~:[CH10 - Day 273]:~ What's Mew?

 
~:[CH10 - Day 273]:~ What's Mew?

I always love it when something fun and cool comes up especially in the realm of something I am interested in. With the new Pokemon Oreos, it was fun to see the hype round the Mew cookie. I thought it would be a challenge to get one, but with the very first cookie I touched, I got a Mew. Although it was cool, it obviously isn't something to obsess over and just a little fun in the process. As I watch people list these cookies for so much money online, I just wonder how far our consumerism will go. I also get caught up in the wave sometimes, but for now, I'll just open my $3.79 pack of Oreos and see what comes next. Please play responsibly :)

~:[CH10 - Day 272]:~ Refreshing

 
~:[CH10 - Day 272]:~ Refreshing

Life is refreshing. Even in a busy day, today felt good. We got to relax a bit as it was the day after BTSN. It gave me a chance to get some work done before heading in. It definitely was a productive morning. I ventured in and had some good productivity in the classroom, then headed out to get my booster shot. I knew my arm would be sore for the rest of the day as I added a flu shot. It was funny since I picked this day to pick up the items we left in the bus as well and trying to carry it all was quite the challenge. We allowed the athletes to have a food run, as has been awhile since our full team had a chance to go. Although it's just part of the run, it's always nice when the athletes get a chance to chat, bond and just spend time together aside from running. I kept a low key rest of the evening just getting work done, however, it definitely was a refreshing one. Life gives you just what you need when you need it and the pieces of today did just that. 

~:[CH10 - Day 271]:~ Zooming in the Room

 
~:[CH10 - Day 271]:~ Zooming in the Room

I guess the one thing about the pandemic is that it made virtual meetings a breeze. There was no stress as Back to School Night arrived. I did a quick setup and breezed through the meetings. There was a little rust, but nothing that couldn't be worked out quickly. From sharing and switching shared screens to where to place all the windows, although I won't wish it back, it was nice to not be worried things won't work out. It felt a little weird as almost nobody talked during the whole evening (except myself), however, I was glad that everything panned out. It was definitely a long day from work to practice and then back to the classroom, however, it was another item checked off the list for the year as we push our way through these challenging days. I never wish to go back to a virtual environment, however, today reminded me that if we did, I'd definitely be ready. 

~:[CH10 - Day 270]:~ Back in the Grind

 
~:[CH10 - Day 270]:~ Back in the Grind

The routines feel oddly similar to the past, running from one place to another. As much as it's nice to be back, it's also a little challenging to get our bodies back into the rhythm. We've struggled with that in our restart as well, trying to keep our students and athletes on track as much as possible. However, many have also gotten back into the grind, getting their work in and focusing on their tasks ahead. I think for all of us, life is like this and I just hope that we can find our way back to a place we are comfortable with. Remember that we will probably never get back to the way things were, but that doesn't mean we can't get back into the grind.

~:[CH10 - Day 269]:~ Sunday Night Lights

~:[CH10 - Day 269]:~ Sunday Night Lights

 It's always cool to catch up with alum and to hear about their progress and successes. As you hear about their adventures and misadventures, it's always a time to reminisce of the same things that happened years ago. I was so impressed by the show and truly love the powerful message that it sent. As we chatted later, we were talking about Friday Night Lights and how it truly encompassed the high school experience with athletics and how those learning experiences interconnected with the lessons learned in life. It made me think of how our lives progress. If Friday night is our high school years, then one decade later could be those Sunday Night Lights and to see him standing under those stage lights is truly a blessing. I'll always hope for the brightest lights for these alum on the biggest stages every night of the week. Whether today or three decades from now, to all my alum, I'll always be rooting for you.

