~:[CH8 - Day 181]:~ Closing Out Another One

~:[CH8 - Day 181]:~ Closing Out Another One

When you travel, you lost track of what day of the week it is and sometimes, you remember the day. When the end of a month comes, even in our daily lives, we sometimes forget that it has arrived. It simply comes and goes. However, with every milestone that we reach in our lives, whether a day, a month, a year or more, we should appreciate all that we have and all that we are given. I reconnected with a Tokyo friend who I just saw in Los Angeles and also was able to work and reconnect with another local friend. As exhausting as the day was, especially with the train, I feel so truly blessed to have the opportunities that I do and as the final seconds of this month tick away, I will cherish these very special opportunities. From the citrus-flavor or lime and yuzu in my soba and ramen to to the lights of Shinjuku that glisten in the puddles that formed on the ground from the rain earlier. There is a lot to appreciate in this world and as we close out these first six months, let's make sure that we appreciate all that we are given in the six to come, day by day. 

~:[CH8 - Day 180]:~ The Day the Reward

~:[CH8 - Day 180]:~ The Day the Reward

I had a late night reservation at a sushi restaurant and while it was busy when we arrived, it slowly dwindled down until almost nobody was left. It was nice because my friend who was Japanese connected well with the chefs and we ended up joking around the remainder of the night. The sushi was amazing and while it was a spectacular moment in the day and you could say it was the reward for all the hard work, I would say that the day itself was the reward. As I press rewind, the day composed of nearly 8,000 shots in studio and as my friend said, your trigger finger must be tired. I guess I didn't think much of it. My body was more sore as I was contorting my body to get all the shots in. As timing worked out pretty well, all the fears I had about something going wrong faded away as with each item on my schedule being checked off, there was less and less anxiety. I connected well with those I worked with and while we couldn't find a taxi because of the rain, we ended the night laughing and enjoying the company of Kaito Ogawa and his crew. It was my busiest day, but also my most rewarding. With only a short time left ahead, I will actually have a bit more time to explore and enjoy, but I will not forget that the day itself is my reward.

~:[CH8 - Day 179]:~ Wherever These Roads May Lead

~:[CH8 - Day 179]:~ Wherever These Roads May Lead

I often write about wandering from place to place and it's visuals like these that get me to think about that. As I walk and venture through paths unknown, I always wonder where I am headed and who I am going to meet. On a day where I met up with a friend of mine, I also met a new friend and I was doing some work on the day. It's nice to connect with the people that you work with and it's funny how just the encounters make you connections that can last for awhile. I spent the night in Shinjuku as my friend found a few cool spots. We ended up eating at some random spot that he picked, but it actually ended up being a perfect match for what I was craving that night. It's great to plan, but sometimes, you just follow whenever these roads may lead.

~:[CH8 - Day 178]:~ As Sweet as Cotton Candy

~:[CH8 - Day 178]:~ As Sweet as Cotton Candy

I enjoyed my final morning in Seoul before organzing myself and heading to the airport. During the day, it's not too challenging to get there unless it's rush hour. I cruised to the airport and boarded the plane. With a slight delay bordering, they got everyone in and the doors shut in less than 20 minutes. I was impressed. Now only ten minutes behind, I thought my schedule would stay intact. It didn't. With a 45 minute delay on the ground and a being in a holding pattern above Osaka for 20 minutes, we arrived VERY late. With delays due to the G20 Summit and bad weather due to an incoming tsunami, I was left a little frustrated, but as I looked out the window, it was so gorgeous, almost like cotton candy. After adjusting the colors, it even looks like it now too. Even when a storm hits us, instead of falling victim to the storm, accept it and find the sweetness that lies in every situation. As when you look out the window, don't see the storm, but the art that Mother Nature is putting on display.

