~:[CH11 - Day 90]:~ Nostalgic

 
~:[CH11 - Day 90]:~ Nostalgic

Since our league went to dual meets, home meets aren't too common, but we got to race against Fullerton. The coach there is one of my first athletes back during my Marina days. Similarly, alumni came back and rejoined us to make even more memories kick in. The weather cooled off as it was perfect for the distance runners who had PRs left and right. I guess it was good timing as we are starting to get to that point where the intervals are starting to kick in so their times will naturally drop. While it was quite a chaotic start, it settled down and we figured things out, still, I was exhausted from running back and forth through the day. With a lot of the weight of planning off my shoulders, it was nice to finally go out with the team and not have to worry about rushing back to work. It was a great package of the day as we had a good race, good memories and a good finish to the evening as everything today was one of the most more normal days I've experienced.

~:[CH11 - Day 89]:~ When Stars Align

 
~:[CH11 - Day 89]:~ When Stars Align

A lot of things aligned today. From finishing up all that was on my checklist to getting all the bit of info I needed for our upcoming meets, everything just seemed to align. The day reminded me of a vaulter who needs to focus on so many of the mechanics to make their jump a successful one. When their speed, their arm positioning, row, sit and turn alight, you're in for a new PR. In my own day, from the timing of my tire change to my conversation with my friend, timing and all just seemed to work out. The days have found such drastic differences from each other and I am hoping that more consistency begins to appear. Regardless it was today that things fell into place and it felt so good. Today I moved everything back into its place as I was cleaning up from the 50th and it felt like the I finally made progress as things just seemed to align. Some days will be filled with dirt that may contaminate our lives, but at other times, the stars will align for us and the beauty of all around us will begin to appear. When this moment comes, soak it in as you never know when this wonderful moment will ever reappear in our lifetimes. 

~:[CH11 - Day 88]:~ Welcome Back

 
~:[CH11 - Day 88]:~ Welcome Back

I've been too busy to go to games recently, so it was nice to step back into the arena. After a better day, I jetting out to LA and the traffic was clear. It seemed like the roads just opened up as I cruised to the arena. The game wasn't so smoothly. The Jazz made everything and the Clippers struggled. We decided to eat for a bit hoping to have AJ Raphael sing at halftime. He didn't so we just ended up chatting and eating. Regardless, the real show began as the Clippers closed out the 3rd quarter strong and surged into the 4th. By night's end the scoreboard showed a W for the Clippers. PG13 had himself a game in his return and truly it was a great welcome back to the arena. I'm hoping tonight was just a sign of things to come, however, regardless, was a show that wasn't to be missed. Welcome back PG13. 

~:[CH11 - Day 87]:~ Dirt in the Air

 
~:[CH11 - Day 87]:~ Dirt in the Air

It was a bit of a frustrating day. You always want things to go well, but they can't always. As I looked at my mirror, I noticed a ladybug that landed on it among speckles of dust. Today was like that, dust filling the entire day, but suddenly something pleasant arrives and distracts you from all that is wrong. It wouldn't be long before one small thing would overshadow all else that was wrong. Tomorrow will be better, but when these days arrive, all you need to do is focus. Take care of what is wrong, but then focus your energy on the good that flies into your life. So much is trying to pull you down and it will if you allow it to, so focus on what will keep you afloat and you'll be surprised just how much you day will change. 

~:[CH11 - Day 86]:~ Love is in the Air

 
~:[CH11 - Day 86]:~ Love is in the Air

I walked by and noticed the two heart shapes of the flowers. Love was in the air, but not the kind of love you may be thinking of. Today was the first time in a few weeks that I felt relaxed. The burden of things was lifted off my shoulders which was topped off by the positive feedback we've received from so many people. Sure, I had to do entries for our meet, grade and clean up a bit, however, it was nothing compared to constantly having to worry about what deadline is upcoming or what I need to finish at this very moment. I caught a bit of my drama, I took care of some personal errands and just had a few moments to think. Today was not absent of making more buttons, but still, there was no pressure, just the feeling of love, loving this day that is. Sure, there are a few busy weeks ahead still, but it's nothing compared to the stretch of time I've just survived. 

