26. Travel to Hong Kong

Completed: 07/30/2014

Hong Kong has intrigued me since my family started watching Hong Kong dramas. The food, culture, and eclectic mix of old and new concentrated in one city made this a must-visit destination for me. I had the privilege to visit this popular tourist destination as a part of a summer study tour I organized for my work, which incorporated farm visits and volunteering in different areas around Hong Kong. In this post, I'll focus on our free day of exploration of the big city. Thanks to our personal guides (fellow Hong Kong workcampers Stephanie and Anson), we were able to squeeze in many tourist attractions as well as more authentic places that locals frequent on our free day.

 Elderly getting their Tai Chi on in a local park 

We woke up at 6:30am to conquer the city of Hong Kong. Our first stop was to get an Octopus card for all our transportation needs (these are also good at some shops like 7-11 or eateries too). We then headed out to the Victoria Peak tram. The tram ride was very enjoyable, especially as it climbed up the mountain at a steep incline. It was so steep, in fact, that I remember my body pressing hard against the back of my seat as we inched up the mountain.

Look how inclined we are on the tram to Victoria Peak!

 

At the top, we enjoyed breakfast at a chain breakfast place, Tsui Wah. After a cheap set meal of soupy noodles, eggs and toast, we walked the loop trail, where we got to see many bugs (thanks to Ty and Felicia for their knowledge of the unique creatures we encountered on this trail) as well as a 360 view of the city.
 

Condensed milk bun that Tsui Wah is known for

After our adventure at the top, we took a double decker bus ride down to the city. We were lucky enough to sit at the front seats on the top deck of the bus for an unobstructed view of the downhill action. This activity was certainly a winner for us all, as the fast ride down the windy mountain on narrow roads certainly made for the most exhilarating bus ride we've ever been on.

Concrete truck and double decker bus held up traffic at one point because of they were stuck by the tight curves

When we arrived in Central, back in the heart of the city, our first stop was to an authentic dim sum place that Stephanie's grandfather eats at every day (we ran into him when we were there). We had to share a table with another family, who were quite friendly. This is one of the traditional dim sum restaurants with the carts that go by for you to select dishes. I'm surprised the carts had room to move because it was so crowded in there.

 

  Business is booming for this restaurant

After eating, we went to the Soho region where we traveled on the world's longest escalator (it is also referred to as a travelator). So long, in fact, that we chose not to ride the full 20-minute length to the top and decided to travel down to our next destination, a milk tea spot. We then stopped for egg tarts before heading to the harbor for a ride across on the Star Ferry.

 

Heading back down the mountain after getting off the longest escalator

On the Star Ferry to cross islands (Hong Kong to Kowloon)

Once we got to the Kowloon side of the harbor, we went to look for local snacks that we could take home as souvenirs for our family and friends back home. After going through a shopping complex, a mooncake shop, a supermarket, and a tea place, we called it a day with the omiyage. 

 

 Mango drink from Hui Lau Shan, refreshing and exciting for the taste buds

One of the many outdoor shopping areas

 

Our timing was perfect; it was just about the time to head back to the harbor to Tsim Sha Tsui to catch the laser show that happens nightly at 8:00pm. Although the harbor looked nice at night, the well-promoted night show left much to be desired. There are supposedly twenty or so buildings that participate in this light show, but we only counted about two or three that actually lit up to the rhythm of the music. The rest are just lit the same the entire time. But it was nice to view the harbor at night anyway.

 

Nice night scenery

 

All in all, a very satisfying free day hit all the hotspots I wanted to, and then some, thanks to the suggestion of the local workcampers who graciously took us around. So gracious, in fact, that the day we went out was actually the birthday of one of our workcampers, Stephanie. I'm so glad that I got to experience not only the touristy side of Hong Kong, but travel around to different parts of the island to understand it more than just the bustling city that I knew it to be. To have done things like harvested rice, lived in basic sheltering, and shared ten days with local Hong Kongers as well as people from home, I really couldn't ask for a better Hong Kong experience.

