~:[CH13 - Day 273]:~ Function vs Execution

 
~:[CH13 -  Day 273]:~ Function vs Execution

I received a "new" camera today. I was happy to pick up this Yashica, as it's the first I've owned. As I inspected it, i wondered if I would be able to take photos just as good as I do with my current camera. I definitely have my doubts, still yet, once I figure it out, I can probably get some shots that would be harder to capture on my DSLR without editing. Is it the features and functions that make the photographer or is it simply in the execution? There's no right or wrong answer, but I hope we can confidently strive forward no matter our situation.  Some of us were born with skills while others had to push their way forward to learn and develop; some had the resources available, while others didn't.  No matter your situation, work to get better and look to find a style that best suits you. While it's easier when you have all the best in life, it's even better when you can make the best with what you have. As while it may be an easier road when you have all those resources, the experience and knowledge you gain when you have to put more time and effort in, will help you grow exponentially. I hope that no matter what, we find a way to make the most out of what we have and a style that best suits our situation.

~:[CH13 - Day 272]:~ My Only Wish

 
~:[CH13 - Day 272]:~ My Only Wish

My only wish I have for everyone I meet, is to keep fighting. It looked hopeless for the Packers today as they were down 28-0. Their kicker missed two field goals, their quarterback threw two interceptions, and their defense was struggling. The second half started in a similar fashion, yet they kept fighting and made it a game. In life, we'll face similar moments when nothing in our lives will go right. We'll feel hopeless, like we're in a bottomless pit, but even then, I hope we can keep fighting. It's easy to throw your hands up and give up, but my only wish, is that you don't give up. Even if you know you can't win, go down fighting, giving everything you can to achieve you goals and dreams. As while you are battling, you will discover many things about yourself that will be the weapons you need for the battles ahead. Today, Jordan Love and the Packers fell short, but as a fan, I didn't feel defeated at all. I felt the happiness of seeing them never give up and even have a chance at it even when the odds left them with almost no hope half way through the game. Be proud, whether or not you end up winning, as long as you gave it everything you could, as that should be the true measurement. Whether it's reaching your goals or dreams or simply trying to survive, please grant my wish and never give up, keep fighting, and just do the best you can. 

~:[CH13 - Day 271]:~ Overcoming Dust Clouds

 

~:[CH13 - Day 271]:~ Overcoming Dust Clouds

It felt like it would be a good day of racing. The forecast called for warm temperatures, but all morning it was cool and overcast, until it wasn't. Instantly, the blue skies and sun appeared and I knew it would prove to be a challenge. The athletes were mostly prepared and battled through, as they also tackled the dusty terrain in the backstretch. In life, we face obstacles left and right. What seems like a smooth path can easily become a bumpy road. When you prepare for these difficult moments like my athletes did, you provide your first layer of protection. While nothing can ever perfectly prepare you for all of life's obstacles, you can definitely stack the odds in your favor. Confidence is also key, as it will help you persevere when a moments feels hopeless. Of course, having support around you, like the ohana, can also help provide you with the ability to overcome many of the obstacles ahead. Our athletes overcame the heat and the dust clouds and I am just as confident that we all have what it takes to overcome our own challenges. Prepare, believe and trust to help you down the road ahead. 

~:[CH13 - Day 270]:~ Feel the Breeze

 

~:[CH13 - Day 270]:~ Feel the Breeze

I originally scheduled myself to leave on the first flight out, but instead, I opted for the later flight. The timing sllowed me to sleep in, wander aimlessly and sit down and just relax. It was a little chilly, but a perfect sweater weather and I was dressed perfectly for it. I worked on my tasks as I wrapped up this project, but felt no pressure. I picked up a meal to go and relaxed a bit more. Time is money, but doing nothing but feeling that breeze with that time can sometimes be priceless. While we have our obligations and responsibilities, we also owe it to ourselves every so often to allow ourselves the time to simply feel the breeze especially after a storm. I hope we all find the time, as somethings in life, money cannot buy.

~:[CH13 - Day 269]:~ By Storm

 

~:[CH13 - Day 269]:~ By Storm

I wasn't quite ready, as there was rain in the forecast. It was warm in LA and I headed to the opposite in BC. Luckily, I was dressed warm enough and I got to wait in a covered area prior to the show. Of course, most people forgot about the storm outside as they were watching the group taking the world by storm. With sold out concerts all around, their popularity has grown for good reason. Their high energy and often comedic performances keep anyone and everyone engaged. Behind me, I heard parents or friends who were accompanying their children or friends to the show, rave about how they enjoyed it. As usual, they captured the hearts of the crowd, both veterans and new alike. I met up with some of the AG fans, as we had a quick bite after the concert before heading our separate ways. I had to go back and edit, but as I did, I got relive all these great moments, not with just the group, but also with the various people I met through the tours. I hope for them to keep flying high and hoping that we all can find a shelter from life's storms that makes us forget our struggles and allows us to enjoy the precious time we have.