~:[CH11 - Day 85]:~ Full Hearts

 
~:[CH11 - Day 85]:~ Full Hearts

I woke up early, loaded my van, then ventured to the campus. I kept looking at my watch as we finished this countdown. I quickly finished up the cross country & track area, setup the video room, and then double checked everything with MUN. It's been quite chaotic since arriving from New York, however, the committee definitely held down the fort AND more. As the time ticked on, it closed in on the time for the grand opening. We worked on a few tech issues, got everything else up and running and the rest is history. As we discussed our vision for this even over a year ago, ideas popped around, however, what stuck was the idea of having a greaterr version of open house. Simple, sweet and not taking away from the focus, alumni and staff coming back to reconnect and reminisce as they wander around the campus. As the countdown expired, I was running around making sure everything was checked off and it was. The only thing we needed now were people in the seats and it would be time to hit the play button; the people came. Fast forward until now, I've received so many thank you messages that my heart is overjoyed because I am so glad people had an amazing time. As an alumni and a staff member, all I wanted out of this was for all Dons to be able to relive their days at Cerritos HS, reconnect with those who they hold dear, and to show off what Cerritos has become. As I wandered around, I heard screams when people encountered someone they knew from long ago, I smiled as I saw friends crammed around a lunch table like they would during their high school days and more importantly seeing interaction between current students and alumni, staff, and more! My heart was full as I saw what we had originally planned out, become a welcoming success. From Anthony Chatmon II singing an amazing version of the National Anthem to my volunteering students ecstatic about all the stories heard and interactions they had; these are the moments, drip by drip, that made my heart so full. After months and years of messaging in the group, I put faces to names and really connected with so many. As I previewed the video after putting the final touches on it early in the morning, I recalled so many great moments at this school and was hopeful for the future that awaits. As we cleaned up, the students continued on with their stories and I smiled knowing that soon I could get some rest, but more importantly, that not only would my heart be full, but also the heart of so many others. After a few difficult years, I think this is just what the doctor ordered as we try to move past these difficult times together as Dons. At the end of the day, I saw so many leave with big smiles and full hearts; who could ask for anything more? Congratulations Dons on celebrating 50 years of Excellence.

~:[CH11 - Day 84]:~ Finishing the Redesign

 
~:[CH11 - Day 84]:~ Finishing the Redesign

For the most part, the campus didn't change. We picked up a bit, added a bit, but nothing was too much less normal that a day at Cerritos. Regardless, things like the MUN room got a total makeup as the wall that existed for so long was removed and these signs when up in their place. While the students may be a little sad right now, I think that even new opportunities may arise for them and those will the redesigns within our own lives. While many will try to avoid the change, sometimes that redesign in your life will be just what you need to make your days better or help you realize something that you overlooked. Don't be afraid of the redesigns and see it as an opportunity for bigger and better things.

~:[CH11 - Day 83]:~ Honored

 
~:[CH11 - Day 83]:~ Honored

This is just one of the number of certificates we've been receiving congratulation our school on this milestone. As a student and a staff member, it's been great seeing how this school molds people into the future. Our school maintains such a great balance and it helps me appreciate working here even more. While I don't always welcome the role of communicator and connector to the community when planning events, it has been such a honor to talk and communicate with so many alum including those who were among the first students at the school. We don't always find comfort in the roles we have to play, but sometimes you need to be willing to accept those roles for the project that you are working on. This project has been one I have treasured so much so it was worth all the sacrifice to see this come to fruition. Countdown is even closer! 

