~:[CH14 - Day 59]:~ Sometimes

 
~:[CH14 - Day 59]:~  Sometimes

I tried my best to make the schedule workout. I had planned this shoot from awhile back and thus, it was hard to move especially since they were coming from Japan and had a tight schedule. Sadly, I had to miss the CIF Finals game. I was hoping that my absence would be the lucky charm they would need to pull out the win, but sadly, they fell short. Sometimes things don't work out, but you have to give your full effort to at least know, you did everything you could. As I watched the girls, they battled back down from a 0-7 deficit, close it down to three points in the fourth. Unfortunately, they fell short, but they battled hard. It was an impressive stretch for these ladies, as this was their third final in four years. I wish that the third time was a charm, but it's truly impressive just to be here. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, it's just how life is. While saddened by the fact that they lost, I refocused on the shoot as I captured these various moments from this rehearsal of Chibi Unity. It's always great to work with them as they are so welcoming, although it would be better if I spoke more Japanese. I ended up with a small group that headed to a studio after as we shot into the evening. It was fun to work with them and it helped ease the pain of the loss. As I looked at the results of the shoot, I was overjoyed and truly grateful that despite one thing not working out, I still had this great opportunity I could experience. I wish that everything could work out in our favor, but that's just not reality. We hope for perfection, but we have to understand that sometimes things just don't work out and that's just a fact of life. I hope that while I wish you find success in everything you do, I hope you can make those moments when it doesn't workout into another opportunity.

~:[CH14 - Day 58]:~ Getting on Track

 
~:[CH14 - Day 58]:~  Getting on Track

It's always tough to get use to the routine of a track meet, especially for new athletes. From setting up, to moving blocks and hurdles and cleaning up, it's quite the challenge. Even getting them to know when to warm up and making sure they get to their races is a chore, but we survived today. I did sent a little message to my athletes to make sure that they did their part, as many of my sophomores were taking on the brunt of the work today, but I already know that today's meet is always a rough start, trying to teach them how the meets are run and what our responsibilities are. It's a training meet, not for the marks and times, but more for roles, responsibilities, and just understanding how it all works. In the end, it was dark by the time I locked the final gates and drove off campus, but I was happy with how a lot of the events turned out. There were some surprises, while I also realized that I had some holes that I needed to fill. We'll figure it all out soon, however, for now, I'm going to bed. It's time to rest for the very busy weekend ahead. 

~:[CH14 - Day 57]:~ Letter of the Law

 
~:[CH14 - Day 57]:~  Letter of the Law

It's always a little stressful the day before the Black & Gold Meet. My mind goes over what I need to take care of and there is almost always something I forget to do. While my classes kept me occupied, I still went through the checklist of things I needed. In one of my classes, we were doing presentations on landmark Supreme Court cases. It was interesting to see them present their cases in their own way, but sometimes it leaves question marks in your mind of, "what were they thinking?" Still yet, it's nice that they put in the effort to think of something to make their presentation creative and umm, memorable. I think that this unit is one of the most important for them as they dive into their rights and the restrictions give to those who govern. With each case, we discuss their thoughts and it's interesting to hear what they think, as they express their thoughts and provide their concerns. I think it connects with them more, as some of these cases connect to experiences we are currently facing, as we can see that the constitutionality of some decisions may come into question in the near future. As we wrap up these presentations, I hope that these seniors will look at these cases and understand their rights and know how to take action when they feel like they've been wrong. Knowing the letter of the law is an important thing; something I feel that many do not know. In these trying times, I hope we pay attention to the law of this land and know our rights as well, as this knowledge may be invaluable when the time comes. We don't know what's ahead, but we can prepare and be ready for what's to come.

~:[CH14 - Day 56]:~ The Final Stretch

 
~:[CH14 - Day 56]:~ The Final Stretch

It's always a little strange to be on campus so late, but I guess I'm a little used to it. The quiet and tranquil environment outside is different than the campus on a normal day. As we approach the final stretch before Nationals, we gathered for our final evening as they each gave their final speech. You can sense the excitement as we prepare to go, but also a bit of anxiousness knowing they only have a little bit longer to prepare. It's natural. We always over prepare them so once the trip begins, they don't have to worry too much about the conference. I always wondering how things will work out as I begin to worry about this and that. My greatest stressor is always this final meeting, hoping I didn't forget anything, which is usually brought up when I meet with the parents. As I closed out the meeting, it felt like everything was lined up, but only time will tell if that's the case. How we perform at the conference is always up in the air, but at least we know that we made an effort to do as much prep as we could and now they just have to put it into action. When you reach that final stretch, the determination to cross that line becomes more evident, but that final stretch seems to be the toughest. As I inch closer, I look forward to the weight of it all being lifted, but for now, I will dig in my heels and focus in on reaching the end. How do you feel in this final stretch and the moment you finally reach that finish line?