~:[CH13 - Day 268]:~ What a Catch!

 

~:[CH13 - Day 268]:~ What a Catch!

Most  know me, know that I am a big claw machine guy. I love the thrill of playing the game and trying to win a prize. It's no wonder why my friend ended up buying me a claw machine. When I think about claw machines, it makes me realize the parallels to life. There are those who target one specific goal, no matter how difficult it is. Even if it's buried far below, they keep aiming for it. Some, strategically target other items to clear the way for them to target their goal or position their goal item little by little. Others are simply looking for the easiest wins, even if it's not something that is desirable for them. I'm typically someone who looks for a place I can get that win. After studying the art of the claw machines, you begin to see which machines are rigged, which are quite challenging and which ones may be the easiest to get a win. I usually wander around, then find a machine that has something I'd want, but also is one likely to produce results. In life, we all got to make that tough decision and hopefully, no matter what road we choose, we're able to rack up the type of win(s) we desire. Whether it's bits and pieces of happiness or winning that grand prize in the end. If we're happy, then we've all achieved the greatest prize out there.

~:[CH13 - Day 267]:~ Weightless

 
~:[CH13 - Day 267]:~ Weightless

Don't engage. It hard not to respond when you feel attacked, criticized or put down, but when you understand the direction you want to go and are comfortable with who you are, you are able to not engage. You shed the weight of the world off your shoulders and allow yourself to be you. The weight that you've carried can make you strong and once you learn to leave things behind you, you'll be on a trajectory that you couldn't even have imagined. It's hard not to get distracted by what others may say, but at some point, you become numb to it, you realize that you can rise above the words and you simple don't engage. That's how you become weightless and that's how you learn to fly. In his recent interviews, Jae was straightforward talking about a variety of topics and more recently he encouraged those who follow him to simple let them be who they want to be. He said, "there's no point in fighting." It was quite relatable. You fight the battles you can, but ultimately, if you keep battling, you'll just wear yourself down. Thus, speak up for yourself, speak your truths, then shed that weight and let them be them and allow you to be you. It's hard to ignore things sometimes, but ultimately, some people are there just to be a thorn in your side and the more you fiddle with it, the worse it gets. Thus, move beyond it. When you do, you allow yourself to progress, you allow yourself to grow, and you wash away a lot of that negativity that can easily hold you down. Yes, it's okay to be bothered by the comments and actions of those around you, but still yet, sometimes it's worth saving your time, energy and sanity and just focus on making yourself better. Instead of allowing others to pull you down to their level, shed that weight, so you can level up and move to a place that you become unreachable to them. After a weekend at TwitchCon, I senses a lot of these similar issues here and there and I thought to myself, that there is a lot of toxicity around in this world. For each of us, celebrities and people alike, we all face these same environments, but we make that decisions to engage and swim in that toxicity or to move forward and fly. I was a little sad thinking that I was supposed to be at a concert tonight, I was happy that I sensed some growth. In this world, we have so much to worry about and while we can't control everything around us, we can control some of what we allow to affect us. Let's choose to be weightless as we walk with those who lift us up and leave behind those who try and bring us down. 

PC: Billboard Philippines

https://billboardphilippines.com/cover-story/out-of-the-shadows-eaj-on-accepting-the-past-and-being-honest-in-his-latest-ep-when-the-rain-stopped-following-me-interview-2024/

~:[CH13 - Day 266]:~ If You Sing It, They Will Come

 
~:[CH13 - Day 266]:~ If You Sing It, They Will Come

We held a small pop up concert today. It ended up being a success. More people showed up than expected as they cheered on the musicians and brought energy to the room. It felt nice to have such a large supportive group, who sang along and cheered throughout the performance. I love to see it when people follow their passions. There often is a lot of doubt when trying something new, but if you're passionate about it, it is more likely that it will be a success. Even if it doesn't go where you want it to go, at the very least, you lived out something you wanted to do. Often times, you'll gain supporters because of that passionate. In The Field of Dreams, they say, "if you build it, they will come." Just like in the movie, I am confident that if most of us acted on our passions, the outcome would be the same. For today, we hoped for the same and of course, when they sang, people did come.

~:[CH13 - Day 265]:~ The One Thing We Should've Know ...

