~:[CH9 - Day 213]:~ Soaring

~:[CH9 - Day 213]:~ Soaring

They say gravity keeps you down. However in life, we'll often find an excuse or reason of why we can't do something. It's easy to find a reason why we can't, but why don't we start searching for reasons why we can. We live in a world where negativity where the dark clouds follow us wherever we go. Our motivation and inspiration is low because things all around us are not going so well. It's time we take back control and allow ourselves to determine the directions of our lives. The weight of the world is keeping us down, let's shed that weight and allow ourselves to soar. The possibilities in our lives our endless, but only if we can see that there is no ceiling. Sure, there are limitations in this world placed on us by society, but if there are, now is your chance to challenge what limits you and allow your voice to be heard. So let's all get ready for liftoff as we all deserve to soar in our own way. Let's not let gravity determine where we an go, but rather, allow our imagination be the guide to the endless possibilities that await us. 

~:[CH9 - Day 212]:~ In Our Stars

~:[CH9 - Day 212]:~ In Our Stars

We sought out the meteors in the middle of the desert, laying out and looking up into the sky. As I looked up there was a lot to ponder. Just how long would it take to get to one of these planets, how many stars are there up in the sky and where is that meteor going to show up. It was just nice to find an isolated spot to site and stare up in the sky, worrying about nothing except what you see. However, in that process, we discover that in our hopes of being mindless for a second, we find ourselves scouring the depths of our minds even more. Upon arriving home, I heard the messages of so many as they remembered Congressman John Lewis. What stuck with me most was that thought of the sky of John Lewis. It would be filled with stories of the fight for equal rights when he was a teenager all the way to his last breath. Some wondered why they would talk about the right to vote (current date) in the eulogy of someone who just passed and the answer was, it was in his stars. Congressman Lewis laid out his sky to be about this fight and he will be forever remembered for that. I was inspired. In such a difficult time, I smiled. I'm not fully sure what my stars will be like when I have passed, but what I hope is that people will do the same as they did for Congressman Lewis, allow your legacy live in, by having people continue to push for what you dedicated your life to. I hope that we can all find what we want laid out in our stars and I hope that after we pass, the words that people say will carry beyond the breaths that you take. I was in awe as I watched the meteors fly in every direction overhead. There is a wonderful mystery in the world that surrounds us, similar to the mystery that lies within the skies of our lives. Even we sometimes don't know all the answers that lie out there, but I do hope that no matter how you live your life, we all write sometime in our stars that affects a positive change in the lives of those around us. What's written in your stars?

Rest in Peace Congressman John Lewis. This country will be forever indebted to you. We are forever grateful for yoir service to this country and being a voice of reason with the spirit and passiom to stand for what is right.

~:[CH9 - Day 211]:~ Chasing Passion

~:[CH9 - Day 211]:~ Chasing Passion

Life is tough. It's like a lifelong exam that you take, with each answer you take determining what the next question is. Sometimes we try and go back and change our answers and sometimes we answer and don't look back. We had to decide between education and work, then passions or money, and many other decisions along the way from friends and family, love, and even possessions. Those decisions we have to make from what are we going to eat to what time should I sleep are going to be decisions that we find every day, but at some points, we face important decisions. I know for many of us, one of the most important decisions in our lives revolved around our passions. Can we pursue in a career in the things we love or should we look towards other options whether it be for convenience, for stability or whatever other reason. If you chose something other than your passion, would you go back and change it or are you still considering pursuing that passion? If you chose your passion, are you enjoying your life, is it comfortable and are you happy with your decision? In my opinion, unless your considering a change, it's not worth worrying over, however, sometimes it's interesting to think about how our lives would be so different if we chose another path. As I closed out the afternoon after a fun photo shoot, I thought about this and how life would be different had I chose a path into the arts. Regardless, no matter the route we chose, think wisely every time you face those questions of life and proceed forward with passion, no matter the path you chose. 

