This past week felt like nothing and a lot happened at the same time.
Finally was able to link up with the homie Alex to discuss the future of YES bagels. We're both still very excited about the concept and think it has legs in 2026. But understandably, Alex is a busy guy and can no longer lead the brand ops. I'll be taking up the biz growth in addition to my culinary responsibilities. Alex will open doors when he can, but ultimately the business falls on my shoulders. It feels natural. Real. Daunting. Exciting.
It's funny that in some social circles, I'm known as "the bagel guy" - when I feel it's only a subsection of who I am. Perhaps even a minor one at that. But looking back, there has been many bakes, many taste tests for friends, many iterations, many F&B connections made...maybe I really am "the bagel guy" and it's time to run down the lane the previous year carved out. When I go to social runs, there's always at least one person that asks when YES will be launching. It's time to give the streets what they want.
Outside of YES, I had my first real stint as an "English teacher" in Hong Kong. It was a carnival day promoting healthy eating habits at a public school. As I was having small talk with the teacher that was partnered with me at the booth, something caught me off guard - "I like teaching the young kids better. They actually listen." I had always assumed older students would be "better" to teach since there are typically specific goals at that age - passing the IELTS, going to a western university, getting a job that demands English proficiency. But I didn't realize the other side of the coin - the adults will be coming with baggage, with egos, with pressure, with their own strong sense of identity that I would need to navigate as someone challenging their intelligence through study and instruction. I'm still down to try the older age group, but I'm starting to see the appeal in teaching the youth...
With run training, I hit my personal high of 26km. I bought a Salomon vest the day before so I can carry all my water + gels + sour patch gummies. It was more of an emotional support purchase. I'm happy to report the run went well and I was able to continue throughout the rest of the day with functionality. We're peaking the long run soon at 30km - just a touch before "the wall" - and I'm getting equal parts nervous and excited about completing the marathon. It's an odd feeling that the longer my runs get, the more unsure about my fitness and finishing ability I become. I know that I have the fitness to finish a marathon today but a part of me feels like I don't? I don't know...jitters? Self-sabotage? A scared sense that I actually am becoming the person I sought to become? Change is a funny thing. Running is just a medium for that. In any case, the gummies were a nice way to break up the run with a little "fun fuel." Small comforts, long runs, big emotions, and little time.