~:[CH15 - Day 242]:~ My "Off" Day

 

~:[CH15 - Day 242]:~ My "Off" Day

Today was my first day off in August. Whether work, media, or traveling, today was the first and only day without anything scheduled. Of course, my "off" days are typically catch up days as I frantically sprint to keep up. I had a long of sprinting to do. I caught up a bit with my morning lesson, they got to work on the media I had to catch up on. There is a lot of work to do, but luckily, I made my way through the piles of work pretty well today. While I didn't finish everything I wanted to do today, it felt nice to lay down a bit as I worked or catch up on a few shows while multitasking. There is a lot of work ahead this week, but I also look forward to crossing the finish line on Saturday when I'll find a little weight taken off my shoulders. September is just as busy as August was, so I know I'll try enjoy my off day later in the moth, but I think when these types of days are limited, you truly learn to appreciate them and make the most use out of the time you're given. 

~:[CH15 - Day 241:~ Blessed Union of Souls

 
~:[CH15 - Day 241:~ Blessed Union of Souls

Do you remember the group, Blessed Union of Souls? I'm not sure why I thought of the group when I thought of today, but it truly was a day where two people were united as one - marriage. Today, I had a role for the first time, wedding coordinator. I was in charge of coordinating the wedding on the day of. I didn't do too much prior to the wedding, but when it came down to the day, it was my day to manage the event from start to finish. I was asked to do this since someone already knew how many events I ran and how I am able to keep things organized and on time. The reality is, at times, I was a little clueless, but I figured it out and by night's end, everything ran efficiently and we even finished early. It was truly a blessing to be able to do this as I learned a lot in the process and connected with a few people while fulfilling my duties. I am not planning on taking on this task anytime soon, if ever, however, I am glad for the experience. I have always been someone who is open to trying new things and today was a reminder that doing so, isn't that bad. I unlocked a new skill this weekend. I think of myself as a jack of all trades, but a master at none. Even though I may not be top tier in any one thing, I am glad that I have a wide range of skills that are useful in life. As the night closed out, it was great to see the smiles on the faces of all those in attendance, as they celebrated the union of these two beautiful souls. I truly enjoyed the experience of being the day of coordinator, but I'll also be happy to be able to sit down and rest a little tonight and tomorrow after a long day's work. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

~:[CH15 - Day 240:~ It Is What It Is

 

~:[CH15 - Day 240:~ It Is What It Is

Sometimes in life, things don't work out as planned. It is what it is. What you can we do about it? We can improve ourselves to help us get on top of everything for a better result next time, however, for now, there isn't much more that can be done. Life itself throws us all kinds of curve balls. The pendulum has been swinging as there are good days and no so good days, but for the most part, we just have to deal with any given situation. No matter how things turned out today, there isn't much we can do about it today. However, we can begin preparing ourselves to avoid just accepting what is suppose to happen and use this opportunity to prepare ourselves when the opportunity arises. At the end of the game, the scoreboard read 3-7, as we fell short while they scored in the final minute of play, however, it is what it is. While we cannot change the outcome of this game, if we have the right mindset, we'll be prepared no matter what condition life throws at us. 

~:[CH15 - Day 239:~ A Little Resistance

 

~:[CH15 - Day 239]:~ A Little Resistance

These past few days have been quite the challenge as the schedule keeps needing to be adjusted. The hot weather is draining especially since it's been hot for a stretch. Of course, these kinds of challenges makes us stronger. Once again, we met at 6pm, but this time, we went up against the famed Brookhaven loop. The athletes got their Thursday strength workout as they battled up the overpasses to build some strength. In life, we often try to find the easiest path possible to our goals. However, when we see resistance in our lives, it actually makes us better prepared for what's ahead in life. The hills make the flat seem easy and those challenging days will help build your will power and ability to adapt to various situations. While we don't always want to be under a storm cloud, building some resistance is useful to help make us into resilient people in the future. 

~:[CH15 - Day 238]:~ It Makes Cents

~:[CH15 - Day 238]:~ It Makes Cents

My favorite project of the year is the one that kicks it off. My seniors dive into economics by applying for a job and then budgeting for their family. It's fun to see them figure out where they can live and to decide what they need versus what they want. It's always intriguing to see what they value in. These views change over time as I've seen these student change their focus on what is important. It's definitely important for these students to understand the value of money, but also time, as they begin their path into their future careers. There will still be a lot to learn as they head forward, but at least I know they'll have greater appreciation for their parents as they'll understand the challenges of preparing for life. 
 

~:[CH15 - Day 237]:~ Beating the Heat

 

~:[CH15 - Day 237]:~ Beating the Heat

A number of things have made this week difficult, but the weather topped the list. As the start of the year has been busy, it becomes even more exhausting when the sun is beating down on you. I typically don't leave my room during the day, so I avoid it until my break before cross country. With regular practice canceled all week, on our two harder workouts, we planned to meet a bit later. We definitely found cooler temperatures, but we also ran out of daylight as I stayed until 8:30pm. It was nice to run in the cooler weather and great to see the athletes not be bothered much by the weather, but still yet, it was exhausting to have such a long day especially with so much on my plate right now. Of course, you can't control everything, so you have to plan and figure out what to do to overcome these challenges. Sometimes, it's impossible, but no matter what, you try to find  away. We were rewarded with a beautiful sunset as practice wrapped up and I only hope that there is something beautiful at the end of all of our journeys.

~:[CH15 - Day 236]:~ The Most Precious Moments

 
~:[CH15 - Day 236]:~ The Most Precious Moments

It was a good idea. My cousin showed me the ad and so I sent a message out to our family. My cousins and my parents decided to join in. It was great. As we walked in, I captured this moment of them walking in. I thought a millions things from "what a shot" to appreciating the time we have together. I am a busy person, but I am glad that I was able to enjoy some time together as we watched the game. The Angels lost, but we got our jersey. It was hot, but it was nice to hang out with my parents and cousins. The wins and loses will come and go, but spending precious time together may one day vanish. Treasure these opportunities and moments as you never know when your last chance will be. Towards the end of the game, a player threw a ball into the stands. With a camera in one hand, I tried to catch it with a backhanded left hand, but of course, I lost it, it bounced off my cousin and into the crowd behind me. I was bummed I wasn't going home with a ball, but looking back, there were still many great memories that will become part of my life's precious memories. 

