~:[CH15 - Day 140]:~ Miraculous

 
~:[CH15 - Day 140]:~ Miraculous

Somehow, I finished. I probably could have added one more song with the footage I had, but I didn't want to risk it and started rendering at lunch. It finished early. Despite the short timeframe and the file corruption, I somehow made it. Miracles do happen. In life, you'll face dilemmas and problems as I talked about earlier in the week. Instead of wasting the time complaining, do something about it. Make those miracles happen or at least given them a better chance. I needed things to go well and not have any delays and aside from a few minors ones, I wrapped it up. We enjoyed the time in the quad as various people sang their tunes. We celebrated those who excelled and got the top awards. I also appreciated that our seniors made it. They had their ups and downs, but in the end, they made it. It was a fun evening to celebrate together and fill our stomachs, before enjoying the recap of the year together. Many showed their appreciation, thanking me for the work I put in, but little did they know that it truly took a miracle to pull it off. Miracles do happen. 

~:[CH15 - Day 139]:~ A Need for Speed

 

~:[CH15 - Day 139]:~ A Need for Speed

Another year and another track and field banquet done. As similar as it may seem, each and every banquet is different in its own way. From who shows up to how the senior speeches go a the end, there are so many variations of something that may seem so routine. Looking back and the photos as the slideshow went on, it was fun to watch to reminisce about the season we just had, especially the seniors who will be moving on. At the end of the night, I survived another banquet and celebrated with an amazing group of hard working athletes. I always appreciate the time and effort they put in and the fact that they stuck it out. Of course, tonight was not the end of it as no weight was taken off my shoulders. I wrapped up, headed home, unloaded a bit, then headed back to editing. I was exhausted. Throughout the day, I was editing and it was weird to be editing through the night. By night's end, I was already exporting a good portion of the video, waiting to wrap up the final sections just before the banquet. I was happy that somehow, I progressed fairly quickly and it looks like, I just may be able to finish the video, despite the reset due to the corrupted footage. There is a need for speed for this and I'll just use the motivation from my track and field banquet to get through it quickly!

~:[CH15 - Day 138]:~ Why Oh Why?

 
~:[CH15 - Day 138]:~ Why Oh Why?

Why, oh why? I took a short break and saw these cards when I opened the package. I was genuinely confused as I did not order anything like this. It was a scam. I had a money back guarantee, so there was no loss, but the headache caused by this was unnecessary. I've had quite the year of scams as I've had to get three new cards, file my taxes via mail, and settle a few other things here and there and I wonder, why do people stoop to such a level. I know life is tough, but it's a wonder how people manage to go about this without blinking. They just do it naturally. Why, oh why? I guess my technology also wanted to scam me, as when I went to edit last night, I found that my files were corrupted. Today was supposed to be my big editing day for the MUN banquet on Wednesday. I didn't get to edit much. The reconversion took all day and all night, as I lost a day of prep and focused on finalizing everything for track. I asked myself, why, oh why again. With a short time remaining, I wonder if I will be able to finish it, but I have to just focus in and hope I can do it. When things like this happen, it's easy to simply complain, but in reality, it's best to take action, figure out a plan and just try to figure it out. We could sit there and say, why, oh why, but rather, we should say, what should I do now? Instead of letting the obstacles in life stop you, let's keep moving forward, keep progressing, and keep overcoming all the challenges that life throws at you. In the end, I'll be getting a refund, my taxes were filed, and most things were settled, but now I have to hope that the video will work out the same way. Here's to a tough few days ahead.