25. Sew something I'd Use/Wear

Completed: 05/24/2014

Selection of pants sewed mainly by Jack's mom, with some of my efforts

 

Flashback to Home Economics class in intermediate: one of our projects in that class was to sew ourselves a pillow. I chose a cute snowman design. I wasn't have my own sewing machine, so I remember the hours tolled on stitching the entire thing by hand. Although I consider myself nowhere near a pro, I did enjoy being able to create something with my hands. I would then go on to create felt pillows as gifts for people, including perhaps the only gift that I've given to my mother that she's ever kept.

 

Mom even put my gift a Ziploc bag to preserve it

Translation: Parents, always in my heart (I know, kind of sappy)

 

As nice as these pillows were for decor, they were not very practical. When I was creating my bucket list, I decided that I would try my hand at sewing something more pragmatic. At one point, I bought a yard of some cute cloth thinking that I would fashion a nice pair of sleeping shorts for myself. But little did I know that my sewing needs would be required to fulfill another item on my bucket list. For my volunteer trip to Hong Kong, I decided to make myself some comfortable long pants since I would be working outdoors. With the cloth that Jack's sister provided and much assistance and patience from Jack's mom (the cute cloth I initially bought wasn't long enough for pants, but the selection of cloth at hand included some designs that matched my personality), I was able to sew a pair of pants. I ended up with 5 pairs (three for me to take with me on my trip and two for my mother, since she enjoyed the style of pants that I made). Only one is a true product of my efforts; the rest required much correction or doing by Jack's mom due to time constraints and the difficulty for my beginner status with a sewing machine.

 

Drawing outline of my pants to cut out

 

First, I took apart a pair of old pants that would be used as the template after some modification to fit my current body shape. After cutting out the cloths for the frontside and backside of the pants as well as two pockets, I did some sewing on the machine. I really need to thank Jack's mom for bearing with all my mistakes and slowness with the machine. It required so much patience and understanding from her to deal with teaching me how to sew. Even with lines penciled in to guide my sewing, I managed to veer off from those lines and had to redo much of the sewing.

 

First time at a sewing machine (look at that concentration!)

 

In the end, the one pair that I managed to sew with my own hands was for my mother (the rightmost pair). She commented on how I accidentally sewed on the elastic band at the waist so it was forever twisted. Whoops. It was not an easy process, but I managed to do it!

The only pair I can say I did entirely by my own hands
 

24. Make and Fly a Kite

Completed: 02/02/2014

 

 From first kite-flying experience

 

This is another one of my bucket list items that stems partially from having a deprived childhood. This activity just seems like a classic childhood activity, which I never got to experience in my younger years. Fast forward to high school trigonometry class. Our class project of the first semester was to build a bottle rocket and then advance to build a kite in the second semester. The bottle rocket experience left me with a lot of confidence (our group made a rocket flew the furthest). A kite seems deceptively simple, considering it's basically two sticks attached to a piece of paper and then attached to string. I was quite excited and thought there was nothing to it. But when it came to flight day, no one in my class was able to get their kite into the air. What a damper to our spirits.

The younger cousins showing kites with pride

 

In recent times, I did get to fly a kite for the first time. Jack had a fancy Beijing Olympics kite that connected a train of 50 miniature kites featuring each of the 5 mascots of those Olympics. On a windy day, we took the kite out to fly at a nearby elementary school in Kailua. Having the kites fly up in the air was quite fun, until we lost it. We were too ambitious and let the kite too high. Our string (which were pieces of shorter strings tied together) separated before we could reel the kite in, and so it flew away from us to the roof of a nearby shopping center. We were lucky to retrieve about half the kite, but the other half would forever rest atop the roof of that shopping area.