~:[CH15 - Day 235]:~ No Matter How You Spin It

 
~:[CH15 - Day 235]:~ No Matter How You Spin It

Another hot day; another long day; another amazing day. It was truly a fun-filled day as I captured the performances, this time ready for the lighting on stage. My fingers were adjusting well to the lighting and the pictures came out as I hoped, unlike yesterday. I guess experience does help a lot as I learned how to address the changing lights. Things ran smoothly except for the fact that I left my portable at home. I quickly went home to grab it and headed to the final event of the weekend. It definitely was different than expected, but it was amazing. It was fun to hear everyone DJing and exciting to watch all the attendees energized, doing their thing. I was bouncing around while taking photos and may have jumped in had I know the dances they were doing. I didn't, but maybe I should have. Regardless, by night's end, I realized that I truly made some connections that seem like they'll be lasting and made a few connections that I'll see where they go. No matter what though, this weekend was fun-filled and fruitful. Sometimes in the middle of an event I ask myself, "was this really worth it?" This weekend, there is no doubt that I would say yes, even though my mind and body may disagree and need a lot of rest this weekend. No matter how much energy you exude, however, when things are going well, you're willing to let it all out and do your thing on the turntables of life. Looking back, I am so grateful for this weekend and glad I committed to it all, as when tomorrow comes, I'll still be living in a dream as I sort through all the wonderful memories.

~:[CH15 - Day 234]:~ No Time to Spare

 
~:[CH15 - Day 234]:~ No Time to Spare

Yurimaru tossed the last ball down the lane and pinsetter turned off, closing out the day. It was a long day, but a fun-filled one. I actually started the evening at the bowling alley off with two strikes. It was a great start to the evening on a day that already went fairly well. In the morning, things panned out fairly well despite the sweltering heat. The lighting was a little tough to work with, but I got a few shots and made some friends along the way. It was nice to chat with people, as I normally just get my shots and move on, but I ended up meeting a few kinds souls who truly were amazing people. It was nice to have a little time to chat with a few idols and share their photos with them, as I think one of the motivations I have to take photographs is to capture the amazing moments in life for other people. I am surrounded by people who do such amazing things and I feel that it should all be documents in some way. Looking back, in my conversations, today was truly a memorable day. There were so many incredible memories made today and I am truly grateful to be around the people I have met along the way in life. I think bowling has a lot of parallels to life. As I threw a few perfect balls down the line, the reaction ended up leaving a few tough splits. By frame's end, I didn't convert the spare. No matter how perfect you do something, it doesn't mean it will work out. In reality, you need to right reaction and a little bit of luck to make things work out. Luckily, when working with people like Yuirmaru and a few friends from the day, I realized that I truly had the right mix of things come together correctly, which allowed me to end up with a day full of perfect strikes. My score at the end of the night didn't matter and neither did the fatigue from a long day, rather, these joyous moments I'll treasure forever became what mattered the most. We can do so much to try to prepare for life and try to perfect things as much as possible, but at the end of the day, how the day turns out relies on many factors outside of your control. Today could have just ben an exhausting day as I bounced from one thing to the next, rushing around, however, because of everyone around me, today became an incredible day that ultimately a strike in one of the frames of my life. 

~:[CH15 - 234日目]:~ 悠長な時間はない

ユリマルが最後のボールをレーンに投げ、ピンセッターが停止してその日のボウリングは終わった。長い一日だったが、楽しさで満ちていた。実は、この夜のボウリングは2連続ストライクという最高の形で始まったのだ。すでに順調に進んでいた一日の締めくくりとして、素晴らしいスタートだった。朝は猛暑にもかかわらず、物事はかなり順調に進んだ。照明の扱いに少し苦労はしたが、何枚か写真を撮ることができ、その過程で新しい友人を作ることもできた。素晴らしいことを成し遂げている人たちに囲まれていると、そのすべてを何らかの形で記録に残すべきだと感じる。振り返ってみると、今日交わした会話も含め、本当に記憶に残る一日だった。今日生まれた素晴らしい思い出の数々に感謝し、これまでの人生で出会った人たちと共にいられることにも心から感謝している。ボウリングは人生と多くの共通点があると思う。完璧なコースでボールを投げても、その結果として厄介なスプリット（ピンが離れて残る状態）になってしまうことがある。結局、そのフレームでスペアを取ることはできなかった。どんなに完璧に物事を行っても、必ずしもうまくいくとは限らないのだ。実際には、物事を成功させるために適切な反応と少しの運が必要になる。幸いなことに、ユリマルやその日一緒にいた友人たちと過ごす中で、必要な要素がすべてうまく噛み合っていることに気づき、結果として「完璧なストライク」で満たされた一日を過ごすことができた。夜の終わりのスコアや、長い一日による疲れなどどうでもよかった。それよりも、永遠に大切にしたいと思える喜びの瞬間こそが、何よりも重要だったのだ。人生に向けて準備をし、物事を可能な限り完璧にしようと努力することはできるが、結局のところ、その日がどうなるかは自分のコントロールの及ばない多くの要因に左右される。次から次へと用事をこなし、慌ただしく動き回るだけの、ただ疲れ果てるだけの一日になっていた可能性もあった。しかし、周囲の人たちのおかげで、今日は素晴らしい一日となり、私の人生というゲームにおける一つのフレームで見事なストライクを決めることができたのだ。

~:[CH15 - Day 233]:~ Welcome Back

 

~:[CH15 - Day 233]:~ Welcome Back

After a long Friday at work, I headed to the convention center as they were holding a welcoming for the idols from Japan. It's only been a few weeks since we last worked together, but it was nice to see Yurimaru and Aonyan again. I went to this convention a few years ago, but was attending for a different reason. It was nice to know a lot about the performers and be comfortable with them all. Less than half a year ago, three of the performers I had just met for the first time, yet this time around, I already felt familiar with them. It was nice to see them again. It will be quite the eventful weekend and while it would be nice to finally have a break during a weekend, tonight reminded me that the next few days will be fun while capturing all the wonderful moments from the weekend. 

~:[CH15 - Day 232]:~ Designs in Mind

 
~:[CH15 - Day 232]:~ Designs in Mind

I think my daily grind is all about creativity. I have to come up with ideas for the classroom, see the scene for the photoshoot, or come up with designs for t-shirts, events and more. My brain is constantly moving and creating. For those who don't know, my college degree is actually a bachelors in fine art. I studied mostly photo and video and it's been useful ever since. Sometimes, I hit that mental block or struggle with lighting or focus when photographing, but when I find my groove, a design can pop out in five to ten minutes or photographs just seem to come out just right. I was talking to someone on when they perform the best. It's often when they are focused, yet relaxed. I think sometimes we put to much pressure on ourselves to do something amazing, when in reality, we only need to do what we do. Believe in yourself and don't doubt yourself and the path you designed ahead will await you with open arms. You have what it takes, now you just have to go out and do what you do best! 