~:[CH11 - Day 82]:~ The Final Touches

 
~:[CH11 - Day 82]:~ The Final Touches

It was our final meeting. The crew had been working so hard to piece everything together. They had done so much when I was away and so I felt I had to catch up. I wrapped up most of my button making. I think most of my day was spent making buttons as I only left time to eat and sleep (a bit). Regardless, these are the finishing touches that will make this event special. From the beautiful program to simple touches like the stickers, the entertainment and the activities here and there, I'm hoping that people will enjoy the event that we have planned for them. As always, when it comes down to the deadline, you start to think of all those final touches you want to make and only hope that you won't forget any. We shall see soon enough!

~:[CH11 - Day 81]:~ Back & Forth

 
~:[CH11 - Day 81]:~ Back & Forth

Today was a palindrome day (22322). No matter how you looked at it, it was going to be a rough one. As we landed at LAX just before midnight and I got home at almost 1am, I knew that surviving the day would be tough. I opened up the GoogleDoc RSVP form and saw about 70 more names on the list and so the button making began. As I looked at the calendar, the clock was ticking and so I got down to work. The whole day was spent thinking about what I needed to do, however, I felt like I wasted a bit of time since I didn't have enough time after I landed to gather things I could work on while in class. It was a nice break to catch up with this alum and was a good recharge for the week ahead. In the end, the day was about survival and I did. I am definitely exhausted, but I am also focused as the deadline looms near. Let's do this!

~:[CH11 - Day 80]:~ Anything But Normal

 
~:[CH11 - Day 80]:~ Anything But Normal

To pull of this trip this year was anything, but normal. This process, however, is made easier when you have a group that is not normal, as they are extraordinary. I am blessed with a group who, despite losing focus from time to time, put in the extra work to prepare and who cared for the work that they put into the process. They battled through the four month preparation process with three that joined in and only had half the time to catch up. They dealt with the fatigue of walking 40 miles, survived the frigid first day and maneuvered through committee. Forty two of the 50 we brought received awards (17 who earned best delegate awards) and those who didn't probably just missed out, as they were also actively engaged in committee. Even more rewarding, however, I think about a student who just barely made the team and ended up winning a best delegate award and another who joined late, speaking up more confidently than I could have imaged. I think of those who struggled during grills and turning around in committee bringing up the very topics I stumped them on with details to back up their points. Their enthusiasm and excitement got them in trouble sometimes as their voices carried too loudly and then the occasional tardiness bug plagued them for two days, but in the end, they helped make this trip run pretty seamlessly as they maneuvered through the subway system, followed directions, and made this trip a memorable one. It's the first time I've had both juniors and seniors and surprised at how well they intertwined. As normal, the group grew together and got to know each other better and ended this trip on a high note. It's always tough to simply survive the week, however, not only did they survive, but they did so without very many bumps in the road. It is nice to be sitting at home finally and will be even better to be back in my own climate-controlled room, however, I will miss being in the city and just a small part of me will miss doing room checks, count offs, or making our way from point A to point B with this large group of students. I doubt I every want to have to go through all the hoops we had to jump through to make this year's trip happen, however, as I sit here and reflect, I guarantee you, I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Anything, but normal since it was truly extraordinary. 

~:[CH11 - Day 79]:~ For a Reason

~:[CH11 - Day 79]:~ For a Reason

We headed to the rink after a long day. It started as we cheered on as we watched the New York City Half Marathon. While it was brief, it was great to see someone you know running right in front of your hotel and be able to catch them at the end as you run an errand you already had to do anyway. The students survived session and a good portion of them received back word that they would be speaking at the next day's plenary. Sometimes, some of those I thought would be in for sure, aren't selected, but that is part of it all. You can't control everything, you can only do what you can do. In the end, it all happens for a reason. I assume some were bummed, but we ventured to Central Park to enjoy our long awaited night on the ice. Rockefeller this year wouldn't take our reservation so we headed to Wollman. Our reservation was canceled three times, however, we finally got onto the ice and enjoyed the larger rink although they closed earlier than expected. It actually worked out as we were about to leave and had to head to Times Square. In life, we're thrown into situations that are not desirable. We want to change it all, but in some cases, we don't have the power to do so. I hope these students realize that everything happens for a reason and although you may not have gotten what you want and in many cases deserved, there's no point in wasting the time to worry about it. The postponement of our skating probably summed it all up, as we had the chance to end our trip with this moment. I overheard someone say, this was a great way to end it. Without the previous cancelations, this would not have been the way we ended it. The students were joyous as we walked to Times Square and there is no doubt that it was because of how everything played out for reasons we may never know. 