~:[CH8 - Day 177]:~ Focus

~:[CH8 - Day 177]:~ Focus

On a day where I didn't have anything on the itinerary, which is normally the case for my last full day, I ventured out and met a friend as we ate KBBQ andexplored the area around JYP. The question then was, what's next? It's easy to focus when you have a goal and a plan, but can you focus without one? Most people will tell you to come up with a plan and so you can focus, whereas sometimes it's good to wander, check out your options and then focus in on what's appealing. In life, you won't always know what you want and if you just settle too quickly, then you may not be happy. Take some time to explore, don't be in such a rush and then focus in and invest in what you choose. While this is not a route for all, its something I've done for myself and I've found that I've encountered so much more than expected. From stumbling across cool restaurants and art to meeting new people, without exploring and all focusing in on a plan, it would never have been. As I leave this city, I am always sad because there is so much that I love about it, but also because there is so much more to explore. Until next time ...

~:[CH8 - Day 176]:~ Lost in (Digital) Translation

~:[CH8 - Day 176]:~ Lost in (Digital) Translation

It's tough enough to try to get the interpretation of what someone is trying to say in person in the same language sometimes. It becomes more challenging when the conversation is in a foreign language. From my friends to the workers and guides, the translation and meaning behind them is not always clear. What seems perfectly normal to one, may be an insult to another. As I traveled, I saw this to be the case. However, it can be like that even more so online. Seeing the comment section on an online post sometimes can be frustrating, aside from the ignorant comments, sometimes the sarcasm in a message cannot be seen. It's lost in its digital translation. Sometime the sincerity and genuine care of a message cannot be seen or the emotions of a message can be under or over analyzed. Isn't it strange how online of a society we've become, yet we still have yet to figure out how to convey messages as we want to all the time? Maybe there should be an emotion button on all the posts we make. This post was meant to be sincere, sarcastic, with anger, with joy. I guess Facebook does it a bit, but can this be done across all apps? Does it need to be? Or wouldn't us taking the time to meet up, hanging out and just catch up like the old days be the way to go. As I travel from place to place, while I try to keep up with people online, I also enjoy trying to meet up with them just to chat, to catch up, to share old memories and the like. Even if it's for a random interaction like I had with a family from our school at the DMZ or an arranged meeting with a friend over dinner, we lose less of the proper interpretation of a message when we take it offline. The internet is an amazing place with information and the ability to connect us all, but we are most connected when we sit across from each other, even sometimes when we don't even speak a word. The internet comes a long way, but in many cases it is lacking. Don't get lost in the (digital) translation, rather, get lost in the awesome company of people. 

~:[CH8 - Day 175]:~ Outshined

~:[CH8 - Day 175]:~ Outshined

Sometimes there are things in life that you have so much anticipation for. The excitement builds, only to have you left being disappointed. While I had an idea that this would be the case, it was also nice that there was something more spectacular than what we originally went there to see. I think this is the case in life always. We anticipate things only to realize that we overlooked something that was greater than what we were so focused on. Sometimes that focus on something so singular can keep us from seeing the other amazing things that exist around. After a wonderful day with a multitude of friends, I couldn't help to think about how many amazing moments there were today. As simple as the day was (from shopping to eating to exploring), it definitely was one that shined.

~:[CH8 - Day 174]:~ In Record Time

~:[CH8 - Day 174]:~ In Record Time

I boarded my plane at about 2:20 KST, took off about a half hour later and was in Jamsil about five hours later. We coordinated our scheduled and met up for a quick dinner and just wandered around. I guess it's funny how timing works out. Sometimes you just miss people as you go, while at other times, all the pieces fall into place. For my trip to Jamsil, everything fell into place. Our flight was on time, I got through customs in just the right amount of time to catch the AREX and I walked just fast enough on the AREX to catch my trains to my hotel. I was sweating like a dog carrying my luggage up and down all those stairs, but I didn't mind the rush so that our timing could work out. I felt like one of my athletes after finishing their race. I knew it was too good to be true though, as at the stroke of midnight, the 2 stopped Seoungsu, as I was stranded about 8km from my hotel. I gave up and just took a taxi the rest of the way, but regardless at least it didn't impact any plans. It's strange how time really has power over our lives. We all make our own plans and do our own things and sometimes it all aligns, but I guess it's true that it's all might, as they always say, "only time will tell."