~:[CH14 - Day 55]:~ Just Weight

 
~:[CH14 - Day 55]:~ Just Weight

Mondays can be kind of rough, but this week might have been a little rougher with so many things lined up this week. From grills to photoshoots, meets and more, it was a packed week. Sadly, my overlapped schedule didn't quite mesh and I spent most of the day trying to get it all to fit together. By day's end, it didn't. Although it didn't work out, I kept my focus and wrapped up the day nicely, as my athletes hit the weight room. It was nice to take my focus off of parts of the day that didn't quite pan out. Life isn't always going to work out. Sometimes things go smoothly, while at other times, you're fumbling just to figure out how to best fit everything. At the end of the day, decisions must be made and you just have to live with how things turned out. We all wish that everything could just fall into place, but when it doesn't, don't worry and allow the weight of all the stress and worry go. Don't hide from what you cannot control, but rather, just focus on what you can control. I'll be cheering from afar from Friday as I keep my commitment I made on that day and as sad as I am, I also have adopted the mentality of, it's out of my control.

~:[CH14 - Day 54]:~ A Greater Purpose

 
~:[CH14 - Day 54]:~ A Greater Purpose

I woke up early for my class online with my Japanese tutor on a day filled with nothing more than a to-do list. I was actually excited to do nothing and allow myself to think about the weeks ahead. I quickly worked my way through my workload and then found some time to rest. As I did, I caught a few episodes of a drama and there was a quote from it that really made me think about what our purpose is. We are such a goal-oriented society as we try to achieve this and that, but are we overcomplicating it? In the drama, the character is studying for an exam, but the other character is confused because this man has no reason to study for this exam, as he wouldn't be applying for a job. However, the character had a greater purpose for doing so, he said, its fun to become a better person every day (as he scored higher today than he did yesterday). Simple as that. Sometimes we find ourselves doing something aimlessly. Some may view it as a waste of time as what we're doing won't take us anywhere. Sometimes our progress is so minute that others don't notice or even you, yourself can't recognize the progress. At other times, we are so focused on the goal, that when we fall short, it can shatter us because of what we invested. Of course, maybe the purpose of life is much more simple that we could have imagined. I hope that while the demands and strains of life are often overwhelming, we can focus in and work on improving ourselves just a little more each and every day. Even when we face a setback, let's earn from it and learn how to react and keep ourselves moving forward. In this drama, his score was terrible, but simply answering one more question correctly brought him joy, so let's do the same with our own lives. Let's celebrate the small victories and appreciate that we are in the process of working on ourselves, even when the direction we are going is unclear. As I struggle remembering this and that from my Japanese class, I often become frustrated knowing that I want to be able to communicate more clearly and often with my friends and clients in Japan, however, I also remember to celebrate when I am able to use another word or phrase or become overjoyed when I find the right words to use in a given situation. I may not be fluent, but I'll focus in on these miniature steps, knowing that I am learning and growing. If you never become a master at your craft, then at least aim to improve yourself, learn and grow, and above all else, keep working on making yourself a better person, as when you do so, the world around you also improves alongside you. 

~:[CH14 - Day 53]:~ Don't Count Yourself Out

 
~:[CH14 - Day 53]:~ Don't Count Yourself Out

There's no doubt, life is full of disappointments. Last year at the CIF Finals, I know that the results of the game were not what they wanted. Similarly, every year in MUN, many of my students face an uphill climb as they are overwhelmed by the challenge in front of them. A handful of them leave, but often times, the ones who decide to stay end up excelling once they begin to see what they're capable of. We're all capable. We may not get to the highest levels of our expertise, but we often will exceed our expectations when we trust ourselves and do the work. For a few students, I saw ones who weren't really engaged at first, find their breakthrough and rise to a level they never thought possible. Some overcoming some of their greatest obstacles in life and finding a way to overcome them. Some who struggled in one area or another, find success elsewhere or even in the area they struggled. For the girls basketball team, it was one step closer to facing up to their disappointment from last year and doing something incredible, visiting the finals in back-to-back years - one of the toughest feats. For my MUN students, it was demonstrating that when you are persistent and you trust the process, you'll find your way. While I know there is still work left to do, I was proud of so many who excelled, who broke through, and who overcame. As much time as I spend on campus and invest, these are the moments that show the ROI that make it worth it. The smiles, the joy, and the overflowing sense of accomplishments are things that cannot be bought, they must be earned. Time and energy plus determination and grit will help you get back up when you've felt defeated to rise up and stand to battle another grueling day. Life is full of disappointments, but the sun is just waiting to light your path and show you that great moments await you. Don't give up, don't back down, and never count yourself out.