~:[CH9 - Day 210]:~ Miles of Smiles

~:[CH9 - Day 210]:~ Miles of Smiles

I'm sure this is what we  miss most during this pandemic. The laughs and smiles of a normal life. It feels like we've forever been stuck in this, but the longer we're in it, the more I seem to appreciate these smaller things in life. I don't want to be living like this longer than I have to, but some of the perks from it all are always not so evident. Today, they were. If you need motivation to get things back on track or a reason to jump on board to what we should be doing, think to all these small moments you don't have that you could have when normalcy (or near normalcy) resumes. Let's encourage others and at the same time, let's not get discouraged, but find something so minimal that is much more important than it seemed before. Today, a smile and laughter were the headline. Let's look around us and find a reason to laugh and smile as while we have a load of things to worry about and a number of things to be frustrated about and we all need a little break from it all to do something we might have forgotten. Smile. Laugh. Love.

~:[CH9 - Day 209]:~ Unlikely Combinations

~:[CH9 - Day 209]:~ Unlikely Combinations

I dislike when people denounce things before they try it. It's funny how unlikely combinations can sometimes lead to great discoveries. I took awhile making pozole last night and today, I used it to make the broth for my ramen. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The fresh onions and radish combined with the broth, mix in cheese and guac and topped with meat, jalapenos and cilantro and I ended up with a spectacular discovery. Of course, the effort to make the pozole will keep me from making this a normal routine, but this just might be the route to a ramen party dish. I will discover some of these unlikely combinations tomorrow when I shoot my Kit Kat tasting video. I was suppose to shoot it today, but had some things to take care of so I pushed it off. We will see if those unlikely combinations can top this one. For now, it seems unlikely, but don't knock it before you've tried it. What is the most unlikely combination you've enjoyed? 

~:[CH9 - Day 208]:~ Together At Last?

~:[CH9 - Day 208]:~ Together At Last?

I wonder when the day will come when we will be able to be together at last. This six feet is necessary, but we could be so close to moving closer to the day when it's all over, yet we keep taking strides back. I continued my walk this morning as we had our second day of the event. It was less hectic than the first day as it was a more systematic approach. I still was able to wander around the city, getting some distance and avoiding most people, with my closest companions being the turtles and birds. Regardless, it ended as a successful day. I ended it by cooking up some burrito bowls as I cooked up the rice, vegetables, beans and meat, and also added a side of pozole, which fit in perfectly. Of course, the end of the night saw a little more reconnecting, but still not enough to where I hope to be. For now, we sit on our own lonely island like these turtles, longing to share a common space from time to time. As while I do like my space, having a connection from time to time is also necessary for us. One day, we will be together at last. 

~:[CH9 - Day 207]:~ At Least There is This ...

~:[CH9 - Day 207]:~ At Least There is This ...

We've had our limits due to the pandemic, but with these changes also come opportunities. As they say, when one door closes, another one opens. I've always wanted to go to Go Fest, however, they've never worked out with my schedule and often in a far off place where it would be difficult to make a short trek for that purpose. Don't get me wrong, I've done it before, but since there is a set schedule, it usually just doesn't pan out. However, this year, because of the pandemic, they canceled there site events and held a worldwide event where the festival grounds were wherever you were. I packed my backpack with water, charged up my battery packs and trekked away. I picked a path were I would encounter the least amount of people and while I took refuge here and there, it was nice to get out for a bit. I though there was no way I could survive the duration of the event, but nearly ten hours later, I arrived back home after circling the TC time after time. The weather wasn't too hot, it was nice to get a bit of exercise in and it was my first chance to participate in a Go Fest. While one day I hope I can attend an event in person, for now, this was a reason to celebrate. 

~:[CH9 - Day 206]:~ Eye Candy

~:[CH9 - Day 206]:~ Eye Candy

It was a little sad that we couldn't spend the day with my brother, however, at least I got to see him the day before and also got to see him on Facetime to sing happy birthday. We've had too many of these types of birthday and only hope that we see a more regular type in the future. Regardless, the day itself ended up being good. I got to eat one of my favorite meals for lunch for takeout and ended up grabbing a bento box and plating it with some yellowtail I had picked up. I added the avocado rose and got this eye candy. I may be missing out on a trip to Japan, but at least I got a small consolation prize. I whipped up some poke with the leftover yellowtail. To top it off, it was opening day for the MLB for the Angels and while we lost in the 10th, I was just happy to see sports live once again. There are always ups and downs in the day, but try to overshadow that negativity with the eye candy that is in every day. Hope you had a wonderful day!