~:[CH8 - Day 173]:~ Amidst the Haze

~:[CH8 - Day 173]:~ Amidst the Haze

There was a strange haze on the day, well at least I think it was a haze. I guess we have those days where it's like that. Since it was a weekend, the streets were crowded and it was a little challenging to move around. The fun thing that you notice is that often times the people around you can make things better. They can make it feel as if the weather is better and even an average meal taste even better. Other than wandering around the Bund, the Yuyuan Garden and the East Nanjing Road areas, there wasn't too much going on today as I finish up my stay in Shanghai. I loved being here, but more so than what I ate and what I did, it was the friends who took me about that made it even better. That's life. Amidst the haze in our own lives, let's work with our friends and family to lift it so that our days can be even greater than they were "meant" to be. 

~:[CH8 - Day 172]:~ Life Pieces the Magic Together

~:[CH8 - Day 172]:~ Life Pieces the Magic Together

The rain and the crowds looked like a bit of an ominous sign, but I kept thinking positive and it truly was a magical day. Shanghai Disney has two of my favorite Disney rides - Pirates of the Caribbean and the Seven Dwarf's Mine Ride. I added Tron to that list and strangely, I enjoyed a random show I walked into at El Teatro Fandango. From meeting the characters to even catching most of their major shows, it was a great day despite the crowds, the pushy people and the humidity. The rain disappeared and somehow managed to perfectly time our day to avoid most of the lines. Would I go back to Shanghai Disney? It's probably a yes, but it really depends if I can make my way back to Shanghai period. As I stare out my window at the beautiful view away from the crowds of East Nanjing Street, I smiled as while it didn't seem like it at first, the magic simply came together and made today the day I was hoping for - magical. 

~:[CH8 - Day 171]:~ We Are That Light

~:[CH8 - Day 171]:~ We Are That Light

Sometimes it feels as everything around us is spectacular and that we are a shadow fading into the darkness. In the TANK, a TeamLab exhibit in Shanghai, you see the beauty blooming around you and even the water avoiding people (including yourself). It's easy to feel like when everything around you seems so spectacular. However, sometimes we need to realize that we are actually the that light that we need. While at times, there are others that will be the light for us, there are also those times that we need to shine our own lights, not realizing how bright we actually can be. I often see low self-esteem among my students, however, I also see the talents that they have failed to unlock. There are so many people with potential that fall short and much of the time it is because they don't see that they have their own light to help them shine. While I do believe in the help we should receive from those around us, I also believe that we are capable of doing what we can ourselves as well. I am still in awe at the beauty of the TANK and just hope that people can see what they can do when it's their turn to shine. 

~:[CH8 - Day 170]:~ You're Never Alone

~:[CH8 - Day 170]:~ You're Never Alone

I was walking around alone in the shopping center in Bangkok after meeting a friend and saw these two together. It was strange as the loneliness that I should have been feeling was anything but. It reminded me of something that I always tell people that are struggling - you're never alone. Even when you feel like you're the only one around in a world that feels so empty, there's someone beside you or someone worried about you. I've had my moments in my life where I discovered that and it was one of the most eye-opening revelations that I ever experienced. The trust and love of those around you grows when times gets tough and while you may never know it, someone is thinking of you, hoping that all is well. Today, I thought about those who are feeling lost and alone and today was my reminder that you're never alone. 

~:[CH8 - Day 169]:~ Venturing Outside the Circle

~:[CH8 - Day 169]:~ Venturing Outside the Circle

There seems to be a boundary that I tend to stay within when exploring Bangkok. Part of it is because the transportation to these parts is a bit more challenging, but I ended up going outside because of my wonderful friends from the Sixth. I stayed until they closed up shop and we ventured with the entire staff to Changchui. While it was a little more quiet (since it was a weekday), I actually enjoyed it that way as we were not fighting crowds when we were walking around and taking photos. It was nice to relax, watch them all interact and enjoy good food. I said this last year, but just talking to these owners the first time and asking them for a photo was one of the first steps to venturing outside of this circle and because of that, I continue to have irreplaceable memories that I will cherish forever. I will be sad not to see them again for at least a year, but for now, I will keep the wonderful memories of today close to my heart. Thank you for your hospitality and your friendship. 

