2014 - A personal year in review

In a couple hours, it'll be the end of 2014.

A year of much growth.

A year of new beginnings.

A year of hardship, yet enjoyment all the same.

2014... it was a life changing year for me.

The first couple months were rough. I remember coming down with bronchitis and how that really put a hamper for me at work. It was difficult concentrating at work, and it led to more stress for me. Almost like a positive feedback loop, it made the first two months really crappy.

Not to mention that we were still undergoing some renovations which made it difficult for me to work at home. It may have led to the habit of me staying after school to do work instead of going back home. =P

After bronchitis, I went through a series of other illnesses which caused me additional grief. Small perhaps to some, but significant for me. Near the end of the school year, I was exhausted, beaten down, yet optimistic.

Summer was coming -- vacation time!

After completing my final task at school (Yearbook), I counted down the remaining days till my first trip. Japan was an amazing experience, something so foreign yet nostalgic at the same time. It was different to see one side of my heritage via older eyes. After two and a half weeks, it was back home to Calgary to prepare for my next trip.

Mexico was relaxing, though comfortably dull. I realized that I was more of an "explorer" traveler in that I rather be sightseeing than relaxing by the beach. Nevertheless, I experienced much throughout the two trips which, as cliche as it sounds, opened my mind. I'm a different person coming back after the summer in comparison to pre-departure David Maruyama.

And so begins my second year as a teacher. Fortunately, my core courses were the same as last year, so I was able to reuse a lot of my old lesson plans. That gave me some time to go exercise.

And exercise was much needed indeed! I don't recall feeling so "healthy" in quite a while! It's a great stress relief and a good way to practice goal-setting.

All in all, the year started out roughly, but got progressively better, especially July onwards. I'm looking forward to what 2015 may bring, and hopefully it'll be another great year for everyone.

Best wishes to all for 2015!

And hopefully I'll blog and post pictures more! (Doubt it though...)

Day 6,7 and 8

The weekend was pretty boring. On Saturday, I spent the entire day at home watching Fate/Stay Night. I previously have seen Fate Zero, so I thought I might as well watch the original (Fate Zero being the prequel made after a couple of years).

Other than that, it was video gaming on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday went by a bit quicker since I had volunteering.

Today on the other hand, I got up and went to work out. We tried squatting heavier today and mixed them up with a couple of other upper body exercises.

And that's that! Halfway through break! Better get some planning in soon...

Day 5: Boxing Day 2014

Once again, I slept in for Boxing Day.

I feel like there isn't any good deals... for me at least.

Besides sleeping in, I went out a couple times to eat (lunch and dinner) and to work out. So far, it has been my 4th session to the gym this week and I'm really feeling the effects from working out so much.

And off to sleep for another work out day tomorrow!

Day 4: Christmas 2014

Christmas Day!

Woke up late and ate breakfast. Afterwards, it was off to a Christmas lunch with relatives. It was nice to see people that I haven't seen in a while!

After lunch, it was off home to continue on with FF XIII-3. I finally finished day 6!

It was a simple, yet enjoyable Christmas. =)

Day 3: Games Day

And thus today was a games day. Woke up, did my usual morning routine and settled down to play FF XIII-3. Almost done Day 5!

And then it was off for another work out...

And more games afterwards!

Merry Christmas!

Day 2

Woke up and spent 5-6 hours putting decals on my final Gundam project of te year. It was my first time using water decals -- easier to put on compared to scratch ins, yet harder to maintain (falls/peels/rubs off if still wet). 

My initial reason for purchasing Exia was to redeem myself for screwing up my brothers Exia. I didn't teach him how to paint properly so his is a runny mess. =(

I think I did it justice. 

Mine is the one on the left. 

Day 1 of Break

To make up for the lack of blog posts, I decided to blog what I do daily. Not only will it give me something to read when I'm bored (I find it to be quite useful in triggering my memory), it'll hopefully inspire me to do more interesting stuff during the day to blog about!

Anyways, I woke up later than normal (but earlier than I expected) and went about my morning routine. I also made a couple of calls and finally got back my aeroplan (actually made a new one) and created an Esso Speedpass. After that, I got a long needed haircut and proceeded to game away the afternoon.

After playing a ton of LoL, I went out to exercise. It was a deadlift sort of day... a day I really dread. Fortunately, IU survived to tell the tale, and I came home to eat dinner and play FF XIII-3.

I will finish that game before school starts again... or so I hope.

Let the break officially begin!

Today marks the last day of karate for the year, thus break officially beginning for me tomorrow!

Besides Karate, I got some marking done and went out to take pictures of the lights at Confederation Park. There weren't as many displays as I thought there would be, but it was nice nevertheless. Today gave me a chance to try out my new lens I purchased last week, and I have to say that I'm quite pleased with the results so far!

Hard to go back to a game after 7 months

Finally Winter Break!

PIt's finally the start of 2014-2015's Winter Break!

Morning started out quite well, though late morning got a bit worse. However, once the kids were gone, I buckled down to clean up the rest of my classroom.

And then it was off for a final get together with some staff members, and off to some wrapping/ribbon shopping!

And of course, Friday is Bro Night! T'was a pretty enjoyable start to Winter's Break!

Just one more day to go!

Only one day (1/2 day) to go!

It's been a while since I last blogged, but nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. It's good that break is here, for I feel that I could use it.

It'll give me time to catch up and plan ahead for the new year!

And hopefully I'll have time to start planning another epic summer vacation! =D

Bankers Hall

I think this is the first time I seen such an elaborate Christmas display!

It feels good to leave early every now and then!

I left work right after the buses left since I had a doctor's appointment today for my cracked toe nail (near the nail bed).

I had to say that it felt pretty good to leave early after leaving at around 6 the last three days. I'm still behind in work, but what's new... =/

And it felt wonderful to work out today! I missed my session on Monday because of work, so it felt extra wonderful today!

Enough with the feels! Only two more weeks till winter break! =)

Interesting nickle

Saw a interesting coin yesterday during volunteering.