life. We talked about the importance of networking and the pitfalls that come with it. Later that night, as I captured various moments from Kiki's birthday, I thought about how many of my current shoots have come due to connections. I am not a networkers as I don't like to talk to random people, however, it just so happens that I end up connecting with people and ultimately get setup with various events and artists. Networking is important in most fields and even in life. Knowing the right people will help you through many difficult times, as you'll be able to find someone to help you in any situation you face. By night's end, I had too many photos and the doors began to creak open for new opportunities to connect. We'll see how that goes, but for now, I look forward to the many events I will be at the next few months all because of the connections I made.

~:[CH15 - Day 149]:~ It's Not Over

 
~:[CH15 - Day 149]:~ It's Not Over

The city changed their system around and so the proclamation ceremony fell on graduation day. It wasn't ideal ,but we made it work as my cousin stood in for me. Because of it, we only had a small group that was able to attend but still yet, we got to celebrate together with a final dinner. School was over for the year, but we still had an event. It was nice to celebrate the end of the year together, as often times I miss out as I have to jet out right after the end of school. However, with the calendar the way it was, I couldn't leave as early as usual, which gave me a little wiggle room that I ended up needing. I had work to do but still enjoyed our time together as we said farewell. This group surpassed my expectations as their initial prep wasn't great, but the worked hard to improve and ultimately, reach the heights they were aiming for. Of course for them, their journey is not over, as they now move into senior year. With most of my students, I only hope and pray that they work towards progressing as they step into this new chapter, avoiding the pitfalls that surround them. Hooray for the last day of school (not work).

~:[CH15 - Day 148]:~ Another One

 
~:[CH15 - Day 148]:~ Another One

The fireworks lit the sky and we said farewell to another class. It's easy to say that it's just another class, but it's always fun to think about the variety of personalities and how thing have changed over time. Each of these students leaves a different impression and I think that in itself is the beauty of teaching. You get to see a diverse group of students who progress their way through the system and ultimate find their way on their journey. For each class and individual there in, there is a different route taken. Sometimes, they take a direct route, while in most cases, they keep circling back. No matter where their journey takes them, however, it's always a blessing to be there to help them along and to watch them as they learn and grow along the way. Tomorrow, our juniors will official move into the senior ranks and a new class will arrive soon, but the memory of this class will never be erased, as each leaves a lasting impression. Like a firework, they're never one in the same, even if they're similar, so while it's easy to say, there goes another one, I encourage you to look closely, as each has it's own qualities when you watch and don't let those often subtle differences pass on by. Congratulations to the class of 2026. 

~:[CH15 - Day 147]:~ Blessed Beyond Belief

 
~:[CH15 - Day 147]:~ Blessed Beyond Belief

I woke up earlier than I wanted and dragged myself over to Stowers for a K-graduation. It was worth it. I know that just taking the time out of one's day is significant, even if it's momentary. Today, a large number of people did just that for me as well. As I received messages from far and wide, I realized how blessed I was. People taking time out of their day to send you a message means so much and I truly was appreciative of it. As someone who is not always on top of it with dates, I was truly impressed that people were aware and took the time to greet me today. It's always great to hear from people you haven't heard or seen for awhile along with those you see every day. After surviving the obstacles of the day, I ended up going out with my parents and eating a wonderful meal at our friends' spot, Dakara Sushi (give it a try). It's always my favorite place to go and my dad would agree as he kept saying how he's glad it's not closer to our house, as he would be there every day if it was. If my dad approves of it, it's pretty up there. Regardless, I was happy to celebrate together, rolled through the evening and got a few things done, but for the most part, I lounged (more than I should have) and just responded to as many messages as I could. I am truly grateful for the love and support I have around me and I only hope is that I could also do the same for those around me. I am truly blessed beyond belief and today is a reminder that I must make extra efforts to maintain those relationships and share the same love and respect for them as they've shared with me. Much appreciation to you all and I truly love you all. 

~:[CH15 - Day 146]:~ A Glitch in the Matrix

 
~:[CH15 - Day 146]:~ A Glitch in the Matrix

Every once in awhile, my portfolio shows a glitch like this. It's a sudden rush of excitement until you realize it's just that, a glitch. It was our first day back for the week and our last day of classes (with finals upcoming). Everyone's mind seemed a bit glitchy as we all were focused in on the end. I actually took care of what I needed to, despite sleeping in a bit longer than I wanted to and had my own rush of excitement as I realized it was our last day with only finals left. I finished grading my assignments, wrapping up this and that, and now just focusing in on inputting their finals. That's it. The excitement I feel is like that glitch in the matrix, as I almost hit the finish line, but there still is the headache of final grades, cleaning, and everything that comes with wrapping up the school year. It's amazing how quickly this school year passed and I wonder if it will keep feeling as fast year after year. For now, I'll appreciate looking at my account, knowing in the back of my mind that I did not earn over 150,000%, just like I realized it's not quite the end of the year. Soon enough, things will go back to normal and the daily life will go on. My pockets will be emptier when this glitch is fixed, but hey, at least it will be summer by then. Three more wakeups. 

~:[CH15 - Day 145]:~ Refocus

 
~:[CH15 - Day 145]:~ Refocus

There's a lot on my plate this week as I try to wrap things up, catch up and prepare all at the same time. On a holiday, I had a bit of time to recover, but as I tried to refocus, I lost a little bit of that motivation to do so. I had a morning meeting, lounged around a bit, then got to work. I focused in, but not as long as I wanted to. Still yet, I finished what I had set out to do and fell short on a few extras. Of course, after an exhausting weekend, my body was telling me, no. Not only do we have to focus and lock in sometimes, we also have to focus in on what's important and sometimes that requires us to lounge around. My body said, take a little time and so I complied. Instead of refocusing on work, I refocused on myself. Every once in awhile, I make a post about this. Let's all work hard, focus in and lock in, but also, let's be sure to check ourselves as well. Sometimes we get to a point where we are not where we needed to be and in those moments, step back and make sure we mend our own wounds before trying to build something that may leave us permanently scarred. I enjoyed my weekend despite the lack of sleep and I'll need to eventually refocus this week, but I'm sure it will take a few days for my mind and body to catch up. For now, I'll enjoy this bit of lounging and focus in on tomorrow, hoping I can get myself back on track.

~:[CH15 - Day 144]:~ Refuel

 
~:[CH15 - Day 144]:~ Refuel

I'm exhausted. With events over the weekend with two banquets and more, I was famished. On top of it, the last two nights, we were chatting fora awhile,  not realizing how late it had gotten. #teamnosleep. I eventually found my way to the bed and got some rest, but it wasn't enough. On Saturday, I had Japanese class and had to edit the videos, so I woke up early after sleeping late. Today, I didn't have to wake up as early, but still work up to get ready, packed and head out. We went to Chinatown to eat and the first stop we went too had a massive line, thus we headed across the street and found a nice little hole-in-the-wall, never mind, hole-in-the-market. The restaurant is in a market and it was so good. I appreciate the food and wondered if the spicy food would get to me. It did. Regardless, I ate well and tried to re-energize a bit. Of course, my energy bar was low, so hopefully tonight I'll be able to sleep after a busy weekend, however, if someone asked me, I would do it all over again. Aside form the concert, I got to enjoy the evening with my friends and ate good food, which definitely made it worthwhile. It may take a while to increase my social battery, but for now, good foods isn't a bad place to start. Despite the lack of sleep, I still enjoyed the trip, had a few interesting encounters, and created endless memories. The weekend was a bit of a blur, but still yet, it was blur I look forward to happening again. For now though, I will go into hibernation and refuel.