~:[CH8 - Day 168]:~ Reconnecting

~:[CH8 - Day 168]:~ Reconnecting

Sometimes you do something and don't know the impact that it will have. However, years later, I am so glad to have connected. Starting from letters, I've been able to watch her grow and am glad to see be healthy. I am truly Blessed to have her family in my life and am glad that we were able to be able to meet. While it's hard to not to be able to communicate directly, I am glad to have a friend around so selflessly willing to help provide an opportunity such as this. Although we just walked around the sites and shops of Bangkok and finished off with a meal, it was amazing as always to reconnect. While her mom was over 500 miles away, the growth of technology allowed me to talk to her as well. There is not a lot for me to see in Bangkok as I have toured around this place time and time again, however, I am glad that there are people here who make the days interesting and make me want to come back time after time. Sadly, we said our goodbyes, however, in the sadness, there also is the need to be grateful that we were able to reconnect. 

~:[CH8 - Day 167]:~ The Love of a Father

~:[CH8 - Day 167]:~ The Love of a Father

It's funny how time passes by. One day, you're like this and then another, you've become a grown adult. Even so, I still yearn for the embraces of my parents years later. My father was stern growing up as I would make sure not to do wrong and upset him. However, as I grew older, I continued to see more of his love and concern and all that he did for us. I've learned so much from him over the years and for our family, he always does so much. With today being Father's Day and tomorrow being his birthday, it's a double celebration of the man who helped me become the person I am today. I grew up learning a wide-range of skills and crafts and while some days I realize I'm not the best at what I do, I have found it useful to have a range of abilities. As he moves past his mid-70s, I am still amazed at how he is still active on the golf course and is always working around the house, doing so many things that even someone my age would be unable to do physically. To hear him complain at the calls on the television to see how meticulous he is about staying on top of his shows, are definitely parts of what make him into the person I love so much. Thank you for all that you do and while I celebrated with you before I left, I cannot wait to return home so we can celebrate again.

~:[CH8 - Day 166]:~ A Starry Night Like You've Never Seen

~:[CH8 - Day 166]:~ A Starry Night Like You've Never Seen

Sometimes something that is traditional can adapt and reform and draw the interest of people. Sure, somethings shouldn't have to change to make it interesting, but when you see something as awe-inspiring as Van Gogh Alive, it's something that can bring a new light to something that is so common in our minds. The exhibit brings motion and life to the pieces of Van Gogh, as it's set to music, displayed on layered panels and keeps the viewers in awe. It' was a little difficult to find a great spot to be, but once you did, it was amazing. It makes you think about life and how we often get into our routines or do our traditions, trying to not change them when in reality, sometimes adapting will not only make your ability to succeed better, but also bring success to whatever you changed. I guess we sat in the museum for over two hours, as while most people will cover that in less time, I soaked it all in, as it truly was a starry night that I've never seen before. 

~:[CH8 - Day 165]:~ Unexpected Adventure

~:[CH8 - Day 165]:~ Unexpected Adventure

Upon arrival, I was suppose to have a relaxed day to get some work done, instead I ended up getting a new job. Just kidding, well sort of. I had a title for the day and go to check out some behind the scenes work on a cool project. My friend who is on site toured me around just about five weeks before opening, as they were doing their promo shots and cleaning things up here and there. You always wonder what something looks like as they're making it and before it's even open and now I got to see the inner workings and they layers that go into production. While I have to be super general about the project, I was glad that I took the long trek to catch up with and old friend. While I got home late on a bus with the most loud of groups and also got dropped off at the wrong location, there wasn't a moment that I regret making this decision. Sometimes in life you just got to make the leap, as you don't know what kind of construction project is in store in your life in the future. 

~:[CH8 - Day 164]:~ Wiping It Away

~:[CH8 - Day 164]:~ Wiping It Away

Every year it's the same process. All that went on that year, slowly gets put away or wiped away. For some, the happiness can be overwhelming and it will be tears that will be wiped away. For others, they'll want a fresh start, so it's all that they'll wipe away. No matter how much we try to wipe away or sweep under the rug. a part of what went on that year will stick with you, both good and bad. You gained knowledge, you learned more about yourself, you learned how to deal with failure and you found what it meant to succeed. We always have to learn to move on, take what we can from what we've experience and make the most of the next day ahead. There will be those precious moments that you put away in your hearts forever, but for the most part, things will be wiped away. As repetition as this process is, there is always something new to take away from the year and I am glad every year to have the experiences I have had. No matter how difficult or tiring it is, in the end, I am happy to have experienced it all. For all those who crossed my paths for a minute or every day of this year, thank you for making it that special, as it is these interactions that I never want to wipe away.