 
~:[CH13 - Day 265]:~ The One Thing We Should've Know ...

It was fun to attend TwitchCon and watch the streamers battle it out in Triciaisabirdy's Food Challenge Showdown! The event was a combination of events such a blind taste test to guess a food dish to food trivia. It was quite entertaining and I would describe the event as wild and zany! I think the streamers they picked were perfect for this event and it was cool that the event came down to the wire. It was great to see Tricia organize such a wonderful event. I know that there was some anxiety about how the event would turn out, but I had no doubt that the event would turn out well. Why? Similar to me, I know that she checked off every box to make sure she paid attention to detail to pull the event together. While there will be questions in life we will get wrong, the one thing we should know is to trust in ourselves. When we prepare and do what we can to ensure that we've dotted our i's and crossed our t's, then there is nothing more that we can do. We just have to believe in ourselves, do what we can to make the event well, and just shrug it off if something goes awry. We cannot control everything in life, so we have to do our best not to worry too much and just go for it. I, for one, need to do this more often and trust in my planning and preparation and I hope that all of you, who plan like I do, also trust in yourself. I was overjoyed as I left this event knowing how well it went. I attended a few more events that day and met up with a few more people, but kept smiling knowing how smoothly the day went. I also was worried about the timing, about the seating and of course, capturing the moments well, but just like Tricia, the one thing I should've know is, that I got this. Let's trust in ourselves more when we've done all we can, as while it's easy to get down on ourselves when things don't go right, we need to spend more time and energy raising ourselves up and praising ourselves for a job well done. Life is already difficult enough, let's take away one more obstacle, by simply giving ourselves credit, when credit is due. Amazing job to Tricia and crew on an amazing adventure! 

~:[CH13 - Day 264]:~ Crossing Paths

 
~:[CH13 - Day 264]:~ Crossing Paths

It's amazing how many people's paths we cross in our lifetimes. For people we know and even those that we don't, it would be interesting to see a graph of how our paths crossed across our lives. Did we walk by our best friend before we met them? Did we walk by someone we knew and didn't even realize? On a day where I arranged a few meetings such as with my cousins in the morning and an alumni in the evening, I also had a few random encounters. While it's more likely to run into someone at an event with a large attendance, it's amazing that you could cross paths in such a large space with so many people around. Looking back, I am pretty impressed by the sheer number of people I met today, both planned and unplanned. As I thought about it though, the people with whom we cross paths impact our lives in some way. In some cases, it's a minute change that we don't even notice, while others leave a lasting impression in our lives. I hope that no matter the interaction, we appreciate the people with whom we cross paths and hopefully we treasure the impact they will have on our lives. As while an interaction will be momentary, it's small encounters like this that can change the trajectory of our lives forever. Thank you to all those who have changed my life for the better, as I only hope that I had a similar impact on your lives in the moments our paths crossed. 

~:[CH13 - Day 263]:~ Decades From Now

 
~:[CH13 - Day 263]:~ Decades From Now

Decades from now, I wonder what these young freshman will be up to. As we venture through the season we create memories, make bonds and learn a lot about ourselves. However, in a few decades, will they still recollect these memories? Will they still be connected with their teammates? Will they still remember the lessons they learned about themselves? I often wonder where they will go, what they will do, and how they will be like when they grow old? Will they still run? As time has gone by, I've been lucky to see a number of my alumni. It's great to hear their stories of what they did beyond high school and who they are still connected with. It's not a surprise that a number of our alumni have gotten married, making it a true ohana. When attending some of these weddings and events, it's even cooler to see that some of them still hang out together and decades later, are still connected. Surely, many will float away on their own path, but I hope that no matter how far they stray, decades from now, they'll still feel connected to something we created together. Our ohana is something that binds us together and decades from now, I hope that the binding still keeps us interconnected. As while many things will happen in our lives in the decades ahead, I hope one thing doesn't change, the role that these moments play in their lives, today and also decades from now. 

~:[CH13 - Day 262]:~ Bandaids

 
~:[CH13 - Day 262]:~ Bandaids

What is it about bandaids? As a child, when you fell, you were often given a bandaid to make it feel better. Sometimes you don't even need it, but it helps you feel better, while at other times it doesn't help, but strangely seems to mask the pain. There also are some other benefits such stopping the bleeding, protecting the wound from bacteria and infections, and also to reduce any friction or contact to the would. In life, we could sometimes use that bandaid. When our heart, mind, and soul are wounded, we could use life's bandaid to help protect us from great harm and to help us start the healing process. I hope that we all have that person who has been a bandaid in our lives to help us recover when we have suffered in life. I've been lucky to have those in my life who have been there everytime I've fallen and it made the recovery process so much easier. I hope because of it, I can also be a bamdaid for those around me, especially with those who have walked through life with their wounds uncovered. As I walked around with sore arms due to my vaccinations, I was somewhat comforted by the bandaids that covered those areas, much like I have been with the bandaids I've received throughout my life, which I will be forever thankful for.