~:[CH14 - Day 52]:~ Treasures Untold

 
~:[CH14 - Day 52]:~ Treasures Untold

I opened a package from my friend and out popped this wonderful treasure. I have this strange habit of collecting things and one of the things I have a collection of is cards. I actually dislike the process of trying to sort through and figure out what these cards are worth, still  yet, I love the process of collecting and the exciting of the possibilities. In the end, many of the cards will be worth little, but even if their value isn't high, the memories created in the process will be priceless. As I look at this card, I am reminded of the moment I spent with my friend over dinner, as we talked about this and other cards, I really just liked the illustration and though, it would be cool to own a fairly good quality one of these. Sure enough, my friend sent me one. Part of me was happy about the card, but mostly, I was just happy to have another connection to Japan and my friends there. As Ariel in the Little Mermaid talked about her cavern and all the things that were there, my true cavern of treasures are the memories I've stored away throughout my life. Much like she realizes, material objects have their limitations of the joy they can bring, but the true treasures in life are being part of the world of the amazing people that surround you. The laughs, the adventures, and the moments up in the sun are all things that will be the most valuable of all the treasures that life can provide. Take a look at your life and see the cavern that you've gathered all of your "things." Are they truly the treasures you've been searching for or is it time to change your ways and discover the treasures you've been missing all along. To my wonderful friend who sent me this, I am not thanking you for the card itself, but with the many memories that accompany it  that I will truly treasure for the rest of my life. 

~:[CH14 - Day 51]:~ Let it Glow

 
~:[CH14 - Day 51]:~ Let it Glow

The sun was about to set and it casted a glow around my athletes. After a solid workout and a long day of school, we called it a day. Life is exhausting, but it's also rewarding. As we closed out our day, I know that these five can go home knowing that they grew a lot, working hard through their fatigue and pushing to improve themselves. They often say that people had a "glow up." In my eyes, these glow ups aren't about looks, but about confidence. These students learn and grow, they become more independent and learn that they could do things they didn't realize they could. That realization is the moment of their true glow up. As while it could have been easy for them to throw up their hands and just sneak home afterschool, they stuck around and found a way to improve themselves even more. Together, these five and a bunch more took another step towards their goals and if they keep working at it, they continue to glow as they travel down that road of life. 

~:[CH14 - Day 50]:~ Miles & Miles of Smiles

 
~:[CH14 - Day 50]:~ Miles & Miles of Smiles

It was a last minute decision. Just an hour before, we decided to head out to the game and drive all those miles to watch the girls quarterfinal game in Ridgecrest. I reminisced as we took our old path to Mammoth, as we soared over the rolling hills of the 395. We missed most of the traffic and got there in decent time, but still spent three hours on the road getting to the game. At first, we wondered if it would be worth it, as the girls went down 7-0 early, but they clawed their way back to 11-13, before going down 10 again, cutting it back to four and finally taking back the lead in the second half of the 4th quarter and pulled away for the win. They didn't have a great offensive game, but their defenses came up big, putting up the pressure, forcing turnovers, and not allowing the team to be comfortable, especially in the second half. I was a bit worried knowing the long trek home. It would be a tough road home had this been the last game, but the team pulled away and went home with huge smiles as they trekked home across those 170+ miles. Of course, no matter the outcome, would I have thought the trip was worth it? I probably wouldn't have made the trek if I didn't think otherwise. Decisions are always meant to be made by the outcome, but rather, by the experience you can get in the process. The journey is just as incredible as the ending, if not more so. As I think back to the game, I think of a few moments here and there, but I could probably name more things about the drive there. It's a bit strange, but I think in life, we may sometimes forget the outcome of something, but will remember our experiences, our interactions, and our feelings and emotions. We'll remember those miles and miles that we traveled and the many stories that were created along that trail. I'm glad that the lady Dons pulled this one out, but I know that either way, I would be happy to have had experienced this all and see their battle and fight as they tried to move onto the semifinals. It's easy to give up when you think something is a lost cause or the journey is too difficult for the possible ending, however, sometimes we need to see that the journey is not what we take to accomplish our goals, but rather, the journey becomes what we truly accomplish, as we find many successes and lessons along the way. Don't just take a journey to reach something you hope to accomplish, bur rather take that journey knowing the miles and miles of smiles you'll gain along the way. Congratulations lady Dons!