~:[CH9 - Day 205]:~ Butter Days Ahead

~:[CH9 - Day 205]:~ Butter Days Ahead

Yes life is challenging, but know there are better days ahead. I have to keep reminding myself of that. I slept in just a bit (because I could) after sleeping a little bit later than normal working into the night. I had a few business / work calls to take care of and did a little editing work. It was my turn to cook the family dinner so I ended up whipping up chicken marsala with cauliflower pasta and a side of zuppa toscana soup. This is as close as a birthday dinner as we would get with my brother. Although most of our birthdays have been in quarantine, we still look towards the future with hope that the days will be better. Just like how a butter will slowly make a sauce thicken and taste better, we will slowly find our way to better days ahead. Although these days are tough, let's relax a bit, do our part and take each step towards those better days. They're coming, I can feel it. 

~:[CH9 - Day 204]:~ Wasting Away

~:[CH9 - Day 204]:~ Wasting Away

I woke up for a meeting in the morning and felt like I lounged around the rest of the day. The minutes wasted away and productivity was where it has been - down. Work needs to be done, but the motivation to do so is lacking. I find time to cook and even scoped out the stars a bit, but I just felt like the day, these weeks and months have slowly wasted away. To think instead of progress, we've taken step backwards and it could have been avoided if people would just do what they needed to do. Regardless, these minutes that have wasted away have been spent on a mental break, giving me time to do what I can't remember doing in some time, lounging around. If I count backwards, I can only think of times where my days were full, while not always work, I was always bouncing around for a reason. Now, I just look at the clock and wonder when those minutes will pass by. I'll soak it in and enjoy it as I don't know when this opportunity will come again, but I dearly hope that we can all make an effort to do our part so that we can find our way back to a more normal life than the one we're living. Do your part and take this seriously. Even if it's uncomfortable, inconvenient or even if you have your doubts, it's much better than what we're facing right now. Let's stop wasting away our days and get ourselves back on track. Stay safe and stay healthy. 

~:[CH9 - Day 203]:~ Time is Precious

~:[CH9 - Day 203]:~ Time is Precious

It's hard to see messages from friends and family on Facebook or even hearing it on the news - the passing of ___. In times like these more than ever, the fragility of life is even more apparent. As I look at my relatives and friends around me, I am always amazed at how time has passed by. It's a good reminder that every moment you get a chance to share with your friends and family should be precious. It shouldn't be just another moment together, but seconds and minutes that are precious. Our family was able to watch a live baseball game together for a bit and while it was just preseason, it is more precious time that we can spend together. It may get a little crazy when basketball starts soon, however, as crazy as it gets, I'll treasure the time that we have together. As while I like to capture these moments through the lens of a camera, more importantly, these moments are captured in the depths of my heart. 

~:[CH9 - Day 202]:~ Written in the Stars

~:[CH9 - Day 202]:~ Written in the Stars

You look up into the night's sky and wonder what's out there. Who is watching over me? What does the future hold? The heavens hold a lot of power as we look towards a higher being who looks over us along with those who have passed on. As they look down on us today, I wonder what they are thinking. However, the struggles we face are part of this cycle and this system. The difficulties and challenges we face today are what help make us more able to handle what is ahead. Our entire lives we are challenged and tested and each time we succeed in our quest, we find ourselves with more confidence and more skills. The more adversity we face in life, the more potential we have to become stronger. It's not always the case, but when you navigate through some of the toughest trials and tribulations of your life, you begin to realize that other things you thought were insurmountable, become doable. Look up to the skies because within the heavens we can find our past, our present and our future. We can find the memory of those who watch over us and hope for what is to come. We can discover objects that exist millions of miles away or see shapes and images that our imagination discovers. In the stars we can easily get lost, but in the stars is also a place we can be found. Our stories are written up there somewhere and there waiting on us to one day be found.