~:[CH13 - Day 261]:~ Nostalgia

 

~:[CH13 - Day 261]:~ Nostalgia

One of the best parts about working at the school you attended is the nostalgia. Many events and places remind me of the many memories created in high school. Although it's been awhile, vivid memories still pop in my mind with every premier (fashion show), dance, sporting event, and more. It's great to have a chance to capture these moments, not only so they'll have memories of their own, but also to allow the precious memories I have to never fade away. Life often pushes us forward at a pace that allows things to quickly move out of sight, but when we make a conscious effort, those memories are ones that can be carried with us as we continue on this journey of life. 

~:[CH13 - Day 260]:~ A Quiet (Lonely) River Ride

 
~:[CH13 - Day 260]:~ A Quiet (Lonely) River Ride

We were on a break during our workout and I turned and saw a can floating down the river channel. While I took a photo for the aesthetic of the photo, I also thought to myself, is that can enjoying a quiet ride down the river or is it lonely? What one considers lonely, another may consider peaceful. I, for one, would truly enjoy an undisturbed trip down the river. While it's great to have interaction, it's also nice to enjoy a world where I can focus on my work and proceed undisturbed. It rarely happens, but when it does, I soak it all in. Others would be driven mad by the isolation and would need someone to help them through these lonely times. I guess when we look at it, we're all different creatures. Some thrive off the energy of others, while others recharge, only when they're alone. No matter where we fall on the spectrum, I hope we find a place that we are comfortable and I hope that others understand that one person's loneliness, is another person's tranquility. We wrapped up our workout after a long day and I was ready to head back home to the comforts of my room. With a ton of work to do on my computer, I hid myself away and worked through the night, but not once did I feel the loneliness that others may feel, rather, I felt the peace and tranquility of being undisturbed. 

~:[CH13 - Day 259]:~ A Recipe to Success

 
~:[CH13 - Day 259]:~ A Recipe to Success

There's no recipe to success. Even when you're an expert at a particular dish, you are bound to mess up. A little too much salt, cooking it took long, or forgetting an ingredient. Even if you follow the recipe you love, it may be too salty for someone else or just not to their taste. There is not a singular recipe to success, but there are things that can help make your life a lot easier and increases the chances of success. I've always been a believer in hard work. When I have a task at hand, I always put in the time to get it done. I can procrastinate from time to time, but I do leave enough time to finish all that I need to and even leave time in case something goes wrong. Always be ready for the worst! When you plan for what could happen, you'll be ready for anything. When you add too much salt, you may be able to find a way to adjust it. Just like that, in life, you can find a way to adjust and adapt when you make a mistake. When you use a helping hand, it may expedite the process. Sure, it may be easier for you to do it since you know how to make a particular dish, but sometimes in life, when we try something new (like cooking a whole butternut squash from scratch) or simply don't have the energy or focus to do something, using the assistance of those waiting to help you, can help you accomplish what you need to do, even when the cards are stacked against you. There are many more things that can be done to help increase your chances of success, however, with just these few, I know it will help make you think about all the tools you have available to do and learning how to use them as life moves forward will help you when you're searching for that recipe to success. 

~:[CH13 - Day 258]:~ The Sky's the Limit

 
~:[CH13 - Day 258]:~ The Sky's the Limit

Cervantes wrote in Don Quixote, the sky's the limit. We have endless possibilities on what we can achieve and if we look up, there's no limits to where we can go. Of course, the question becomes, why just the sky? As we grow up, we reach for greater dreams and goals. Reality sets in and some things we hoped for, look further from the realm of possibilities, yet, we still continue to dream up "what ifs" and chase the possibilities that lie out there for us. As I watch my little niece and nephew and all of my students and athletes grow up, I am always excite for what they possible can achieve on the road ahead. Some of them dream to invent, to ascend to the highest position in a particular field, or find themselves in the spotlight and my thought is, go after it. While I always encourage them to have a plan B and to lay the groundwork for a change of course, there's nothing wrong with seeing just how far you can go. Reality will remind you when it's time to adjust, yet, if you're able to manage it, there's no harm in still leaving that glimmer of hope for still achieving what you are aiming for. Even when we are old and ripe, it doesn't mean we still can't be chasing those same dreams from when we were younger. Never stop dreaming, never stop believe, and never stop reaching for the things you hope to one day attain until you feel it's the right time. It's exciting to see the excitement on my nephew's face as he improves and love to see his motivation to get better. Whether or not  he sticks with it, that's for another chapter, however, no matter what direction he heads, I hope that he continues to reach for the sky. Let's all do the same and no put limits on ourselves and give ourselves the chance to chase after all the things we hope to achieve in our lifetimes. Just like Don Quixote, let's not let the judgement of others deter us from chasing after the things we passionately desire, as while we never reach the point that we are chasing after, the journey of chasing that dream will likely be as fulfilling as achieving the goal itself. 