 

~:[CH11 - Day 78]:~ Exhausted

~:[CH11 - Day 78]:~ Exhausted

I was exhausted and so were the students. We had no missions and had planned our makeup ice skating, but it got postponed again. The students voted for a study session / conference prep day. What they needed was rest. I used the time to cut buttons and do some work for the 50th plus have lunch with an alum and they rested and did some prep with a few meal breaks. It was nice to have a late start and no schedule, allowing some recovery time. I got a message here and there stating how they were tired and I did my best to encourage them to keep at it. They did and did well. The debates went on and I was proud to see all the good work they did together. All the work that they put into this is paying off and it's great to see them push through. I was so proud of so many of these delegates who improved so much. A few I took chances on to put on this team showed me why they were chosen as they stepped up. It melted my heart inside. I was glad to see them keep going and although we are all tired, they are still pushing through. We're almost at the finish line! 

 

~:[CH11 - Day 77]:~ Refocus

~:[CH11 - Day 77]:~ Refocus

Finally the time had come. Conference began as the students were greeted with virtual messages from John Kerry and 2nd Gentleman Douglas Emhoff along with the wonderful experience of being in person at this conference. Earlier in the day, the students representing the Republic of Korea got to meet with the first secretary in a briefing where they got a Q&A which was also cool. They were nervous as they looked around and saw so many other delegates. As we walked in, you heard a multitude of languages and overall just a very cool moment to experience for them. Albeit virtual for half the time, these student endured some of the most challenging times as delegates and were able to come and enjoy this experience in person. It was time to focus and many of them started off the conference right. It was great to see them active and engaged and excited as committee ended. Just being here was enough, but seeing them in committee realized that there was so much more to this experience. We are all exhausted from this impacted week, however, they refocused and got to work. Let's see how this goes!

 

~:[CH11 - Day 76]:~ Time to Reflect

~:[CH11 - Day 76]:~ Time to Reflect

It was raining today. It made life a little challenging, our ice skating time was rescheduled, our walks were a bit more challenging, but we persevered. The students didn't complain one bit as we jetted from place to place. We stopped at the MET which was shorter than normal since the 9/11 Museum could only be slotted in this time period. Regardless, it was a heavy moment for the students as they saw all the disaster and destruction that a handful of people caused. It strangely parallels the issues we are facing back at our school as I see so many people struggling because of issues among a handful of people. As a group, our ability to overcome these difficulties is our ability to see what we are capable of. Individually we may not be able to do much, but as a group, we can rise strong and overcome even the most difficult of moments. Yes, we definitely feel the weight of tragedy, but in those moments of tragedies, we actually can find our greatest strengths. When we reach these crossroads, we can decide to throw our hands up in the air and give up or dig our feet into the ground and push forward, not allowing these difficult moments to knock us down or if they do, we must get back up and be ready to stand strong again, TOGETHER. As we wrapped up with night with a lighter than expected schedule, I got to reflect a lot and see that yes, we are facing some difficult times back at home, but much like the days, months, and years after 9/11, we can become something even greater, as we discover all that we are capable of as we overcome the handful of things trying to pull us down. Let's not let them win, rather, let's show them just how great we are. 
 