~:[CH15 - Day 137]:~ Mini Projects

 
~:[CH15 - Day 137]:~ Mini Projects

It was fun to work with Higedan as they launched their first movie screening of their concert in Yokohama. It was great to see a wonderful performance although I did not know much about this group before I started the projected. My job was to produce a few promo material for the event for social media. At first, I was wondering how I should approach it, but in the end, I just compiled it all together and made it into a mini trailer and recap of their work. I loved enjoying Hollywood and the show, as it was cool to think about the footage I created as we watched the concert. I really loved how appreciative the group was of their fans, especially those who started with them in a small hall and now, get to enjoy their performance in an arena in Yokohama. I think I loved the fact that he focused the attention on his fans and how he makes music for them. Essentially, the lead addressed how tough things can be, but together they can move forward together. Mini projects may often guide me to things that are quite unfamiliar, however, still yet, I am appreciative as in most cases, the subject of the projects are genuinely great people. I'll keep taking these mini projects on and see where the road ahead takes me. For now, I'll sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

~:[CH15 - Day 136]:~ Connections

 
~:[CH15 - Day 136]:~ Connections

It wasn't that long ago that I met a group of friends who I have stayed connected with. They are crazy and loyal, but also keep things lively and fun. Interestingly enough, the group isn't local as they come from across the country or the world. From Seattle to Texas, North Carolina and Portugal, the various individuals I connected with has been amazing. It's been fun to enjoy these experienced together and while I put together various reels or media for people, they keep it extraordinarily fun. Because of them, I've also arrived in the spotlight as they always bring attention including the cameras. We've been interviewed by NHK a few times and overall, they always grab attention including being the spot that Suzuka often targets. Overall, Zipangu was a fun experience and it was great reconnecting from everyone who headed their separate ways once again. There always seems to be a piece missing, but for the most part, it's great to see the same core of people together, unified and interconnected. We headed back to AG house that night and chatted about the event including the other artists who were also great. I was exhausted, but I was energized, ready for the busy week ahead. Until next time ...

~:[CH15 - Day 135]:~ Closing Time?

 
~:[CH15 - Day 135]:~ Closing Time?

This year, I talked about how I had the pleasure of meeting one of the singers and songwriters of Closing Time. Today, that song played in my head, as it was closing time for the seniors. Today will the first of the last days for the seniors as it was the last Friday they would be in my classroom. With Thursday being their last day in class, it was a bittersweet moment. Some of the seniors were out, which was a little sad, but for the most part, we got to enjoy this final Friday together. As per tradition, I played the Friday song for the final time as the seniors hit the lights and brought out their phones. It was cool to see them enjoying this final moment. It's a special group as I get to spend so much time with the MUNers, so we form bonds beyond the classroom, which always makes parting a little more difficult. Of course, over time, it's become easier to to get used to, still yet, there is always that feeling of detachment as these moments hit. For now, we'll say it's closing time, but I'm sure there will be many who return back for a second round to say hello or even to work alongside me. I am grateful to work with such amazing students each and every year, as I know I am truly Blessed to work with the best and the brightest that my school has to offer. 

~:[CH15 - Day 134]:~ A Little Off Course

 
~:[CH15 - Day 134]:~ A Little Off Course

I don't know what I was thinking. After designing the league championships shirt, I went on to design the Cow Run shirt (or at least the first draft). My plan was to submit the design earlier so I could get a die-cut design instead of the sticker medal. About a month ago (or may be a few weeks), I was upset and posted about the city's community race. It's been sad that we haven't been able to host the Cow Run there because of all the logistical hurdles to get schools to compete there. I know there are reasons behind it, but then again, when the city wants to host a race and the county supervisor supports it, it gets a green light automatically. I actually wasn't too upset about that. I knew about the race for awhile as someone brought to my attention that in their notes they had, "similar to the Cow Run." What I wasn't expecting was to receive a text from my alum showing them their flier. They had their cow and a cow pun, the staple of our annual themes. Of course, I wasn't too threatened by their design, but still, it was a bit hurtful that we've been doing this for awhile now and they do this along with making it a challenge to hold the race in the park. I think I was a little motivated to finish the design after I thought of the theme to commemorate the FIFA world cup being around here. I came up with "Field of Dreams," but wasn't quite sure how to add in the pun. I looked at all the big stars, but finally, it hit me when I thought, they're all legends. Oh, wait! I know some coaches have battled with the schedule of soccer players, so maybe they won't appreciate the soccer ball on a cross country medal, but "hay," I needed to work in the theme. I actually have the theme for the next two years. I definitely went off course as I was suppose to finish a lot more of my banquet prep work, but my mind wouldn't let me go elsewhere as I was so focused on it. I'll be wrapping up banquet prep in a few hours after this post, but at least I'll be back on track after a day where I went a little of course. In the end, I hope that people will join us on our race on September 5th or help us find sponsors for our event, as we now have some competition who may be trying to knock us off course a bit. Of course, I'm not afraid, as our ohana has always stood strong to help make this race an amazing one, year after year. Thank you to all those who have made it special and I hope I see you on Labor Day Weekend! You all are truly Legend-dairy! 