~:[CH8 - Day 163]:~ What Makes Us Great

~:[CH8 - Day 163]:~ What Makes Us Great

I was a little upset today as I received notice that a post was put up. The whole reason I was upset was because it pretty much questions the accomplishments that our students had made. Of course, something like that should help you learn more than it should get you upset. Why? Because you begin to see what's important in life. People are often seeking recognition for various reasons and when they feel shunned despite their accomplishments, they get upset. However, the reality that is life. You get recognized for what you do sometimes and other times you don't. However, the amount of awards you compile or recognition you receive starts to fade over time and you're left with the experience, the knowledge and you. How you act in these situations can tarnish your character and who you are or can elevate you in that regard. Can you be the better person? Tonight, reminded me that although this class had a number of accolades, what they leave here is more of the bonds, the relationships, and the memories that will last far longer than an award or accolade will be remembered and will never collect dust. It will stay shiny and polished and one that is treasured for the rest of their lives. Instead of ending the day on a sour note, I smiled as the students cheered, I was touched when the messages flow from the speakers, I had chills when our singers sang, and I was in awe when the fireworks went off. As I saw senior after senior, the memories we shared came to my mind and I forgot about any records or awards they earned. The greatest recognition we receive is the satisfaction in that we did our best, made the most of our time, loved to our hearts content and smiled like there's not tomorrow. What makes us great? That's a question that each of us will need to answer, but I got my answer tonight. Hope that you can find yours as well.

~:[CH8 - Day 162]:~ Feeling Like Royalty

~:[CH8 - Day 162]:~ Feeling Like Royalty

You know that feeling when you've been working on a big project and you finally finished? Yes, that was today and I truly felt like royalty by day's end. Sure, I have a few days to go still, but my big projects (and all nighters) are now over. I haven't slept much and one of my students saying, "Mr. Wat, you look tired," for the first time this year, it says a lot. It's normal for this time of year and honestly, I wouldn't change it as the reward for these students is definitely worth all the work. After grabbing food with a friend, I started cleaning my room and I couldn't stop for some reason. I ended up almost doing it all, along with finishing up some other work getting ahead in the process. What was this? Yes, it was a day where I felt like royalty and truly, it was royally awesome. A smooth day and a weight off my shoulders, as while we may not have the luxuries of Queen Marie Antoinette, we can live like royalty if we appreciate all the little things that life gives us, like it did for me today.

~:[CH8 - Day 161]:~ The Show Goes On

~:[CH8 - Day 161]:~ The Show Goes On

I'm not really sure how I stayed awake, but I was able to dance my way through the day, as I had the two finals, finished grades, then went home to prep for our cross country meet. The meeting went smoothly and we had a good number of parents show up for the meeting include a large group that stayed for the Mammoth meeting. I was so glad that everything went well as I headed home to finish up editing. It took a bit longer than I had planned, but regardless, I finished and I was looking forward to Tuesday night when all the stress would fade away. Surviving, but the show will still go on and thus, there's a little more work to do. #finalstretch

~:[CH8 - Day 160]:~ Pure Comedy

~:[CH8 - Day 160]:~ Pure Comedy

I get a little delirious when it's late at night. I thought I would finish at 2am and before I knew it, it was 4:30am. As much as I wanted to laugh at all that was going on, I also just thought to myself, isn't this pure comedy, so shouldn't I laugh? I actually take this seriously. The students earned this reward and I should work hard to make sure that it's good, but at the same time, there is so much ridiculousness created in these videos that it truly is pure comedy. Ever imagine what BTS would look like if they all looked like me? I don't have to imagine, I already have the video for that. I think I am going to re-edit this video and overlay ALL the shots so that it's just me. In the end, I was exhausted, but I couldn't say that I didn't enjoy the process and hope that the students do as well. I always feel like I'm going to die at this time of year, but when all is said and done, I smile, because I am actually glad that I did it. What do you call it when a Hufflepuff dances with BTS? Pure comedy by Jason Watanabe. Good night, it's time for bed, I said.

