~:[CH2 - Day 212]:~ Whipping Something Up

~:[CH2 - Day 212]:~ Whipping Something Up

It's always great to whip up a quick meal. The morning was blessed with some good and delicious food. However, it's even better when you can get a lot done, then whip up some impromptu plans. My friend from Atlanta came into town and not knowing exactly what was planned, we ended up venturing around and stopping at a few places before her rehearsal. Always having to plan things, it was great to not have to do that today and still have everything turn out great. Welcome to LA.

~:[CH2 - Day 211]:~ Life is Like a Box of Mochilato

~:[CH2 - Day 211]:~ Life is Like a Box of Mochilato

The morning was consumed with task after task with practice, presentations, and then cleaning off the track to prepare for destruction of our track to make room for a new one. It was exhausting but an unscheduled stop at the Original Pancake House allowed for refueling before I went back to getting things done. After laundry, I worked on some design work, then almost lost track of time. I made it to practice and was able to run (a bit) today! I ended up eating at Daphne's, which was great, and then snuck over to mochilate for a quick taste at the mochi goodness. I am not a big dessert fan, but mochi has a special place in my heart. My red bean and pistachio mochilatos went down nicely and made me smile a bit :) ... as much as I wanted to watch Suits, my body told me to go to sleep, which I did, never to see daylight for the rest of the day.

~:[CH2 - Day 210]:~ Bowls of Fun

~:[CH2 - Day 210]:~ Bowls of Fun

It was back to the daily grind on Monday with another long run and weight workout. Afterward, I was able to catch up with sh0rtybean and the old timers over pho before heading over to the bowling alley. It was great get back to bowl. While I had my not-so-good moments, my second and third game were a solid 199 and 194 despite my open 10th frame in the first of the two. I also bowled over 150 with my left hand! Hooray! Regardless, spending time with my family and my team was definitely the plus. When bowling concluded, I still had some energy left, so we headed to grab some more food where I got some bibimbap to end a great day!

~:[CH2 - Day 209]:~ A Spectacular aFair

~:[CH2 - Day 209]:~ A Spectacular aFair

After a fairly late night, I awoke to the sound of my alarm, knowing it was too early for a Sunday. However, I needed to get up to head to the fair. I only expected to be at the fair for a short while, but ended up staying a lot longer than planned because it was fun and more people kept joining in on the fun. I also came across some people while there, which is always cool. As usual, I hit up the carnival games and did some work collecting my minion, a dog, a frog, five sock monkeys and a few smaller prizes. These games are always my weakness and one of the reasons I go to the fair. I saw the pig races, ate some frog legs, bacon-wrapped pickles, got some beef jerkey, went to the petting zoo, and much, much more. If you haven't been to the fair, you need to stop by. After all the festivities, I headed to Boiling Point for some delicious hot pot before calling it a night. What an unexpected busy Sunday that was both thrilling and relaxing. My arteries may pay for a few weeks, but it was well worth it.

~:[CH2 - Day 208]:~ Just Chill'n

~:[CH2 - Day 208]:~ Just Chill'n

It was another chill day in Cerritos. After working hard on the hills, our team stopped off at Galaxy Burger to refuel. It may not have been the healthiest stop, but a good one. I was able to get a lot of paperwork out of the way during the day and then watched a movie before eating a good dinner with my dad. Afterward, I relaxed some more over some boba, catching up and just chill'n at the Towne Center in perfect summer weather. Who could ask for anything more?

POEM: Of the Millions (Just a Thought)

~:[CH2 - Day 207]:~ QT

~:[CH2 - Day 207]:~ QT

It's always great to get some quality time with the family. This weekend, I was able to get some quality time with my dad as we went out to Red Lobster. He has been drooling over the meals they show on their commercials and we finally found the time to get out there and just have a good dinner together. After pho in the morning and getting the final service done on my van, it was a great addition to the day. Afterward, I ended up stopping off at Disneyland to get a quick dose of the magic I missed when away. A quick splash, some Dole whip, and leaving to the sound of fireworks overhead made it a great day overall.

