My Fourth Rebirthday

I'm still pretty sick, but this sniffle is not stopping me from celebrating my Fourth Rebirthday ~ January 11, 2018. I saw my transplant doctor, Dr. D, on the 12th, and I am quite happy that my tests all came back normal. The doctor was a little concerned about my cold, so if things get worse, she instructed me to go see my primary care physician at once. I told her that I get colds/sinusitis three to four times a year, and she explained that my immune system will always be a tad weaker or slower. I guess this is my new normal and just have to learn to accept it. With my annual check-up out of the way, I'm going to focus on Kepi's surgery which will take place in two weeks.

The new year won't be exciting without a new 2018 monthly planner. I'm also starting this 100 Days of Gratefulness: A gratitude journal. I can't wait to fill these two with new ideas and adventures.

For 2018, I don't really have any resolutions, but here's a few things on my list that I plan to do and keep doing:

1. read more books
2. organize the craft room
3. purge my closet and donate any clothes/shoes that don't fit anymore
4. continue learning Arabic
5. continue to eat healthy (pack my food for work)

Second BMT Re-Birthday!

Today, I'm celebrating my second re-birthday from a bone-marrow transplant (BMT) that took place on January 11, 2013. If you're interested about my BMT journey, it's here.

Thank you to my family, friends and my BMT medical team for all their help and support.

Most of all, THANK YOU to my unrelated donor for giving me the gift of life.

Of Walls And Tears

It's a dreary, drizzly Saturday.

Kepi just lighted the fireplace, and I could hear wood crackling as the fire devours the pile. Today, I'm enjoying the company of Kepi, Daisy and Dizzy. I treasure days like this - quiet and relaxing.

Yesterday was a different story. It was a day of medical tests and the ever dreadful bone-marrow biopsy. What really surprised me (and made me emotional) was that they've started performing the biopsies at the floor where I got my ATG and chemo treatment.

The walls were like pages in a diary. Every minute I was there, the memories of my bone-marrow transplant flooded my emotions. It was those same walls that witnessed the most terrifying, painful and challenging days of my life.

Yesterday, the same walls welcomed me back and recognized that I am still fighting and standing. Because life is always worth fighting for.

Tears poured after my biopsy.

Chatting with the nurses and technician before my bone-marrow biopsy.

Graduate Finally

The past couple of weeks have been busy; I'd say good busy.

Last week, cousin A and I walked all over DC covering the White House to the National Mall and we managed to squeeze in a day visit to the Gettysburg National Park. We were so tired but happy. Nights were spent recuperating from exhaustion and sore muscles.

Although A's visit was short (two days), we got to talk a lot about our dads, they're brothers.  In the vast span of our 30s (she's 30 I'm 30ish), we've only met twice.  It's interesting how I felt close to her despite the lack thereof of us growing up as neighbors like the other cousins I'm close with. Anyway, I'm so glad we got this chance, and I'm hoping we'll make time to see each other more.

On the same week, my parents flew in from Honolulu. I was so happy to see them and of course looked forward to my island favorites - chocolate covered Macadamia nuts and my Portuguese sausages. If given the flexibility/opportunity at the moment, I'd love to go back to Hawaii and live there.

Of course, the highlight of last week was my graduation. Wohooo, I'm finally finished with my masters in international affairs. The next question is, "What am I going to do with it?" No worries, I'm figuring that out right now.  Funny but I'm more excited about getting my free time and weekends back.

Taken on May 15, 2015 at Healy Hall, Georgetown University

Excerpt from my online album, "My heart is filled with gratitude and joy. My journey has been deterred by aplastic anemia, numerous blood transfusions, a bone-marrow transplant and most recently shingles. There were days I came really close to giving up, but the support of my family and friends kept me inspired.

This day is about faith in God when nothing is certain, hope when life throws curve balls, courage when nothing makes sense, and victory over any challenges that will knock on my doorstep. Thank you to my bone marrow donor. I would not be here without you. This day is a gift and no one can take it away from me."

Things Are Looking Up

It's another chilly morning here.

When I took this photo this morning, I did not want to go to work and wished I could just stay home and enjoy the view.

I've been trying to be more consistent with my blogging, but January is such a busy month especially at work. It doesn't help that I'm also going to class twice a week. The past few weeks have been spent catching up with numerous deadlines and preparing for our company Winter Board Meeting. It's unfortunate that I already feel spent and it's just the first month of the year. I need to figure out how to replenish my energy or I'll be dragging myself to work each day...not a pretty sight.