~:[CH15 - Day 231]:~ Cooling Off

~:[CH15 - Day 231]:~ Cooling Off

Originally, we didn't have a meeting today, but the schedule shifted and a relaxed morning turned into a busy day. With Homecoming premiere at lunch, after classes, I jetted to the quad to capture the moment. It was great to hear that our theme this year will be Rio. I actually loved that movie and have always wanted to visit Brazil. Despite the heat, the performers did well and introduced this year's theme well. With the heat climbing through the day, I had to cool off and met someone at a tea house nearby. It was nice to chill and relaxed since we had the afternoon off before I headed home to get some work done. The weather has been climbing and I hope that we all find a way to deal with this weather and cool off a bit. Hopefully this weather pattern shifts in two weeks, but if not, we'll all be trying to find a way to cool off a bit. 

~:[CH15 - Day 230]:~ Surprise, Surprise

 
~:[CH15 - Day 230]:~ Surprise, Surprise

On Sunday night, I found out we had our super conference cross country meeting; on Monday, I attended that meeting and today, I wonder what happened. Strangely enough, I anticipated this craziness. Based on my previous experiences, there was always a lot of maneuvering. I liked working with the 605 league teams as we just tended to mesh together (and I sent an email to them to thank them for that). However, moving into this super conference, our 15-20 minute 605 league meetings turned into a 2.5 hour fiasco. One league seemed a bit mixed in what was going on, two leagues (which combined previously) were used to all this, and our league was like, "can we just get this done and go home?" I was exhausted when I got to school today after four consecutive nights coming home after 11pm. However, the day actually went pretty well. I complained about how things went last night, but also thought to myself, what can I do? We roll with the punches and just figure out where to go from here. Our athletes focused on their workout and thus, as coaches, we focused on coaching. At the end of the day, no matter what maneuvering this league does, we have to be ready and prepared and our athletes did just that. We lost a lot of pieces that past few years, however, we can only work to becoming the best version of ourselves and do our best to face up against the rest of the league. I wonder what's ahead, but instead of worrying about it, I just focused in on my work and will worry about the next surprise when the time comes. Don't let these moments drag you down, but rather, just do what you do and let the world around you set itself in place, as there is not much you can do sometimes until the dust settles. 

~:[CH15 - Day 229]:~ How the Days Pass

 
~:[CH15 - Day 229]:~ How the Days Pass

It's not easy getting into the groove of things especially after a long weekend, but you get yourself ready to go. With school in full swing, we've figured out things and I've gotten into a routine. Once you get comfortable, the days tend to zoom on by and I hope that they zoom by quickly as I cherish each moment, while coasting through life. I don't want life to go by quickly, but I also look forward to the many things ahead. The excitement of the days ahead brings us the feeling of anticipation, but before you know it, that moment passes and the wait begins in. The days pass just like that in our lives and if we live too much in the future, we'll allow the present to zoom right past us. Let's truly appreciate each moment of every day and don't allow ourselves to forget that today is truly a present.

~:[CH15 - Day 228]:~ Anxiety

 
~:[CH15 - Day 228]:~ Anxiety

With Day 1 & 2 going so well, there was a bit of anxiety for Day 3. With a popular group performing, I knew that I should arrive a little earlier to avoid the crowds and was worried how it would all work out. It did. The anxiety I had went away and I was able to enjoy the day itself, although the day was filled with it's ups and downs. I got what I needed as I took my break and ventured to the second half, nearing the end of this exhausting weekend. While my position for the evening was kind of poor and I didn't get everything I needed, I still was content for the wonderful weekend. Doing this event comes with a lot of anxiety, but luckily, most of the worries I had were relieved and I can finally move on to the days ahead without worry. I can sometimes be a worrywart, making sure all the bases are taken care of, but at least it ensures that I will be prepared for the worst case scenario. No worst case scenario appeared and the day went smoothly. I felt the exhaustion slowly creep in, but still I enjoyed the entire day. "I made it," I thought to myself. In life, it's okay to be anxious. When important moments come up, we have a reason to worry just a bit, however, to just let it eat us up is where the problems begin. Prepare yourself for what's ahead and anxiety or not, you'll be able to take down most obstacles that come your way. With the weekend wrapped up, I knew I had a busy week of work ahead, but at least I wrapped up what I needed to do this week and had some fun while doing it.

~:[CH15 - Day 227]:~ It Was the Best of Times ...

 

~:[CH15 - Day 227]:~ It Was the Best of Times ...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The mad rush of people at the start came when the disorganized opening of the event happened. I did my best to avoid it and ended up surviving. The day itself went well. In the morning I met a wonderful mother-daughter pair who chatted with me about various artists and experiences. It was great to connect with such nice people as often, I quietly go about my day. Strangely enough, as I was checking on that same pair after the opening chaos, the person near me saw their icon and asked if I knew them. It was their friend they talked about while we were chatting. It was great to connect with three wonderful people who made the day itself go by so quickly. Ultimately, the performances and experience went well and I was impressed by how I have been holding up these past few days. While there were some crummy experiences here and there, they were fair outweighed by the great experiences I found along the way. When you open yourself up to the world around you, you'll get a mixed bag of experiences, but with the right mindset, you can hopefully connect with more positives than negatives. As Charles Dickens wrote about duality, such is life and it's all a matter of how we handle it that will determine how we see it at the end of the day. At times, it may have felt like the worst of times, but int he end, today was one of the best. 

~:[CH15 - Day 226]:~ As Luck Would Have It ...

 
~:[CH15 - Day 226]:~ As Luck Would Have It ...

It seemed like things wouldn't go well today. The layout was different than I had imagined and so my position wasn't what I thought it would be, but in the end, it worked out. I wasn't feeling 100%, but I dragged myself out and got to work. It would be an exhausting day with a few very popular groups taking the stage. It seems like that would be a good thing (which it is), but it also leads to more effort needed as I have to deal with the crowds. As luck would have it, the spot I had at the artist stage and the countdown ended up being absolutely perfect. Luck sometimes falls in your lap, especially when you least expect it and today, things just worked out. I made a few connections and also captured what I had hoped for and that's all I could ask from a day. The day itself was grueling, but I made it through and with a good amount of energy at the end. I only hope that I can say the same at the end of day 3. Wish me luck!