~:[CH11 - Day 75]:~ Art at Its Finest

~:[CH11 - Day 75]:~ Art at Its Finest

From the architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge to the designs within MoMa, today was a day full of art and exploration. As we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge, we wandered across a fairly empty bridge and enjoyed the brisk walk. We stopped by the UN building which has been closed to tours. We enjoyed food in Grand Central, although sadly, many of the places there had to close down. The AMNH was great, but we had to rush that stop in order to make our stop at the MoMa. In the end, we enjoyed all of these places and truly enjoyed absorbing all of this art into our hearts, minds, and souls. Seeing all this art made me think of people in general. We all are our own pieces of art. Our pieces are created at their own pace, in their own style and over their own length of time. At times a genius moment is quickly found, while at other moments, it takes time to mature. I am grateful to be around so many young souls to truly see the masterpieces they become, as I know that each of them have a future that they can truly put on display.

 

~:[CH11 - Day 74]:~ Truly Wicked

~:[CH11 - Day 74]:~ Truly Wicked

It was definitely more chaotic. With vaccination checks, getting into the theater took longer. Regardless even with the headaches of the extra step, it wasn't bigger than the need to keep everyone safe and didn't take away from the wonderful performance that is Wicked. The most common question is, do I ever get tired of the musical. Yes, I've seen Wicked over thirty times, taking school groups year after year, however, it always has it's bit of enchantment. I know the lines, the stage placements, and this and that by heart. I can see a mistake or when they throw in a line or movement here or there to add their own flare to the moment. It's always just as special, because I love seeing the reaction of the students year after year. The day itself was quite amazing as we ventured down the High Line. The Vessel has been closed, so we just got a peek at it, but we ventured down to the little islands to enjoy the experience. As usual, our little stop around SoHo was great, while Washington Square and all its madness today was not. In the end, however, we truly had a day that was truly Wicked! 
 

~:[CH11 - Day 73]:~ Wandering for Miles

 
~:[CH11 - Day 73]:~ Wandering for Miles

For those who never have been on a trip with me, you don't know how many things you can actually fit into a day. It's quite the handful. Regardless, we try to see as many things as possible as today we ventured from the Statue of Liberty to Ellis Island, up to the bull of Wall Street then to Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial area, Eataly, the Oculus, Bryant Park, Empire State Building and wrapped it up with Times Square. It definitely was a whirlwind and eight miles later, I know everyone was exhausted. Regardless, I think they saw so many things and gained experiences they'll never forget. They'll definitely remember never to travel with me again. Yes, we've covered over 15 miles in two days, but wait, there's more. 

~:[CH11 - Day 72]:~ Not a Warm Welcoming

 
~:[CH11 - Day 72]:~ Not a Warm Welcoming

It definitely was not as cold as we've had before, but definitely not a warm welcoming. After a delayed flight, three hour time change plus a Spring forward, we were running on empty and cold. Our rooms weren't all ready, so we had the students drop off their stuff and we headed out to Central Park. It was definitely chilly. We wandered through our normal Central Park tour as our schedule was adapted from year's past. Regardless, we made it work. I was so stressed making sure I had what I needed to do work this week along with hoping that our departure would go well. After landing safely, it was nice to walk around and just be here, even f it meant not having a warm welcoming. 

~:[CH11 - Day 71]:~ No Relaxation

~:[CH11 - Day 71]:~ No Relaxation

It was a day where I had nothing scheduled, but for a reason. It wasn't a day of relaxation, rather one of preparation. I had to prepare not only for the trip itself, but also for doing whatever work I needed to do for the 50th anniversary celebration while I was gone. I was stressed as I printed out all the buttons that were requested and gathered all the paperwork I needed for the trip. The full day quickly dwindled as it was time to head to the airport soon thereafter. The process felt chaotic, but it went smoothly as the students did what they needed to do. Our flight was delay, but they were fine with it and just went along with their business. It was not a day to relax, but once I boarded the plane, I hit my seat and went to sleep for the long plane ride ahead. 

