~:[CH12 - Day 301]:~ When Survival is Enough

~:[CH12 - Day 301]:~ When Survival is Enough

I arrived at school just as they were turning the alarms off. It was amazing to see so many of the students lined up ready to host this conference. It's an exhausting effort, but one where you see these students learn the work it takes to run and event and to view a conference from the other side of the room - the dais. The conference had its normal issues of a few missing placards or being short a desk or two, but regardless, it was a relatively quiet morning and day. I made an error adjusting the lunch schedule so the lines ended up being quite long, but we survived, just like the entirety of the day. We had a lot of great workers from those students at the top (secretary-generals) to those who helped me throughout the day pushing carts, carrying drinks, and running from room to room. Often times, the hard work of those moving behind the scenes isn't often recognized, but without them, things don't run as well. By conference end, I was tired and a little sore, but I also knew the day was not ending, as it was only half done. I packed up my car, changed and then immediately headed out to the OC Japan Fair. Luckily the schedule was behind so I was able to set up my gear and shot everything I was supposed to. As I sat there listening to Kaoru, I was able to relax a bit and just soak in the music as I realized, I survived the day. Everything I was worried about the day had been accomplished and now all I had to do was get these last few shots and then relax. I got them and got to enjoy the last few performances before headed back to Arcane to wrap up the evening. It was nice to chat with everyone that I haven't seen in awhile. From those who I saw yesterday to others who I haven't seen in a year, I was appreciative of all the connections I have made through this evening. I may not have been the first at school today, but we were the last at the fairgrounds tonight as everyone had closed up shop. We walked out together to a ghost town as all had left and in my own mind, I thought to myself, I survived the day. Sometimes survival is the name of the game and it's the focus, but within that moment of just trying to survive, you find these magical moments that make you realize, that through that struggle, you've gained priceless memories. Today I survived and with it, came the many gifts life has to offer.