~:[CH15 - Day 225]:~ It's Time Again

 

~:[CH15 - Day 225]:~ It's Time Again

I forgot to take a pictures of my seniors on the first day of class, but today, we took another photos with a new set of seniors. Every year, I welcome a new senior MUN class and it's always exciting to welcome them back into my classroom. They start their journey with me freshman year and return back senior year. I like this class since I get to teach them about relevant material when we discuss personal finance, laws and government and things that truly impact them. Their ability to respond and give good feedback truly goes a long way with making the class exciting. It's time again to start the cycle with these seniors and I am excited to see where we are headed.

~:[CH15 - Day 224]:~ On Display

 
~:[CH15 - Day 224]:~ On Display

As I thought about what to write today, I was oddly reminded of the game pusoy dos. It was a card game we played often and thinking back, you never knew how the game would play out. When your hand was a bit more challenging and you won, there would be a huge celebration, but when you had a great hand, you also weren't always dealt a victory. With the first day of school arriving, I feel like classes are like the game pusoy dos. No matter what type of combinations you are dealt, you ultimately have to play your hands strategically to get the results you want. I can already tell that there will be some challenges along the way, but thinking about how to properly counter the issues that may be incoming will be a key to success as you prepare yourself as best as possible. As I did my best to put on the best opening day presentations, you always wonder how the year will end up going as this first day beings guiding you in the direction it will go. Best of luck to all starting out their school years!

~:[CH15 - Day 223]:~ Back on Track

 
~:[CH15 - Day 223]:~ Back on Track

It was a little strange to be back at practice after awhile, especially with this day being a tempo workout in the heat. The change over to the afternoon from the mornings can be brutal, but the team looked to adjust well, even on a hot day. It was our last summer practice, as school would begin tomorrow, as it was a full morning of setup with an afternoon of practice and weight room. My body hasn't quite adjusted into the grove quite yet, but I hope that soon enough, my body will be back on track and ready to go. I strangely wasn't nervous about tomorrow, however, I was looking forward to days ahead and the many experiences that awaited. 

~:[CH15 - Day 222]:~ From Dusk 'til Dawn

 
~:[CH15 - Day 222]:~ From Dusk 'til Dawn

It was a pretty packed day. Trying to wake up after all that's been going on was tough, but I did it. I went to our first meeting, set up the classroom, had another meeting with my senior leaders, then went to do some other work at home. It was nice to squeeze in a quick meetup before my evening photoshoot, but it also meant that my day was packed from dusk 'til dawn. I'll always think of the parks signs that said it. I often spent my days in the park wondering exactly when the closing was. There wasn't an exact time, but we would play until we couldn't see anymore. My day today was full like those days as I took photos until the light had passed. We started a bit later than I had hoped and thus we ran out of daylight, still yet, we got the shots we needed. My days ahead will likely be packed like this, but I just hope that in the jam packed days, I enjoy the time that I have. It was tough to adjust, but my few random encountered made it a lot easier to deal with. What memories do you have of playing until the final light of the day?

~:[CH15 - Day 221]:~ TOGETHERNESS

 
~:[CH15 - Day 221]:~ TOGETHERNESS

It ended with a win, but the win wasn't what made the weekend successful. In their first scoring games and their first time traveling for a tournament, the team ended up doing well. There's room to learn and grow, but that's for another time. They were asked at the end, "what was the best part of the trip?" The emphasis was placed on how they had time to spend together. There were definitely moments of struggle, but in the end, they came out with a lot more than just a successfully few games and a medal. In a time where decisions are often made for what is best for me, we start to see that some decisions aren't always the best. Sure, we need to pay attention to our own needs, but knowing how to do things well with others and finding that balance between individuality and loyalty to others is important. It's one of the toughest lines to find. When messaging my friend in Japan, we talked about this concept and how it was good that we have a supportive network setup while helping each other out. It is doing our own thing while raising the others up. Personally, sometimes I lean on the loyalty side a bit too much as I realized while in Japan from time to time, however, I also stepped forward on my own path, not worrying about what others thought. Today was a day where that line between individuality and loyalty was challenged, but that will be a daily discussion and thought for us all. From friends to family, work or other commitments, we will continuously have to find that line and decide where we draw the line in the sand. We arrived home safely despite a few adventures including a power outage in Baker when we needed the restroom most, however, I had a wonderful weekend watching this team learn that despite all the success they had on the court individually and as a team, the time they got to spend together was the one thing they should treasure most and may be the thing that helps them progress the most. 

~:[CH15 - Day 220]:~ The Spirit of the Game

~:[CH15 - Day 220]:~ The Spirit of the Game

What is the purpose of youth sports? At a young age, having these youths grow to love the game is important. Let them learn, let them grown, and let them make mistakes and correct them. This team has seen it's struggles, but they have been learning and trying to improve over time. After a tough night's sleep, we headed over to the game in Las Vegas at 5am. We didn't hit much traffic so we ended up having to burn a little time before going to the gym. We struggled in the first half, but made some adjustments and started to play better defense and score, which we did little of in the first half. There wasn't frustration or anything of the sort, just a hope that they would do better. I wasn't too comfortable hearing a lot of what was being said when I went to the other side to take photos for the second half. I felt a little bad for the other team. Although they were winning, when we made our run, the tone projected towards them made me worry that they wouldn't enjoy the game in the future. Sure, it could end up making them focused and super sharp, but it's a bit of a risk. After a nice lunch, we headed back to the gym after our first game and played a much better second game. The tone on both sides is what I hoped for. Supportive cheering focused on their athletes, trying to get them to do their best. In the end, one of our athletes hit a buzzer beater to end a great game and they looked so happy in the end. I hope that win or lose, that same look is apparent. It's human nature to be disappointed after a loss, but when you allow winning to be the formula to happiness, it could lead you down a slippery slope. Enjoying the game and the opportunity to play it should be the first goal, as when it's the foundation for athletes, then finding the motivation to work harder and perform better often becomes a lot easier. After day one, I was happy with how the team continued to battle in the first game, despite the loss and how they came back with a solid performance in game two. We enjoyed a night out despite our exhaustion and did a little exploring, but the highlight of our day was having the opportunity to watch the team be surrounded by the true spirit of the game. I hope that as time goes on, we challenge them, while also make sure that it doesn't become just about the end result. It's not a participation trophy, it's a life lesson. Win or lose, go out and give it your all with the right attitude and spirit.