~:[CH13 - Day 257]:~ Even Better Together

 
~:[CH13 - Day 257]:~ Even Better Together

We had an athlete break our school record together. It was a feat to be celebrated. Running under 18 minutes is a tall task for anyone, but to have it done by someone who faced a lot of struggles last year, makes it even more exciting. However, what made it even better? It was magnified by the fact that her teammates were cheering her on, but also that they were accomplishing great things together. I've long emphasized the importance of a program. Having a good team is great, but when you have a program, not only does it lead to greater success, it also leads to more bonds and connections, leading to a better experience for all. It's great to accomplish things, but even better when you have a network supporting you, raising you up, but also being uplifted by your success. Our ohana has long been able to accomplish great things over the years, not only because we support each other while we are in the sport, but also for the many years beyond those days, as it brings me joy to see alumni hanging out together still long beyond their days on the team. Hopefully that trend will continue for this generation of athletes, as I hope that they see while the PRs and championships are great, simply being together makes the experience even better. 

~:[CH13 - Day 256]:~ Create from the Heart

 
~:[CH13 - Day 256]:~ Create from the Heart

While I know it's good to be realistic in your pursuits of your passion, I am not sure why people aren't always as encouraging when someone pursues what they love to do. When you create from the heart, you find yourself engulfed in the process and putting your heart and soul into what you do. It becomes a lot easier when those around you support you in that pursuit. Of course, we have to watch when we dive fully into our passions, as we must also find a way to live, but still yet, there's no reason why we can't give it a shot. At the very least, we'll get to experience what we truly are creating from our heart to see what comes of it. Sometimes, it can be risky, but life is also about chasing that dream and doing what you can, while you can. I enjoy seeing so many around me chase after their dreams as they put their heart into creating something they've always wanted to. As while I always encourage people to have a plan, I also encourage them to never count out something that they truly want to pursue. It was great to see the ohana supporting this listening gathering and whether or not it becomes something bigger, I hope that it always becomes a part of who he is and something he will cherish when he gets older. I hope that we all have the courage to try out something we've always wanted to do. Whether you do it as a hobby or jump fully into it, I hope we all get a chance to create from the heart and get to do it with the support of the loved ones around us, as I hope they understand the happiness that you will discover when you're able to do what you've always wanted to do. 

~:[CH13 - Day 255]:~ Finding Home

~:[CH13 - Day 255]:~ Finding Home

There's a few cats that roam around campus. Similarly, my house has had a growing number of cats gathering in our backyard. Sometimes, I wonder, where did they come from and how did they get here? I think for many of us, we go searching for a place where we belong. Like the cats, they wander until they find a place that is comfortable and safe for them. We don't all have the privilege to be able to wander freely to find a place we can call home, however, I hope in our lifetime, we find a place that we can be ourselves, feel safe and protected, and feel like we're welcomed. Home is not always a given. We don't all end up find a place that is stable. As while many dream of the jackpot they could win when the lotto jackpot closes in on a billion, most people would simply want to live comfortably. I hope that we are all able to find a home where we can fit in and be comfortable. As while the luxury brands and fancy things of life are appealing, simply being comfortable and finding a place we can call home is more than enough. 

 

~:[CH13 - Day 254]:~ What is Victory?

 
~:[CH13 - Day 254]:~ What is Victory?