~:[CH2 - Day 206]:~ Rising to the Challenge

~:[CH2 - Day 206]:~ Rising to the Challenge

During their second workout of the day, the team battled the hills and showed that they are making pretty good progress so far this summer. Many of the athletes looked sharp and did exactly what I was looking for in this workout and more. The day was filled with errands. After a quick visit to Yoshinoya <3 a="" able="" after="" also="" and="" at="" bcd.="" before="" br="" caught="" day="" dmv="" food="" fooding="" got="" grab="" grabbed="" hopped="" i="" milk="" new="" off="" on="" over="" paperwork="" perfect="" practice.="" some="" stopped="" tea.="" the="" then="" tires="" to="" up="" we="" were="" what="">

~:[CH2 - Day 205]:~ Under the Sea

~:[CH2 - Day 205]:~ Under the Sea

Every meal I had today you would find under the sea. After giving a cooking lesson which culminated with a delicious garlic shrimp meal made by a great budding chef, I fried up a shrimp stir fry which was suppose to have noodles, but I messed up in the preparation process. Regardless, I got a fairly good morning meals. After taking care of most of what I had to do, I headed to LA and got through the traffic fairly quickly for the time I headed out. Drago Centro was delicious and hit the spot. With a great meal, perfectly paired wines and spectacular company, I would say it was the cherry on top of my day. 

tagliolini pasta with seafood ragout over spicy marinara, diver scallops with risotto cake (shown above), and vanilla panna cotta:)

~:[CH2 - Day 204]:~ In a Curry

~:[CH2 - Day 204]:~ In a Curry

After practice in the morning, I caught up with my good friend Gui before heading over to get some errands done. I was excited to go to the supermarket because it means I am well enough to start cooking this summer, yay! After some paperwork, I got some paperwork done before practice. During our run, I got to push a stalled car and search through Turtle Rock through a lost runner. Luckily, the car made it safely to a spot and the runner was found! In celebration, I ate curry at CoCo Ichibanya! What a great day :)

~:[CH2 - Day 203]:~ Moving Around

~:[CH2 - Day 203]:~ Moving Around

After a long run and a workout, we grabbed a quick Jamba and the headed to help out Mama Nishi, as she was moving classes this summer. With a little request, she ended up with about fifteen helpers, mostly alumni, which made the job a lot quicker than I had expected after I saw what we had to move. It was a tough and laborious process, but it was great to work together to help out! We rewarded ourselves with Senor Baja after. Afterward, I helped someone with some DC trip advice, as they're probably headed there later next month. Any suggestions I should send their way? I ended up lounging for a bit and ended the day feeling as if it was truly summer vacation.

~:[CH2 - Day 202]:~ Save the Best for Last

~:[CH2 - Day 202]:~ Save the Best for Last

People call them leftovers, but sometimes "leftovers" are where the diamonds in the rough are hidden. I often find that leftovers are best than what you have originally chosen, because sometimes with age, things get better or sometimes people miss these finer gems hidden below. Regardless, I enjoyed my leftovers today and was able to get caught up on a bunch of things today and finally feel as if I have most things together. I just hope it can stay that way. I have less than two weeks to prep for camp now, so it's going to be a wild two weeks until we leave. I can't believe I am saying this already. Here we go!

~:[CH2 - Day 201]:~ Taste Buds & Eye Candy

~:[CH2 - Day 201]:~ Taste Buds & Eye Candy

My poke tray of regular, natto, and spicy poke was on display as I gathered with my family and a few friends for a quick summer BBQ with good 'eats. It was great to see everyone and to just enjoy the company of everyone. It was an exhausting time getting everything together after practice, but in the end, it was all worth it and I wouldn't trade this night for anything. I wish that I had a better weekend to have it on, as it fell on a Vegas weekend, but the show must go on. I do miss you all in Vegas and hope you have a fun and safe trip. Thank  you to all those who joined me this evening!