~:[CH15 - Day 219]:~ What Lies Ahead

 

~:[CH15 - Day 219]:~ What Lies Ahead

I didn't sleep too well last night, so I was debating whether or not to go to PD today. My eyes opened up and I shot up and headed out. I didn't let myself hesitate and went. It ended up going smoothly and I picked up some tips throughout the day. It was nice to also catch up with some of my friends as we struggled together to make it through the end. Afterward, the second debate began, whether I could make it to bonfire. I was already exhausted and needing to leave for Las Vegas in the morning, I didn't want to be too tired. I went out. I decided that since I was gone all summer, I wanted to be there for the athletes and I headed over for the second half of the event. It was worth it. I headed back to take care of a few things as it wrapped up, but I was glad that I ended u going. Looking at this picture, I thought of how different things felt this year and how my mindset has changed. I was stuck in a very systematic life prior and thus, everything may feel a little off from time to time. From today's experiences, I hope that it means that what lies ahead for me is a series of moments where I take on the opportunity in front of me and don't hesitate. It won't always go well, but the opportunities that lie out there are many and I hope I take on many of them. For now, I'll do my best to catch some Zs after a very tough stretch, hoping that what lies ahead are great moments full of amazing memories.

~:[CH15 - Day 218]:~ The Memories Digitized

 
~:[CH15 - Day 218]:~ The Memories Digitized

The satisfaction of getting everything organized is amazing. As I put away my final things from the trip, my laundry folded, and my final messages sent out, I also was wrapping up the hardest task of all, sorting out my digital files. For most, it's a process of finding the most scenic and memorable pictures, but for me, it's a matter of sorting individuals, events, meetings, and more. Everyone always asks me how I am able to find photos and videos when I need them and this is the most important way. As I sorted out my files, I divided them by category and put them all into their drives and folders where I can easily recall them. As I did, I was able to remember parts of my journey that I had forgotten.  I think it's easier when we had film, as we can physically look at each photo and recall these memories, With digitized photos, sometimes those memories get buried under thousands of files, never to be seen again. I try my best to ensure that the memories of these days don't become forgotten as I can highlight some of the photos and store away the rest to be reviewed another day. One day, maybe all these photos will suddenly disappear, but for now, I'll treasure what I have, hoping that I can stay forever connected to these memories I've developed over time. I still have a little ways to go before my final photos are stored away, but for now, as each photo gets put away, I'll be sure to recollect the memories that comes along with each precious file. 

~:[CH15 - Day 217]:~ Feeling Foreign

 
~:[CH15 - Day 217]:~ Feeling Foreign 

The menu was a little bit different than usual. I was hoping for Afuri ramen, but they changed up the menu and that was gone along with a fugu dish I've been ordering. Since it's inclusive, I can't complain. I tried out a few dishes, which still were quite delicious as I worked hard to finish up some work that had yet to be completed. I normally sit by the window in the plane, but since I booked my flight home late, it wasn't available. I'm not sure if that's why I had trouble sleeping, but my rest wasn't as good as I had hoped. As I arrived home, I was glad to escape the humidity and to see my family again. However, I still had to adjust a bit as I felt a little foreign in my own city. I'll have to get used to driving and having to spend a little more time to get some food or a drink, but then again, the comforts of home are tough to beat as well. I'll have to get used to the bell schedule soon enough and the traffic as well, but it will all adjust and adapt. Yesterday, I talked about how we become accustomed to things in our life and similarly, I noticed many of the things that I got used to that were no longer. Many probably are or will experience something similar as they return to their normal and I wonder if over time, they truly return to normal or if we hedge a little closer to remaining foreign. I caught up on a lot I needed to do, but still fell short of what I needed to accomplish today. I worked a lot while I was away, but maybe I lost my ability to work as quick. My body and mind will adjust and adapt and just like this dish, life will still be delicious, even though it may not be the same as it was before. There's nothing wrong with that. Let's make the most of our days even when it feels like everything has changed as in life, things were meant to change.

~:[CH15 - Day 216]:~ (Un)Accustomed

 
~:[CH15 - Day 216]:~ (Un)Accustomed 

I sat down with a final meal with a friend. I decided to stay around in Tokyo instead of taking a gig that was about 90 minutes away. There were a lot of benefits to going there, but I decided, my last day should be relaxing and comfortable. It was. I was getting accustomed to the prices in Japan, as I sat there in front my dish that would be over twenty dollars in the US. It was half that. I arrived to this place by train, something I won't have the luxury of when I go home as I conveniently jet from place to place, knowing exactly how long it will take. Of course, I will not miss the humidity and the language barrier, but there were so many things I was once unaccustomed to that became so ordinary. There are pros and cons wherever I go and there will be benefits when I set foot back at home, however, there will be a longing for those things I left behind as the day cannot come fast enough when I'll be back to the place that grew on me. With the mindset that it wasn't a vacation going in, I truly embraced a normal daily schedule, as I went from meeting to event to appointment. It didn't matter that I was busy. We all find our points in life that feel comfortable and this was one of them for me. I settled in. Of course, I cannot hold on to what was as I must adapt back to what I will feel unaccustomed to once again, but that comfort level will come over time until the day I leave again. I'll stop looking over my shoulder, rather look ahead, as another chance at growing, learning, and experiencing lies ahead. Like a strand of spaghetti, eventually our journey will end, still yet, we can still enjoy the many flavors that life has waiting for us. I finished my pasta as we ventured out a bit longer before I headed back to prepare for my departure. A sadness overcame me as I realized tomorrow would be my last, still yet, I was glad that today and every day before it exists as it did. Thank you to everyone who was apart of my past, my present, and will be part of my future.

~:[CH15 - Day 215]:~ On Air

 
~:[CH15 - Day 215]:~ On Air

I had a meeting in the day, but after that I had some free time. Thinking about what to do, I ended up catching the radio broadcast of Yurimaru. While I will be seeing her in a few weeks, it was a nice chance to say a final farewell in person before heading off. Our timing was on for events, but a little off otherwise, so hopefully our timing will be better the next round. For now, I was glad to see a different view of things as I watched the broadcast and captured a few moments from outside the studio. I find myself chasing new experiences and glad that I went out of my way today to catch the show. When your chance comes, get out there and try something new and you may just find yourself riding a wave you never thought you'd find. Signing off!