~:[CH10 - Day 268]:~ Those Sunny Hills

~:[CH10 - Day 268]:~ Those Sunny Hills

It's always a bit rougher when we hit our first hill race. Usually it's a league race, but this year, with the change in the schedule, it happened to be at an invitational. The weather cooled off from earlier in the week, thus it was a little easier to face these hills, but still the athletes had to push themselves and we still had about 20% of our athletes reaching new PRs on the course. We also got 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 4th in a few divisional races overall. The invitational itself was a great size and the competition was also just about right. While there is still some work today, it was fun to be out and about and back out there for these invitationals. It's definitely different trying to catch my breath after running around with a mask, however, it's better than not having the race at all. Simply having these races will make our days sunnier than ever before. 
 

~:[CH10 - Day 267]:~ The Ohana

~:[CH10 - Day 267]:~ The Ohana

Ever since we coined the phrase ohana for our team, we created an actual family tree where athletes adopt each other. Many times it's a casual thing here and there, but today was a reminder that some families are a bit much as they treat their XC mom as royalty. Regardless, it's nice to have a relaxing day before a meet with a quick optional food run and a day where everyone was looking forward to the weekend. While I have to wake up early tomorrow, it will be nice to have some time to get things together without having to worry as much about grading and the like. It definitely was nice to have it cool down a bit as the afternoons have become more enjoyable and the laugh from this family was just the cherry on top. Happy Friday everyone!
 

~:[CH10 - Day 266]:~ Doggin' It

 
~:[CH10 - Day 266]:~ Doggin' It

The days are now rolling as we are trying to get back in the groove of things. It's always tough to do so, but once it get's going, it's a bit easier. As I took a break, I ran into a few people I knew and just relaxed for a bit before heading back to work. It's great to see people and it's something that I definitely took for granted before. In a time where we put our head down and move from place to place, it was great to be able to chat and say hi with a little more comfort. The weather cooled down and it ended up being perfect for intervals. The team had a pretty solid workout. We ended the night with a quick dinner before I got back to the grind of catching up with work. It was nice to be productive while also having those moments of doing something else. You can be productive without staying focused every moment as some of those moments you should just start doggin' it. 

~:[CH10 - Day 265]:~ Just a Little Bit of Love

 
~:[CH10 - Day 265]:~ Just a Little Bit of Love

It's great to see when our athletes help out new athletes or those who may need a little more attention, however, it's even more special when they're siblings. The older sister did this while she was in school and now her brother took over. It's tough because as top athletes, they have to try to run with their brother while also getting in their own training, but just a little bit of sacrifice and love goes a long way. There's always a balance to keep between being firm and standing your ground while also showing care and concern, however, it's always important to show just a little bit of love in everything you do in your own way. As I witness that love and care our students and athletes share, I am happy because that's what the world needs, just a little bit of love and selflessness.

~:[CH10 - Day 264]:~ A Little Fishy

~:[CH10 - Day 264]:~ A Little Fishy

It felt a little strange being back. I arrived home after 1am since someone left a bag on the plane. However, I was able to wake up and survived the day itself. My phone had charged the night before, but today it wouldn't and so I had to switch to my old phone. What does that mean? It meant that I was lost with all my messages, trying to communicate, yet losing that ability while needing to catch up. It was a bit chaotic, but I figured it out and got the basics down. Of course, right when we got back, we got hit with a heatwave as the temperatures were in the high 90s, leaving me with no choice but to keep it easy on a Tuesday, luckily that was the plan since we just returned. I did catch up on quite a bit today and although I was exhausted, I actually felt good by day's end, which was fishier than the dinner I had tonight. We'll see if that good feeling last through tomorrow (I have my doubts.)

 

~:[CH10 - Day 263]:~ A Whole New World

 

~:[CH10 - Day 263]:~ A Whole New World

All the restrictions and requirements were quite challenging to have this trip happened, but it definitely made it more rewarding to be able to do it. Life has a way to provide challenges to you, but then you have to find a way to make things work and while it doesn't always pan out, sometimes you can piece things together and make it work. Sure it wasn't easy to wear a mask after a day at the beach (the humidity becomes even worse), but still, it's worth the sacrifice if it means this can happen. We found that balance between enjoying what was with the whole new world we live in. I know it's not easy for us all to adapt to this whole new world, but if we change our perspectives and starting working with what we are given rather than trying to fight against it, sometimes things just work out in your favor. As we landed and got home, we were all exhausted, but glad we got to have this wonderful experience. 

