~:[CH13 - Day 136]:~ The Workout Between the Ears

 
~:[CH13 - Day 136]:~ The Workout Between the Ears

When I planned this assignment for my 2nd period, I didn't realize that it was Mental Health Action Day. However, I think it's vital that we look into our minds every once in awhile and figure out what we can do to make ourselves stronger and to allow ourselves to find more success. With my students, I had them look at what they wanted to accomplish, the words and thoughts that hold them back, and other factors that hold them back such as technology or stress at home, among many other things. I had them look at what they could do to overcome these obstacles, but most importantly, I had them look at how they overcome this stress. I think the key question of, "how are you feeling today?" is an important one to ask yourself every day. How are you feeling? Are you internalizing your thoughts and feelings too much? Do you need to find an outlet to release the strain on yourself? There are so many things that are stressors in our lives and they tend to show up at the exact moment that we don't need them to appear. However, even if you need to release a little frustration, I hope that you don't allow it to overwhelm you. If it does, reach out to someone and don't internalize it. Life is already difficult enough, but it's even harder when you isolate yourself and don't allow others to help you out. For some, it may be the best way to cope, but for most of us, don't be afraid to reach out. Regardless, for those who have struggled with their mental health, remember that the mind is just like your body. Every day, I hope you can find the time to do a workout between your ears. Reassure yourself, encourage yourself and crush those negative thoughts that hold you back from what you want to accomplish. We are capable and I hope that we look at our lives from time to time and see what is keeping us from excelling to the heights we know we can reach. In the meantime, let's keep those workouts going so our minds are ready for everything that comes our way. You got this!

~:[CH13 - Day 135]:~ How Time Flies

 
~:[CH13 - Day 135]:~ How Time Flies

Ten years ago, I had my first senior class write letters to themselves. I heard of others doing it, so I thought I would give it a try. I purchased envelopes and stamps and let them write. I was curious as to what they would write and wondered if these letters would even get to them. It's amazing how quickly time flies. I think of the memories I had with members of this class and how everything kind of meshes together over time. Even this school year, I cannot believe we are but a few weeks away from wrapping up the year. Regardless, I think it's a good reminder of how precious time is and how it flies. Before you know it, your kids will be grown, you will be retired or getting up in the morning will be harder with each passing day. Enjoy the time that you are given today so that there are no regrets tomorrow. As while it's easy to say that you'll take care of it tomorrow, it's better to make use of every moment. To my seniors who wrote your letters ten years ago, look out in your mailbox soon, as something is coming your way.

~:[CH13 - Day 134]:~ Solving

 
~:[CH13 - Day 134]:~ Solving 

Today was a great day, then it was not. It actually was a pretty good day, but it was a day full of thinking and problem solving. It's always fun when the stock market is volatile, but it also means, a lot of thinking throughout the day of what to do. Should I hold or should I sell? How much should I sell if I do? When should I buy back in? I had some good timing on my trades, but overall it was the amount that I sold that I should have thought more into. Of course, it's a guessing game, still yet, I always seem to know better and second guess myself. Similarly, my students were looking at solving puzzles and we played our cryptography game. I made up a little activity in class and the students really seem to get into it. They seemed to enjoy the game and it was fun when I revealed all the information, as it ended up making sense of most groups. Some days in life are full of these puzzles to figure out. You may not always know the answer, but sometimes, you need to figure it out or make it up as you go along. I always like to be prepared and do things the right way, so that meant that as I wrapped up my track planning, I had to figure out how to fix a problem. I figured it out in the end and it allowed me to relax and enjoy my final minutes before I called it a day. We have the capability to solve our problems, but we just have to trust ourselves enough that we have the capability to do so. Have faith! 

~:[CH13 - Day 133]:~ Special Delivery

 
~:[CH13 - Day 133]:~ Special Delivery

I got a visit from one of my former students (freshman from last year) as he brought me some food from another teacher (my sister). It's always great to see my former students as you get to see how far they've come and how they have changed, if at all. As I wander around campus, I am amazed to see some of them as I realize that they are graduating this year. It's always a special moment to see them get to that momentous milestone as while sometimes we take it for granted, it definitely is a big accomplishment. As we wrapped up our final presentation and head into the final stretch, I am excited for the end, but will not forget to enjoy all the special deliveries along the way. While some of these encounters and moments may be brief, each of them are special in their own way. 

~:[CH13 - Day 132]:~ Every So Grateful

 
~:[CH13 - Day 132]:~ Every So Grateful

We always tend to stay home on these holidays. We all don't really like the crowds, so instead, I always end up cooking. This year, I prepared early and shopped earlier in the week, so the day was pretty chill. I had a lot of work to do for the banquet, however, aside from that, I was able to focus on getting the prep done for dinner. I matched up the marinade for the steak with one of my favorites and added sides to go along with the meal. It was a great meal, but I know that the most precious thing was to be able to spend time with my family to celebrate my mother who has given so much. For many of us, our mothers are the foundation on which we grew up and became who we are. For those lucky enough to celebrate with a mother or a mother-like figure (including those single dads), I hope that you enjoyed those precious moments together. I know that with each passing year, the number of years we have together gets shorter and while we will never know how many we have, we all know that it will not be infinite. Thus, make each day with your loved ones special and be ever so grateful for all that you have, even if you don't think it's much, the love and care of those around you is more valuable than all the riches you can accumulate in a lifetime. Happy mother's day to all those who fill that role of a mother! 

~:[CH13 - Day 131]:~ What is Spectacular?

 
~:[CH13 - Day 131]:~ What is Spectacular?