~:[CH9 - Day 201]:~ On the Fly

~:[CH9 - Day 201]:~ On the Fly

I was planning on adding a pork vegetable soup to our buffet of leftovers when I hear my dad say, I'm craving katsudon. I had a lot of pork, so I fried up some tonkatsu and then quickly cooked it up. I took a shortcut and instead of cooking each separately, I cooked it together and let the eggs steam by covering the pan. Midway through it looked like mush, but soon after, the eggs hardened and I had my katsudon. Life can be like that. We live on the fly sometimes where our plans don't align with others, but we find a way to make use of our resources and satisfy as many people as possible without diminishing quality. It's easy to lay out an idea, but sometimes, we have such a difficult time adapting when we want to stick to that plan. Flexibility and adaptability and two of the most important skills in life and even more important today. We don't know what tomorrow will bring us, but if we're able to do things on the fly, we'll find ourselves able to succeed in another of areas.

~:[CH9 - Day 200]:~ Beyond the Sunset

~:[CH9 - Day 200]:~ Beyond the Sunset

The sunset is often used to talk about the end of the day or as the most spectacular moment of the day, but the show just begins when the sun sets. I took a drive out to Joshua Tree to check out the comet Neowise. It's difficult to see when light pollution is an issue, but you can definitely see it when you're in true nature and even better with a telescope or a camera. It's incredible to see so many stars and even more incredible to think about all that is out there. With something hundreds of millions of miles away visible to us here on earth is quite a spectacle! Of course, the sunset rivals this very moment, but seeing a comet is not a opportunity that comes every day. So even when you think all is said and done, keep looking up because you never know when you'll get an extra surprise like the one we got today. 

~:[CH9 - Day 199]:~ Spice Over Rice

~:[CH9 - Day 199]:~ Spice Over Rice

I ordered an ingredient for this recipe. I ended up eating a lot of it. I still had enough to make this dish, as I put a little spice over rice. I chopped up the almonds and used it to coat the chicken. Of course, they weren't just any almonds, but sriracha almonds! Yes, it was sriracha almond chicken with a sriracha ranch over gyoza and rice. Overall, I thought it ended up being a nice dish. Easy to make since you avoid the mess of frying (baked) and is a pretty quick process if you have a blender or food processor. While most of July is off from much of anything due to the pandemic, it was nice to get in contact with a few MUN officers to get some things organized as we start heading into a new year. Since everything will be different with a virtual setup, we're going to have to start early to test out this and that. My hope is, just like this recipe, we'll create something fresh, new and memorable. 

~:[CH9 - Day 198]:~ Cuddles

~:[CH9 - Day 198]:~ Cuddles

I sometimes get a little sad when I see friends post images of their dogs. They find a way to melt your heart and keep you comforted in times of need and this is a time where we all could use that comfort. Luna is one of many of the those dogs who have kept me comforted, but sad when I know I cannot hold her. For those who have pets during this time, treasure them and love them, because as much loving and care they need from you, I know that the love and care you receive from them is priceless. 

~:[CH9 - Day 197]:~ Life's Melody

~:[CH9 - Day 197]:~ Life's Melody

When you first meet someone, sometimes the questions you might ask is what type of music they like. Music has become one of the foundations of our lives whether we realize it or not. Even if we don't listen to music directly, music is embedded in the shows we watch, the places we eat, houses of worship and more. I often wondered if we were to write a song that is just about us, what would it sound like? Would it be dark and dreary, upbeat and hopeful, or peaceful? As I designed this piece after seeing another fabulous design, it made me think of just what kind of melody we are writing in our lives. It's so easy to get upset and frustrated over the madness we are facing, but are we allowing that to change our tune? Will we be drastically different after all this? Will the change be a good one or a bad one? I'm hoping that what's ahead for us all is a positive and that we can make the melody we write for our lives one that truly represents us and that can inspire and uplift those around us. As while things may change within our tune, don't allow it to destroy the masterpiece we've made throughout our lives and if you don't like the melody you've made through your life, it's never too late to start over again. I'm excited to hear all the beautiful notes that await us in the future.