I was exhausted. Marking the course at Mile Square was quite the challenge. We roamed the entire three mile loop, marked an area that we weren't supposed to, and I fixed the course, doing another loop around. However, all I couldn't focus on was how the races would turn out for the team. The work was worth it, because I know the athletes would not want to worry about which way they were going. Although there were a few points that were a bit confusing, for the most part, it seemed as if people knew where to go. Our girls JV team lost their two top athletes since we had to shift a few to varsity. They were resilient and pulled out a narrow 44-46 victory. Our boys JV was down a few athletes and managed to run to a 28-34 victory. With our 2-3 out, our girls still were able to secure a 31-62 victory behind a monstrous effort by our top athletes. The boys varsity race was the most exciting on the day with a seesaw battle coming down the stretch. We ended up losing in the kick and ultimately the race, however, I would consider today a victory. What is a victory? After last season, we weren't favorites to win this season. On top of it, our top athlete transferred, still yet, we found ourselves in the mix. This group has worked extremely hard to improve and get better and slowly, I think they are realizing their potential. Is that not victory? In just a week, they closed up their deficit in half, is that not victory? I'm proud to say that despite not securing the sweep, even in this final race, we were victorious. A second place listing cannot determine victory or not. In life, you may not always finish first, but that doesn't mean you didn't succeed. The person who said second place is the first loser is wrong because no place can determine if you were victorious or not. I know that the boys were disappointed in missing out on the win, however, there's no doubt that today I was so proud of them for their victory. They battled, they discovered, and they never gave up. We'll hope for better results in this race when our next league meet arrives, however, for today, I can confidently say that all of our teams were victorious because of their heart and soul that they poured on there, challenging the best they could and never backing down. 

~:[CH13 - Day 253]:~ A Heart of Gold

 
~:[CH13 - Day 253]:~ A Heart of Gold

I ended up not going to Paris for the Olympics and ended up sending my friend two tickets. She did me a favor by taking them, as I felt like they didn't go to waste. Of course, being who she is, not only did she send me videos so I could live vicariously through her, she even brought me back a few souvenirs, which was quite unexpected. As we ate dinner, I truly enjoyed hearing about her experiences in Paris and it was nice to simply chat and catch up. I've always knew she had a heart of gold, but her efforts to go out of her way to carve some time in her day to get me this, made me realize it even more. As a musician, she always has found a way to captivate the ears of so many, but even more so, she reaches her audience because of the genuinely kind-hearted soul that she is. As I drove home through traffic, I didn't think much about the frustrations of the drive, but rather, how appreciative I am to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. These people truly exemplify why this world is a place where we can feel welcomed and appreciated. I definitely was a bit disappointed that I decided not to head to Paris, but looking back, it was the right decision. While I did not get to see these incredible athletes adorned with gold medals, at least I got to reunite with someone who brought back the gold from Paris - a heart of gold. We often applaud those who return with medals and have reached great accomplishments, which we should, but let's also remember to applaud even louder who truly make you feel golden.

~:[CH13 - Day 252]:~ It's Worth It

 
~:[CH13 - Day 252]:~ It's Worth It

I was debating whether to setup this event at Tapioca Express as Jae has is upcoming concert, however, I decided that it was worth the time and effort to support him. It's not easy being a solo artists and I've always wanted to do my best to be a support system for him and many of my students and alumni. As I think about the time I spend attending events, planning and coordinating and running from place to place taking care of things, I think about all the wonderful memories that are created, as I think, it's definitely worth it. As I write this blog, I think about all the time it's taken to write the messages I have. It started as a simple recap to my day, but has turn into a place where I can speak my mind, while also connecting with those who are reading. Sadly, I was told that I had to limit what I put in my blog related to school, which is the reason for the recent adjustment. I wish that I could continue to share my blog with the world in it's normal form, but I guess I will have to adapt it to fit with the constraints of the what is allowed or simply make it private. Of course, I'll spend the time to figure out what to do, as I think it's worth it to find a way to continue to write for those who wish to read it. For all of us, at some point in our life, we'll be forced to decide, what is worth it and it's at that point that you'll have to do some self-reflection and try to figure out just how valuable things are to you. We do things daily without even thinking, but when they are in jeopardy of disappearing forever, you really get to see, if what you've been doing is truly worth it. As for the writings of an iglooSUNDAY, I think the reason why it's most worth it, is because of all of you who have made it what it is today. Thank you :)

~:[CH13 - Day 251]:~ The Majestic Views

 
~:[CH13 - Day 251]:~ The Majestic Views

It's not everyday you get to experience something so majestic. As we roamed to the viewing point of the Golden Gate Bridge, the fog covered the bridge so we couldn't see it, but from time to time, a window would open up so we could see the beautiful view. It could be a bit frustrating if you were trying to get a view of the bridge, still yet, it's incredible to see such a beautiful site that leaves you breathless. As our trip came to a close, we stopped by the Palace of Fine Arts where I met one of our MUN alumni, It was great getting a quick catch up before heading to the bridge and then back to Ghirardelli Square. We weren't sure what to do with the time we had, but we found a structure we could check on frequently and ended up eating in the area. It was a good choice as it felt like we had just enough time to enjoy the area and the kids got to see Ghirardelli and the surrounding areas. As I drove home, traffic was clear aside from a few moments and since their plane was delayed, I ended up arriving back before them. Driving home alone can sometimes be nice as you get to enjoy the views without a thought of capturing them since you're driving. As I drove home, I got to reflect on the week and appreciate how well the trip went. This group seemed to grow together even more a the trip went on, creating the most majestic of views of all - the ohana! 