~:[CH15 - Day 214]:~ In Your Own Style

 
~:[CH15 - Day 214]:~ In Your Own Style

I think society has us believing that following the trends is the way to go, but why don't we just follow our own style? It was cool to watch the Ballet the New Classic. Kentaro Mistumori did an amazing job as always as he showed off a different vibe than most of the other dancers. He suffered an injury this year, so it seemed like his choreography had a list lesson aeriels, however, it still was amazing. In the second act, the cast showed off a range of styles, which was actually pretty cool to watch, as most people are probably used to them doing something more traditional. It was great to meet some of them and chat backstage after the show before heading off. I think today was a good reminder that we don't have to follow the trends to excel. Just like my friend Kentaro, we can do our own thing and truly excel beyond what we may have ever expected. Amazing work!

~:[CH15 - Day 213]:~ Sailing ... Far Away

 

~:[CH15 - Day 213]:~ Sailing ... Far Away

One of the artists that I work with wanted to do a live on a boat. There were some naysayers, but she proceeded with the event and it went well. There was some threats of storms early on, but it ended up being a sunny (maybe too hot) of a day. It was a burning up a bit while on the boat, but we all enjoyed the fire that was on the stage. The concert was in Yokohama so it took a bit of time to get down there, but ultimately, it ended up being work the trek as the artists did well. It was great to see Aonyan for the first time since early June. Luckily, I'll be seeing here in a few weeks in LA too! At the end of the event, Yurimaru was pretty pleased as the event went well and it definitely deserved a standing ovation for a great event. While I could have gone home after, I traveled further down south as I headed to Atsugi, an hour away from Yokohama. With a train delay, it took a bit longer than planned, but I got to the event. Luckily, it was a small event and thus it wasn't hard to find a spot. It was both mine and Yurapico's second event of the day and so both of us were pretty exhausted. After the event, a few of us chilled and had a good meal before heading our separate ways. We never know where life will take us, but when we put up our sails, sometimes we just go where the wind takes us and often we will be pleased with where we end up! Ships ahoy! 

~:[CH15 - Day 212]:~ Lighter Than Expected

 
~:[CH15 - Day 212]:~ Lighter Than Expected

I had time to work on my backlogs, but in terms of new work, it was fairly light. I kept the last few days open so there was some flexibility. It was smart. It was nice to have some yakiniku after the meeting as we chilled for a bit and chatted. After working hard all afternoon, we went our separate ways and I figured out what to do. I caught the Kabukicho 2 on 2 dance battle for a bit, but decided to head back as I had some things to do. Overall though, I was definitely feeling the fatigue, but I still enjoyed the day and survived it well. It's sad to begin the countdown as I did not do a good job leaving myself a break upon return, however, at least I have some time here and there to enjoy and it won't be all work until the very end. 

~:[CH15 - Day 211]:~ In a Flash

 

~:[CH15 - Day 211]:~ In a Flash

I decided to get some work done in the morning as my time here in Japan winds down. I am wrapping up my projects and ready to get back into the swing of things. It is a little bittersweet as it will be nice to work from the comforts of home, still yet, I will miss being here as well. I will not miss the thirty minute minimum daily walks to and from the station, although my body probably benefited, and the humidity will be nice to escape from, however, there is a lot I'll be missing. A lot of lessons were learned on this trip, but overall, there were also a lot of great memories. As I headed out to the Tsukiji Matsuri, I could tell that a storm was going to arrive. The festival was weather watching and had a plan to break while the storm came through. We took cover inside the building, but I decided to continue to film from there as I captured a number of amazing lightning strikes. As predicted, the storm moved on and the festival went on, much like my life will continue on. While long, this time period felt like it went by in a flash, and I only wonder what life ahead will be like. I am not one to ponder on those things too much, but I do keep in mind, that much like today, storms will come and go and also that we should cherish each moment as they may be gone in a flash.

~:[CH15 - Day 210]:~ Mission Complete

 

~:[CH15 - Day 210]:~ Mission Complete

If you ever come to Tokyo during the Pokémon stamp rally, it's a fun way to go around to all parts of Tokyo. Of course, if you're playing  for efficiency, you may not to get to see much, but still yet, new discoveries can be made. There were multiple detours and side quests and honestly, it made me get up and go out a few more times than planned. Regardless, mission completed as I visited all of the station in Tokyo and collected the reward today. It would have been easy to settle for the six or nine station goals, but I went full out and hit all 36. I am always a little sad that this doesn't start earlier as the shinkansen station prizes has eluded me, even though I've visited those stations on this trip (earlier), however, it feels good to have put the last stamp down and complete this task, especially on the 30th anniversary!

~:[CH15 - Day 209]:~ Max or Chill

 
~:[CH15 - Day 209]:~ Max or Chill

My schedule today was already packed, however, I thought of trying to squeeze just one more thing in. I didn't. Do you take things to the max and cut it close or do you back off and Chill. With a schedule around bouncing around, I took a step back and did a little less and comfortably went to my next event. I would say it was the right decision as I had time to get a snack and relax, but looking at the time, I easily would have made it in time had I stayed a bit longer at my first event. Regardless, I was happy how things turned out except for the fact that a friend was DJing at a club not too far away and I was going to try and jet over, but with a second encore, I realized it wouldn't be possible. Since it wasn't plotted into the schedule, I wasn't too mad, but it would have been cool if I fit it in. In the end, the timing worked out and I felt like I chilled to the max, well at least however much was possible. What a wonderful feeling! Do you max or chill?

~:[CH15 - Day 208]:~ Quit Dragon Your Feet

 

~:[CH15 - Day 208]:~ Quit Dragon Your Feet

It's been lingering in my mind. One of the furthest stops on the Pokémon stamp rallyb eluded me. Everytime I tried to go there, I risked missing the last train so I avoided it, but it kept bothering me. Finally, after today's event, I ventured out and got the stamp. It was a day where I was dragging out decisions. I had been torn between two events for quite some time, but decided to cover a new event. It was a little sad as the setup at the other event was the best it's been for that group, however, I didn't regret my choice as the experience I had was quite memorable. If I made the decision earlier for both, the anxiety connected to both may have been a lot lower, however, I delayed. I think it's easy for us to be torn between things and in the end, we worry about FOMO, but if you make the most of what you decided and don't look back, there's nothing to worry about. Similarly, if you take care of business when you can, you'll save yourself a lot of stress. So quit dragging those feet and make a decision and take care of business today so you can take flight stress-free into tomorrow.