~:[CH9 - Day 196]:~ A Time to Pause

~:[CH9 - Day 196]:~ A Time to Pause

There is an overload of emotions and information coming from left and right, but it's nice to take the time to hit the pause button and enjoy some quality time. We blew up the pool and put it up for Jordan and while he didn't quite feel comfortable getting in there yet, he still had fun throwing things into the pool. It was a nice break from all the madness that can easily ruin the day. A few hours later, the downed internet gave me another opportunity to get away from the madness as I found an escape to just enjoy the paused time away from the computer. As much as a blessing as technology can be, it's also a curse, sometimes taking us away from the pleasures we have forgotten such as quality time. Hit pause on the madness. As much as we want to get all the update-to-date information especially when it concerns us, there's always time for QUALITY time.

~:[CH9 - Day 195]:~ Almost Bun

~:[CH9 - Day 195]:~ Almost Bun

It was nice to get out, even if it was just for a short bit. I've been so focused on working that I see an entire day pass and all of a sudden, it's time to cook dinner. I guess when you're engaged with your work, it makes it easy to work especially when the work is for fun. Regardless, after a quick catch up and some delectable treats, I was able to whip up a basic steak dinner and get back to focusing on my projects. I stayed away from the news for the most part after getting inspiration for another piece. While I am getting a bit of cabin fever from time to time, the days pass quickly when my production is up. I hope that this pandemic is almost done. I know that's a hopeful statement, but who knows, maybe people will actually do what they're suppose to and we'll find the end to this road. Wear a mask, social distance, and hibernate. 

~:[CH9 - Day 194]:~ Beauty Surrounds

~:[CH9 - Day 194]:~ Beauty Surrounds

It's easy to get blinded by the madness that surrounds us. We fell trapped and isolated. If you're someone like me, you venture out every once in awhile, but rarely. Sometimes, because of that or just being engulfed in this wave of bad news, we miss the beauty that surrounds us. As I picked up my drinks for the week, I saw the beautiful flowers that were on display, reminding me not to forget that we live in a beautiful world. It easy to get caught up in all that is going on and yes, we should be aware of it, but let's not allow that to force us into the darkness, rather, I hope we can all see the beauty that surrounds us all. It's there, but sometimes we just got to step out of the darkness to find it. Let's all find some beauty in our day today and every day.

~:[CH9 - Day 193]:~ Masked

~:[CH9 - Day 193]:~ Masked

Over 90% of the time, I like it when I venture out and no one recognizes me. I like to slip under the radar. Some consider it antisocial, I just consider it as avoiding discomfort. I am fine to say a greeting or hello, but not a person who often holds conversation. In a one-on-one, I am most likely to engage or to avoid awkward silence, I will talk, but I much rather fade into the shadows and be unseen. Living life masked has its pleasantries, but also many times you get misinterpreted or miss out on opportunities. My blog is where my voice has been heard the most and I hope that the words I write can carry some weight. Strangely, aside from missing out on things I wanted to do, figuring out how to deal with the isolation of the pandemic hasn't been so bad, regardless, ever once in awhile, it's necessary to be unmasked and venture out into the world, even when what is out there is unknown.

Byron Chan - https://www.instagram.com/byron_chan/

~:[CH9 - Day 192]:~ Art from the Heart

~:[CH9 - Day 192]:~ Art from the Heart

I think most people know, my major was Studio Art in college. While I focus on video/film editing, My range of classes allowed me to experience a range of things. The thing I am most grateful for during the pandemic is the opportunity to enjoy some of that work again. As tedious as it was to edit lecture videos and virtual banquets, it was enjoyable. I also had the chance to make graphics I wouldn't have time to do otherwise. I guess I'm always running around and while I'm able to do some of the work I've wanted, I've gotten the chance to do more than I could have ever imagined. Sadly, there was an exhibit in Europe that I wanted to check out that I probably won't get to see. I went to a Klimt gallery when I was in New York last year for the BTS concert. V is a big fan of the art of Klimt and I thought of him when making this piece. Regardless, there are so many exhibits I want to see when all this is over and I just hope that the opportunity arises for us to finally move about and see what is beyond. For now, I'll enjoy this time to create and discover all the art I've stored away within my heart. (Reminds me of the ClaraC song.)