~:[CH14 - Day 49]:~ A Choir of Voices

 
~:[CH14 - Day 49]:~ A Choir of Voices

There's something majestic about a choir singing. As you hear the voices blend together, it creates a beautiful sound that sends shivers through you body. You feel inspired and motived, but the question is, "why?" Today, we heard two speakers for the Day of Remembrances who talked about their experiences in the camps during World War II. They talked about how they were forcibly put behind barbed wire, forced to relocate to these camps, impacting the rest of their lives. At that time, not enough voices spoke up for them, as they were taken away as this supposed "threat" was taken away. In a time where many injustices are occurring and many facing discrimination or the potential of it, we must think about the voice we have. During times of oppression and mistreatment, do we have what it takes to speak up and face the oppressors head on, no matter the risks involved? What would it take for us to step up and stop this injustice, no matter how "popular" this action may be? For many, they supported these measures or stayed quiet. While they knew their neighbors who were being taken away, not enough people spoke up to stop it from happening. There was no choir of voices. History cannot repeat itself. As we live in a time where the chances of these injustices occurring exist, can we be a choir of voices that speak up again the things that challenge our stability, our security, and our standing in this world? Can we raises our voices in unison to allow the world to hear our cries, as we reach out to the ears of those who can help us stop it? Can we act before an entire population of people are mistreated, harassed, or uprooted from their stable and normal lives? Let's be that choir of voices who speak up as we see a number of things that are destructive to our way of life. The challenges ahead will be many, which is why we need a choir of voices to work together, no matter how different they are, to create a beautiful sound that will inspired the world. On the day of remembrance, let's remember these two, who lost everything because not enough voices were heard and let's raises our voices to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. 

~:[CH14 - Day 48]:~ Just Original Enough

 
~:[CH14 - Day 48]:~ Just Original Enough

We can hope for the original, but sometimes, there's just no way. Whether it's lost, a piece is non-replaceable or it simply no longer exists, the original version of something may be out of reach. As we think of our childhood, there are some moments we want to relive, but the reality is, we will never be able to relive a moment or find that treat that you could get at the corner store. That's when we search for something that is just similar enough. Is it the original or as authentic? Probably not. However, does it satisfy its purpose, should be the real question. As my sadness loomed as I craved my favorite ramen from Tokyo, I luckily was able to purchase a box of it while in Japan. Was it as good as the original, definitely not. However, the taste gave me just enough of the delicious flavor as I was taken back to Japan momentarily. In life, we won't always find the original, but let's not simply give up, but do our best to find something that can fill that void as best as possible. From food, to memorabilia, and even loved ones, at some point, we'll find a void in our lives that was left by the loss of something special to us and the question is, can we find a way to fill that void. As while the original may not be available, instead of allowing that void to remain, I hope we can find something that can help us fill that void and become somewhat whole again. I treasured my last ounce of broth before calling it a day and while it wasn't the original, it allowed me to smile and reminisce of the beautiful memories the original produced. 

~:[CH14 - Day 47]:~ Nasubi なすび

 
~:[CH14 - Day 47]:~ Nasubi なすび

It's simple, but delicious. As I think about a Japanese eggplant, I am reminded of my family. Growing up, foods were definitely the first words I learned. Going to a Japanese restaurant now, I can name most of the foods without any help and nasubi is one. As I met with my Japanese tutor in the morning, it was only fitting that I ended up with a Japanese dish for dinner, especially one that is classic for my family. I love how food can make you think back to various memories of the past and how in the future, it will remind you of the precious times you had. It will bring a warmth to your heart and a comfort that will remain even when your loved ones are no longer here. It's a sad thought to process, but also one that is a reality. We all have a limited span in this world, so let's appreciate the small things in life, even if it seems like it's just a side dish as those are the things that may become the most valuable of the cuisines on the table. As I ate my dinner this evening, I smiled just a bit thinking about the past and also making me miss Japan just a bit less. It's been nice to have a few days with a light schedule which allowed me to enjoy the beauty of all the things we sometimes take for granted.