I woke up and got to work. Without having an event on Saturday for the first time in awhile, I quickly got to work and began cleaning, before heading to the computer to get other work done. It felt good. Yes, I was a bit sad that we didn't advance to this week's championship, however, I think this year more than ever, I needed this extra time to wrap things up. At the last minute, I was invited to the Angels game. I had to make a trek to pick someone up before heading to the game. While the traffic was horrendous, it was good since I got the chance to chat with him on the way. We talked about family and life. As while the amazing game and spectacular firework show after was great, it made me think, what is truly spectacular? As while I would have been sad if we had lost or missed out had I not been able to enjoy this beautiful display in the skies, I think that the most spectacular thing was just the time. Win or lose, I think the night would have been just as spectacular. As we drove, we chatted about the struggles of life and realizations of what's important in life and it definitely helped me to realize in my own life, how lucky I am to have supportive people around me. When I struggled earlier in the year, I had a number of people message me or check in on me. Even if uncomfortable, they made the effort knowing the struggles. I've been lucky that it's been like that most of my life. Thus, when I get the chance to do the same, I take it. In the end, I drove about five hours today, but when I think about it, I actually think that time was spectacular. Social media makes spectacular out to me all the great things we get to see in life, but in reality, spectacular is finding a life that is comfortable, carefree and full of love and support. The dramatic scenes of romance and adventure in movies and shows pales in comparison to just being in the presences of loved ones. While hopes and dreams becoming reality can make life more spectacular, I hope that we can see that sometimes the simple things in life are what make life truly spectacular. I think through our conversation, that was one thing we arrived at that helped define what made our lives special and at the lowest times, what made life the most challenging. I hope that in our lives we can all live spectacularly and I think that all starts with simply focusing on things that make our everyday special, whatever in your lives that may be.

~:[CH13 - Day 130]:~ Years of Service

 
~:[CH13 - Day 130]:~ Years of Service

It was weird to have senior awards on a Friday, but with the impacted schedule, it just happen to play out that way. I stopped by the International Festival at Stowers before heading back to Cerritos. It's always great to attend this event as you see the students wrap up their career in high school after four long years. I get to see their growth since freshman year and recollect some fond memories from the past. Their years of service are definitely honored at this event and I appreciate that they do so, from athletics to academics and everything in between. This year was even more special. As while I like to think that I've been at the school for an eternity, one of our teachers is completing his 53 years at the school (since it opened) and will retire this year. It's incredible to think that you've been at one place for so long and been apart of its entire history, but he has. Alongside him, they honored two people who have given so much to the school, attending so many events and supporting the students in different capacities. They truly show how much they care for the students by how much time they put into their job beyond the school day. Similarly, the students recognized besides they spent countless hours dedicating themselves to this campus and definitely deserve to be on this stage honored for their years of service. Congratulations seniors and I guess senior citizens? (Just kidding on the latter half!)

~:[CH13 - Day 129]:~ Services (Not) Rendered

 
~:[CH13 - Day 129]:~ Services (Not) Rendered

I have a friend in the Philippines who occasionally is looking for particular collectibles he cannot get there. It actually kind of fun because I used to watch the WWE (formerly WWF) and I like to see how things have changed since I watched it. I got a little upset today as I mailed a package with the items and it wasn't delivered. Since I didn't get insurance, I figured the items were a lost cause, but thought they'd easily refund my delivery fee since they didn't complete the delivery. I was wrong. I kept getting the response, there's nothing I can do. The service was not rendered, yet I was still responsible for the costs since I didn't get insurance. It made no sense. While I ultimately found another way, it made me think, in our own lives, are we delivering the services we are suppose to, the way we should? I think that in most cases, I finish my delivery, however, I also think about, did I do it well? With work, with family, and with friends, I constantly think, am I doing the job I should be doing? In some cases, it's not a requirement for us to do something. However, at the end of the day, can we look back and what we did and be satisfied with how we did things? If not, I hope that we can fix it down the road. I've worked on doing this from time to time and hope that it's a regular habit so I don't become what got me so upset today. In the end, I was happy to see that my second attempt at sending the package succeeded and it's definitely a reminder that we may not always get it right the first time, but if we make the efforts, we can ensure that we deliver in the end. 

~:[CH13 - Day 128]:~ Let The Voices Be Heard

 
~:[CH13 - Day 128]:~ Let The Voices Be Heard

We continued our student driven lessons as one group decided to have a debate. I love when they do a debate, as I can sit back and listen to them. I am always amazed at the transformation they make from the beginning of the year until the end. I think it's one of the most important skills they can develop as in life, they'll need to be able to use their voice and let it be heard. As often is the case, I get to see these students grow from where they were to the confident students they'll leave our campus as. When I look at the seniors, I think back to their freshman year to remember just how much growth they've shown over the course of small time frame. Are we also doing the same in our lives? As while I address this topic regarding student growth, I hope that we are all developing, learning and growing, especially when it comes to us speaking up for ourselves. I hope that their voices will be heard and I also hope that you all will find it in you to let your voices be heard as well. 

~:[CH13 - Day 127]:~ Matching & Meetings

 
~:[CH13 - Day 127]:~ Matching & Meetings

This always is one of my favorite assignments. Leading up to this assignment, each student is assigned 3-4 countries and has to research about their imports and exports. They then select one of their country and make a trading (dating) profile. It's fun to see their creativity come alive as they make a profile that is attractive so they can find a compatible trading partner. While some try to go to their friends, they realize they cannot work together because their imports don't match up to their exports. In the end, there's a few who struggle to find a match. It's a nice break from the stress of APs. It's not an easy assignment, but at the same time, it's fun and they don't have to focus too much. After subbing a class, I headed back home to prep for the banquet and start my series of meetings that I'll be having over the next few weeks. Planning for my projects is always exciting, but the time difference means, late night meetings - a lot of them. Regardless, it gets me excited to think of the various projects I'll be working on and I only hope that the days ahead pass smoothly and quickly.