~:[CH10 - Day 262]:~ Around the Island

~:[CH10 - Day 262]:~ Around the Island

We always take a day to tour the island as today we headed through the middle of the island for Dole Plantation, then hit the North Shore from Shark's Cove to Kualoa where we normally race and take our team photos. We still took our team photos there to end the day and even played in the water in the area. It was a little strange to have a photo shoot a day after the race, but I think it was worth it to do it and just enjoy the time we had despite having to cut out the last item on the agenda for the day. It was definitely a full and exhausting day, but to be able to explore most of the island is always worth the energy spend especially when we can check as many of the items off the list the athletes made. 

 

~:[CH10 - Day 261]:~ More Than a Race

 
~:[CH10 - Day 261]:~ More Than a Race

It's interesting to come here and experience the competition, but even more so beneficial to simply have the interaction with athletes from different parts of the country. In this case, it's always been a cool tradition to trade shirts with people form other schools. This year, the meet was much smaller due to the restrictions of the area, but Iolani was a great host and they approached us to trade shirts as well. It was a cool gesture and definitely a wonderful experience for the athletes. We ended up finishing fifth (boys), sixth (girls) and first (open girls), but it was more about the experience overall. They learned how to deal with the humidity, the tough course, but also to interact and see how similar and different life is. We had a full day afterwards and we ventured to water sports, then most of the group hiked Koko Head, but overall as exhausted as they were, I knew they saw just how much they got to experience in just one day. 

~:[CH10 - Day 260]:~ Breathtaking

 ~:[CH10 - Day 260]:~ Breathtaking 

I know they were exhausted and hiking to the top of a crater was not the ideal way to spend energy the day before a race, however, after the climb up, they were treated to a view of this beautiful coastline. From Kailua to here, the views today were quite breathtaking. We are fitting in as many things as possible, which also meant that it might impact their times a bit tomorrow, however, to let them have this view and experience is definitely worth the trade off. Life gives you choices and opportunities and when you take them weighing all the factors, sometimes they pay off. They don't always, but today they definitely did. 

~:[CH10 - Day 259]:~ We Have Arrived

 ~:[CH10 - Day 259]:~ We Have Arrived

The past few years, I know the team really wanted this trip to happen and it looked like it might not be possible, but we have arrived. Although the process of filling out additional forms and processing vaccination cards and other records was a bit overwhelming, it was actually a bit reassuring that everyone heading in our direction had to be checked. Although not a flawless system, the requirements help provide one additional layer of screening. Arriving early, we were able to eat lunch, get in a run, while also wandering around the streets of Waikiki. I can see how tired they were from the flight and just the time change as the three hour change always gets you, but there was also more joy on their faces of just being able to be here. I wish that last year's seniors could have had this chance, but at least we didn't have two groups who missed out. Personally, I wouldn't have minded staying home and it's always strange having that extra precaution we never had to think about before, but the extra time and anxiety for me is worth it if I can provide a highlight for them. We are hoping for a fun yet safe adventure as we enjoy the beauty of the island while getting a taste of the competition Hawaii has to offer. 

~:[CH10 - Day 258]:~ Just Enough

 
~:[CH10 - Day 258]:~ Just Enough

It was a bit crazy as our schedule to open the season has been a bit tough. I know the athletes are tired with race after race, so today was a day that we had to give just enough. With a lot on their minds for the days ahead, we only needed to do our jobs before heading off. It's hard to understand sometimes when we tell athletes to do just enough, but I think it's great when they see that a race can also feel like a practice and it still be good enough. It can't always be about trying to PR every time, rather simply doing the job. Today they did that job and although I know individually we could have had a better day, they executed and did what we needed. The teams swept the competition, we wrapped up the day and prepared for all that waited us on the adventure ahead.