~:[CH14 - Day 46]:~ Setting the Tone

 
~:[CH14 - Day 46]:~ Setting the Tone

In life, if you approach something with the right focus and attitude, your chances of success increase. As the girls have a clear mission, they came out and showed that their first big win was no fluke as they held a large lead the entire game. They came out with a strong defensive presence and the intensity you'd expect during CIF from start to finish. There was no letup, as they were focused and it began from the start, as they set the tone. The team they played was coming off a 30 point win, so we definitely knew it could be a tough battle, but the girls focused in and never let it be. In life, I hope that we enter the challenges we face with the utmost confidence and focus. Many of us may be facing uphill battles in the future and if you enter with the right mindset, your chances for success will be much higher. I know I talk about this a lot, but I do feel that it's the case. Back in college, when I was training another student who never did MUN, I started the conference in a passive fashion, deferring to him, as I gave him the chance to get experience. The result was finding it difficult to get myself engaged as much as I needed to be. I took that as a life lesson that I really need to be focused and engaged as I enter any situation to heed the best results. Every time I have something coming up, I think about the plan A, B, and C, and also how I want to approach the situation. Although, sometimes it may lead to overthinking, often times, it means that I start off on the right foot and can ride the momentum to the end. Tonight, the girls did just that and pushed themselves forward to a quarterfinals matchup in Ridgecrest against Burroughs. It will be quite the trek out there, but with the right focus, they can find success again. Congrats and best of luck next week!

~:[CH14 - Day 45]:~ From the Heart

 
~:[CH14 - Day 45]:~ From the Heart

Since freshman year, one of my students has always been brave enough to stand up and give a speech in front of the class. Without thinking, I called him up and asked, would you like to give a speech on this Valentines Day? He did. He gave a heartfelt speech which talked about the many different types of love and the fact that you should make sure that you show your love to those around you, as you do not know how long you'll be able to do that for. With seniors in the classroom, he talked about how they would be going off to college and moving on with their lives, leaving behind the daily interactions they typically had. He emphasized how now is their chance to share that love with them. Today is not just about a day of love for couples, but a day for love for everyone. To share you love with those around you, giving them a piece of your heart for all the efforts they've made to be apart of your life. Tonight, I got to spend time with my family including my niece and nephew and enjoyed the quality time we got to spend together. While I was a bit tired and laid down part of the time as they played, it still will be special moments I hold dear to my heart. Even more dear was seeing them interact with my parents, as the love and connection they have with each other are precious moments, especially as you get older. In the end, I put aside things I needed to do and just enjoyed the evening, relaxed and rested. I hope that each of you had the opportunity to share your love with those around you, whether a significant other, family, or friends. Each of these moments we share are special and I am grateful for each moment I've been able to share with you. Happy Valentines Day!

~:[CH14 - Day 44]:~ Truly Sweet

 
~:[CH14 - Day 44]:~ Truly Sweet

It rained all day. At points, it came down hard. I was planning to go to the girls game, but with my schedule not allowing me to catch the bus, I decided not to drive out there due to the weather. Luckily, they won. Instead I focused in and got some work done. I cleaned up a bit, sorted through a stack of things I needed to do, prepped for our simulation tomorrow and got things together for next week's conference. Surprisingly, I finished everything I wanted to wrap up and even got a few other things taken care of. As I sorted through a few things, I opened up one of the gifts that my friend had given me. I received a lot of gifts during this trip from colleagues and friends. One of my friends gave me these beautiful chocolates, which were amazing to simply look at, let alone eat. As I sorted through the things I received, I was truly appreciative of the thought that went into each gift. They remembered things about me, which made me feel grateful, as it shows their attention to detail. In the end, I miss the time I had shared with everyone even though I was working long hours, as even during the time I was working, it still felt refreshing. As I wrapped up my work at home, I felt a similar satisfaction. The sweetness of life isn't contained in a single frame in your life. A precious moment in your life lasts long beyond its frame. Pass on the sweetness to others and you will help them find moments to bring a smile to their face in the present and in the future as well. Especially in difficult times, take some time to find that sweetness and pass it on, as we'll all need it at some point in our lives. 

~:[CH14 - Day 43]:~ The Ideal Length

 
~:[CH14 - Day 43]:~ The Ideal Length

It always is the longest day when you go back in time. From the time that I awoke until the time that I am going to sleep spanned 35 hours. While I did take a nap on the way home, it still can be a grueling day, although fatigue didn't fill my body. As I got back into rhythm, the day itself went smoothly as I was happy to get back on track. Of course, the length of the day was not ideal. Later that evening, I headed to El Toro for our first round matchup. I was most excited to be back for this game. We got off to a good start, but fell behind a bit in a fairly close game throughout. As they pulled away slightly, I knew that we needed to refocus and get things together. We made a run and made it into a two possession game, before they hit a few shots and you could finally sense that this might be the end. It was a game where we missed the shots that they hit and sometimes, that's how the game of basketball goes. It wasn't ideal to finish in the first round, especially after sensing the magic of last year's run, however, the question to me was, what is the ideal length for anything in our lives. If something ended up being too long, did we work too much? If we ended up falling short in the first round, was it a disappointment? If we're somewhere in the middle, how do we evaluate that? There is no length of time that is ideal. In our lifetime, we never know how long we have, thus looking at the ideal age to live until may be time wasted, rather than making the most of the time that we have. While it would be great to control the length of time within our lives, since it's often out of our control, let's focus on making each of the moments within that time great. As it's easy to allow time to pass us by when we're too worried about things which we cannot control. Appreciate the time we have and treasure every moment of it. Congrats to the boys on a wonderful season and to the seniors, a wonderful career.