GREAT NEWS! Last night, my Oncologist e-mailed Kepi and I regarding my bone-marrow biopsy result.  She said, "Your marrow looks fabulous and you are 100% donor." I am HAPPY and GRATEFUL! My meds are now being tapered and I should be getting my immunization in time for Spring. Things have a way of working out after all.

On other news...

WINTER CLEANING! The first month of the year, I usually declutter my office as well as purge through my wardrobe for clothes that don't fit or that I don't like wearing anymore.  It is easier said than done, but I do hope to get better at becoming a minimalist.  I already have a big bag of clothes ready to be donated. For now, I'm going to stop shopping for clothes. Let's see if I stick to this resolution/plan.

In addition to purging, I'm also making a note that I MUST stop buying hoarding the following:

- pens
- bags
- highlighters
- writing pads
- notebooks
- sticky notes

Things are looking up!

Char Sui Buns, Grad School and the Holidays

Char Sui buns for lunch today. Thanks to the polar blast, my coworkers and I decided to just order Chinese food for delivery. The winter-like temperatures can make anyone feel lazy to go out.

I don't know, but I feel like writing today. Blame it on that Venti cafe mocha I had this morning.  Hmmm....caffeine must be kicking in.

With Thanksgiving arriving next week, the office is quiet for a change. It is that time of year when most projects get wrapped up. I do have a number of projects looming, but they're not due in the next few weeks. My boss will be out on vacation next week, so the mouse can play just a wee bit. You know, put my feet up on my desk, eat some cheese and drink some cafe mocha. More coffee?

Grad school has been keeping me busy. My decision to go back to school was met with protests. I know friends meant well, and I fully understood where they're coming from. I shouldn't be taking too much stress as I'm still in the process of recovery. In the scheme of things, this semester is tough but manageable with the help and support of my husband. Yup, I married the right guy; thank you, Kepi.

I have two weeks left this semester. I submitted my second research paper last night, and I have one more to go. My third research will be about the Russian film "Beg" and a novel "Pnin." Russian emigre is the theme. I am not sure what to think about this topic yet.

The signs of Christmas are here! I know, I know. Thanksgiving enthusiasts will shush me, but I can't help it. I'm a Christmas person. In keeping with traditions, Kepi and I will put up the tree after Thanksgiving. We're going for the real tree this year.  I've already started sending Christmas cards overseas, completing my Christmas gift list (just the list), and planning how to make the house more Christmassy. Anyone in the blog world want to exchange gifts with me this year? Just curious.

Yes, I am ready for the new year. Here's my 2015 planner and I can't wait to fill it up with new adventures and posts of gratitude.

I am so excited because life is something to be excited about.

Hello Spring!

It's been raining a lot, but I can't complain. Life is beautiful no matter what.

Cherry Blossoms and my favorite hat.

I'm struggling - where to begin and what should I write. I am now +109 days since my bone-marrow transplant, and I am taking each day as it comes.

My doctor said I can go out now but must stay away from crowded places, from kids and eat at clean restaurants during off hours. It's not that bad of an adjustment, and I am slowly building my muscle strength. Walking is a bit of a struggle these days due to joint pains, but I have to keep moving forward.

Here's what I've been up to:

• Family and I were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the Bethesda area. The photo above was taken there. We didn't go to the grander cherry blossoms in DC because the place is packed with people. We did manage to do a drive through, and the cherry blossoms were beautiful.
• I took my first trip out-of-town last week to Kettle Village and Hershey's Chocolate World. My taste for sweets is coming back.
• My interest in baking is at its peak. This is probably because I have a lot of time to kill. I will be posting about my kitchen diaries on rava ladoo, gulab jamon and more.
• Kepi and I have our vegetable garden up. The majority of the work fell on Kepi as I'm not allowed to touch dirt because of bacteria and mold. We have tomatoes, bok choy, tomatillo, eggplant and squash growing. I'm also trying to plant chayote and some sweet peppers from Japan.
• I'm going back to grad school in September, and I'm so excited. I have two semesters left...yay!
• My hair is starting to grow back just when I'm getting used to wearing hats.

I am where I should be. Each day, I keep fighting and I keep counting my blessings.

Also, I don't miss work at all.