~:[CH13 - Day 250]:~ Polar Opposites

 
~:[CH13 - Day 250]:~ Polar Opposites

I remember once seeing an exhibition with an artist that covered the civil war of Northern and Southern California. No, it was not an actual historical event, but the back and forth between NorCal and SoCal has always been a think. Are the two areas polar opposites? As we watched LA be scorched by 100 degree weather, we enjoyed the cool weather of the bay. It was race day today and we walked into a bit of fog and temperatures below 70. The course was a little challenging, but most of the athletes looked strong despite the course, as they were loving the weather conditions. I love how well the team race this time around, as they came with the edge on the course. We enjoyed our time at the race before heading out Outer Sunset to enjoy some drinks and snacks. We headed to Baker's Beach where we watched a proposal, then to North Beach, which was filled with energy from the nightlife in the area. As you travel from place to place and experience interactions with different people, you'll noticed just how different things can be. The combination of people and places can change how you perceive things, sometime even when you're with similar people or in similar places. I definitely am someone who prefers LA over SF, however, this weekend, I kept saying how grateful I was to be up in SF. Not only did we get to enjoy the cooler weather, we simply had the opportunity to run, something we wouldn't be able to do had we stayed back in LA. Who would win the battle of NorCal vs SoCal? I'm pretty confident that SoCal would win out (of course I am biased), but I can agree that these two areas can be polar opposites in many different aspects and because of that, maybe there would be no victor at all. 

~:[CH13 - Day 249]:~ Above All, Love

 

~:[CH13 - Day 249]:~ Above All, Love

We had quite the interesting day. We planned to run to the Painted Ladies (Full House), but the team ran the wrong way and ended up at the beach. We walked through the Japanese Garden, took the cable car to Chinatown. Our driver was so personable and our athletes enjoyed talked to him as he asked them about their track and field events, as he was a former athlete. They asked for a selfie when they switched drivers as he walked away. We ate at Chinatown then walked towards Union Square before stopping at Salesforce Park where they were having a dance class. We had a short delay, but still had enough time to head to the Oakland A's game to enjoy what may be their last season in the park. We arrived when the scoring picked up, but left in the 10th inning since we had a race tomorrow. Today was definitely not perfect, but as we venture through life, I hope our love does not waver because of the ups and downs. I hope we can love consistently and find even more love when things are tough. 

~:[CH13 - Day 248]:~ The World Out There

 
~:[CH13 - Day 248]:~ The World Out There

I have 11,350 squashed pennies, I joked as I gathered another one from the machine. I don't have that many in reality, but I've collected a number of them from around the world when I stop off in place to place. The world is such a large and vast place with so many nooks and crannies to visit. There is so much to see. It is why I love taking students to see the world that is out there. During your adventures, there will be great times such as spending time with your friends and there will be times where you fall to the ground, as I did ever so gracefully on the streets of Berkeley, but with each thing that you do, another memory is created. You'll typically slowly forget what you want to and will continue to hold on to the beautiful memories such as these. As we met alumni at Sather's gate, drove down Lombard Street and walked through Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, the team created new memories as they began to enjoy the world out there together. After a long day, where I left early to drop off some people at the airport, before I drove the luggage and equipment up to meet them at SFO, I laid down exhausted as I scrolled through the photos on my phone, The camera roll was a but a sliver of the many memories I've collected that I cherish as I move forward in life. As I look forward to what's ahead, it's moments like this that I will continuously remember and hold dear to my heart as I find the next memory while exploring this amazing word that is out there. 