 

Successful kite-flying

 

For my Christmas gift, my good friend Tracyn, who helped me create a real bucket to keep track of my bucket list, gave me a kite-making kit. I was excited to put together the kite and let it fly. For the special occasion, Jack and I invited his cousins for lunch and kite-flying. After a delicious homemade nacho lunch, the kids got to decorate the kite that Tracyn bought for me. The kids had fun decorating with paints and permanent markers. After they came up with their masterpiece, I assembled it based on the simple instructions and we headed off to a nearby park to fly our creation. (Funny side story: one of the younger cousins got a superhero kite from Walmart. The mother waited until we reached our destination before assembling the kite. Unfortunately, as soon as the kids got out of the car, they somehow stepped right onto one of the joints and broke the kite. It did fly a little, but it was a sad kind of flying). After some time running around the park and flying the kites around, we headed home, mission accomplished.

 

Trail of kites flying high into the sky



23. Finish a Marathon

Completed: 12/08/2013

 

After the race

26.2 miles: the distance that a day-runner named Pheidippides ran from the Battle of Marathon back to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians. After he uttered the news, this fellow died. Now, this historic run is commemorated in an organized race that happens numerous times throughout the year all over the world, which hopefully don't result in the same ending that happened to Pheidippides. Many gather to put their minds and bodies to the test in hopes of accomplishing what less than one percent of the world's population has achieved, and to live on to tell the tale of their momentous feat. 

When I completed the Great Aloha Run a while back in a better time than the goal I had set for myself, I thought that I would be done with running. Eight miles felt like a long distance to me. But those who heard of my accomplishment asked if I would ever do a marathon. My answer at that time was an adamant no, but I'll admit the idea lingered in my head.

I heard from another friend that there was a deep early bird kama'aina (local resident) discount of $1 per mile for a grand total of $26.20 to enter the marathon, which was hard to pass up. I also toyed with the idea during the time I was coming up with my bucket list, thinking that finishing a marathon would be a great addition to my bucket list repertoire. All this, along with encouragement from friends and peers, finally tipped me in favor of deciding to give it a go.

In January 2013, I registered for the 41st annual Honolulu Marathon, thinking that there was no better time than now to get it underway. I was still young and it would be around the time I would finish my master's program, so I saw it as a graduation present to myself. I began to research training tips since I knew that putting my body through all this stress would require as much preparation as possible to minimize injury.

February 2013 came along and I went to look for a pair of running shoes. At the Running Room, I was able to find a nice pair of New Balance shoes that incorporated the Vibram minimalist technology. They were not only lightweight, but contoured to the natural formation of my feet. Happy with my purchase, I decided to give my shoes a try for a short jog. Unfortunately, I think improper training for the Great Aloha Run left me with a bum left knee that started acting up when I picked up running again. I would only run for a very short distance and feel what I would later self-diagnose as IT band pain since it was located in the outer side of my knee. 

I decided to take time off to allow my knees some rest before starting up training, but time flew by and it was already July/August. I tried to take up running again, and my knees seemed to be doing all right, though once in a while I could feel the pain coming on. I also tried to research stretching techniques or ways to prevent this pain from flaring up, bought myself a pair of inserts to provide more cushioning for my knees, and began taking glucosamine pills to preserve the cartilage in my knees. Although I incorporated these various measures in my training program, my knee pain was always either almost onset or would be too much to bear in my training since. But because I had committed myself to the marathon, I decided to continue on track for it.

My training schedule was fashioned after this website. Some IT-specific stretches that I felt helped me were crossing one foot in front of the other and bending over to give the legs a nice stretch. Lifting one leg and bending the other up and down at the knee aimed to build the knee muscles since stabilization is important in running. There was also other ways to build the leg muscles near the groin and on the outer hips. I also read to start up some marathon habits and to stick with them so that the body becomes conditioned. This meant eating the same foods for breakfast, running with the same pair of shoes (of course keeping track of mileage run in the shoes so they wouldn't be too worn out), and using the same foods to nourish the body along the trail (gel packs are popular; I stuck with trusty Kirkland Signature trail mix and water to make sure that I replenished the salts and sugars in my body).