~:[CH15 - Day 207]:~ What Dreams Are Made Of

 

~:[CH15 - Day 207]:~ What Dreams Are Made Of

I've seen this scene in various dramas when they go visit the aquarium. Albeit, there aren't crowds of people blocking the view, but the people made thia shot even more amazing. It would be hard to describe how spectacular gigantic this aquarium tank is, but as you can see, it's massive and quite impressive. I was distracted with work so I almost didn't head out on time, but I made the few hour trek out and got to experience this. It's what dreams are made of. Yesterday, I talked about how this "trip" is not a grand adventure where I'm touring around, still yet, there are moments in between where I get a chance to go out and say, "wow!" I hope that the many things you've imagined become realized as when they do, you'll be left speechless and realize how incredible it is to experience something that is like a dream.

~:[CH15 - Day 206]:~ Work = Fun?

 

~:[CH15 - Day 206]:~ Work = Fun?

I always think of the meme, what people thing I do, what my parents thing I do, etc. I always get a, "have a nice trip" when I leave, but little do they know, it's often more work than anything else. Of course, work can be fun as you meet new people and see new things, but it doesn't mean I'm roaming around doing nothing. Tosay was especially difficult as without an elevated area or photo pit, I had to be in the crowd. Live house shooting is much more difficult than arenas and festivals in my opinion as you must do a better job of planning. I did my best to plan, but the same two people made my job challenging as they stood right in front of me and did some of the things that make it difficult. They stood right in front of me, one had a high hair do, they both raised their phones up recording nothing and had the other hand in the air with a drink. Regardless, they were energetic and enthusiastic fans and it's my job to work around them, so I found a way. After two wonderful sessions, we headed over to the after party and relaxed just a bit. It was a long day, but also a fun and memorable one and I wouldn't want it any other way. Whatever the meme may say, I stand by the fact that this is enjoyable and worth every ounce of energy spent. 

~:[CH15 - Day 205]:~ Home Turf

 

~:[CH15 - Day 205]:~ Home Turf

Home turf is often seen as comfortable and familiar, however, it was foreign to me. Okinawa is the homeland of my mother's side pd the family, but my familiarity with the area was anything but. I tried to figure out everything on the fly and it ended up being a fairly good experience as I got out and ventured out. I found some cool spots, but staying in Naha tonight, I knew I was in the Waikikk equivalent of Okinawa. It did have a Hawaiian feel as the leis and tropical print shirts were a plenty, however aside from that, it was all new to me. It was fun and a great memory, but I know that in the future, I'll need to venture around a bit more to truly experience Okinawa and maybe then it will feel a bit like home. 

~:[CH15 - Day 204]:~ Puzzling

 
~:[CH15 - Day 204]:~ Puzzling

Trying to fit everything into a day works, sometimes. As I tried to arrange a meeting with my friend from Japan (who currently resides in Austria), his timeframe overlapped with another meeting. We found a way, although, we had to cut it short a bit to make it work. It will be great to be able to be there for his perfomance again, this time in Tokyo. I got some insight into the schedule of a professional ballet dancer as he came from class and then headed to a body treatment after. I headed to my next meeting amd then found a way to trek to Ofuna (past Yokohama) then up to Tachikawa before routing home. All three of us tried to figure out the puzzle of timing and found a way to make it work. The right place at the right time truly matters. I wrapped up my day and went home to clean and pack, leaving just enough time to add that last piece to the day's puzzle.

~:[CH15 - Day 203]:~ Another 24 Hours

 

~:[CH15 - Day 203]:~ Another 24 Hours

We have 24 hours in a day, but we often don't use all 24 hours. I somehow found a way to do it again. I left just past midnight to Nagoya on a bus to save a bit of money. It worked out for my schedule and for my wallet. I arrived early in the morning as the temperatures soared over 40C. Ghibli Park was ready with shade, misters, and AC misting units. It's not a great place to be on a hot day, but I survived. I enjoyed the park and then ventured back on the train, cooling off as I did. With time remaining, I made a trek all the way from Shinagawa to Omiya and up to the Ibaraki, then back home. I even stopped off to pick up a few things, which meant I arrived back home 24 hours after I left. Amazing. Strangely, I wasn't tired, but I put myself to sleep so I could be ready for the next 24 hours. Let's make the most of our 24 hours we're given daily.

~:[CH15 - Day 202]:~ Guiding the Way

 

~:[CH15 - Day 202]:~ Guiding the Way

Today I had a meeting. The weather got so hot, after we finished, we decided to go somewhere cool. Often, shopping malls or cafes are the choices, but we decided to check out the aquarium since it was close by. It was a little underwhelming compared to Nagoya, however, it was a nice break from the heat. Other than the jellyfish, the penguins had a cool exhibit. I saw these two penguins and it reminded me of the Pokémon stamp rally, which I proceeded to continue after meeting my friend. In life, we often see aa caring for children and guiding them along. When watching all the children playing this stamp rally, I noticed how it taught them so much. I could hear them strategizing routes, looking at the train schedule, and feeling the accomplishment of reaching another goal. At such a young age, they are often guiding their parents around, rather than the other way around. It's cool and a reminder that often times, lightening control and oversight can often lead to greater independence and learning.

~:[CH15 - Day 201]:~ Easier Than Expected

 
~:[CH15 - Day 201]:~ Easier Than Expected

Isn't it great when you envision the worst, but it ends up not being too bad? Thinking my schedule would be rushed, I kept wondering if I would have enough time. I had more than enough. I arrived back home at a reasonable time, had time to shower, and then relaxed and grabbed lunch with my friend. I didn't think I would have time to rest, let alone chill and have lunch, but in the end, I got to chill. Afterwards, I even had time to venture out and start the Pokemon stamp rally. Sadly, the event began when I left and thus, everyone got a head start on me. I've been quite busy and so I didn't have time to get to all the stations, however, tonight, I ended up capturing a few stamps. I almost hit my goal, but realized I would be late to my meeting and thus I ventured off back to my meeting. I delayed a bit heading home, however, in the end, I think the timing worked out well and the day was much easier than expected. I always prepare for the worst, as I know that when I do, things will feel much more amazing when they work out just fine. Luckily today, things ended up as planned. Hopefully, tomorrow will be the same! Hope everyone is doing well and life is as or easier than expected.

~:[CH15 - Day 201]:~ Overcoming Discomfort

 

~:[CH15 - Day 202]:~ Overcoming Discomfort

I accidentally wrote a duplicate blog, however, I will keep this post here!