~:[CH10 - Day 257]:~ More of the Same, Differently

 
~:[CH10 - Day 257]:~ More of the Same, Differently

It pretty much feels the same, although a little bit different. It's amazing how we are thrust back into this normalcy. It feels a bit chaotic, yet very much the same. I often get, how is it different. My response is normally the same. The dependency on technology has increased. We are using so much more technology, while you can see the attachment some of the students have grown with their phones and the like. In class itself, the only difference is mask monitoring, which isn't a huge deal, just a reminder here and there. There always is the fear of what could happen next, but for now, we can take the precautions we can and proceed forward. One thing that is different though, there is slightly more of an appreciation of simply being able to be in school. At times, they're exhausted and want to be back home, but I think just being around each other has allowed them to slowly forget the pains of the past days. My hope is that the days ahead can get better, but only time can tell to see if we can do more of the same, just differently.

~:[CH10 - Day 256]:~ We are Ohana

~:[CH10 - Day 256]:~ We are Ohana

One of the things about the program is that it's more than a team. It's easy to say that we're a "family" or ohana, but our goal is to make as many welcomed as we can. While there are limitations and we have to make choices, for those who remain, we have been able to build a connection that is deep-rooted and last beyond their years on our team. I love seeing alumni return to say hello and to feel like they can always say hi or even come back and coach or volunteer one day. As while it's been challenging trying to get things done during these difficult times, one thing that keeps me going is to see and hear back from those of the past and work with those who will add to those who are part of this ohana.

~:[CH10 - Day 255]:~ Getting Things Done

 

~:[CH10 - Day 255]:~ Getting Things Done

Sundays tend to be my work days. From writing newsletters, planning, grading, shopping and getting this and that done, it never really is a day of relaxation. However, there is something refreshing about the day as somewhere between service and all the work, there is a sense of satisfaction at getting things done. Today, I added on top of it all, a quick button making session. Sadly, my printer ran out of yellow toner and wouldn't print anything but black and white images, but I found a way to still make them for an event. Someone was trying to celebrate the birthday of one of my former students and so I got to work and made some buttons to donate. Honestly, the time could have been better spent on doing that work I needed to do, however, that sense of satisfaction from making them motivated me more to work. I had no trouble moving forward and progressing with what I had to do inspired by a good deed. It could have been the creative side of my brain cheering me on, but regardless, it was nice to have that feeling of getting things done. What inspires you to be the most productive?

~:[CH10 - Day 254]:~ Another Step Closer

 
~:[CH10 - Day 254]:~ Another Step Closer

It's amazing it's been 20 years since 9/11. I remember stepping up to the platform to see the remains of the twin towers, something I saw just the previous March. I remember walking down the halls of Grand Central Station with missing posters posted all along the board running down the middle of the walkway. It took awhile, but every year, felt a bit more normal and although we never will forget, I think the healing process took another step forward. From watching the debris being cleared away to the slow progress of One World Tower and the surrounding areas, every year, there was one more step towards recovering from such a disaster. Similarly, our lives will take that same path as we try to find a more normal. We will need to find our way back and today, a day that felt more like a more normal meet was one of the ways we take that next step. The field was pretty loaded and while it was challenging for the athletes, I think it was good that they got a feel for what a real cross country invitational feels like. It can be a little madness. It was so crazy that we had to walk half way around the block to get to our bus since it was lined with buses all the way around. Regardless, we were a step closer towards a more regular feel, but also towards our goals of improving and getting better. We had two teams place third and one of our girls win a race. It wasn't the best weather and the course was a little crazy, but we'll take it. We got a long way to go to have that normal back as I'll still be making my mask tan worse with every meet, however, it's nice to at least be another step closer. Things may never be the same just like how 9/11 can never become a normal day, regardless, we scan take steps towards finding some peace and finding a way to get closer to where we were before forging a new path ahead. Greater things lie ahead, but to get there, we don't need to take a giant leap, rather we only need to take one step at a time. 