In my training, I will admit that I got lazy about October. I had a cousin from Canada visiting and traveled to Orlando for a week, so those took precedence and I neglected the running. This was not a smart idea since I don't think I was able to get my body back up to that conditioned state afterwards to continue with the training. Also, my longest run ended up being only 18 miles, with only one practice with the next highest mileage of 16 miles. If I had a do over, I would definitely focus on increasing the mileage gradually and giving my body more opportunities to become accustomed to greater mileage.

I did taper off and carb up in the weeks preceding the big day and made sure I had everything ready. I got a good night's rest two days prior, which I read is when it really counts, and was able to get in some more zzz's the night before. Day of, I woke up at 2:45am to get ready. I got to the start line where Queen meets Ala Moana Blvd at about 4:15am. I used the restroom twice and stretched before the race started. It was awesome seeing the sea of participants. There was definitely a mix of nerves and adrenaline going on that morning.

At the start line hours before the sun came up

Fireworks were shot off right before the 5:00 starting sound. Headed towards downtown, turning up by Murphy's Bar. There were employees who were cheering us on. Went back up to King Street, passing by the Honolulu City Lights and onto Kapiolani Blvd to Piikoi St. Veered back to Ala Moana Blvd towards Waikiki. Then to Kapiolani Park and up some hill. I actually felt pretty good since I wasn't exerting too much energy and I felt like the impact on my knees and feet weren't too bad since I was running quite laterally without much bounce and with short strides. But I could feel the knee pain coming on. Right as we got onto Kalanianaole Hwy, I think I gave in to my knee pain and I had to walk the rest of the way. I was quite bummed that I wasn't able to get farther than that, as my goal was to at least jog half of the marathon. Just have to accept that things panned out the way they did. I was able to keep up a pace of 20-minute miles until about mile 20, when I slowed down. Mile 23-24 was the most brutal when I was on the brink of a breaking point. I'm glad I was able to call Jack and have him talk to me to pull be through the next mile and then some. By then, I was recuperated enough to finish off the rest of the race. After 7:18:39, I crossed the finish line. I'm proud that I pushed myself through and completed the marathon, though I kind of wonder if I can achieve the 6-hour time goal that I set for myself if I were to attempt it again sometime in the future.

Throngs of people waiting for the gun

Noteworthy things about the marathon: 

-The experience that others have, which shows in their ability to pace themselves. Slow and steady wins the race, especially at a distance of 26.2 miles. The marathon is a very humbling experience not only by the diverse ages and sizes of participants who beat you, but the internal challenge of overcoming all the pain that takes every ounce of your mental being. Not that it surprised me, but I was beat out by an amputee and lots of old people. And although these participants were walking, I think it took them lots of courage to attempt the marathon: a young Japanese man with bowed legs, a very old, frail looking Japanese man with such determination to truck along, military wearing their packs. I also saw an old man wearing a shirt listing all the years since the 70s he has participated in the marathon as well as corresponding quit times. His latest was back in 2011, when he exited at over 10 hours. I really hope this turned out to be his year.

-There was even a contestant from Extreme Weight Loss. The 4 ft 5 in gal from Kentucky ran alongside coach Chris Powell. I distinctly remember her getting past me. Later would I realize that she was an almost celebrity. And to think that I was that close to Chris Powell...

-Running a marathon in the proper footwear and attire is important to prevent pain and nuisances that come from forming blisters, chafing, and other running-related conditions. But that doesn't deter some people from having a good time. Case in point: man with a tuba decorated like Big Bird, another man in a traditional Japanese kimono and wooden clogs leading a small group of men with his chants, Japanese groups wearing clown afros, balloons, and birds on their heads. Also saw someone running barefoot. Wonder how he fared.