~:[CH9 - Day 191]:~ Comfort

~:[CH9 - Day 191]:~ Comfort

I needed to escape. My mind took me off to adventures of the past and in those memories I found one from Japan. I visited a fox village while I was there and it inspired my curry dish. It made me think of warmth and comfort, the same I feel when I am around family and friends. I hope that we can soon discover that same comfort again, but for now, I can find it in making dinner and creations like this. I've mentioned it a few times. It's always a pleasure when we find something we enjoy doing and can allow that to take our mind off all else that is going on in the world. Today was a reminder that I need to step away from checking the news and just focus on working on my inner peace. Let's all find those things that bring comfort to you, as those are exactly the things you need to re-energize yourself for all the battles that await ahead. I'll be hibernating, how about you?

~:[CH9 - Day 190]:~ Nightmare on Trump Street

~:[CH9 - Day 190]:~ Nightmare on Trump Street

As I hear the information come on about the reopening of schools, I wonder how we got into this mess. I understand that a pandemic is unpredictable. We obviously could have responded better. However, how do you now go and say, "school[s] must reopen, they must be fully operational," when the pandemic numbers are rising? States like Florida and Texas have numbers that are out of control and growing, while California is still facing it's share of problems. One of the speakers on the task force said we have to look into the impact on children, saying they don't even have all the data to show that it's safe. I would be fine with reopening, hybrid or regular, if there was a solid plan and the cases were under control, but we don't have a bubble to control all. Children may not have been impacted as much, but there are students with underlying conditions and if they contract it, the effects could be long term on their body even if they recover. However, teachers and staff are also vulnerable as well as those who they go home to. I am open to going back under the right conditions (I am eager to get back to the classroom when it's safe), but to put a blanket statement of, you're going back whether you like it or not, especially when funding is an issue, boggles my mind. We already knew about DeVos and Trump, but every time we don't think it can't get any worse, Those who continue to allow this to happen are enablers! There have been so many issues of late that have crossed the line and very few around him have taken the RESPONSIBILITY to condemn him for it. While a few are slowly starting to back away from Trump, it's not okay just to hide, but you must step forward. The more you let him get away with things, the harder it will be to stop him later. We already are living in a nightmare, but it's all our job to raise our voices so this nightmare cannot get any worse. 

~:[CH9 - Day 189]:~ What We Really Want

~:[CH9 - Day 189]:~ What We Really Want

Today was a reminder that what we want and need is pretty simple. As much as we talk about all the luxurious things we can own or the exotic places we can be, the restaurants we can dine in or the concerts we attended, I think we can see more that what we really want is need is simple, to live a comfortable life with those we loved. The importance of the social media life is fading and all we want is simple to be able to spend time with people comfortable, to embrace them, to work normal and to do normal routines. Sure, going on vacation and other amazing places would be nice, but I think people will be satisfied with something so simple. I've been so infuriated like never before as I hear nonsense being spewed all around. The world is looking towards the US as a leader as a leader the press secretary said. A congressional candidate in Florida's tweet embarrassed our country, showing the incompetence of those we allow to run as he referenced the conspiring #kpopagents, KPOP (including BTS) and Kim Jong Un in the same post. (Maybe he doesn't know there is a North and a South?) Then we have a president who cares not about the people in this country as he announces that we will pull out of the World Health Organization and that schools must start in the fall, showing his lack of concern for this pandemic which has brought even greater embarrassment to this country. Whether or not the "revelations" in the book released today were not true, the fact that the response by the public were, it's not a bombshell, we already knew or figured, is pretty sad. I finished off a Kdrama today and normally I am pissed off and amazed at how much stuff the people in power get away with. However, as I look at our country now, the situations we are facing are worse off than what I see in those dramas. People are beginning to speak up, but those in power also need to speak up. They've stayed far too silent on all that is going on and it's heartbreaking to live in a place that I've loved and watch it being torn down so quickly at the hands of one man and his inner circle. The "swamp" was truly drained of people who would stop him during his quest and it's up to us to take back this country. As I said before, it's not about party, it's about people. We're all frustrated because of this virus, but the more we deny its existence and the more resistance we have, the longer we're going to suffer from it as we watch our nation crumble. I want great things from this country, but really all I really want and need is simple. I want to hug and kiss my loved ones, walk around without fear, and even go to work just like any other day. All those routine things we took for granted are things I think many of us will be just fine with and we're not headed in that direction. They often say it takes a village and truly, it will take most of us to right this ship. These problems aren't going to get swept under the rug or "magically disappear" as Trump may claim, so let's take those steps forward and reclaim what is ours so we can slowly heal and recover all that we lost along the way - an embrace of love, a normal routine and basic comfort; truly what is great.

