~:[CH15 - Day 264]:~ Better Together

 

~:[CH15 - Day 264]:~ Better Together

Celebrations happen often in life. Some people prefer to do so in private, but even if that's the case, it's nice when the people around you are there to uplift you and celebrate together with you. Personally, I don't like grandiose celebrations and being the center of attention, at the same time, it feels good to celebrate alongside others. With birthdays aplenty in cross country, it's always great to celebrate together. We try to establish a structure where the upperclassmen connect with the underclassmen and they support each other as it helps pass the torch each and every year. It doesn't always work, but we'll do our best to make this experience one that is better together.

~:[CH15 - Day 263]:~ Just Winging It

 

~:[CH15 - Day 263]:~ Just Winging It

Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) used to be one place that cross country frequented a lot. It was a little challenging at times since it was crowded, however, there were some great memories such as our mango habanero challenge. Today, a few alum gathered together to watch today's 10am games. It was a bit early, but it was fun to enjoy the wings while enjoying the game. There was a nice slate of games as a few came down to the wire, but the game we came for, went to overtime. It looked like it would end badly at first, but the turnaround made the afternoon even more exciting. I had a lot of work to do today, however, the time away allowed me to catch up with the alum, while enjoying my first day off in a quite awhile. It's been busy lately and I look forward to some time of peace and tranquility, however, the schedule also allows me to better appreciate these special moments of peace. 

~:[CH15 - Day 262]:~ Let Them Fly

 
~:[CH15 - Day 262]:~ Let Them Fly

When I thought of this year's theme, I thought of the many colors of Rio. Throughout their events, birds were also part of the presentations. As I wandered around the campus, I thought about all of these students and the freedom they felt as they danced around together, took photos together, and simply enjoyed the evening. I think many times in life, these students have so many things they have to take care of and sometimes, they also need an opportunity to let loose and fly. I always am appreciative of the effort that my MUN students put in as it required a lot of them to get their work done, so it was nice to see them dancing around and enjoying the evening without the worry of the work they had to do. I'm excited for where they will all head in the future, but it's moments like tonight that help me appreciate what is lost without the full high school experience. While going to a good college and getting a good job is important, the best way for them to learn to fly is to experience life, bot the good and the bad. The students were jumping around as I took one final glance at the quad, and I was happy to see them smiling and laughing during this wonderful and joyous evening. 

~:[CH15 - Day 261]:~ At the Speed of Light

 

~:[CH15 - Day 261]:~ At the Speed of Light

Woodbridge always tends to be the athletes favorite race. Great competition, fast PRs and a lot of ways to enjoy the day. Despite how chaotic it can be, I always enjoy seeing these athletes chase their PRs and run their best times of the year. It can get a little chaotic at the end of the night gathering everyone together, however, it's always fun to pause and remember some of these great moments. We snapped a shot of the team and also of the seniors at the meet and I was glad to have captured this moment. Time continues to pass year after year and it seems to speed up. However, for each class that passes through, many of these moments will be a freeze frame in their lives. Whether or not they PRed here, they may or may not remember, but they will remember the laughs they had, the memories together, and simply the time they spent together. 

~:[CH15 - Day 260]:~ Introducing ...

~:[CH15 - Day 260]:~ Introducing ...

Our cross country "rally" became an assembly this year. As difficult as it was to have an early rally and also to have two since it was an assembly, it was fun and memorable as usual to have the athletes get the attention they deserve. These students work hard and it's always nice when they get a chance to be spotlighted for their efforts. It was fun to introduce them, although my voice was left hoarse at the end of the day. The homecoming game later that evening was canceled, so a cloud hung over the day as the students were disappointed, but I know that this assembly still helped lift some of their spirit at the end of the day. It was the amazing efforts of the students that made today a successful one and I was glad that they could get their well-deserved time in the spotlight.

~:[CH15 - Day 259]:~ Comforts of Home

 
~:[CH15 - Day 259]:~ Comforts of Home

It was a very productive day as I caught up on a number of things. The day seemed to speed by, however, I took a break to grab a drink in the middle of all the madness. A lot of things happened right out of the gate and trying to navigate through it all was quite the challenge. While the warmth at the end of the day (as I talked about yesterday) is soothing, the ultimate comfort is when you solve all of the problems that lie before you. It can't always be the case, but when the opportunity arises, I like to seize it. I did what I could today and rolled to the next. I found some comfort when I stopped by Tapioca Express and took in my favorite drink. It helped refresh me, recharge me and ultimately, helped me find some peace in the midst of this chaos. Ultimately, despite it all, I felt comforted and because of it, I kept my focus and stayed motivated for the busy days ahead. 