~:[CH15 - Day 133]:~ The Squeeze

 
~:[CH15 - Day 133]:~ The Squeeze

I really didn't have time today, but I still agreed to take photos for Badminton. I think it reminded me of parents. Parents are so busy, but they often squeeze in the time to make it to various events for their children. They find a way to make it work or they lead themselves to a buffet-style plate of work they'll need to finish later. I planned out my week in my mind and figured, I'd make up the time somewhere and so I headed over and snapped some shots. It was fun to watch this match, as it was the best team in the open division. It was incredible to watch a few of the battles. Many knew what they were up against, yet they did what they could, There were definitely disappointing looks, but I think overall, they kept fighting and did what they could. It was impressive to see so many good players including our own team. I headed home to get the rest of the work done, as I stayed up late. However, there was no regret for doing so, as it was nice to do something a little different. I'm just a bit sad since I added another album to my list of to-do's. Wish me luck in the next week ahead! It's banquet season.

~:[CH15 - Day 132]:~ Editing Away

 
~:[CH15 - Day 132]:~ Editing Away

After a shoot, I normally don't have to do much. I just sort through the photos, make a few adjustments, then export the album. Seems easy enough, right? My goal is to shoot so that I don't have to edit anything after and for the most part, I am able to do that. However, when you have massive albums, it's not easy to do. With senior awards, the birthday, CIF and a few backlogged events, I spent the day sorting through photos and organizing for the track and MUN banquets. It was an editing day. As much as it seems like I would be less busy with season being over, the busy season has just begun. I was pretty happy with how this album came out and while it took until very late a night, I sent out the albums and the performers seemed happy with it. Editing is apart of the process of photography. At times it's overwhelming, but once you see the final product, it makes it all worth it in the end. Can you think of a photo I took that you truly enjoyed?

~:[CH15 - Day 131]:~ At Least You're There

 
~:[CH15 - Day 131]:~ At Least You're There

Maybe I should have worn one of those half jerseys. I am a proud anteater, but my family is also from Hawaii, so today felt like a win-win situation. However, still yet, with no connection to the university, it was quite painful to experience the loss. At the start, the 'eaters were in control as they clearly controlled the first set. They struggled a bit in the second set, but in the third and fourth set, I felt like they had a chance. In the end, they fell short. Decked out proudly in UCI gear, I had to walk by hoards of Hawaii fans. It made me sad every time I did, but I was proud of UCI for being there. You always want to win in that situation, but how many teams can say they've been there? Outside hitter Louis Sakanoko was too much to handle and their libero and others made some incredible digs to help kill the momentum of the 'eaters. There were a few chances to regain momentum, but ultimately, Hawaii pulled away. In the end, I could have thought of it as a wasted trip, but I enjoyed the experience of being there, loved being around the loyal UCI fans, had a great meal in Westwood and even ran into an alumni. I was glad I'm there and the 'eaters should be proud that they were too. It will sting a bit that they were that close to a championship, but in the end, there can only be one winner and tonight, Hawaii was just better. Congrats to both teams, as you should both be proud of being here in the national spotlight. Even in defeat, let's try our best to be proud of all the accomplishments we reach, even if they fall short of our ultimate goal.