~:[CH2 - Day 200]:~ Playing with Fire

~:[CH2 - Day 200]:~ Playing with Fire

Our team had our annual summer kickoff bonfire but this time, holding it was like playing with fire. Getting better from my cold, I was not sure how I would fare while there and it was like playing with fire. In the end, only playing basketball aggravated my cough and breathing and the rest, left me in pretty good shape. Hopefully, tomorrow I do not regret the bonfire, as I have a long Saturday. I loved seeing new athletes at our bonfire and hopefully we can continue to keep them coming out to our events. It was a mellow bonfire, but we still ended up having a lot of fun!

~:[CH2 - Day 199]:~ Chicken Soup for the Soul

~:[CH2 - Day 199]:~ Chicken Soup for the Soul

My mom made me chicken soup a few days ago and this is my last of the batch. I guess it's always in a mother to make sure that her child is feeling better. Each bowl helped me heal and made me feel better, much like my mother through my entire life <3 .="" :="" a="" able="" after="" afternoon="" almost="" am="" an="" and="" another="" around="" being="" br="" chicken="" decent.="" did="" enjoy="" feel="" finish="" get="" has="" heal.="" helped="" hopefully="" i="" is="" its="" job.="" just="" line="" me="" morning="" nap="" near="" out="" practice="" similarly="" soon.="" soup="" still="" that="" the="" there="" to="" will="" world="">

~:[CH2 - Day 198]:~ The Search

~:[CH2 - Day 198]:~ The Search

Every year our team holds a scavenger hunt, one of my favorite days of the year! Not only do they get to do something fun and does our team get to know each other better, the athletes bring me breakfast :P ... while I do no prefer to eat most of what they bring back, honestly, it's just fun to see them going through the list of things they must do and trying to figure out the fastest way to do it in the shortest number of miles. My alumni team was quite successful this year despite not finishing first. The rest of my day went by a lot quicker than I had imagined it would have, spending much of the morning at Coffee Bean and playing Puzzles and Dragons. Avoid the game at all costs ... another addicting game :P Of course, not as bad as Candy Crush. I'm hoping that tonight I can completely kick this cold. It was difficult to try to work out plans with my travel agent for the next half a year if you can't even say a full sentence clearly :T ... a boy can dream.

~:[CH2 - Day 197]:~ The Sights

~:[CH2 - Day 197]:~ The Sights

It's great to finally get out of the house. Even though I was not completely well, I still got out for practice and was able to walk to the trail. My failed attempted at running reminded me to take it easy still. With a double practice, CPR/first aid class, and a stop at Sweetee Thai (finally) to grab some tea and soup, it was a full day for me since I got sick, but it was definitely progress. It made me miss running, as it was my favorite trail, but soon enough, I'll be out there :)

~:[CH2 - Day 196]:~ Do It For Dean

~:[CH2 - Day 196]:~ Do It For Dean

The best part about summer practices is that we get to see some of our old alumni swing by practices every once in awhile. Today, we got a great surprise ... it was Dean! Dean was one of our captains from the past and he was such a good captain, the unofficial theme of the year was, Do it for Dean! As a teacher, they often say that I serve as a role model for students, however, in many cases, students such as Dean serve as a role model for me, reminding me to keep pushing myself and pursuing my goals that I once thought unattainable. Dean is such a talent, so smart, hard working, humble, selfless, and personable ... everything rolled up into one. I am so glad to have the chance to see him again and retake this picture which they took so many years ago :)

~:[CH2 - Day 195]:~ When the Sun Sets

~:[CH2 - Day 195]:~ When the Sun Sets

It's a beautiful thing. Nature, man-made objects filling the sky, and a combination of both. We don't always appreciate the beauty which surrounds us and the opportunities that do too, but it's when we can't that we enjoy what should have. Being sick has allowed me to sleep and enjoy the wonders of sleep, but also made me miss the outdoors and all that I could do when I was well. While my cold is temporary, I know it has helped me remember to appreciate all that we are given and never take it for granted. Good friends and family, good food, and good times. Thank you to all those who have made my days wonderful and as the sun sets today, I begin preparing to enjoy all that tomorrow has waiting for me.