~:[CH14 - Day 42]:~ The Calm Admist the Winds

 

~:[CH14 - Day 42]:~ The Calm Admist the Winds

It was cold and windy as storms believed around Japan, but not directly within Tokyo. Still yet, it was cold. I met my friend in Ueno and we chatted for a bit. As we chatted about some work stuff, a young man walked up to us trying to sell us a Polaroid. It took awhile, bit we finally struck a deal and he took it. While the cold was bone-chilling, there was a bit of calmness that radiated around us as we enjoyed the day. We ended up wrapping up a bit early due to the weather, but it was nice to find some time together and to capture this memory in a physical form. Storms will come and go, but if you look around, you can find that calm that hides within the storm that surrounds you. As I wrapped up my final few meetings, I am saddened knowing that I will go home, however, I will cherish the connections I made and the memories I've tucked away. As the winds continued to swirl around me, I left unbothered, as I find the solace I've been searching for.

~:[CH14 - Day 41]:~ Adding Something Sweet

 
~:[CH14 - Day 41]:~ Adding Something Sweet

In between the hustle and bustle of the day, I was able to meet my friend for lunch after a morning edit session. I quickly took the train to Omotosando and walked around the cafes and fancy shops before passing to the outskirts of Harajuku. I avoided the crazy touristy areas and ate at a Teppanyaki spot that was delicious and relatively inexpensive. We ventured to a cool little coffee shop in a little marketplace which was the perfect way to make the day even better. Their extra "shot" added some sweetness as it was a honey ginger extract that made the drink sweeter and perfectly to my tastes. While I had to head back to work, it was a good way to clear my mind and help me relax before getting back to the grind. Take a quick break when you can. Even when it's inconvenient, it could be worth the extra effort and add that sweetest you need on a bitter day. 

~:[CH14 - Day 40]:~ Healing Properties

~:[CH14 - Day 39]:~ Healing Properties 

My body was sore and even starting to cramps up. After my friend styled my hair in the morning, I walked along the river where in just over a month, it will be overflowing with cherry blossom. It was a leisurely walk, but a long one. I stopped off at the Starbucks Reserve before heading to Akhibara for a little browsing. On my search for Pokemon cards, I walked up and down stairs, adding to my fatigue. When you're tired, just keep walking, right? My walk to my meeting was not the smartest choice as my body was exhausted. However, I enjoyed a nice reunion with my friend, which provided all the healing I needed. After a nice chat, we headed our separate ways, but it's always nice to find those who have those healing properties that seem to mend you from the obstacles of life. Find those people who help you find that comfort and can find a way to help you recover from a long exhausting day. For each of us, that type of person is different, but when you find them, you'll just know. Hang on to them for dear life, as they truly are the fountain of youth who will keep your revived through the challenges of life.

 

~:[CH14 - Day 39]:~ You Rock

~:[CH14 - Day 39]:~ You Rock

It was exhausting to have two meetings in one day, however, it's a lot easier to do when you're working with people who rock. I enjoyed my afternoon meeting before spending the day at Shin-Okubo. It's always a great place to visit, but not as great when it's crowded. Still yet, it was great to enjoy the vibe and enjoy a great meal. I quickly gathered my equipment and headed to my next meeting. I brought a dragon for this shoot. It was quite the challenge to pack it, but it ended up being a fun prop and made the day much better. When you're surrounded by people with good spirits, it can help make the day even more amazing. I'm glad that I enjoyed good company and also glad that I won't have to carry this guy home. In the end, today helped me to appreciate all the people in my life who rock! Treasure them!

 

~:[CH14 - Day 38]:~ Morning Perspectives

 

~:[CH14 - Day 38]:~ Morning Perspectives 

Something caught my eye. Was it the sign or the way the shadows appeared from it. Some would prefer a modern version of this sign, while others prefer the one shown. Our attitude and perspectives are shown even if they are not spoken. Must like the shadow cast on this wall, people will perceived us by the shadows we cast through our words and actions. I strangely thought about each shadows as I enjoyed the morning walk through Shinjuku Gyoen before a long day of meetings. The way the shadows are cast will change with the time of day and the angle. However, in life, I hope we find people who appreciate who we are and not a shadows of us. I also hope I can find people who appreciate me in my winter, just as much as they did during my spring. Be aware of the shadows you cast, but more importantly, be mindful of the company you keep, who will always see you as you are.