-The race would be a much more miserable experience without the band of volunteers and spectators along the route who motivated runners. Volunteers passing out water, vaseline, gel packs, sponges, giving high-fives all the while shouting words of encouragement certainly boosted my energy. Roadside support from residents and others who had signs, clapped, passed out candies, pretzels, snacks, gatorade, water, and other goodies; others shooting their water hoses to relieve runners for a bit from the unrelenting sun; a lady at one of the bus stops playing her accordian and jingling along with bells attached to her ankles by Christmas ribbon; a middle-aged band of men playing a concert; houses with sound systems hooked up outside to blast music for us...it was all so great to take in. 

-Although I was in much pain from about mile 20, the last kilometer felt like hell. Kapiolani Park as the end destination is deceiving when you see it in sight, but realize that the official finish is at the other end of the park. Where others get their burst of energy when the finish is in sight, my knee was dying and killing my spirit too. 

-Get a massage after the marathon. I didn't take advantage of the free massages at the finish line, but I did get personal massages from Jack's mom with Chinese medicine later that day as well as the next day from Jack. I attribute my not-so-terrible healing experience to their efforts. Thanks for the love!
-Feet got swollen, one toenail got detached. Physically spent, but glad to say I did it.

All in all, I would definitely say it is an experience that I'm glad I went through. I really should thank my family and Jack's for supporting my efforts, as well as friends for their encouragement. As for if I would do it again, probably not, but  it would be interesting to see if I can meet my personal goal of sub-six hours.

22. Complete my Master's Degree

Complete: 12/05/2013
 

Official diploma



Although the official conclusion to this semester is not until Commencement on December 21, 2013, I'm checking it off early because this date is when I turned in the last class paper I will ever write at the last class session of my grad school career.

College is a privilege that some may have the means to take advantage of or overlook as an opportunity worth undertaking. For me, pursuing college was to show my immigrant parents, who came and worked hard in blue collar work to give me a better life that their years of enduring long, hard hours so that they could provide a comfortable lifestyle for me, was not for naught.

I was lucky enough to find the means to fully fund my undergraduate degree through scholarships. It was during my years in college that I found my true passion and career path: within student affairs. I had joined an honor society called Golden Key in my sophomore year, and enjoyed my experience both as a general member and serving on the executive board. In fact, I chose to stay on after I graduated as an advisor to continue my involvement with this group.

This and other experiences I had that enhanced my undergraduate experience motivated me to remain at my University after graduation and start my career there. My current position is a perfect fit for me at the moment. My responsibilities include organizing college events, overseeing our college's ambassador program and scholarship recipients, and assisting students in whatever ways our office can to navigate college and/or enhance their undergraduate experience. 

Since I knew that I want to stay at my alma mater and establish my career in higher education, I decided to pursue a Master's degree in Educational Administration, with an emphasis in Higher Education. Tuition is free for employees, so why not? Again, I was fortunate to again not have to pay much out of my own pocket for my graduate degree. In three years' time, I have taken twelve classes that taught me about the history and finances of higher education, student development, leadership in higher education, the physical environment and how that can influence students' experiences in higher education, and even a course devoted to community colleges. 

I hope that my family is proud. I thank them, especially my sister, for providing me the guidance and helping me develop the character traits needed to persevere and excel in school. I am also fortunate for the mentors, advisors, professors, and peers who helped me figure out what it was that I wanted to do with my life. I am also grateful for all the wonderful students and colleagues that I work with, whom continue to inspire me and motivate me in my work in higher education.

21. Try Stand-Up Paddling

Completed: 06/22/2013

Wide foam boards with adjustable paddles

Trying stand-up paddling (SUP), along with other water activities, earned its spot on my bucket list because I have a great fear of water, especially open waters. I have very minimal swimming/floating skills, yet have lived in this island paradise all my life and therefore want to make more of a conscious effort to enjoy the waters that surround me by adding a few water-related activities on my bucket list.

For a little background on SUP, it is a fairly recent leisure activity that was born in the Hawaiian Islands in the 1960's. Add a lightweight paddle to a wider, also lightweight surfboard, and voila, you have all the tools necessary to enjoy this sport. It is relatively easy for people of all ages to enjoy, as the activity is not difficult and actually quite natural to pick up on.