I met with a friend for lunch and we had malatang. She likes spicy food a lot, but the chili went down the wrong pipe and I could tell it bothered her the rest of the time. I arrived from Bangkok in the morning and had a little time to rest before my meeting. Luckily, my meeting earlier in the day was moved to tomorrow and so I had lunch with another friend before heading out. The fatigue of returning and dealing with the humidity is something that can be overcome, however, in life, there are some discomforts you can't necessarily overcome so easily or at all. The goal in life is being understanding and I did my best to do just that. I think it helped as the rest of the day went well. What may be easy for us, may not be so easy for others or vice versa. Let's not judge, but rather do our best to show compassion and understanding. It may just make life taste a little better.

~:[CH15 - Day 200]:~ Cleansing the Soul

 
~:[CH15 - Day 200]:~ Cleansing the Soul

My stomach often has some issues when I go to Bangkok. Is it the chilis or the cream? I'm not quite sure, but regardless, I'll accept it if it means enjoying the delicious food. My last day always seems to be a day to relax, take care of this and that, and then head back. I spent some of the day making new connections, while the remainder was taking time to clear my mind and my soul. I always relax in the room, kick back a bit and order room service. I tried something a little different and while it didn't taste what I thought it would taste like, I still enjoyed it. I made sure I was all good to go for the plane and then headed to the airport. The one stressor on this trip is that I took a budget airline both ways. Their weight limit for bags was 7kg and with a laptop and camera, I was already over. I slid by on the way out, as the lady let me slide, but on the way back, I thought there was no way I'd get through. I had my pockets stuffed ready for a check, yet luckily avoided it all. It was a relief for my mind as well, as I flew home in peace, knowing that I had a great trip and had a few fun moments ahead. 

~:[CH15 - Day 199]:~ Fun & Games

 
~:[CH15 - Day 199]:~ Fun & Games 

It was a nice and relaxing day. The event at night was canceled and so I wasn't stressed about the time at all! I had my annual meet up in Bangkok as we ventured around and hit up a few spots before parting ways. Every time we meet, I always wonder what her family has been up to. It's been years since I saw the whole family and realizing that the youngest that I knew has grown so much is incredible. The weather was much better today and thus, it ended up being a pretty fun day except for the fact that it was quite hot. Of course, strangely, the weather in Bangkok didn''t feel as bad as it did in Tokyo the past few days. It was nice to have a day to explore and have fun, especially knowing that I almost wrapped up my monter album that has been looming in the background. Soon enough, the stress level will drop and it truly will be time to enjoy the fun and games. 

~:[CH15 - Day 198]:~ Party of ...

 
~:[CH15 - Day 198]:~ Party of ...

Did you ever watch that show Party of Five? I used to watch it a long time ago and every time I go out and here, "party of ..." I think of it. Normally when we do our annual hang out, there are three or four of us, but today, we ended up with seven. It was great to get together in a larger group and meet more people. It's always fun no matter what we do. It's great when you find people who you can enjoy simple things with and our annual get together was a nice dinner and hang out, cool, but not too over complicated. I always feel bad as they have to jet off straight from work to hang out with me, but they do so with a smile and I truly appreciate having met them awhile back. So much has changed from the atmosphere around the restaurant to the family and more, but the one thing that stays the same is enjoying spending time with them. It was great to do homework with their youngest before heading off to play and we ended up coming home with a few prizes and a load of tickets, but most importantly, another set of memories. It's great that I've made it a point of emphasis to make this a yearly thing as it truly is a date I love to mark on my calendar. Until next year, we'll see how big our party becomes ...

~:[CH15 - Day 197]:~ Welcome to ...

 
~:[CH15 - Day 197]:~ Welcome to ...

I was welcomed to Bangkok with traffic and a torrential downpour that flooded the streets, but that was fine. A cheap, yet delicious meal, some good pickups for friends, and just being able to wander aimlessly without a schedule today was a nice break from the past few weeks. I did get some work done today, but for the most part, I went out and explored. Even when I was running away from the huge raindrops from the sky, it still was an adventure. I wandered around Terminal 21 and while I try not to depend on that spot too much since it's convenient, it always is a cool spot to stop at. With themed floors and always a pop up or two, there is always something new to look at. For the rest of the evening, I enjoyed the sounds of raindrops as I look at it from above, seeing the lights from the cars stuck in traffic that I was sitting in just a few hours before, but now that I am in the comfort of my room, I definitely feel even more welcomed than before. Enjoy the world around you even when it feels chaotic as later on you'll have a chance to look back and say, I experienced that. Don't miss out as often times, opportunities only come once in a lifetime.

~:[CH15 - Day 196]:~ Where Our Eyes Are Set

 
~:[CH15 - Day 196]:~ Where Our Eyes Are Set

"Did you see it?" Have you been every asked this questions and have no clue what the person is talking about. It's often the case that this thing you missed was something incredible. Sometimes, it remains so you can catch a glimpse as well while at other times, you miss it completely. Where you look often determines what you're able to see. When you have tunnel vision, you limit what great things are out there even though you may be laser focused on your goal. There's nothing wrong with it, but what more are we missing when we focus in on something. I always want to find a way to stay focused, while also keeping my eyes open to what else is out there. On a day where I was recovering and focusing on catching up on things, I was focused in on what I needed to accomplish on the day, missing out on other things I could have seen wandering about. At times, you don't have the time to spend wandering about, but if you can make the time, go out and explore and see what is beyond that view you've been limiting yourself to all this time.

~:[CH15 - Day 195]:~ Sweet Like Maple

~:[CH15 - Day 195]:~ Sweet Like Maple

It was about this time last year that I took photos with Yurimaru for the first time in Shibuya. I can often tell from a first encounter if I'll be able to work with someone again and she definitely gave off those vibes. She always shows her appreciation and is truly a genuine individual who works so hard to give a good performance every time. Since Shibuya, we've been able to work together a number of times and I've truly enjoyed each and every performance. As grueling as my schedule has been, I am appreciative of all the opportunities I've had to work with various artists. At times, I feel like it's bothersome working with a foreigner, but in the end, I think things end up working out. The performances at the Maple House were amazing and truly left the crowd with great memories. Although it was a small live house event, it still was another great performance that will be a sweet memory for all those who attended. This month alone, we sitll have two more performances we are working on together and there's no doubt that they both with be exceptional. She just released a cover of Mickey, so go check it out!