~:[CH9 - Day 188]:~ Viral Infection

~:[CH9 - Day 188]:~ Viral Infection

In college, my final project was a piece called Viral Infection. It essentially was a video installation of the presidential press room addressing how politics infects us. The video was a petri dish with various politicians and every time it came in contact with another object, it infected whatever it touched. I also had audio playing with some of the not so pleasant moments in history. As I was sending out messages last night, I thought about that project again. Our political landscape is very much like how I addressed it in my project. It's divisive and problematic, as progress has not been for the people. In this graphic, it focus on Trump, but I will agree with many that there are a number of politicians who need to go. Our vaccine? VOTE and encourage others to do so. I have a friend who I always see during voting season sending out PSAs about registration and it's a great thing, but also something that that we must take serious as if it were a medicine or vaccine. Study it and make the right choices for you and the people around you. I'm never going to be a person who votes all blue or all red. I rather leave it blank that do that. I've continued to hammer on Trump, mainly because of the way he attacks people and fails to step up to be a leader. He passes the blame to others and can't admit his faults, which I also think is a common problem in society. I think we all, myself included, need to take more responsibility for our own actions rather than finding excuses or passing blame when we mess up. I think it's also important that we understand that we are all going to make mistakes. We're not perfect and we never will be. I think it's also important to remember this when interacting with others, giving people a chance if they truly messed up and genuinely are sorry for their mistake. However, when people constantly make these "mistakes" so blatantly, it's time for us to call them out. We live in a time where stress and anxiety is high, our frustrations are a plenty, but that doesn't mean we have to live in a world with a negative aura. Let's listen toe people like Fauci who have encouraged us to take precautions and not threaten people who are doing their jobs because it's not something we like. I have not liked the last four months, but it's but a temporary inconvenience. Let's find a way to dialogue, a way to find reason, and use our vote in November as our first vaccine to this problem that has been plaguing our nation. We've heard our voices being raised in the past months, but now it's time for us to take the right actions that can bridge the gap that divides us. Maybe we can start by listening to Fauci and allowing this the time to be one where we "care selflessness about one another." Wear a mask, social distance and taking this pandemic seriously, if not for ourselves, for the sake of one another. Only then can we start to stop the spread of this pandemic and this infection that has plagued our society. Instead arguments, let's seek solutions and more importantly, instead of spreading hate and discrimination, let's find more reasons to spread love and joy.

~:[CH9 - Day 187]:~ Within the Web

~:[CH9 - Day 187]:~ Within the Web

Today I should be returning home, but instead, I've been home for the past (almost) three months. It's a bit killer, but I've also found ways to get through the days as they have passed pretty swiftly. It helps a bit to be an introvert. Regardless, I feel as if I've been tangled up within this web. A combination of a routine that is quite boring, movement that is quite minimal, politics that is quite frustrating, and a future that is a bit hazy. It's all built up and entangled us all, not leaving us any idea what the future may hold. Regardless, what we can find within this tangled mess are the things we knew of and grew fond of. They may be aged and even damaged, but at their core, they are still the same. If they were truly valuable before all of this, they should be just as valuable now. It's been a good opportunity to analyze all of this and we should have even more time to do so moving forward. As antsy as we are about being at home and as uncomfortable as it may be to take all the required measures, it's only but a small period of this greater timeline that we have. We may feel all tangled and lost within this all, but soon enough, we'll scrape it all away and find ourselves a little different, but pretty much the same. Let's do our part for those around us, pray for the ones we love and hope for a future where that haze we see today is wiped away before our eyes. 