~:[CH2 - Day 194]:~ Rolling Through the Days

~:[CH2 - Day 194]:~ Rolling Through the Days

Another early morning led me to the beach at Bolsa Chica which was crowded like mad today! I've never seen it so busy when we went to run, but we dealt with it and headed on our run. We were able to get a good run out of our team, we hit up the normal post-run meal spot, I grabbed my Albertson's chicken and we headed back from a good days work. I took a quick nap then headed back out for dinner. My car got rear-ended on the freeway, luckily for me it was a light tap on my car since it was three cars back that did the damage. Wish cars would give a little more space especially with a trailer. Regardless, everyone was okay, which is the best part. After a long commute, finally was able to grab a good meal at my friend's place which always has beautiful plating and delicious food. The food is always spectacular in my book with good service as well :) Good food and some catching up time, a good win-win. In any case, I am glad to turn in early tonight and not needing to set an alarm before I go to sleep. Can you really ask for anything more?

July 13, 2013 ~ Luck or Fate?

"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." - Marcus Aurelius

Each of our groups were looking for one of our mates, as we joined forces calling out their names through the streets in the Netherlands. We winded through each street and backstreet in order to try and find them and I begin to feel hopeless that we would find them. In the crowds of people, to find two people at night was a daunting task and so we decided to take a break and grabbed some waffles. From there our relationship would never be the same. From fellow tour members to friends, the conversion began with us learning Persian at the waffle store and as we continued our search for our lost mates. While confident they could find their way home, we wandered around a bit more before heading back, only to run into Andrew so we could have one last stop before calling it a night.

I am not sure what the rest of the trip would have been like without this night, but I grew close to four of the most amazing people. From not really talking much before this to the ones we keep in contact the most with, it was fate that brought us together that night and made for an amazing rest of the trip. While we may not have that night or any other night of the trip that we spent together back again, we will have many days to look forward to in the future. Despite the seven thousand miles that will separate us for most of our lives, I know that they will always be nearby so that we may grow together moving forward, sharing a part of our lives together that no one will be able to take away.

Does fate truly exist? The jury is still out on that in my mind; however, I am glad that the dominoes fell into place this evening, as it was one of the reasons why this trip was one to remember forever. Since it may have been fate that brought us together, I will do just what Marcus Aurelius said many years ago, I will love those people who fate brought into my life with all of my heart.

~:[CH2 - Day 193]:~ Spot On

~:[CH2 - Day 193]:~ Spot On

The morning was a bit tough of a wake up again but I dragged myself out of bed and made it to practice for our annual time trial. I'm glad I did as our boys ran to the second fastest team time trial mark in school history and also had the fastest freshman mark posted. The girls also had a solid performance with a lot of new athletes stepping up. Afterward, we enjoyed a great free breakfast at Chik-fil-a since I had brought my box of cow costumes, jerseys, ears and tails from the Great Cow Run stash! Seeing that I needed the rest, I laid my head down at home and stayed that way on both of my couches for the rest of the night. Only waking up to drink water and take care of the business. The life? I think so, only if this cold went away. Hopefully by the morning so I can enjoy the beach.

~:[CH2 - Day 192]:~ Breaking Through

~:[CH2 - Day 192]:~ Breaking Through

Today was a miserable day, as my head continued to spin and my cough acted up all night. However, somehow in the morning, I felt better, made it to practice and grabbed some pho afterwards. I also swung by the recycling center then started to feel miserable again. A nap helped, but I almost thought I would have to cancel going to take photos at the performances tonight at the Glass House. I am so glad that I pushed through, as I loved the performances and it was great shooting all night. It may take me awhile to get the photos up, however, all the performances were great! Now, it's time for a good nights sleep, hopefully.

~:[CH2 - Day 191]:~ Coming Back Down to Earth

~:[CH2 - Day 191]:~ Coming Back Down to Earth

I officially landed early this morning. I was able to grab my things, transfer my photos and complete a few odds and ends. I had piles of mail waiting for me and a nice comfortable bed to sleep in. Unfortunately, I had to wake up at 5am for practice. While I enjoy it, it's hard to say it's nice to wake up that early after changing so many time zones, flying that many hours, and having your world spin, as you are suffering from some type of cold; however, I still vowed to make the most of this day and I fell just one check mark short of completing my list ...