~:[CH15 - Day 258]:~ Let's Warm Our Heart

~:[CH15 - Day 258]:~ Let's Warm Our Heart

It was raining. Scratch that, pouring. I had three bags with me that weren't completely covered by the umbrella. It was a struggle, but I made it. I arrived to the train on time, but when the doors open, there was no room. I scrambled and made it on the train. In the end, I made every transfer and comfortably enough, made it to my destination. I sat down and wanted nothing more than something warm and that's exactly what I got. A warm bowl of ramen. Life can be tumultuous, but at the end of the day, I think all we want is something warm to come home to. A comforting home or a warm embrace, there are things that can help make our challenging days better. Sometimes things work out and at other times, they don't, but no matter how things turn out, I hope we can find some warmth at the end of the day. It was a long and exhausting day, but in the end, there were many things that brought my happiness and because of that, I felt warm inside. Aside from wanting that for ourselves, I hope we can be the warmth that others need at the end of a long and exhausting day, week, month or year. Let's lean on each other and shield each other from the challenges of life. 

 

~:[CH15 - Day 257]:~ No Pearl, No Problem

 
~:[CH15 - Day 257]:~ No Pearl, No Problem

Enjoying the cheaper prices abroad, I indulged just a bit and it didn't hurt the wallet at all. However, as stated many times before, the good food paled in comparison to the enjoyable moments I had throughout the day. I actually had an easier morning as I got to catch up on some work. I headed out with a lighter load than most days and ran some errands. As I did, I saw a Pokemon snack and decided to play the game. "Let's get a snack," I thought. Well, 200 yen later, the pile of all the prizes came tumbling down into the prize shoot. Just over $1 netted me 13 bottled drinks and ten Pokemon cookie snacks. Good news, the prizes; bad news, my light load was no longer. I lugged around the bag to a locker near my final meeting, knowing it would be the smartest place to leave it. I finished up what I had to before my meeting as I enjoyed our dinner even more, knowing I got a break from the "workout." We laughed as I shared the story of my winnings. I didn't end up with a pearl in my oyster, but the gem of the day was the connections and quality time I spent both in my meetings and ending with my friends. I closed it all out with a memorable evening and although my body was sore, my heart was once again full, leaving me with a treasure that nobody could ever take away.

~:[CH15 - Day 256]:~ Celebrating Together

 
~:[CH15 - Day 256]:~ Celebrating Together

My scheduled got a little switched around with an event being canceled. It allowed me to move a meeting earlier in the day so I didn't have such a tight schedule later in the day. It was nice. Although I had a heavy load to lift through the day because of everything I needed for various moments, it was worth it. After a meeting that turned our well, I had a few moments to wander, before I headed out to the evening event. It was a birthday celebration performance and what I like about idols is that they create an event where they can celebrate together. You see the love and energy they put into these performances, as they are doing if for someone they love and appreciate. There was so much good energy in the crowds as while I wasn't tasked with anything specific for this event, I still enjoyed the celebration and captured so many wonderful moments. It's challenging when in these special moments you turn around and don't have anyone cheering you on, so I do hope that we surround ourselves with amazing people who will be there for us when we celebrate moments such as these, as well as in moments that can be tough to bear. I hope it's also a reminder to make an effort to be that person for someone else, especially when we know, there are few who are there for them when it matters most.  I sat back a bit and enjoyed the energy and truly know that she had an amazing birthday celebration, one she'll remember forever, knowing it all happened because of those who were alongside her in this very moment - celebrating together.

~:[CH15 - Day 255]:~ When the Light Shines

 
~:[CH15 - Day 255]:~ When the Light Shines

I love working with artists who bring hope and joy to others. I worked with two who did it in their own ways. I was a bit crazy to think this schedule would work out, but I trekked a bit over three hours out to Chofu before crossing back over four hours to Shibuya. It was a challenging day, but in the end, it worked out. Even amongst the shadows casts inside the train in Chofu, one artists lit up the moment. Her always cheerful and energetic energy was shared with all those in attendance. It was also great to see her family supporting her during the performance amongst the many fans there. It was a bit of a challenge finding the right spot in a limited space, but there were many moments when the light shone just right and made a moment magical. I guess that's life. We'll have to work and weaver ourselves through various shadows cast in our lives, but those moments when the light shines in our life are magical. They stand out compared to those other moments and truly are incredible. I always hope that this light is everlasting, however, I know that the challenging moments are also awaiting. As I trekked back to Shibuya, it was strange that the contrasting view was casts, a performance themes "After Tears." I think that darkness in life helps us appreciate the shining light and when the tears flow, it also helps us bring more meaning to the happiness that follows in life. Sometimes the sadness lingers, but at some point, the hope for better things brings sunshine into our lives. I was once again exhausted, but filled with joy and hope that the light of the world would shine on my path ahead. Even when shadows were cast and challenging moments required me to endure, the hope of what shined ahead and I hope that this perseverance could continue as I trekked on this journey ahead. I've endured the ups and downs in life and I only hope that these experiences will help me to continue to appreciate the light that shines like it did today.