For this adventure, one of my best friends, Mary, was back in the islands for the summer. She is into water sports (she is scuba certified), so I felt that it would be a perfect opportunity to conquer one of my water-based bucket list items.

First time in the waters at Ala Moana Beach Park

Doing a little research, I found a pretty cheap place to rent from online. Hawaii Beach Time not only provides an array of equipment for patrons to enjoy the waters of Hawaii, but they also conveniently deliver. I was able to rent two paddle boards that were brought all the way to the edge of the waters of Ala Moana Beach Park for under $40 per board (tax and tip included). Kamaaina (local Hawaii residents) get a special discount for all-day rentals, so I even got more bang for the buck when I invited my sister to join us as I knew that I would not be able to SUP the entire day (3 people for the price of 2 boards!). I do recommend this company because the price is reasonable and the customer service as acceptable as well.

 

After settling on a spot on the beach, Mary and I headed out on the boards. I felt more comfortable with the life jacket, though it luckily didn't need to come in use. Balancing on the board was not difficult at all. We got out to the reef section pretty quickly (it was quite windy that day). When I realized how far out I was though, I got a bit anxious and tried to turn around. It was difficult for me to turn the board back around, and when I eventually did (with the help of Mary using her board to turn me in the right direction), I tried to paddle back to the shore. But with the wind blowing against me, it was no an easy task. My inability to steer properly coupled with the constant need to paddle (as resting would only push me out further than I felt safe in), it was quite taxing to get myself back. At one point, I remember banging up against the reef and getting stuck. For me, it turned out convenient, since it allowed me to relax my shoulders for a bit, with the rocks obstructing my board from continuing to blow out. I hung out for a bit there before attempting to make my way back again. I did so successfully, after about 45 minutes, and was pooped.

 

Me heading out

After resting for a bit, Mary and Stacy headed out, where the winds were not as strong and Stacy, being the fast learner that she is, learned it with a breeze. Mary was able to get some yoga poses on her board, and after about another hour out in the water, the two came back. The boards were picked up and we headed out to a nearby sandwich stop called Spero Spera, which we found courtesy of Yelp reviews. The day ended with mochi ice cream from Bubbies. It was a fun day and I'm glad I finally had the chance to try SUP!

 Garlic Veggie and Mixed Avocado sandwiches
 

20. Quit Road Raging

Complete: 06/20/2013

Behind the wheel, happy

I have a short temper. Combine with driving, and I had a bad case of road rage. Not that I would ever consider myself a flawless driver, but some habits on the road irked me. Some were just me being unnecessarily irritated (people who forget to turn their blinker off after making a successful merge), but others were for actions that are totally uncalled for (not following the appropriate zipper fashion of lane merging or cutting people off). It got to the point where my mom was concerned about how easily I got ticked off. Even I knew that all in all, it was not a good thing for me to be such an angry driver, especially considering how often I drive (commute to work 5 days a week with extra driving for leisure, etc). It ultimately is not worth it since it doesn't change the world by me getting angry at other drivers. So instead of just agreeing with my family's concerns, I opted to actually do something to address the issue and break myself  of the habit.

My method of tackling this problem was to be a more chill, lenient driver. I learned to yield to other drivers more (it just makes things easier that way) and complain less about other people's habits. At first, it was hard, but learning to control my temper on the road didn't seem too difficult when I figured out that letting others do their rushing while I drive at my own leisurely pace worked out for the better.

There is no real complete date for when I stopped road raging, but I made sure that I didn't have any stray cases of bouts of anger before I could successfully say that I quit road raging. My sister has also noticed that she couldn't think up recent recollections of me expressing anger. Although there are times when I still want to say something, I do catch myself and try to keep the peace by not opening my mouth. Now if only I could be better about adopting safer driving habits (like not tailgating so closely to the car in front, which is another qualm that my sister and parents have with my driving)...