~:[CH13 - Day 247]:~ On the Edge

 
~:[CH13 - Day 247]:~ On the Edge

I spent the day setting up for the meet. It was hot, so I did the outdoor work in the morning, hoping that the meet would occur later that day. In the end, the new temperature measuring system said the meet was a go. It was a bit chaotic with various things happening one after another as we tried our best to hold things together while paying attention to the ongoing races. On top of it, I misguided my top varsity girl, costing her 10-15 seconds. She ended up winning by about two minutes, but missed her PR by the amount of time.  The various ongoings kept me on edge, as I was stressed over that error and worried about a few other things. In life, we often put ourselves on edge, when in fact, we do all that is in our power to do things right. We put pressure and blame on ourselves sometimes, when in reality we need to allow ourselves to make mistakes and understand that we can't be perfect. If we keep ourselves on edge too often, we increases our chances of making even more mistakes, whereas, we can find a way to keep ourselves focus, yet relaxed. I took a deep breath as the meet finished, as while I still had to worry about prepping for our trip, one more thing had wrapped up and lightened the burden. We closed out the day with three divisional titles and made significant progress in a fourth division. I was proud of how my athletes withstood the difficult circumstances and I hope that they understand that in life, we're bound to make mistakes and we shouldn't allow that to bring us down, rather to help us learn, grown and be better the next time around. As much as the weight of life can burden us, that weight is what can also make us stronger in the end, if we keep the right mindset as we move on day by day.

~:[CH13 - Day 246]:~ Birthday Cake?

 
~:[CH13 - Day 246]:~ Birthday Cake?

It was my mom's birthday. It was a busy day getting ready for the meet and SF and the only day I was on campus this week. Getting sub plans ready, marking the course, and the like, made the day go by very quickly. We slowed it down a bit when a student wanted to go visit RNRs gravesite and so we stopped by and said a few words before the race, which was a nice break from the hectic day. It allowed me to find some peace as we enjoyed a simple nice at home, eating the food that I cooked yesterday for my mom's birthday. We had cake over the weekend for the birthday, but today, we only had this cake that was given to me earlier in the day. It reminded me of all the birthdays that I had without a proper cake. I've talked about it before that I am not a big fan of birthday cake. I don't mind eating it, but I've never been one to really look forward to it. Initially, we had my celebration in various cake forms, but ultimately ice cream cake became the most common. I think it might be the icing that never appealed to me, still yet, we still found a way to celebrate with something. I think that's the essence of celebrating a momentous occasion. It's not about the glitz and glamour of what you celebrate with, but rather the people we celebrate with and those special memories created together. Marketing gets us to think that a big moment requires a high price tag items, a perfect theme, or a beautiful cake, when a simple song and the love of friends and family will do. I was happy as I wrote my card to my mom, as I could express a message that truly was more valuable than any gift (or cake) that money could buy.

~:[CH13 - Day 245]:~ Finding Direction

 

~:[CH13 - Day 245]:~ Finding Direction

Life is difficult. We often get lose and don't know where to go. When we aren't guided by anything in particular, it's easy to get lost. However, sometimes, we find on our path, arrows that help guide us to the destination which we seek. Even when we find these arrows, do we follow them? Do we trust the person that put them there or do we find a path that is of our own choosing? These are the choices of life that we must figure out, which is why often, life can be so stressful. When the runners were trying to run the course before we laid out the markers, I saw them go in every which way trying to figure out where to go. Once I place down the markers, most of them were on the right path, while some still followed the path they went before. The reality is, if you reach your destination, there is no wrong or right way. There may be a route that is shorter, easier or something in between, however, we have to be the one that choose the direction in which we go and whether or not we follow those arrows when we encounter them. For me, I hope to be someone who can lay out some these arrows and be someone that those who follow me can trust, so that they can find their way to the finish line. Whether or not they choose the path I lay, I care not, however, it will make it worthwhile if even one person is assisted by the work I put in to guiding them. In life, it's easy to lose direction, but it's also a good way to discover, learn and grow, as well as test ourselves on this journey of life.

~:[CH13 - Day 245]:~ Watermelon Refresh

 

~:[CH13 - Day 245]:~ Watermelon Refresh

After a long month of stress, it was time for a refresh. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this process and the event, but it's nice not to have to worry about it for a bit. Just like the refreshing feeling of biting into a cold chunk of watermelon on a hot summer's day, I found a few things to make my self feel refreshed. I went through a stretch and yoga routine with a friend in the morning and ended with drinks at Bopomofo, one being their watermelon oat milk. It was refreshing to enjoy the drink, but also the stress free day that's been missing throughout August with the Cow Run, school starting up and San Francisco planning.  I pushed work off until tomorrow and enjoyed the day. I chatted with someone in the afternoon on my drive home as we talked about the stressors of life and how we need to find an outlet, something we love to do or something that can help us express ourselves and reflect on the days of our lives. Just like that watermelon, this blog has been one of my greatest refreshers and I am always greatful to those who have followed along. I hope that in the end, we all find that thing that makes us feel refreshed as we cast aside all that drags us down in hopes that we'll have a better tomorrow.  Only time will tell, but I ensure you, that when you take that time to find that outlet, you'll lighten that load and hopefully find that one thing that will bring that sunshine to your ecery day.