1. Practice/Weights

2. Jamba Juice

3. Laundry

4. Upload Picture

5. Bank

6. Tapioca Express

7. Sweetee Thai (Fail)

Additions

Shopping, Poke, Lunch at Holy Mole, Catching Up with People

Regardless, after all that I completed today, it is nice to know that soon I will get to lay my head down in hopes that I will be launched back onto schedule rather than feeling as if my world is still spinning on the wrong axis :P ... I also feel I can rest easy, as most things are going well with practices and I hope that all these new athletes continue their progress, as I love their work ethic and attitude already!(Photo by Thien-Nam)

~:[CH2 - Day 190]:~ The Long Trek Home

~:[CH2 - Day 190]:~ The Long Trek Home

It may not settle in for some time about how amazing this trip was, but from start to finish, I know that I will cherish all of the moments I had on this trip even more as time passes. As I look through the photographs of the trip, I think about just how amazing all the sites were and how amazing all the people were. I would not change much, if anything, about how things went and am glad for all the wonderful experiences I had with each person I came across and at each site we visited. As I head home on this long and arduous journey, I am glad to be going home, but also sad that I am leaving. The rest at home will be wonderful and soon I will recover, however, I will be forever changed for the better for all the experiences I have had and all the new friendships I have built.

~:[CH2 - Day 189]:~ Royal Treatment

~:[CH2 - Day 189]:~ Royal Treatment

It was sad to say goodbye to everyone in the morning as we said our final goodbyes. We met with Andrew's cousin and he gave us the royal treatment including taking us to the Palace of Versailles, took us shopping, hosted us and took us to Chinatown. All in all, this trip was amazing and while I am sad to be leaving, I am happy tonmake my way home. Farewell Europe at night for the very last time.

~:[CH2 - Day 188]:~ System Overload

~:[CH2 - Day 188]:~ System Overload

My body finally gave in and let down on me after pushing it to the limit for some time. The trip to the Eiffel Tower, Louve, the Opera, Notre Dame, the Bastille are, the catacombs area, the Moulon Rouge area and more may just have been too much.However, while I was sad to leave my new friends behind on this last night, I am glad the we overloaded this holiday on amazingness, awesomeness and just fun. It was an exhausting stretch but one I would never change, as it was a great time. It will be sad to say farewell to everyone on the tour tomorrow and while I will still have a night in Paris, it will not be the same without our wonderful new companions. You all are awesome.

~:[CH2 - Day 187]:~ Change of Pace

~:[CH2 - Day 187]:~ Change of Pace

We left the quiet and quaint village of Lauterbrunnen and took the long trek to Paris. We toured around Paris and hit many of the spots you'd expect to see and now I know where I want to go tomorrow. The architecture is amazing and the food was good including my paella, but too bad we're out in the boonies!! This is our final destination so each of these moments are our last. While today was bad in that someone knocked my phone down and the screen cracked as well as my camera which survived and half our group left when a club did not let us in, those left still enjoued what Paris had to offer and even grabbed a wonderful late night meal of veal spaghetti andnescargo. I definitely enjoyed spending tonight with everyone!

July 6, 2013 ~ Last Breath

"Take your last breath, as you never know if it will be your last." - Jason Watanabe

Today I leave Lauterbrunnen.  I stepped out and took my final look of the majestic scenery and my last breath of air of the Swiss Alps, as I never know if I will ever be back. However, I realize this can't be a once in a lifetime thing to do but something that we should do every single day of our lives. We do not know when our last breath will be, when our last opportunitity to do or something will be or the last chance we have to see a friend or family member. Treat each moment as your last and live with no regrets. Forgive, love, smile, sing, listen, tell and never leave loose ends untied, as you never know if you'll have that chance again. I hope to visit Lauterbrunnen again, but if I am unable to, I know I took one good last breath here and will never forget this amazing place.