~:[CH10 - Day 253]:~ Aim Towards the Sky

 
~:[CH10 - Day 253]:~ Aim Towards the Sky

It's difficult to transition into normal life for me, for my students and athletes, pretty much for everybody. However, as we progress forward, we must remember all that we did to push ourselves, all that we did to find success and all that we did to aim high. Life is definitely challenging and yes, it's okay for us to have that bad day or come across a setback, but when my niece handed me this piece, I could only think that she should aim high, just like I hoped to do as well. As we tumble into the weekend after another exhausting week, I know it is a challenge for many. It's so easy for us to fall into a rut and allow ourselves to simply give up, but we have to do some soul searching, find some of that grit, and get ourselves to grind it out.. I know you can do it and I will be cheering for you, hoping you make it to that goal.  It's time to get ready for takeoff. Let's do this.

~:[CH10 - Day 252]:~ Stepping Back in Time

~:[CH10 - Day 252]:~ Stepping Back in Time

It was awhile back when I last saw David Choi in person. I helped support his and CLARA's tour and met up with them in LA and Atlanta. It was great getting to know them both. For most that know, I've always support CLARA, but it was nice to meet David Choi and just chat about how his music. Fast forward and randomly we ended up being able to meet up to work on a little project. It was completely unexpected, but within a week, we jumped in and started the process to see if we can get this off the ground. It's weird how time flies and how times change, but regardless, people often times stay the same at their core. He is still a great guy, just older and just about to start a family. This was us awhile back and it seems as not much has changed since then. It will be exciting to see how this project goes and while today was strangely busy, in the end, it was nice to have a short break to work, but also to chat and just catch up, realizing just how many common connections we had. The week has gone by quickly, but even so, I am exhausted. I just hope that I can power through just one more day and make it to weekend, another Saturday-less weekend.

~:[CH10 - Day 251]:~ Making History in 50

 
~:[CH10 - Day 251]:~ Making History in 50

We got off to a rough start despite some good performances in the boys F/S race. I made one tactical error that could have got us the win, but didn't want to risk anything on the varsity level. Thus, we ended up with four of the five titles including four individual titles. Even with one of our top girls not feeling well, she still was able to pull through and win the race, by a lot. Our front pack, surged back to regain the lead they lost at mile two and showed their heart, matching up to Gahr in every spot. Our boys battled up in front and took four of the top five spots. The junior varsity teams pulled through as well with the girls team just overwhelming the others with numbers. It was a great day and even better running in these old school jerseys in our 50th year as a school. As we ran, I thought of all those faces I don't know on the hall of fame, hoping that one day I may just get to meet them. Until then, we will strive to make history meet after meet and this is just another step in that direction. Go ohana! 

~:[CH10 - Day 250]:~ Lifelong Learners

 
~:[CH10 - Day 250]:~ Lifelong Learners

During the pandemic I picked up something I always wanted to do, learn another language. I started with two and now I am focusing on one, for now. To learn at a later age is a bit of a challenge. Words don't stick in your mind too much, even when you watch dramas all day to get the hang of it. I started to be able to say the next word that comes out and it's getting A LITTLE easier than before. Regardless, learning is great and as a teacher, we are always told to nurture lifelong learning, but at the same time, why can't we do the same. After an exhausting day, I wanted to sleep, but instead of doing that, by 11pm, I was logged online ready for class. It has been about 3/4 of a year now taking classes and I'll keep doing it, because it's the only way that I'll stay on top of that learning. What is something you've always wanted to learn or that you are learning?

~:[CH10 - Day 249]:~ What are you Tacoing About?

 
~:[CH10 - Day 249]:~ What are you Tacoing About?

I woke up earlier than expected and finished up some cross country work. I graded, then met up with a friend. It was a very lowkey day. I had started my pot of pho earlier in the afternoon and finished up when I got home and served my parents dinner. It was then that I ended up going out again to grab a few tacos even though I wasn't too hungry. It's nice to be able to just chat with people especially after all this craziness. I don't like being in big groups, but the one-on-ones are definitely nice to be able to chat and catch up. It was super low key, but definitely a nice way to end this long weekend. There was a bit more work to do, but I wrapped it up smoothly, but realized that just maybe, I ate way too much. If you were me, would you have added the tacos on top of the pho and then some boba on top of that tacos? 