~:[CH8 - Day 159]:~ From Home to Set

~:[CH8 - Day 159]:~ From Home to Set

Most of my day was like this. Sitting in front of the computer working. It's that time of year again and with three videos to make this weekend, it's going to be a long one. However, the editing at home would soon be work on a set as my friend needed some last minute help. I jetted over thinking it would be just for a short while, but it turned out to last a lot longer than planned. Granted, they had their deadline, but I also was sad to miss most of what I had to do later that evening. I guess that's the life of this world. There are many days where you make it in your projected time table, but working with technology and so many other factors, you never really know what will go wrong, the same is true for life. I am hoping my edited the next 24 hours goes smooth, but you never know when it will turn out like it did today. Regardless, whether at home or on a set, you need to stay focused and know that you can get it done, piecing the final product together just before the deadline hits. I am hoping my friend hit their deadline and hope I can hit mine as well. Let the clock begin its countdown.

~:[CH8 - Day 158]:~ And That's a Wrap

~:[CH8 - Day 158]:~ And That's a Wrap

It was one of the most stressful days of the year, but it was also one of my favorites. Dealing with grades, review, yearbooks, and goodbyes, there wasn't too many moments where there wasn't something to do. I was running around, not knowing exactly what I was forgetting, but all I knew is that I had a pile of work to do. The seniors closed out with the final speeches, as they said their goodbyes, shared their memories and reflected on the past four years. To top it off, one of my students completed a dynamic drawing of one of my classes, getting every detail into the drawing. As I thought about that drawing, it described that period so well. The details captured so many things about the class and made me think about how the end allows us to see all the things we missed along the way. As the messages flowed, I remember, I recollected, and I knew that I was truly blessed as the memories that flowed were all good. It's always hard to say goodbye. With this being the last full school day and the last day for seniors, the year is pretty much wrapped up, however, it doesn't mean we shelve the many memories we have. There are so many things we encounter over the course of a year that we can be grateful for and it's days like these that I am even more grateful for it all.

~:[CH8 - Day 157]:~ No Special Effects

~:[CH8 - Day 157]:~ No Special Effects

In this day and age, Hollywood could film you in the middle of the dessert, but ultimately they can put you in the Alps, the highest tower around or even in space. However, where can you go without those special effects? While it might not have the spectacular Hollywoodesque feel, we can tell our own story and make it just as spectacular. As we began to shoot our music video, I thought about how our society is so into the social media aspect of this day and age that we look at images and imagine our dream world, when in reality we may be looking at a manipulate photo or one that doesn't show the whole picture. We all have wonderful stories to tell. I begin to realize that more and more as I interview people or have them reflect on their year. Instead of trying to do the Hollywoodesque thing of putting us at the peak of a mountain, maybe we can fine the same incredible story in our own backyard. Our lives are our movie, let's allow it to be a set that is more incredible that then movies or what we come across on social media. As a photographer, I look around so long for that "perfect shot," but in life, I've realized that there are so many perfect shots that cannot be captured that need no special effects at all.

~:[CH8 - Day 156]:~ Our Lasts

~:[CH8 - Day 156]:~ Our Lasts

For seniors, they will start begin to discover their lasts. Their last late day, their last class, and their last school event. However, it's not just students who find this, as it's also teachers that eventually find themselves at this place. A man that has been at our school for so long is finishing his final year and now experiencing his lasts as well. It will be 25 years before I even think about being where he is, but when I travel that road, I can just imagine the emotions that will overcome me. Will I still be as energetic? What will I be doing and what lasts will I be celebrating (and crying over)? To a friend and a colleague, I say adieu. I know that I will see you again soon enough, but until then, I hope that you enjoy your last week before retirement. GONE FISHING.