~:[CH9 - Day 186]:~ Out of the Shadows

~:[CH9 - Day 186]:~ Out of the Shadows

I waited to see the lunar eclipse. I think my timing was off. When I first went to check it out, I couldn't see the moon and when I did see it, it was full. Regardless, I got a snapshot of it and edited into this image with a few others photos. As I thought about an eclipse, I thought about the old meanings behind of it being an ominous sign of things to come. However, I also thought of it in a literal sense as it's in the shadow of something else. In life we are going to have times that are dark and we are in the shadows. Just like an eclipse, however, we can find our way out of the shadow over time. We have been in this darkness for much longer than we anticipated and with our leadership, it doesn't seem like it's going to get better soon, but that doesn't mean we cannot be hopeful. We lost our festival and celebration of our independence, but the booming all around and the fireworks that still made it to the air reminded me that we will soon be able to see the light and soar once again. I am hopeful that people can see what the problems are and find reasonable solutions to the problems we face. The only way we can solve the problems we face is if we find a way to find common ground with each other. As I heard one of the most divisive speeches from a president who has shown little compassion for the people of this nation, I still had hope that we can rise and leave that divisiveness and hate in the shadows. I am hopeful that we will find the light once again and leave this darkness in the shadows. We lost a lot these past few months, but just like our history, we are resilient and can overcome the challenges we face today and those upcoming on the road ahead. Let's face them together - united. 

~:[CH9 - Day 185]:~ Design

~:[CH9 - Day 185]:~ Design

What would our world be like if we were to design it? As I sat designing, I thought that it's hard to change the world so quickly, but if we were to design it and restructure it, what would it look like? I'm sure there is no way we could all agree on how we would build it, but I'm curious as to what we all envision?  Regardless, I just hope that when we design our world, we create one where people can care about each other at the very least. I'm glad I am lucky enough to be surrounded by people like that and while I hope that the net can grow, it's not something that can change over night. On the eve of our independence day, I just hope that the future of this country we call home can be one where we find that balance and harmony that celebrates our diversity. As we head into some tough times ahead, let's use it to reflect a bit, to drive out the anger and hate within us so we can begin designing. It won't be easy, but we need to start somewhere. Let's design a harmonious world beyond our imagination. 

~:[CH9 - Day 184]:~ Just Chill

~:[CH9 - Day 184]:~ Just Chill

It was a nice day. I woke up early even though I didn't have to and one of the first days in a bit that I didn't have something scheduled to complete by a certain time. I ordered some drinks from 7-11 online and they delivered the wrong drink. I guess they replaced it without asking. Regardless, it meant, I got them for free and did an exchange with someone who liked that flavor. In the end, it worked out. I ended up playing the chipping game in the backyard before cooking dinner and working on a few more graphics. It's such a weird feeling and weird schedule. I am being productive, but in a much different way. People say that it's good that I am getting some R&R, but in reality, it's not my lifestyle. Regardless, I'll figure out ways to get by and find some days where I can just chill.

(Note - Since it's a leap year, welcome to the official second half!)

~:[CH9 - Day 183]:~ Too Much, Too Early

~:[CH9 - Day 183]:~ Too Much, Too Early

Sometimes you bite off more than you can chew. It tried running more than I should have after a busy morning. I had a meeting early in the morning and had to drive out to Santa Monica. I headed back to do some work before heading to Sunset. There were more people at the start than expected, but as we proceeded further, it became more sparse, which I liked. I wasn't really about trying to see people, but wanted some quality time. It was nice seeing this Kentucky boy. Although I almost passed out since I hadn't eaten and tried running when it was a little warm. I had hydrated at least. Regardless, I got some sugar in me, rested a bit before heading back, just in time to catch him as he ran back. I decided to take it easy the rest of the night, but it was a reminder to ease back into reality, just as we should with the pandemic. I know we've all been itching to get out, but let's do it one step at a time, so we don't keep repeated this open-closed cycle. Let's pray for our healthy, safety and sanity.