~:[CH14 - Day 37]:~ Moments to Reflect

 

~:[CH14 - Day 37]:~ Moments to Reflect

It was an anniversary vinyl I came across while walking through Tower Records. I thought it was cool, so I picked it up. I took care of odds and ends today during a day where I got to clear my kind and reflect on the past. I thought, if I were to look at the last yen years of my life, what would I highlight and what would I want to change? I think there were things I would want to do differently, but instead of going back, I would focus my efforts on changing what I can ahead, as often there is little that can be done with what already has passed. Everytime you reach a milestone in your life or even just a random day when time permits, take the time to reflect and work on  yourself as we can always use an opportunity to keep improving ourselves. Just like the vinyl, sometimes, we'll revisit some things of the past while still processing into the future.

~:[CH14 - Day 36]:~ Going with the Flow

 
~:[CH14 - Day 36]:~ Going with the Flow

It was a bit chaotic today. Trying to prep for our Open House Showcase while catching up and preparing for the week ahead was not ideal. However, I pieced together my lesson plans, assembled my meeting presentations, and wrapped everything up on my list. I prepared everything I had hoped to prepare and was amazed at how stress-free the process was, which is a bit worrisome. Regardless, I'll just go with the flow and hope all is well. I'll soon discover what I forgot to do, but for the time being, I'm content. I wrapped up the school day with a nice workout before the rain, as we found a few new solid athletes added to the mix. I checked once and then twice and called it a day, prepping for my early rise tomorrow. It will be something to look forward to for next week when I return and go full force with MUN, track and CIF on slate. Much like this entry, my day was quite scattered, but somehow, it came all together. Even on chaotic days, go with the flow, try not to stress out, and you may just find yourself coasting towards the finish line. 

~:[CH14 - Day 35]:~ Power vs Humanity

 
~:[CH14 - Day 35]:~ Power vs Humanity

I look up to the sky and wonder why. As I think of the Black Eyed Peas song, I wonder if we truly see the problems we are facing. "if you only have love for your own race, then you only leave space to discriminate, and to discriminate only generates hate ..." I wondering what the days ahead hold. As I closed out the night to a classroom of students who stayed late into the night preparing for our conference in one month, I was once again proud at where they've come. They see the world, they see it's problems, and no matter their beliefs, I truly feel that they have the best interests of others on their mind. The question is, when it comes to having power versus showing humanity, which path will we all choose? Will we celebrate our victory when it means that we stomp on those who are less powerful than us? Will we gloat when we get what we were aiming to accomplish? Will our vision become like a tunnel, seeing and hearing only what we want to see and hear? There's been so much to uncover over the past month and I truly wonder what is going on in this world. There are those who are power-hungry, those who are powerless, those who are afraid, and those who remain inactive, hoping for the storm to pass on by. However, there comes a point when you realize that unless action is taken, a storm will not pass. As much as we want "our way," I hope that the people in this country and the world find themselves searching what is best for humanity. The past month has made me feel as I am watching a man at a table moving around three cups asking me which cup has the ball. Watching magicians, you know that there is an element of distraction and a sleight of hand. What am I looking at? Where should my focus be? Inside, my soul is raging with anger and frustration, as I wonder what I can do, as slowly, the rights and respect of many is slowly disappearing. Those who are gaining power or getting what they want care very little about it, while those who are subjected to this cruelty are suffering. Appeasement has been one of the things that provided to the most fuel to one of the darkest moments in history and I only fear that we are seeing the same unfold before our eyes. Are we going to sit back and watch or are we going to step up to show some humanity. As I teach about Gandhi and character, I wonder, when the challenge of life become to great, can we still be the person we envisioned ourself to be or will we find the path of less resistance even if that means stepping on the backs of the powerless. We will all have a lot of soul-searching to do and the question is, will we stand up when we see the things we hold sacred and the things we believe in, being destroyed before our eyes. I hope we can all find the courage on the road ahead to put aside our comfort, to put aside our ambitions, and truly demonstration compassion, love, and empathy. We may not agree with the lifestyles of others, we may not have the same political or religious beliefs, but I hope we can agree that there is a line that cannot be crossed to maintain respect, civility, and order. Too many people have bowed down in fear of the repercussions of what may happen to them and others are unable to speak up, because they feel powerless, but the only way we can protect what is precious to us, is if we have the courage to stand up and protect it. When watching a TV show, my blood boils when I see a bully who gets their way or those with power rising above the rule of law, and thus, my heart, mind, and soul are uneasy. However, we're arriving at a point of no return and I feel that it's time we need to begin to look at what we need to do before it's too late.