~:[CH8 - Day 155]:~ The Turnover

~:[CH8 - Day 155]:~ The Turnover

I talk about this almost every year. As a teacher, you get used to the turnover, but at the same time, it never really gets any easier. Especially when you have students in a program where you work so closely with them, you find that the connections you make with them are tougher to break. I have always been impressed by the amazing students who come out of the program and as I see the turnover of students that we have every year, I see a new crop of amazing students stepping up into their place. However, none of these students are replaceable. Sure, the performance of the next class may outdo what this class did, but when it comes time to place them somewhere, you simply try to squish them in, rather than replace what was already there. I think in our lives we have the choice to take the Kondo way or to become the hoarder that I am, keeping all the memories I have and allowing them to pile up. Sure, it may feel nice to declutter your life, but at the same time, I don't mind all that I am collecting, especially when every one of these memories and people are this amazing. Thank you again for another wonderful year and for another reminder of just how lucky I am to work in a program that is so special.

~:[CH8 - Day 154]:~ Nothing Too Different

~:[CH8 - Day 154]:~ Nothing Too Different

Nothing really changed. It's the day before banquet and I am stressed hoping that everything will work out. Render lags, lost files, and a bunch of other problems that come are so normal, yet somehow, I reach the end. As the stress of banquet comes up, I think, why didn't I start earlier? Sometimes, I actually did, yet I found myself in the same tight spot. It's never any different really, however, every ounce of stress I collect is worth it for the experience that I will have tomorrow. Life is a pile of stress, but sometimes you know that the stress will be worth it in the end. I already know it will be, it's just a matter if my computer will work with me or not. It's coming down to the wire, let's see where we go from here.

~:[CH8 - Day 153]:~ We Celebrate Life

~:[CH8 - Day 153]:~ We Celebrate Life

Death is inevitable, but living is not guaranteed. I once read a quote similar to this and it reminded me how we must live and grab life by the horns. We must take the opportunities presented to us and love without holding back. There are too many times in our lives where we allow our emotions to make decisions that we should never have made or mix up our priorities and forget to treasure those who are so dear. Every ticking second is valuable and showing love, especially to those who you hold near and dear is important. In the sadness of watching a family mourn the loss of a loved one, I saw the celebration of someone who reached out to so many and truly grasped the opportunities out there. As the moments progressed, I couldn't help but think of all the loved ones around me and knowing that our time together is also limited. While our spirits may live on, there is only so much time we have to live in this physical world and whether in days, years or decades, at some point, it will be our time to part ways. Understanding, trust, and compassion are among a long list of words that we must implement in our daily lives if we want to truly live. Life is too short to allow petty differences to divide us, to allow ourselves to be upset, or to be discouraged for what we did not accomplish. Look around you and see all the beautiful people that surround you. Sometimes, being in the picture, you lose sight of that, but when you take that step back and view it, you'll see all that you have around you. Today made me realize that I have some work to do. I need to mend old wounds, rebuild bridges, and pour more love into those relationships I have maintained all these years. As while there may seem to be a limitless amount of time for us to do these things, today reminded me that it's not the case. Say the words you want to say, go do those things you've always wanted to do, and leave this place in a way that people will be able to celebrate your life, as one who has truly lived and deeply loved. 

~:[CH8 - Day 152]:~ Generational

~:[CH8 - Day 152]:~ Generational

It was my six event in five days. I was pretty beat after a long and busy week, but tonight sealed it as a memorable one. In the morning, I saw the generations, as I ran into coaches and parents, while also meeting the siblings of my current athletes. It was strange to see the interconnect, however, also kind of cool. Later that evening, I got to see a similar connection, as I ran into a number of people I knew from a classmate, to former athletes and current ones as well. In a glorious ceremony to celebrate the birthday of one of my current IAs and captains, I saw all the love in the air, as the joy and positive energy was evident. I guess it fit the person we were there to celebrate. She has been someone who has cared so dearly for her class and for the athletes on our team, supporting them, encouraging them, guiding them and most importantly, loving them. She has a heart so big and it showed in those around her, ecstatic to be there for her on this day of celebration. You can only get a piece of the puzzle when you meet someone, but you learn so much more when you see those around that beautiful person. As I snapped this picture, I captured a moment between a daughter and father, but also caught the love and support that she has all around her, much attributed to the person that she is. Happy birthday!