Monday 29 April 2019

Double Bronze!

It's nice not having to blog daily... and I haven't started my review blog for Dai Renai, but today marks a remarkable and memorable day.

This is the first time in my five years of coaching in which we placed in the top 3 of a category in badminton. We didn't get just one, but two bronzes! One was in boy's singles and the other one was in boy's doubles. I was fortunate to have great help, which I think made a difference in us winning a couple medals this year!

And with that, the 2019 badminton season is finally over. It was a long two months, but it's nice to end it with a happy note!

Sunday 7 April 2019

Grateful

Being officially 30 hasn't brought any dramatic changes. I'm grateful for those who wished me a happy birthday and to those that spent time to make it a special day(s). I'm grateful for the fact that I was born -- and especially to my parents for my upbringing over the past 30 years. Even though it's my birthday, I think they should get credit as well.

As for my next post, it won't be until I can think of something meaningful to write about. It might be a review blog of the current drama I'm watching, Dai Renai, which had a decent middle, but with some questionable (in my opinion) character introductions.


Saturday 6 April 2019

To the Last Day of my 20's

In all honesty, I can't recall entering my 20's. It took place during my second semester of my second year -- which was a hellish time for me in terms of academics... but that's for another day.

The first half was accompanied by finishing university (I finished my education degree at the age of 24) and looking for a job. Being dejected by the public board really brought really hampered my spirits for a few months -- though a stroke of good luck fell into my hands when I was able to land my current job.

The second half of my 20's, I felt was a lot more eventful than the first half. Not only did I start my career, I got the opportunity to travel to places -- especially Japan. In the three years I went (2014,2015 and 2017), I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the equivalent of three months to explore all corners of (half) my heritage. This to me, helped me discover who I am. Also during this time frame, I finally got back in shape -- going down from 212 pounds in the summer of 2014 to my lightest of 172 in late 2015. It was tough cutting back on foods I enjoyed, but it did help my self confidence (along with going to the gym). I also made my first big purchase -- a car that I have long admired ever since my elementary days.

As I enter my 30's tomorrow -- I'm constantly reminded of the aging process. I can't eat as much as I used to, hair starting to go grey, hairline starting to recede, injuries not recovering as quickly as they used to, having the need to go to sleep earlier and having difficulties staying up late, to many other, relatively minor things. As for goals, I hope to continue to improve as an individual and continue down this path of "adulthood" (aka: purchasing my own property). I hope that I can continue to stay relatively healthy and advance my own career... though how would that be shaped... I'm not sure yet.

Thank you to all of you that have read my blog over the years, and to those of you that read it daily over this past year for my 365 day challenge. It was a struggle to produce content, and I had to say that much of it was mundane postings of my daily life. From now on, I will blog less, but hope to bring more quality reads!

Friday 5 April 2019

Science Fair

Loads of good projects
My tailbone hurts from sitting
For seven hours...

Thursday 4 April 2019

Wednesday 3 April 2019

Climbing Ropes

Third day back from Spring Break, though it felt like it was Friday. Badminton practice was decent though I sat down for most of it.

Back day at the gym was like any other back day, though we tried climbing the rope they recently installed at the gym. I've never been able to climb ropes when I was in elementary, but thinking that I'm stronger than what I was in elementary, I decided to give it a try.

I had no luck at all.

After struggling for a bit, a guy came over to teach us his climbing technique, which helped quite a bit. I was able to go about half way up the rope. Something new to work on, which will add some interest to my workouts.


Tuesday 2 April 2019

It's that time of the year again!

I didn't have time yesterday, but I got in two episodes of Your Lie in April. At this moment, it is still my favorite anime series. For my fourth time watching the series, I'll be looking at the use of color -- apparently the sky has a part to play in regards to Kaori's emotional state.

Other than restarting Your Lie in April, work was the ordinary. I'll just have to remind myself to get ready for the upcoming Science Fair at the end of the week. Badminton practice went relatively well, though I'm looking forward to the end of the season.

Squats went relatively well -- first couple warm up sets were heavy but 245 lbs for five sets of five went well. Hopefully I'll be able to do go back to a one rep max of 315 by the end of June!

Monday 1 April 2019

First Day Back after Break

Unlike previous years, the first day back after Spring Break included students. I now truly appreciate the OD we used to get after a break to get ready for work. True that a lot of CBE schools don't have that OD day -- though I think it should be mandatory!

Despite not teaching at all (my student teacher is doing 100% at the moment), the first day went by relatively quickly. Badminton practice went well, and I managed to get some work done before heading on home.

Roads were oddly quiet, thus I was able to make it home in about 20 minutes. After a quick snack, it was off to the gym for shoulders and arms. Overhead press has been going up slowly -- 120 lbs for five sets of five. I'm hoping to hit 135 lbs for fives by June. Arms was mostly straight forward, though I didn't end up leaving the gym till around 8:45.

About five more days before I leave my 20's. I wonder what I'll be writing, assuming I continue this blog, ten years from now when I approach the end of my 30's...