~:[CH14 - Day 34]:~ In a Daze

 
~:[CH14 - Day 34]:~ In a Daze

It was about 4am by the time I rolled into my driveway. In just a few hours, I would be waking up and heading to school. Most people said I should take a day off, but I tend to be used to this type of turnaround. I headed off to class and strangely felt wide awake. I was pretty efficient in the classroom as I graded and pushed my way through each class period. Of course, as I looked up to the blue skies, I smiled. Although it was a bit chillier than I had hoped, it was nice to see the sky again, after a few days of being in a storm. I think you appreciate things more when there is an absence of it. I know that the seniors may have felt that the nine days together was quite long, however, I think over time, they'll miss the many moments we had together and the great memories we shared. Much like each passing day, there are moments that we may miss that will end up being special memories we will never forget. Together, as I taught my lesson on cryptos, the stock market and the impacts of tariffs, I had an exchange student from Taiwan who sat in. Eventually, he came to the front to introduce himself, with a wonderful smile that I'll remember. It was great to see the students interact with him and be so welcoming to him. Later that day, I reconnect with my athletes, as we headed out on our run. Everyone seemed to need to adjust a bit. It was nice to reconnect and since they were shooting a small film on our team, it was great to have a few more moments to connect with the team and create new memories. In the end, I was a bit dazed as I did my laundry and prepared for the next few days ahead. My body was moving, but my mind still was half asleep, still yet, I will not forget some of these smaller moments that I experienced today, much like there will be many moments these seniors will take with them. It will be a hard week to survive with a load of tasks to complete, but I'll do my best to focus in, motivated by the wonderful memories of this past week that have lifted my spirits and rejuvenated me for the path ahead. I looked up one more time to the sky as it transitioned from a cotton candy pink to a fiery red, both of which left an impression on me. As it closes in on 24 hours since I've been home, I know that I will rest well tonight and will do so with a smile, as all the wonderful memories will flow through my mind. I will gladly say, good night ya'll!

~:[CH14 - Day 33]:~ Plow on Through

 
~:[CH14 - Day 33]:~ Plow on Through

I woke up to this. It was beautiful, but it made me worry. I knew that this snowstorm could possible derail our trip home and it almost did. As we wrapped up our final day, the seniors messaged me asking what they should do while the crisis were going on. Typically, most of the substance is covered the first two days and the third day can be a crapshoot. Regardless, they did what they could to stay on task and wrapped up the conference well. With everyone doing pretty well, I knew that would all have a good shot at receiving an award, even when they only give out 4-6 awards per committee with some being as large as 160 delegations. We ended up with four awards. I know a few of them were disappointed, but at the same time, I always remind them that, when things don't work out, they should just keep moving forward and aim for a new target. Much like the snow can provide an obstacle, in life, we need to learn to plow right on through that snow and clear a new path for us to travel. It won't be easy, much like walking through the puddles or ice that develop after a snowstorm, but if we persevere, we'll find a path on which we can proceed forward. My fears became a reality as our flight was delayed and our estimated time of arrival back to LAX hovered around 3am. Regardless, we were able to board the plane and head home. It wasn't the schedule I hoped for, but in the end, we were able to head towards our final destination. The beauty of the snowstorm kept me in my room longer than anticipated in the morning. I was mesmerized by the beautiful falling snow that greeting us on our final day. As while the beauty of life can capture our attention, always prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and remind yourself that you can overcome anything in your path. Even when you only have a shovel in your hand, take your time and do what you can so that eventually, you find your way. Farewell Vancouver, we'll miss you.

~:[CH14 - Day 32]:~ When Life Boils Over

 

~:[CH14 - Day 32]:~ When Life Boils Over

Conferences can get tough. I was receiving messages from those at HB talking about their committees, while I watched our delegates face the ups and downs of committee back here in Vancouver. Part of being an advisor is managing their emotions especially when it reaches that boiling point. Luckily, we didn't have a situation where it got to that point, still yet, we had to deal with managing a few things here and there. Watching them learn to address these changing dynamics and figuring out the solutions you their problems are life lessons that they'll carry with them for life. Sure they're learning about pressing international issues, but more importantly, they're gaining skills they can use, especially when life boils over. We reconvened together  and enjoyed a delicious team dinner as we celebrated the end of a very long trip. It's been exhausting, but I know that each of us learned and each of us created memories that will last us a lifetime. The pots that were once full with the broth fully boiling had been reduced to a simmer as we similarly enjoyed a calm night of packing after a packed week. Life will have a range of emotions and conditions, but if we manage it right, we can enjoy the calm together at the end of it all.