 

~:[CH11 - Day 70]:~ On Track

 
~:[CH11 - Day 70]:~ On Track

Today was quite the stressful day. I had to be ready to leave for the week, so I assembled lesson plans, held the imperialism game day 2, lectured on internment and then tried to make sure we were ready for the meet without being able to stop at home before. Luckily I had everything in order and the day went smoothly. We had some great performances on the day, with a lot of medals, more PRs and just a great day overall. The weather was a bit windy upon arrival and we luckily had just tied down our canopies, but it settled down and we were off to the races, literally. I came home exhausted, but feeling blessed. As while it was a little rough start, when we left the stadium, it was better than we found it, as the athletes did a great job cleaning up at night's end. I have a long day of packing and prep ahead, but for now I am definitely on track and ready for departure.

~:[CH11 - Day 69]:~ A Midnight's "Spring" Dream

 
~:[CH11 - Day 69]:~ A Midnight's "Spring" Dream

As we roll into spring, we begin our countdown towards the summer. What does that mean? A line of events will begin to approach from prom to graduation. Today was our prom premier when they introduced the dance and put on a great show for everyone. It was nice to see a fashion show, as we all hope things go well as we close out the remainder of the year. This high school class has been blessed to experience most of the things they would normally have and while the winter formal was canceled, we are starting to see more of the normal opportunities spring up. While we are not out of the woods yet, at least for today, we were transported into a midnight's "spring" dream.

~:[CH11 - Day 68]:~ Selflessness

 ~:[CH11 - Day 68]:~ Selflessness

Pennies 4 Patients has always been a special time for me. To see my students make an effort to give to others, sacrificing their afterschool snacks or drinks or this and that is amazing. Today a group of my students challenged each other and matched each other's $20 donation. These days always remind me of my advisor who passed away from cancer. While he may not have passed away from Leukemia or Lymphoma, it still has a connection and thus, I always put a little extra effort into supporting and making this our call to action. I was so proud of my students today and seeing them make that effort melted my heart inside. We learn a lot about the world and what countries can do to help the situation and it was nice to see so many students step forward and show that they too wanted to chip in and help those who are less fortunate or in greater need.

~:[CH11 - Day 67]:~ Consistency

 
~:[CH11 - Day 67]:~ Consistency

Every day at some point, I stop by my best friend's classroom. We are just across from each other and so I make it a point to go see him. We don't say much, but there is a consistency in presence. I don't even know how this all started, but somehow it did and the daily selfies came along with it. I'm sure in the future we will be millionaires with our NFT seflie collection, but for now, we can just keep at our consistency of making a little bit of an effort to say hi to each other every workday. You the best! How do you make the effort to be consistent with those around you? Let's try to make that effort so we can strengthen those relationships we hold dear!

~:[CH11 - Day 66]:~ Blast to the Past

 
~:[CH11 - Day 66]:~ Blast to the Past

I'm not old enough to have taken part in the time capsule burial (hehe), however, it was nice to unveil some things I was familiar with. Seeing a Walkman, some old newspapers and more made me feel nostalgic. I saw an old friend, my old principal and old athletics and activities director and just appreciate the moment. I think the students had a bit more reaction here and there as they saw what came out of the box. There was a TIME magazine about the OJ Simpson trial, a Pepsi can, a microfiche of news at the time and a roster of the students in the class of 1996. It's strange how quickly this anniversary is coming and as I realize how much work I need to do, I also appreciate the fact that we get to experience this and just enjoy sharing the past with the students today and allowing them to become the history of the school down the line. I hope to see many of you at the 50th anniversary celebration in a few weeks! 

~:[CH11 - Day 65]:~ What's Going On?

 
~:[CH11 - Day 65]:~ What's Going On?

Sometimes you don't know what's going on. On a day where I worked most of the day, I took a break to go the the Clippers game. The team really didn't get into their groove and struggled the whole game and nothing seemed to go right.  You wonder, what the heck is going on? There will be days where nothing goes right, however, you need to try to keep pushing forward and rise out of the ashes. Life is not always going to be easy, but you have to show some grit and grind through those tougher days, never backing down from the challenge. As I worked late into the night getting everything done, I needed that extra reminder as I pushed myself to get everything done. By night's end, I was done and knew that while things are chaotic, at least I got it all done. 

