My Mind Is "Some Place"

These days, I find it tough to blog.

My mind is just "some place" and although I've been wanting to update this blog, I still have tons of photos to share from my last trip, the desire is not there. Perhaps because I have so much in my mind regarding my coming treatment. For the time being, I'll post my thoughts in bullets:

• My acid reflux seems to be improving, as I am getting better in channeling my stress. Although I'm still a bit anxious about my coming treatment. Read this post in case you dont' know. I'll be seeing my hematologist this coming Monday.
• Positive thinking is still an everyday practice yet sometimes I can't help it when my mind goes astray to "what ifs."
• Six more days and Mom is here. Kepi and I have been preparing the guest room for her. I am so excited.
• This weekend, we'll be moving in some furniture. Fun stuff!
• Cleaned my closet last night and put away the summer clothes. Sweaters, knee-high socks and coats are in!
• I smell Apple picking season.
• Grad school is going well. I just need to catch up on some of my readings.
• I badly miss coffee. Coffee is a no, no if you have acid reflux. 

I hope everyone is doing well and that we're all looking forward to October.

GRATITUDE

My HEART is so FULL OF GRATITUDE because of ALL your well wishes.

I am filled with happiness and I appreciate all your encouraging comments. Please keep your prayers and well wishes coming as I start my treatment this first week of October. I'll try to keep you all updated with my progress and treatments.

I intend to keep this site as a travel blog, but if you want to keep up with my "more" personal notes and treatment progress, please swing by my other blog  kassidy's notes.

One of the greatest abilities God has given each one of us is the ability to believe. When you believe, you can be successful and overcome any difficulty. (J. Osteen)

THANK YOU SO MUCH. MAHALO. AGYAMANAK.

Dear Friends,

You may have noticed that I have not been posting much lately. It's been a rough few weeks. Apart from being taken to the ER (twice) a week ago, my platelets are at its lowest at 23. I've also been suffering with acid reflux due to stress and also found out that I have a mild bulge on my spine causing me occassional pain. I can't write that well these days, as I am still trying to understand or make sense of what's going on with my life. It's been so hard to concentrate on school while going through all these health issues, and I am hoping that I'll surpass all these challenges with the help of God and the support of family and friends.

Next month, I'll be joining a clinical trial for my aplastic anemia (AA). It's been a seat and wait for a few years with my AA but this time, my doctor and I have decided that it is time to confront it. I've been living with AA since I was 27 years old, and I do ask for your support and prayers as I begin this journey to get well. My confidence and courage are battered, and I need every ounce of support and encouragement these days.

I am scared of what is to come. I am scared of the pain. I am scared of losing my sense of self. I am scared of so many things.

I am a work in progress, and I know that God will be with me each step I take.

LP: Maliit

Hindi ko alam ang pangalan ng bulaklak na ito, ngunit kaaya-ayang pagmasdan ang kanilang maliliit na bulaklak. Lalo na at sila'y kulay ube.

I don't know the name of this flower, but their small flowers are a lovely sight especially that they are colored purple.

Courage

Courage is the strength to stand up
When it's easier to fall down and lose hold.

It is the conviction to explore new horizons
When it's easier to believe what we've been told.

Courage is the desire to maintain our integrity
When it's easier to look the other way.

It is feeling happy and alive, and moving forward
When it's easier to feel sorry for ourselves and stay.

Courage is the will to shape our world
When it's easier to let someone else do it for us.

It is the recognition that none of us are perfect
When it's easier to criticize others and fuss.

Courage is the power to step forward and lead
When it's easier to follow the crowd; their pleas resound.

It is the spirit that places you on top of the mountain
When it's easier to never leave the ground.

The foundation of courage is solid,
The rock that doesn't roll.

Courage is the freedom
Of our mind, body, and soul!

(Author Unknown)

Water Lilies

When visiting the Longwood Gardens, I highly recommend spending time at the Main Conservatory. At this time of the year, apart from all the different varieties of flowers on exhibit, they also have pools filled with more than 100 types of day and night-blooming tropical waterlilies, hardy waterlilies, lotuses, giant water-platters and other aquatic and bog plants.

Giant platters or pizza.

 I spent hours sitting and just watching these water lilies. They're so beautiful most especially when you discover the ones that bloom at night.

My Love For Gardens

A couple of weeks ago, we visited Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. This place is really neat and there's so much to see. We only planned to visit for the day, but we were unable to see the entirety of the gardens. So, we bought an annual membership and could return anytime of the year. What I really like about this place is that, apart from being beautiful, they have exhibits going on throughout the year. For the long Labor Day weekend, we're going back to Longwood again and I hope to take more photos. Also, I can't wait to check out the historic bed and breakfast we're staying for the weekend.

 Impressive trimming.

 This puppy or dog is my favorite.

 Care to take a long walk with me?

 Lovely fountains.

They also have synchronized fountain shows at daytime and illuminated fountain shows at night with fireworks.

 Here's the Chimes Tower and Waterfalls. While we were there, the tower chimed every hour.

 Visitors chilling at the lake.

 This is called the Idea Garden because they showcase different types of flowers and plants that home gardeners can get their ideas from.

 You can also find places to just relax and enjoy the scenery.