~:[CH10 - Day 248]:~ Totally Sweet

 
~:[CH10 - Day 248]:~ Totally Sweet

Friday was a little nuts so I didn't get the dessert I wanted to get for my mom's birthday. She was also pretty tired from a day of baby sitting. Thus today I drove out to Pasadena, got my Tpumps and picked up a few desserts for her to enjoy. It was great to be able to treat her to a little sweetness although they can't have sweetness overload, it was probably just the right amount. It's definitely nice to see my mother enjoy the treat from dinner to this dessert, it was a few days late, but it was something that I had to do for my mother after all she has done for us. I've cooked a lot over the pandemic, but it definitely pales in comparison to all that she has sacrificed over her life. The rest of the day focused a lot on getting work done, but for the most part, it was a recover day that was much needed. I made some plans moving forward, but overall, it was nice to enjoy the sweetness of life without the stress of it all. Let's celebrate these totally sweet moments.

~:[CH10 - Day 247]:~ Spotting Signs of Success

 
~:[CH10 - Day 247]:~ Spotting Signs of Success

It wasn't the same, but in some ways, it was better. As the meet was moved to Marina High School, you could tell, it wasn't the same. It was a little tougher to figure things out and not necessarily feel like the normal routine. Of course, to not have to worry about various aspects like the course, made it a lot easier to handle. The athletes also seemed to appreciate the fact that they could once again race. To be out there after a year plus of being locked away made for some great moments. It topped it off to have an athlete make the hall of fame and anther win her race and break the school record (in her first race). There were definitely some good signs of things to come. As the meet ended, I ate and cleaned, then rested a bit before meeting up with friends for dinner. It was a joyous day and although it became an almost 20 hour day, it was well worth spotting all the signs of success headed our way. Thanks to all those who made this wonderful meet and day possible!

~:[CH10 - Day 246]:~ Burst into Action

 
~:[CH10 - Day 246]:~ Burst into Action

I stopped at home to get some work done for the Great Cow Run, instead I burst into action, feeding this hungry tot. She was reaching out for the strawberries and so I had to feed her as she had trouble scooping it up on her own. It was fun to watch and even more fun to watch her pose for the camera with every bite. A future as a mukbang? Regardless, despite the level of stress it was fun and a great way to relax before the real work began later that night getting everything prepared. It feels a bit weird to have to travel to Huntington Beach for this race, but you got to do what you got to do. The alarm is set at 3:45, so it's time to bed before I burst into action once again.

~:[CH10 - Day 245]:~ Randomly

 
~:[CH10 - Day 245]:~ Randomly

Some days are full of frustration. A student off task, people slowing down traffic, a practice where so many are off, or just when things get busy. It's easy to get discouraged, but sometimes, some random occurrence can change the day. As I ran errands for Cow Run, I went to Costco to grab drinks, but somehow the worlds FRESH WILD AHI TUNA caught my eye. With a rewards certificate in my hand, I decided, let's grab that and go. I got it, wrapped up practice which got better as it went on, and then I went home to slice up this baby and make some poke. I was craving it and it just happened to work out that I was able to have it to bolster up my day. It was such a random purchase, but some times those are the things that turn around a day. I ended the day in a good mood despite the ups and downs of the day and it all started because of something so random. 

~:[CH10 - Day 244]:~ Rewards

 
~:[CH10 - Day 244]:~ Rewards

I was debating whether or not we would do a food run today. In the end, I made a deal, I would have athletes choose their groups and those who chose the longer route would be rewarded. It was nice to see so many choose that route and be rewarded for it. I also did a little chance game and ended up giving away a dozen drinks to the team. (I need to fix the app as it gave too many away.) Regardless, while sometimes you want everyone to have the experience, it's nice to reward those who are going the extra mile. It's also a good lesson for athletes to learn that there sometimes are unexpected rewards when you go the extra mile. You can't expect a reward every time, but sometimes when you least expect it, that amazing day arrives.