~:[CH11 - Day 64]:~ Pushing Ahead Through Victory

 
~:[CH11 - Day 64]:~ Pushing Ahead Through Victory

You learn the most through adversity and today, that was the wind. I have two broken canopies now as the wind destroyed everything in sight, but the athletes hung tough and we ended up surviving the day. I definitely was beaten down as I was cold and sore by day's end, but after all that running around and lifting, I felt satisfied that we finished off another task. Things have seemed to pile up in this log jam of two months, however, just like my athletes, I will try to push ahead. They showed more progress today and showed they can handle some of this adversity. There is still room to grow, but still, we can't expect change over night. In the end, we came home with three championships, a runner up and an athlete of the meet. It was a good day to round things out. 

~:[CH11 - Day 63]:~ Checking the List

 
~:[CH11 - Day 63]:~ Checking the List

Most people say TGIF, I usually say, how is it already Friday. My life has always seen so many Saturdays filled with events and this weekend was another one. We were hosting the ABC District Championships at our school and I had to run through the check list of what we had and didn't have. As I worked casually through the night, I'd always figure out something else I was missing. I thought I could sleep earlier, but ultimately, I slept at my normal hour. With all going on, it was nice to catch a break during the day and watch these two working away. Although it was brief, it was a moment to smile and admire them working so diligently. As we go through life, let's get that work done, but also take those moments to pause to help us regain our strength to make that final push to finish checking off that list. Happy Friday!

~:[CH11 - Day 62]:~ Special Guest

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~:[CH11 - Day 62]:~ Special Guest

It's nice to get a guest drop by every once in awhile. In the craziness of the day, it was a nice break before I had to refocus. As we reminisced about the old times and discussed what's new, I was still trying to get out team shirts, jersey and prep for the weekend ahead. Later that evening, we met with a group from Jeju and another from Guam to work on preparing them for the international conference. I was a little stressed all day for that, but it worked out in the end. The middle schoolers were cute and asked some fun questions, which ended up leading to some laughs in the session. Another moment to break the stress and allow time for a little laugh. There are days that will be quite crazy, however, those special guests or moments always find a way to help you make it through. 

~:[CH11 - Day 61]:~ Smooth as Silk

 
~:[CH11 - Day 61]:~ Smooth as Silk

My body and mind needed a break and I took one just at the right time. As while I like to face up to the challenges they days give you, you also have to realize when you need to take shelter and take a day for yourself. As I looked back at some adventures, I found a few gems and remembered some great moments. The day itself was dedicated towards do much of nothing. Although I answered emails here and there, there was little planned and I just did things on the fly. The evening was spend listening to the sweet sounds of Silk Sonic and you can always count on Bruno Mars to hit you with those smooth sounds. I knew it would be an exhausted day ahead to make up for what I missed, but it was worth it, as the day was definitely as smooth as silk. 

~:[CH11 - Day 60]:~ Historic

 
~:[CH11 - Day 60]:~ Historic

The team fought until the end. It was tough to face a team who was knocking down all their three pointers and had the ball bounce their way today. However, doing all the analytics on the game can't change how historic of a run this is. Yes, it's definitely sad to lose this game, but you can't hang your head knowing how far you've come. This is the first time our basketball team has appeared in state and they made a great run. As while they may have fell short of their own goals, there's no denying that this run was historic. It's amazing to think that you're the first to do something, but on our 50th anniversary, this team did just that. From getting the best crowd we've seen at a game to a few thrilling victories that required almost 450 miles of travel, the journey was amazing and historic. It's sad we'll be losing so many seniors, but these seniors can be proud that they got this far and did it when few outside the team and their supporters had faith. The team entered the playoffs unranked and advanced to the finals and qualified for state. To our seniors, it will be sad to see you go, but you've definitely left your mark. We hope that this sets a new trend in the basketball world for Cerritos, however, regardless of what the future holds, this year's ride will be cemented in history. Congratulations.