July 5, 2013 ~ Look at the Stars

"Sometimes the beauty of the stars is drained out by the overpowering moon."
- Jason Watanabe

Look at the sky and pay attention, not to the wonderful moon but to the amazing galaxy of stars that serve as the moon's background. Many times we are too focus on the moon to realize all the wonderful things that lay in the background. The stars are so spectacular and so are many of these smaller events in our life. While they may not be such big things, these smaller events in our lives often add up to much more than anything that may try to overshadow them. Whilwle quantity over quality is not always the answer, a cluster of great things will paint the sky witha wonderful canvas of stars. As I look up at the beautiful Swiss sky, no matter what happens, at least I know I've been given a canvas of things to enjoy and celebrate which nothing can overshadow.

~:[CH2 - Day 186]:~ Imagining Reality

~:[CH2 - Day 186]:~ Imagining Reality

I don't believe that this photo can capture the true beauty we saw today. In the early morning we headed to the "top of europe" as we climbed over 11, 000 feet to the top of the Swiss Alps. The views were breathtaking with a combination of grass and snow-capped peaks. The train winded up the mountain for over 90 minutes before getting to the top but itwas worth every minute. In the mountain we saw the sites, I rode the zip line, hit up the tobagan and left the rest of the time to ski in the Alps. We spent our last night in Switzerland and move from this beautiful rural mountainous setting to the city life of Paris, our last stop. Our night is not over, however, it's time to get ready for our long trek tomorrow. Reality? Pinch me, I am not sure if I am dreaming or not.

~:[CH2 - Day 185]:~ Breathless

~:[CH2 - Day 185]:~ Breathless

I have very few words for the Swiss Alps. I am still in complete and utter awe. The drive showed us spectacular views but when we stopped at our accommodations, I got chills. Just outside our balcony is a few hundred feet waterfall that cascades just outside our balcony, hearing it's soothing sound all night. We hiked up a trail behind the falls and just looked at all the amazingness around us. We ended with a fairly relaxed night playing Monopoly Deal again, enjoying the natural beauty of where we are at. Lucerne was also a cool stop but where we are now in Lauterbrunnen, is simply another level of spectacular.

~:[CH2 - Day 184]:~ Passage to Venice

~:[CH2 - Day 184]:~ Passage to Venice

We drove through beautiful Austria and down through the equally amazing Italian Northern wine country. Seeing the spectacular vineyards left me breathless and I can't wait to pen some poems when I return. After arriving via boat to Venice though, I was speechless. It's abit of a maze but around every corner is something amazing and inspires me to create. I had a great time with the boys and later on with a different mix of people, as we expanded our groups. Since there were only two per room at this site, I also have a new roommate which has been awesome. We finished the night with some cards and I realized that I am starting to speak a little like an Aussie combined with all the accents around. I wouldn't have it any other way.

~:[CH2 - Day 183]:~ Beauty in Water

~:[CH2 - Day 183]:~ Beauty in Water

I was really excited for today. We headed from Germany to Austria and went to the Austrian Tyrol. When we got there, we got to head down the beautiful waters of the river via white water raft. Afterwards we cleaned up and continued through the Austrian Alps and to the village we would be at for the night. We took a bike ride and I fell in love. The scenery was amazing and we finished in a park where I took a chance and ate some ice cream which wad superb then headed down the tobagan. After a quick dinner, finally a chance to relax but not before the thunderstorms came and showed us its magnificience.

~:[CH2 - Day 182]:~ Cycling Through the Day

~:[CH2 - Day 182]:~ Cycling Through the Day

We left the tiny city of Bad Salzig, but not after a run along the Rhine River. The water, the villages and castles were like a dream. After boarding the bus, we headed through Germany seeing all the beautiful countryside, stopping at a place where we got a wonderful taste of German food. AMAZING! Munich brought us even more amazingness with the amazing architecture and ginormous food and drink portions. The beer wenches are incredible carrying seven or more one liter beers in steins. Our server was quite fairly small but took care of business. We bikes t. ough Munich, reaking a bit of havoc but had an amazing time. Sadly my camera ran out of batteries somehow. :( ... we also saw German "surfing" as they used a small canal to surf which was quite awesome. We headed back into town to go to Milche and realized they're a little behind in their music but that did not stop everyone from enjoying themselves. In the end, it was an exhausting but spectacular day.